costa rica photo tours

• 2022 Quetzals/Corcovado
• About Our Tours
• Custom Tours & Extensions
• Staying at Sirena
• Meet Your Guides
• Recommended Gear
• Photo Gallery
• Past Tour Reports

Next Open Tour

Quetzals to corcovado.

Mar. 25 - Apr. 2, 2022

Photograph a bounty of diverse wildlife, from the central highlands to the wildlife-rich Pacific coast. This tour is limited to 6 guests.

View the full itinerary

Costa Rica Wildlife Photo Tours with Max Waugh

A unique opportunity to photograph the osa peninsula and corcovado national park.

Join wildlife photographer Max Waugh and our local guides in an exploration of the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park , one of the top spots for wildlife photography on the planet .

Quetzals to Corcovado: March 25 - April 2, 2022

The optional extension will take us into Corcovado National Park, the best spot in the country for wildlife. Though Corcovado is a challenging environment, sightings of tapirs and several other mammal (including cats!) and bird species can usually be very rewarding.

View the full 2022 itinerary!

Our Corcovado Extensions

"The most biologically intense place on Earth." –National Geographic What really makes ours tours special is the opportunity to stay in the heart of Corcovado! Corcovado is home to an incredible amount of biodiversity and offers great opportunities to see all sorts of wildlife, including all four of Costa Rica's monkey species, colorful birds (Corcovado has the larget remaining population of scarlet macaws in Central America) and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. The center of the park is one of the best places to spot the Baird's tapir, as well as the elusive puma and other wild cats.

Very few photo tours let you stay inside Corcovado and give you ample time to explore it. Our photo tour extension will take you into the heart of Corcovado, where you'd stay at the famed Sirena Research Station. Tapir sightings are virtually guaranteed, and we've had several puma sightings at Sirena.

In order to increase our chances of securing a stay in Corcovado during the park's limited booking window, the extension is limited to 4 guests.

Learn More About our Tours

About the Costa Rica Photo Tour

A veteran of several photography trips to Costa Rica, Max takes you to some of his favorite wildlife hotspots, culminating in a possible stay inside Corcovado. He'll be there to offer tips and advice for shooting in the challenging rainforest environment. We don't emphasize classroom work or tutorials, but there will be plenty of opportunities for getting hands-on instruction and sharing your work during our informal critique sessions.

Our Corcovado extension includes the services of one of Costa Rica's top guides, who will help us track and find wildlife. He is a native of the Osa Peninsula considered one of the top wildlife trackers in the world.

To ensure that your trip is in good hands, all of your tour arrangments will be handled by Costa Rica Expeditions, the country's leading adventure tour planner for over 30 years.

See the 2022 Quetzals to Corcovado Tour Itinerary Learn More About our Tours Meet Your Guides

Physis Photography Tours

Capture the magic of costa rica, explore, photograph, and discover the hidden gems of costa rica, costa rica photography tours.

Welcome to Costa Rica Photography Tours by Physis , where your journey through the lens begins.

Explore the vibrant and diverse landscapes of Costa Rica, capturing stunning images of its wildlife , lush rainforests, and breathtaking vistas. Whether you prefer the camaraderie of group photography tours or the exclusivity of private tours, we have crafted the perfect experience for photographers of all levels.

Our tours offer unparalleled opportunities for wildlife photography, bird photography, and nature photography. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Costa Rica’s biodiversity as you photograph exotic mammals, colorful birds, and captivating reptiles. With Physis’s expert guidance, you’ll have the chance to explore off-the-beaten-path locations and hidden gems known only to local insiders.

Video gallery

Bird photo session, hummingbird photo session, frog photo session, bats photo session, king vulture photo session, wildlife photo session, walking night photo session, photo gallery, ready to embark on your photographic journey.

Whether you prefer the camaraderie of group photography tours or the exclusivity of private tours, we have crafted the perfect experience for photographers of all levels.

Choose from immersive group photography tours for a shared experience or exclusive private photography tours for a more personalized adventure.

Group photography tours

Private photography tours

© physis - San José, Costa Rica 2024

Toll-Free US & Canada: 1-800-359-1684 Local Costa Rica: +506 4001-5941

Toll-Free US & Canada: 1-800-359-1684

Costa Rica Photography Tours

8 days and 7 nights.

This Costa Rica photography tour is a unique adventure combining various landscapes and habitats including volcanos, river canals and lush forests. For eight blissful days you’ll explore Costa Rica and enjoy wildlife photography at its best. Photograph quetzals and other birds during our birdwatching tours. Capture with your camera beautiful wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, birds, frogs, reptiles, and more. Contact us to learn more about our Costa Rica Photo Tours and enjoy the best birdwatching experience.

COSTA RICA PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR ACTIVITIES

Bird & wildlife watching costa rica.

This trip has been handcrafted for some of the very best wildlife and birdwatching in Costa Rica. You will be able to photograph birds, mammals, reptiles & amphibians, monkeys, snakes, flowers, frogs, turtles , bats, butterflies and more!

COSTA RICA BIRDING TOURS / BIRDING IN COSTA RICA

You’ll visit the area where the endemic Green Macaws can be seen as well as Scaled Macaw, this area is home to some 450 bird species, over half of the bird species of Costa Rica. Immerse yourself in one of the best places to view the Resplendent Quetzal, with its vivid green and red plumage that has earned the reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful birds. Hummingbirds are everywhere including the fiery-throated and green violetears. Other wildlife you may see are red-eyed tree frogs, white-nosed coati, lizards, butterflies, howler monkeys, and bats.

COSTA RICA BIRDWATCHING PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS

The workshop is designed for a small group of anyone who aims to improve their wildlife photography skills or for those intermediate to advanced photographers who want to be in the ideal place to shoot. Our local guide/photographer Alex Arias is amazing! Not only being one of the very best guides in Costa Rica, he’s just fun to be with and has the ability to find wildlife and birds like no other.

QUETZAL BIRDWATCHING COSTA RICA

During the Quetzal season, we will look for our colorful friend, first at Paraíso del Quetzal, where we will search and try to photograph this exceptional bird. After your hike through the lush forest, take some time to visit the hummingbird garden for some amazing photos of this colorful species. It’s incredible how close they come to you, flitting and darting around the vibrant flowers; this is one of the best birdwatching locations.

Our second chance to encounter this magnificent bird is at Los Quetzales National Park, where you will hike around 2 hours and enjoy the climate cool and fresh, the park is typically entrenched in a haze of thick clouds. Moss-covered hardwoods, alpine plants, highland birds, and other flora and fauna that live only at such extreme elevations. The flora and fauna differ greatly from what you’ll see at lower altitudes. In the montane and premontane forest lives a multitude of birds and animals, many of which don’t exist anywhere else in Costa Rica. More than 200 species of birds have been spotted in the park like Resplendent Quetzal, trogons, hummingbirds, redstarts, wrens, and woodpeckers.

Our Costa Rica photography expedition will take us to three locations: the rain forest of the Caribbean Lowlands, river canals, and the dry forest of the central highlands.

Don’t miss this adventure! Contact us to plan your Costa Rica photography tour today!

Arrival at the Juan Santamaria International Airport .

Costa Rica Photography Tour Day 1. After passing through Immigration you will be met by a member of the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) who will give you a sticker that will facilitate you clearing customs.

As you exit meet a transport representative for a private transfer to your hotel.

Tonight join your guide at your hotel, for an orientation briefing where you will have the opportunity to get an overview of the following day’s activities, and ask any questions.

Tonight, dinner is on your own. You may enjoy a quiet evening meal at the hotel.

• Arrival transportation
• 1 night’s accommodations at  Park Inn hotel . Standard room (Breakfast included)
• Orientation briefing
• Incidentals like: laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, spa services, tours, meals not specified on the itinerary.

Tortuguero National Park  

Costa Rica Photography Tour Day 2. Your Costa Rica photo tour starts with an early land and boat transfer from San José to your hotel in Tortuguero on the Caribbean Coast, stopping en route for a hearty Costa Rican breakfast (approximately 4 hours transfer). On arrival to La Pavona docks, you will board your boat for a shared transfer towards your hotel in Tortuguero.

After the adventure you will be ready for a delicious and relaxed lunch featuring typical Caribbean dishes like Casado. You must try it! 

In the afternoon, enjoy a private boat canal tour for 3 hours along the wildlife rich canals of Tortuguero National Park. This is an amazing opportunity to capture photographs of the canals and exuberant wildlife like  species of monkeys, iguanas, crested basilisk lizards,  sloths,  lots of water birds,  toucans, parrots, parakeets, caiman (cousins of alligators), and possibly crocodiles, as well as colorful tropical forest birds. 

This evening dinner is included at the hotel,  the creative chef at the hotel is known for fresh and flavorful dishes.

Overnight at Tortuguero

TORTUGUERO CANALS PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

It is an amazing opportunity to capture photographs of the canals and exuberant wildlife like  species of monkeys, iguanas, crested basilisk lizards,  sloths,  lots of water birds,  toucans, parrots, parakeets, caiman (cousins of alligators), and possibly crocodiles, as well as colorful tropical forest birds. 

ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES

• Tortuguero Canals
• Transportation and guide services.
• Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
• 2 nights’ accommodations at  Evergreen Lodge . Standard room
• National Park Entrance fee 

Tortuguero National Park

Costa Rica Photography Tour Day 3. After breakfast,  set off on a second photography tour, looking for more species of animals along the canals of Tortuguero National Park .

Stop  for a  delicious and typical home-cooked meal where you’ll be immersed into the local culture when welcomed to a family’s home by your warm hosts.

This afternoon join your guide on a walk into the local Tortuguero Town and enjoy a Coconut Tour.

Back at the hotel your guide will walk the grounds with you for more photographic opportunities.

This evening dinner is included at the hotel, for a remarkable experience in Tortuguero!

TORTUGUERO CANALS

It is an amazing opportunity to capture photographs of the canals and exuberant wildlife like  species of monkeys, iguanas, crested basilisk lizards,  sloths,  lots of water birds,  toucans, parrots, parakeets, caiman (cousins of alligators), and possibly crocodiles, as well as colorful tropical forest birds.

MISS JUNIES AND CLOYD EXPERIENCE

Your immersion into Costa Rica continues with a delicious not-to-be-missed local lunch at Miss Junies. Miss Junie inherited her “soda” – basically a thatched roof structure with tables and chairs – from her grandmother, Miss Bell, in the 1970’s.

The tables have stories to tell after feeding hungry visitors for over 70 years – some of the more notable include the scientist Dr. Archie Carr and even the likes of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro! Today, Miss Junies’ is considered one of the best Caribbean restaurants in Tortuguero serving up fresh flavor and sharing local customs with visitors.

No lunch is complete without dessert and Cloyd, a local personality in his own right and Miss Junies’ son, steps in to provide his “coconut tour” highlighting nearly lost dessert recipes made from coconuts and other local ingredients.

TORTUGUERO TOWN VISIT

• Miss Junies and Cloyd Experience
• Tortuguero Town Visit
• Photo shoot tour and guide services.
• Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
• National Park Entrance fee.

PUERTO VIEJO DE SARAPIQUÍ PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

Ecological Garden and Macaw Photo Shoot – Sarapiquí Region

Costa Rica Photography Tour Day 4. After breakfast, take a shared boat transfer towards La Pavona dock.

On arrival pick up by your private transportation and transfer towards the Arenal Volcano area. En route stop for a visit at the Pierella Ecological Garden, for a guided tour and some cultural photography opportunities.

Delicious traditional Lunch included.

Continue your way towards Sarapiquí . Stop in route for a macaw photo shoot.

Tonight dinner is included at your hotel.

• 1 nights’ accommodations at  Ara Ambigua Lodge . Standard room (Breakfast included)

SAN GERARDO DE DOTA PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

Costa Rica Photography Tour Day 5. After breakfast at your hotel, private transfer to your hotel in Cerro de la Muerte . Approx 3 hours driving time.

Visit the farm of Jose Alberto Perez. Known as “Cope”, he is one of the most recognized self-taught natural history artists in the country. Browsing through hundreds of his drawings, you’ll find an amazing diversity of animals and plants of the rain and cloud forests, from orchids to giant ceibos, from jaguars and monkeys to sloths and lizards. Cope has a special dedication to birds, you’ll see a lot of hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, raptors, owls and herons to name a few groups.

Because Cope is also an avid photographer he opened in his own house in Guapiles, outfitted with special feeders meant for photography and the contemplation of birds and nature, all with the purpose to invite visitors to appreciate the nature that inspires him to draw and photograph with an eye for such detail and love.

Continue your way towards your hotel at Cerro de la Muerte. Stop for lunch en route.

Dinner tonight is included at your hotel. You may enjoy a quiet evening meal at the hotel, maybe try a local beer!

• Photo tour.
• 2 nights’ accommodations at  Hotel Savegre . Standard room (Breakfast included)

Paríso del Quetzal  and Batsu Birding Photography Garden  

Costa Rica Photography Tour Day 6. After breakfast , enjoy a guided photography tour of Paraíso del Quetzal, search and try to photograph this exceptional bird. After your hike through the lush forest, take some time to visit the hummingbird garden for some amazing photos of this colorful species.  It’s incredible how close they come to you flitting and darting around the vibrant flowers.

After lunch, you will visit the Batsu Birding Photography Garden, for an amazing opportunity to capture photographs of various highland birds and wildlife.

Return back to your hotel on time to enjoy a quiet evening meal (included).

• Entrance fees.

Transfer to San Jose 

Costa Rica Photography Tour Day 7. After breakfast, set off to hike, another great opportunity to capture photographs of the highland birds and wildlife. Afterwards, join your private guide in Los Quetzales National Park, for a nature walk and more opportunities for Costa Rica wildlife photography.

Check out and depart with your guide towards San José. Enjoy a stop for lunch en route before continuing to your San José hotel .

A farewell dinner is included tonight at a favorite local restaurant in town.

Overnight at San José

LOS QUETZALES NATIONAL PARK HIKE

Los Quetzales National Park Hike

• Entrance fee.
• 1 night’s accommodations at  Park Inn  Standard room. (Breakfast included)

END OF ITINERARY

Costa Rica Photography Tour Day 8. Private departure transfer from your hotel to the International Airport in San José, approximately 30 minute transfer.

Check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight time.

• Departure transportation

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Costa Rica: Photography Tour

Costa rica photography tour - capture stunning costa rica nature photography.

Embark on an extraordinary Costa Rica Photography Tour and immerse yourself in the realm of stunning wildlife photography. This Costa Rican nature and wildlife photography tour is meticulously designed to provide you with the finest opportunities for capturing the essence of the remarkable biodiversity in this country. From the rich tapestry of colorful birds to the enchanting creatures that frequent feeding stations, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

10-Day Costa Nature Rica Photography Tour Highlights:

This 9 night nature-photo program is designed to maximize the opportunities for some of the most emblematic bird and wildlife photography in Costa Rica, with a selection of destinations that combines field work, macro photography, landscape photography and feeding stations. We will visit the central Pacific region, the Tarcoles River, Arenal, Boca Tapada, and Chinchona where we focus on toucans, quetzals, hummingbirds, eyelash vipers, red-eyed tree frogs, and a plethora of exciting Costa Rican Wildlife!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to preserve the natural wonders of Costa Rica through your lens! Book your Costa Rica photography tour today.

Tour Details

Price: $4,836 per person.

Single Supplement: $650 per person.

Included: Lodging, meals, in-country transportation, guide, park entrance fees.

Not Included: Passport Fees, Visa Fees, International Airfare, alcoholic beverages, personal items, tips, travel insurance.

From: San Jose

Minimum Participants :  6

Participant Limit:  10

Activity Level:  Easy

*Download Full Itinerary

Registration

Deposit: $1,000 per person is required to hold your spot on this tour (with your registration form)

*Download Registration Form

To book your space on the tour, please contact us at  [email protected]

Tour Leaders

James Adams

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Natural Selections Tours thanks Zeiss Optics in partnering with us to advance birding, ecotourism, and conservation. Zeiss Optics is a world leader in quality optics products and service, and we are proud to work together making our world a better place by seeing beyond, together!

Tropical Photo Tours

10 days and 9 nights, costa rica (the ‘resplendent’ bird paradise), tour information.

Experience the essence of “Pura Vida,” translated as ‘Pure Life,’ a sentiment ingrained in the hearts of Costa Rica’s locals, transcending mere words to become a profound way of existence. Spanning an area akin to West Virginia, this vibrant nation boasts an astonishing array of nearly 900 avian species.

Embark on an unparalleled tropical birding escapade in Costa Rica, where nature’s beauty knows no bounds. From the captivating expanse of rainforests to the ethereal allure of cloud forests, a plethora of opportunities for bird photography await. The synergy between local communities and governmental initiatives has fostered a blossoming of eco-tourism, granting effortless access to diverse avifauna and seamless encounters.

Our meticulously designed all-inclusive itinerary is your gateway to savouring this journey, enabling you to amass captivating memories on your camera’s memory cards, adorned with the splendour of unique and vivid species. Collaborating closely with adept local guides and our technically proficient team, we ensure a fusion of artistic mastery and photographic skill as you immortalize these multifaceted creatures.

Traverse through lowland rainforests, encounter mid-elevation wonders, and culminate in the splendour of high-elevation marvels. Our thoughtfully curated tours are a haven for photography enthusiasts, a symphony of sights and sounds.

Join us on a riveting expedition across three distinct rainforest habitats, unveiling the enigmatic avian treasures held by this captivating country.

BASIC INFORMATION

Please consult with your doctor regarding general travel vaccinations and check the CDC website for more information.

We strongly recommend you purchase trip insurance that includes trip cancellation and medical coverage while overseas.

Internet Access

Most lodges have free WIFI in the reception/dining area.

You should arrive and depart from the Juan Santamaría International Airport, San José. Our representative will be waiting to provide your private transfer to our hotel accommodations.

All of our services are conducted by fully licensed travel, lodge, and transport operators. This is part of our commitment to providing a professional travel experience.

Electricity

Electrical outlets are US-style. Those coming from Europe or Asia may need travel adapters. We will send more info after signup.

Main Tour – Maximum 6 – 8 people per group.

Session 1: Nov 22- Dec 1, 2024 (8 spaces available)

Session 2: April 2- April 11, 2025

Session 3: Nov 17-  Nov 26, 2025

Cost (In USD)

$4,800 in shared accommodations and $5,300 for single accommodation.

Tour Motive

Our thoughtfully designed Costa Rica Bird Photo Tour, is a focused journey capturing the nation’s exquisite tropical avian diversity. Experience the thrill of photographing birds both at feeders and within their natural habitats. Highlights include the Talamanca Highlands drive for Hummingbirds & Quetzals, feeder-side bird photography, deck-based shooting, and the King Vulture Hide encounter.

Photo Opportunities

• Capture rainforest specialties including Toucans, Aracaris, and vibrant Tanagers.
• Engage in specialized photography sessions featuring the majestic King Vulture and the stunning Resplendent Quetzal in dynamic action.
• Benefit from guided photography with expert advice, ensuring optimal images of target species and beyond.
• Explore technical photography through experiences like Multi-flash Hummingbird Photography and Macro photography.
• Experience all-inclusive tours, offering stress-free, photography-focused days, paired with local lodging and culinary delights.

inclusion/exclusion

• Lodging as specified.
• Meals as specified
• Stainless steel flask for water.
• Private transfers to and from hotels on first and last days.
• Land/Domestic air transportation during the tour
• Professional driver/photo/nature guide and private transportation in spacious tour bus.
• Guide and Photography Skipper services
• Entrance fees for all described activities.
• Taxes on all services listed above.
• Non-mealtime snacks or meals not included.
• Non-mealtime soft drinks and bottled water.
• International/personal airfare
• Phone calls
• Cost of hospitalization and evacuation, if necessary

Email us at  [email protected]  or call us at  +1-512-508-6914   if you’d like to talk first.

Day 1: Arrival in San José

As you touch down at Juan Santamaría International Airport, a world of anticipation unfolds. Our representative awaits to whisk you away in the embrace of a private van, venturing into the vibrant heart of San Jose. With a mere 25 minutes of travel time – subject to the whims of traffic – we’ll unveil the enchanting vista of your hotel, marking the start of your Costa Rican escapade.

Day 2: Drive to the Talamanca Highlands: Hummingbirds & Quetzal Tour

Embracing the early light, we embark towards the mystical Talamanca Highlands, a realm of cloud-kissed allure. Our odyssey commences with a pause at Paraiso Quetzal lodge , a theatre of hummingbird enchantment. Amidst multi-flash symphonies and the caress of natural light, we capture winged jewels such as the Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Lesser Violetear, Talamanca Hummingbird, Volcano Hummingbird & White-throated Mountain-gem.

A crescendo of flavours follows, as we heed the call of the sought-after Resplendent Quetzal, dedicating nearly 3 hours to unravelling its secrets. Our reverie lingers as we migrate to the embrace of the San Gerardo Valley for a two-night sojourn.

Awakening at dawn’s embrace, we ascend once more in pursuit of the elusive Resplendent Quetzal. Here, time itself bows to the allure of capturing excellence, offering a second chance to immortalize this avian masterpiece. As the sun ascends, we retreat for a leisurely breakfast and a well-earned respite. As shadows stretch, a visit to the kingdom of hummingbirds and tanagers unfolds, where Flame-coloured Tanager, Silver-throated Tanager, Yellow-thighed Brush-Finch, and Northern Emerald Toucanet grace our lens.

Day 4: Drive to our lodge in the Caribbean lowlands with one stop at Cinchona feeders

Departing with the day’s first light, we bid adieu to one chapter and sally forth to the Caribbean lowlands. Our journey dances through San Jose, then pauses for a brief encounter with new species at Cinchona feeders. A morning’s symphony of Red-headed & Prong-billed Barbets, Crimson Collared Tanager, and Violet Sabrewing graces our lenses before we waltz onwards to our Caribbean haven.

Day 5: Full Day Private Property Feeders

In the embrace of morning’s glow, we embark on a 40-minute serenade to a private realm, a sanctuary for avian encounters. Here, Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Orange-chinned Parakeet, Golden-hooded Tanager, Red-legged & Green Honeycreepers weave tapestries of colour. An optional forest sojourn unveils Spectacled & Crested Owls, trogons, and the enchanting Honduran White Bats, while macro lens unveils the realm of poison and Glass frogs.

Day 6: Full Day Private Feeders

Following breakfast, our route leads us to a private residence, a haven where we’ll capture the vibrant avian residents on camera. Amidst this spectacle, the likes of Crimson-collared, Scarlet-rumped, and Dusky-faced Tanagers take their elegant bows, joined by the enchanting melodies of Green Honeycreepers, Collared Aracari, and Black-cheeked Woodpeckers. 

Keep your senses attuned, for this vibrant habitat is a theatre of activity, often graced by the presence of Lineated, Smoky, and Golden Olive Woodpeckers, along with Slaty-tailed and Gartered Trogons. And in this spirited ensemble, the White-collared Manakin and a host of others join the chorus.

Day 7: Rainforest Retreat

As the sun ascends, we bid farewell to our current abode and embark on a journey to our lush rainforest lodge. After savouring breakfast, we’ll complete the check-out process and set forth on a mere 2-hour drive to our next haven. Upon arrival, our focus turns to photography from the elevated vantage of the lodge’s deck. 

Here, the enchanting Yellow-throated and Keel-billed Toucans, the resplendent Montezuma Oropendola, the charismatic Brown-hooded Parrots, the vividly adorned Red-legged and Green Honeycreepers, and the enigmatic Black-cheeked Woodpeckers all await their turn in the spotlight. And if fortune smiles upon us, the elusive yet captivating Chestnut-colored Woodpecker might also grace us with its presence.

Day 8: Photography from the deck and King Vulture Hide

Before the sun graces the sky with its warmth, we embark on a photographic journey from the lodge’s deck. As mid-morning arrives, we transition to a concealed hide, carefully positioned to reveal the elusive King Vulture. This majestic creature, poses for our lenses, allowing us a rare glimpse into its world.

The remainder of the day is a canvas for our creativity as we continue our photographic exploration from the comfort of the deck. Against the backdrop of lush rainforest and vibrant foliage, we seize more opportunities to capture the striking Yellow-throated and Keel-billed Toucans, the Montezuma Oropendola, the Brown-hooded Parrot, and the Red-legged and Green Honeycreepers.

Day 9: Last photography session and departure to San José

As the sun ascends on our final day, we embrace the morning light for one last photography session on the lodge deck. Every click of the shutter captures the essence of this remarkable journey. With our hearts and camera rolls full, we bid farewell to the rainforest’s enchantment, setting out for San Jose before lunch.

Day 10: Departure from San José

As the curtain falls on this Costa Rican chapter, we awaken to the last melody of our journey. A final Costa Rican breakfast graces our palate, a sweet reflection of the moments we’ve cherished. With the rising sun, we make our way to Juan Santamaría International Airport, where the realm of flight beckons. Amidst the lingering echoes of captured memories, we take flight once more, tracing the arc of our experiences back homeward.

Tour Specifics

1.Easy/Moderate walking/Most activity is at the feeders 2. Intermediate Photographers 3. Land and Water Photography

Suggested Equipments

• A digital SLR and your longest telephoto lens preferably 300mm or more
• A macro lens
• A sturdy tripod or monopod
• You may also bring your flash with a flash bracket
• Pack a ton of memory cards
• Release cable

Tour Leader

Supreet Sahoo

An avid birdwatcher and photographer from Austin, U.S. Supreet’s work has been featured in reputed publications like the BBC Earth, National Geographic Spain and Sanctuary Asia.

Reviews and Score Breakdown

Post a comment, registration.

• To register for the tour, fill out and submit the form below. A ‘NON-REFUNDABLE’ deposit of USD 1000 per person of the tour cost is required to confirm your spot.
• The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour
• All figures per person. Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in TOUR CANCELLATION

Payment can be completed by credit card/PayPal or bank transfer. If you would like to mail a check, that option is available as well Please read all the Terms & Conditions for cancellation/refund policies and other important information.

Please mail your check or send money order payable to ”Tropical Photo Tours LLC” within 10 days to :

2226 Valley Ranch Pkwy Appt 6309, Porter Texas 77365 If you wish us to invoice you, please contact us at: Email: [email protected]

• Select Tour Date * Session 1: Nov 22- Dec 1, 2024 (Full) Session 2: April 2- April 11, 2025 (7 seats available) Session 3: Nov 17- Nov 26, 2025
• Email Address *
• Phone Number
• Rooming Preference * — Select — Shared Accomodation Single Supplement
• How Did You Hear About Us? Select An Option Tropicalphototours.com Instagram/Facebook Newsletter Reference Repeat Client Supreetsahoo.com Internet Search
• Comments/Questions
• NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, deposits are non-refundable. Please read the payment and cancellation policy terms for details.
• Please note that a service fee of 3.5% is applicable on payments made through Paypal or Credit card.

A ‘non-refundable’ deposit of USD 1000 of the Tour fee as booking amount The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour All figures per person Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in tour cancellation

Email us at  [email protected]  or call us at  +1-512-508-6914  i f you’d like to talk first.

Book Your Tour With Us In 6 Easy Steps

1.Confirm your spot for the tour by paying the advance using the registration form.

2.Receive an acknowledgement email from us confirming your booking along with a welcome package and forms.

3. Book your international travel

4. Send us your travel details along with the signed package.

5. We will send you a final invoice along with some more important pre-travel details.

6. Make your full payment and pack your bags for the best Tropical experience.

Important Note

Frequently asked questions.

• More than 60 days before the start of the tour: Refund of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $100 convenience fee.
• 60 – 45 days before the start of the tour: Refund of 50% of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $199 convenience fee.
• Less than 45 days before the start of the tour: No refunds will be given, and all payments will be forfeited. Full payment is required no later than 45 days prior to departure. If full payment is not received by this date you will be notified by email. If you do not respond within 3 business days, your spot will be forfeited and offered to participants on the waiting list.

Pura Vida! Meaning ‘Pure Life’ is a phrase used by the locals in Costa Rica but it’s more than just a phrase – it is a way of life. The country is the size of West Virginia and holds close to 900 species of birds.

Costa Rica’s tropical birding experince is second to none. With its diverse rainforest to the dreamy cloudforests, the country offers plenty of bird photography opportunities. The locals in association with the government have enabled eco-tourism to great extents and this facilitates easy access to the varied avifauna and smooth experience.

Our all-inclusive itinerary makes it easier for you to enjoy this tour and fill up your camera memory cards with unparallel specialities and colorful species. We work closely with the local expert guides and our team with technical ability ensure you enhance your photography techniques as you capture these diverse species.

From lowland rainforests to mid-elevation specialities and ending on a high note with high-elevation marvels, our well crafted tours are a photographer’s delight.

Join us on an adventure across 3 different rainforest habitats to uncover some of the avian secrets this country holds.

You should arrive to and depart from Costa Rica's San Juan Santamaria Airport. Our representative will be waiting to provide your private transfer to a hotel near the capital city of San Jose.

Main Tour – Maximum 6 – 8 people per group. Session 1: Nov 25th -Dec 4 2023 (1 seats available) Session 2: Feb 3rd – 12th 2024 (full) Session 3: March 2nd – 11th 2024 (full) Session 4: April 2nd – 11th 2024 (3 seats available) Session 5: Nov 22- Dec 1, 2024 (8 seats available)

• Opportunity to photograph the rainforest specialities like the Toucans, Aracaris and colorful tanagers.
• Specialized photography sessions of the mighty King Vulture and the stunning Resplendent Quetzal in action.
• Guided photography with expert guidance to make the best images of the target species and more.
• Technical photography experience like Multi-flash Hummingbird Photography and Macro photography.
• Our all-inclusive tours help you enjoy a stress-free, photography focussed days coupled with local lodging and culinary experience.

(2023) $4800 per person in sharing accommodation/$5300 in single supplement

Email us at  [email protected]  or call us at  +1-512-508-6914 / 512-806-6469  i f you’d like to talk first.

DURATION : 10 days and 9 nights

Physical level : easy.

Session 1: Nov 22- Dec 1, 2024 (Full) Session 2: April 2- April 11, 2025 (7 seats available) Session 3: Nov 17-  Nov 26, 2025

COST (In USD)

$4800 per person in sharing accommodations and $5300 for a single supplement.

• Lodging from day 1 to 9
• Meals from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on the last day
• Private transportation  
• Professional guide and photography mentor
• Local guides at multiple locations
• Entrance Fees
• International Airfare
• Dinner on arrival day
• Alcoholic drinks 
• Travel Insurance
• Tips to guides and drivers
• Items of personal nature

Discover the beauty of the Tropical Forest and experience the “Pura Vida,” Costa Rica’s essence, where more than 900 bird species thrive across diverse habitats. Our meticulously crafted itinerary encompasses three distinct locations, each offering unparalleled opportunities to capture the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica’s avian treasures and immerse in eco-tourism wonders.

DETAILED ITINERARY

F ollowing breakfast, we'll ascend to the Talamanca Highlands. Among the hummingbird species awaiting us are the Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Lesser Violetear, Talamanca Hummingbird, Volcano Hummingbird, and White-throated Mountain-gem. Our main aim will be to find the Resplendent Quetzal this afternoon, an avian gem considered the most sought-after inhabitant of Costa Rica.

On this day we will have two more attempts to photograph the Resplendent Quetzal in its natural habitat.

With the sunrise, we say goodbye to one part of our trip and head towards the Caribbean lowlands. Along the way, we will make a stop at a local feeder where we will have an opportunity to photograph new species like Red-headed and Prong-billed Barbets, Crimson Collared Tanager, Violet Sabrewing, Black-bellied Hummingbird, and the endemic Coppery-headed Emerald.

We will go on a 40-minute journey to a special place, it will be an eventful day immersed in the Caribbean lowlands where birds like Gray-cowled Woodrail, Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Orange-chinned Parakeet, Golden-hooded Tanager, Red-legged & Green Honeycreepers, Green-breasted Mango, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird and with some luck the Pygmy Kingfisher are possible to photograph. There is also an optional walk (weather permitting) in the forest that will give you the full tropical forest experience, here you will have a good chance to find the Spectacled and Crested Owls, trogons, and the cute Honduran White Bats. To finalize the day, we will also have a macro photography session.

Following breakfast, we'll embark on our journey to the cloud forest, dedicating the day to capturing photographs of birds at a feeding station. The shift in altitude promises to introduce us to new bird species for the trip including the vibrant Emerald Tanager, Blue and Gold Tanager, the elegant Speckled Tanager, the Crimson-Collared Tanager, and the Black-Cheeked Woodpecker, among many other amazing species. Moreover, every visit to this location holds the potential for delightful surprises

After breakfast, we will leave and drive for just 2 hours to our next destination. Once we arrive, our main focus will be snapping photos from our lodge's comfortable deck. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for the stunning Yellow-throated & Keel-billed Toucans, along with other beautiful birds like Collared Aracaris, Montezuma Oropendolas, Brown-hooded Parrots, Red-legged & Green Honeycreepers, Golden-hooded Tanagers and many more!

Another morning brings more chances to capture more photos of toucans and tanagers! Later on, we'll head to a nearby spot where we'll be able to photograph the elegant King Vulture. This majestic bird will pose for us, offering a unique glimpse into its world.

After lunch, we'll visit a spot to photograph hummingbirds using a special technique called multiflash. You'll have the chance to learn this method and take some incredible photos.

Our final day in the rainforest offers the opportunity to photograph toucans and tanagers before we depart for San Jose.

Depending on your flight schedule, you can enjoy one last Costa Rican breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to the airport for your international journey home.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

• A ‘non-refundable’ deposit of USD 1000 of the Tour fee as booking amount to reserve your spot
• The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour. If you would like to pay the remaining balance in installments, please let us know.
• All figures in USD per person
• Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in tour cancellation.
• A deposit is your commitment to joining the workshop. These deposits don’t typically sit in an account, they are used to cover initial expenses for the workshop like hotel reservations, park permits/fees and guided tour deposits. Due to these expenses, deposits are non-refundable and tour payment made is subject to a cancellation fee.
• For Travel Insurance Quotes visit: www.insuremytrip.com
• Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees. CANCELLED WORKSHOPS: If we are forced to cancel a workshop for any reason, your entire payment will be transferred to another comparable workshop within one calendar year

Bird Photography And Beyond

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Email: [email protected]

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Costa Rica Birds & Wildlife

Resplendent quetzals & other neotropical delights.

If good things come in small packages, tiny Costa Rica is a prime example. Roughly the combined size of Vermont and New Hampshire, this verdant Central American country preserves an incredible variety of habitats and a wealth of wildlife dwelling within its borders. In fact, tiny Costa Rica maintains the highest percentage of ecologically protected land of any country in the world.

With so many incredible wild places to explore, and so many wonderful ecolodges to choose among, selecting from the best to include in a two-week-long bird photography itinerary is a difficult task. From the lush rain forests of Costa Rica’s Caribbean Lowlands—the country’s largest ecozone—to the epiphyte-laden cloud forests of the highlands, over 800 species of intriguing birds provide exceptional photo opportunities. These include several species of toucans, colorful tanagers, honeycreepers, parrots and macaws, a multitude of hummingbirds and, the star of the show, resplendent quetzal—considered by many to be the most beautiful bird in the Americas. Our trip is timed to photograph quetzals at the height of their nesting season, making their movements more predictable.

Birds aren’t the only banquet on our photographic menu. Our photo tour encompasses a broad range of photography styles and subjects, from close-up images of extraordinary tree and poison dart frogs, leaf-cutter ants (and a variety of other insects), to wide-angle shots of forest interiors and broad mountain vistas, and fast action photography of jewel-like hummingbirds. And—if conditions permit and the creatures of the night are accommodating—we also have the opportunity to photograph frogs and nectar-feeding bats after dark.

All of our selected lodges have well-established bird feeding stations where we are able to entice many species of dazzling birds onto attractive and photogenic natural perches. Sugar nectar feeders attract hummingbirds—numerous species and in big numbers—that we photograph “frozen” in flight with the aid of our brand-new multiple flash systems that allow high-speed shooting with a deep depth of field to capture the entire bird in sharp focus, with a light-balanced background.

Costa Rica is just a short hop from the United States. The country is politically stable—as many as 50,000 American retirees live there drawn by the country’s miles of unspoiled tropical beaches, its exceptional biodiversity, and relaxed lifestyle. For those who want to experience their first photography foray into the tropical Americas, Costa Rica is a great starting point!

On this trip we believe we have achieved the perfect combination of a thoroughly productive itinerary with carefully selected photography locales, a broad selection of target-rich habitats, and an ample amount of time at each place to fully capture their neo-tropical bounty with our cameras.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 (April 15, 2025) Participants fly to San Jose, Costa Rica. Our hotel offers complimentary shuttle service from the airport. We meet this evening for dinner and an introduction to the days ahead. (D)

Days 2 - 4 We drive to our first lodge in the Caribbean Lowlands where we spend three days photographing a wide variety of subjects. This will be the warmest and most humid location on the tour, but we will be well rewarded for our mild discomfort. The fruit feeders regularly attract keel-billed toucan, black-mandibled toucan, collared araçari, Montezuma oropendola, brown-hooded parrots, red-legged honeycreeper, and more. The natural perches are often adorned in moss and bromeliads, and are changed daily so they are always fresh and new for our cameras. Here we have the unique opportunity to photograph the king vulture from a specially-constructed photography blind. By far the most magnificent of all of the vultures, the king vulture is much larger and more ornate than the more common black and turkey vultures. We also take a short drive to some well-stocked fruit feeders where we are likely to see and photograph three species of honeycreeper and a myriad of other small birds. In the afternoons we photograph a collection of macro subjects, such as the strawberry poison dart frog and red-eyed tree frog. We may even be able to photograph the beautiful eyelash viper and fer-de-lance, two very venomous denizens of the rain forest. Spider monkeys and coatis are also often seen on the lodge grounds. (BLD)

Day 11 Our next destination is San Gerardo de Dota where our lodge is located at 7,200 feet in a valley at the edge of mature oak forest and the Savegre River. While quetzals are regularly seen and photographed here, the lodge also has wonderful hummingbird feeders that regularly attract numerous species, including gray-tailed mountain gems, green violetears, and magnificent and volcano hummingbirds. Many species restricted to the high mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama are also found here, including sulphur-winged parakeets, Costa Rican pygmy owls, black-capped flycatchers, flame-throated warblers and flame-colored tanagers, to name a few. We shoot this afternoon at the gardens and feeders on the lodge property. (BLD)

Day 12 This morning we drive to a well-maintained bird feeding station located a short distance up the mountain. This location offers great opportunities to photograph acorn woodpeckers, long-tailed silky flycatchers, flame-colored tanagers, magnificent hummingbirds, volcano hummingbirds, and more. It is a wonderful way to end our Costa Rica adventure. We return to our lodge for lunch. After lunch we load up the bus and head back to our hotel in San Jose. (BLD)

Day 13 (April 27) We depart for home. (B)

Tour Details

2025 Costa Rica Birds & Wildlife: Moderate Activity Level: Small bus travel. Easy walking at most locations. Less than 1 mile total walking each day. Rolling and slippery gravel slopes and uneven ground on mountains in quetzal habitat.

Tour Highlights

• Explore verdant moss-draped oak forest to shoot superlative resplendent quetzals during their nesting season
• Photograph numerous hummingbirds using our new high-speed multi-flash systems
• Stay in attractive ecolodges with well-stocked bird feeders amidst unspoiled natural habitats
• Visit a broad spectrum of biomes from lush lowland rain forest to the stunted fairyland landscape of the high altitude páramo
• Includes all meals, lodging, ground transportation, entrance fees, photo guide, use of flash units and instruction

Tour Leaders

Mark thomas.

Testimonials

The tour leader was great. He spent time with everyone and went out of his way to make this educational, productive, and fun! Everything was organized and planned. —James S.

This trip provided photographers with a large range of bird photography opportunities. Each location was well organized. Both the food and lodging were excellent. —Nancy D.

The trip was excellent. I saw more kinds of birds and frogs than I knew existed–and at close range for good photography. —Richard S.

Trip Reports

Costa Rica Birds & Wildlife 2024 Trip Report

Costa Rica Birds Green Season 2023 Trip Report

Costa Rica Birds 2023 Trip Report

Costa Rica Birds 2022 Trip Report

Get your free ebook.

Days 2 – 4 We drive to our first lodge in the Caribbean Lowlands where we spend three days photographing a wide variety of subjects. This will be the warmest and most humid location on the tour, but we will be well rewarded for our mild discomfort. The fruit feeders regularly attract keel-billed toucan, black-mandibled toucan, collared araçari, Montezuma oropendola, brown-hooded parrots, red-legged honeycreeper, and more. The natural perches are often adorned in moss and bromeliads, and are changed daily so they are always fresh and new for our cameras. Here we have the unique opportunity to photograph the king vulture from a specially-constructed photography blind. By far the most magnificent of all of the vultures, the king vulture is much larger and more ornate than the more common black and turkey vultures. We also take a short drive to some well-stocked fruit feeders where we are likely to see and photograph three species of honeycreeper and a myriad of other small birds. In the afternoons we photograph a collection of macro subjects, such as the strawberry poison dart frog and red-eyed tree frog. We may even be able to photograph the beautiful eyelash viper and fer-de-lance, two very venomous denizens of the rain forest. Spider monkeys and coatis are also often seen on the lodge grounds. (BLD)

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Joseph van os photo safaris enrollment information, 2025 costa rica birds & wildlife.

Apr 15 – Apr 27 2025

ENROLLMENT CONDITIONS 1. REGISTRATION A deposit and a signed Registration Form are required to reserve a place on a Van Os Photo Safari.

2. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

All prices are quoted in US dollars and all payments must be paid in US dollars. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, personal checks, and bank transfers for payment. Trip deposits are not refundable.

We must receive written notice of your cancellation; at which time the following cancellation fees apply:

Trip deposits are non-refundable. 150-91 days prior to tour: 50% of tour fee is refunded if we have received your payment in full. 90-61 days prior to tour: 25% of tour fee is refunded if we have received your payment in full. 60 days prior to tour: All payments made are non-refundable.

3. TRIP INSURANCE We strongly encourage you to protect your travel investment and purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes emergency evacuation coverage. We can provide travel insurance options, or it can be purchased independently. A CANCEL FOR ANY REASON policy is available. Trip participants without travel protection insurance are considered “self-insured.” Without insurance you assume all risks and losses for any conditions requiring your cancellation.

4. HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Van Os Photo Safaris are within the capabilities of average people in good health. Some of these trips require the capability of walking for several miles over uneven trails, stepping from a small boat to a wave-washed rocky beach, flying in small planes and helicopters, and occasionally hiking at high elevations—all while carrying an assortment of camera equipment. If you have concerns about your own capabilities and/or fitness as it relates to a trip, please inquire with our office before reserving a space. By forwarding a signed Registration Form and trip deposit, you certify that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions of disability that would create a risk for you, or other trip participants and you agree to inform our office in writing if changes in your health, including viral illnesses, occur any time prior to the tour. We reserve the right to request a doctor's statement of good health. The company's or trip leader's judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual's ability to embark upon or to continue a trip. Once a trip has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. We assume no responsibility for medical care or for special dietary requirements. Participants are asked to refrain from smoking with or near the group.

5. CONTACT SCHEDULE

Participants will receive three emails before the trip departs: 1. Initial Tour Information confirms the deposit and provides pre-departure information. 2. Practical Tour Information provides clothing and photo gear recommendations, climate data, and applicable health advisories. Visa information will also be included (if applicable). 3. Final Tour Information includes arrival instructions, itinerary revisions (if any), hotel addresses, trip telephone contact information and participant list. We provide the trip leader's telephone number(s) and/or email address with final documents so you can inquire about special photographic questions you may have regarding your trip. We welcome your calls or email messages to [email protected].

6. PHOTO SAFARI TRIP FEE INCLUSIONS

Information supplied upon enrollment describes the specific details that are included in your trip fee. Generally, these include lodging in double room occupancy, all meals (specified in the itinerary as BLD denoting breakfast, lunch, or dinner), ground transportation during the trip in vans or small buses, internal tour air transportation as specified, meal and baggage tipping, and guide services provided by the trip leaders. Not included are airfare or other transportation from your home to the trip staging location, airport departure taxes, insurance, alcoholic beverages, and bar expenses (plus bottled water and soft drink expenses on international tours outside of North America), tips and gratuities to local guides, phone calls, passport or visa expenses, laundry, or items of a personal nature. Gratuities to Van Os Photo Safaris trip leaders are optional and always appreciated. Rates are based on group tariffs; if the trip does not have sufficient registration, a small party supplement may be charged.

Most of our trips are priced in double occupancy (shared) accommodation. Single accommodation is available for a supplemental cost in many locations; see the pre-departure trip information or call our office for details. You will be charged the single supplement fee if you desire single accommodation or if you wish to have a roommate, but one is not available. In some remote locations, clients with single rooms are infrequently compelled to share a room due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, appropriate per diem refunds will be made reflecting the direct cost of the single room at the facility where clients are required to share. There is no additional single supplement fee on ship-based cruises if you request a roommate and one is not available.

Cost increases may occur unexpectedly due to rising costs of airfares, ground transport, fuel surcharges, accommodations, and currency fluctuations, among others. Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. may be compelled to amend prices, and we reserve the right to do so without prior notice. An increase in trip prices shall not be sufficient grounds for any refund of funds paid for the trip other than as determined by the terms of our cancellation policy.

7. LOGISTICS

Whenever possible, our trip participants are lodged in comfortable, modern hotels. We select among the best available accommodations but refrain from extravagance. Some interesting photographic destinations are far removed from modern amenities, however, and where necessary we will be accommodated in rustic country inns, cabins, or tented camps.

Meals are always a special part of our trips for the camaraderie they engender and the opportunity they provide to try new foods from different areas. Depending on the trip and specific locale, participants order restaurant meals from the full menu or, less frequently, table d'hôte. Some trips include picnic lunches in the field. Fruit juice for breakfast and coffee or tea is included with the meals. Soft drinks are included with meals on tours within North America. Participants are responsible for their own bar tab (including bottled water, soft drinks, as well as alcoholic beverages on tours outside of North America) at restaurant lunches and dinners.

Our itineraries are intended as examples only. Participants should allow for flexibility due to changes in weather, natural history or cultural events, or other logistical arrangements deemed necessary by Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc., or our leaders.

The second tour leader (and any subsequent additional leaders) listed for each trip on the website will be added as the group size warrants. If only one space remains on a trip, and logistics permit, we accept two people traveling together, even if it exceeds the trip maximum.

8. RESPONSIBILITY

Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. and/or their Agents act only as agents for the passenger (trip participant) in regard to travel including, but not limited to, sightseeing, meals, lodging, transportation, and all other services whether by railroad, motor coach, automobile, van, boat, ship or aircraft or any other conveyance, and they assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts, bankruptcy or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the trip.

They can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay, cancellations or changes in flights or other tour services, and by force majeure including sickness, weather, strike, war, volcanic eruption, terrorist acts, political unrest, quarantine, epidemics, pandemics and outbreaks, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as trip fees provide for arrangements only for the times and locations stated. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.

The right is reserved to 1) substitute hotels of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary or transport where deemed necessary, or caused by changes in flight schedules or equipment substitution; 2) cancel any trip prior to departure due to low enrollment, in which case full refund of the paid trip funds will be given, but Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. is not responsible for any other trip preparation expenses such as penalized or non -refundable air tickets, visa fees, travel insurance premiums and medical related expenses; 3) At the company’s sole discretion, suspend or postpone any trip due to force majeure or disease outbreak in which case the trip may be rescheduled, or a refund issued less any non-refundable deposits paid to tour component providers on behalf of the passenger, or a travel credit given, but Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. is not responsible for any other trip preparation expenses such as penalized or non-refundable air tickets, visa fees and medical related expenses; 4) substitute trip leader(s) for the leader(s) originally specified, in which case the substitution is not a basis for participant cancellation or refund other than provided by our normal cancellation policy; or 5) accept or retain any person as a member of any trip.

Trip prices are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of publication and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein.

A signed Registration Form with the Enrollment Conditions and Release and Assumption of Risk sections must be returned by each participant prior to the commencement of the trip. Participation by any trip member will be declined in the absence of the signed Registration Form including the Release and Assumption of Risk section, with no trip fee refund. No modification to the Registration Form including the Release and Assumption of Risk section will be accepted.

Should Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc., or anyone acting on their behalf be required to incur attorney's fees and costs to enforce this agreement, the enrolling trip participant(s) agree(s) to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs. In the event a lawsuit is filed, the enrolling participant(s) agree(s) to do so solely in the County of Lewis in the State of Washington.

ENROLLMENT CONDITIONS AGREEMENT & RELEASE & ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I have read, understand, and agree to the terms, conditions, and provisions of the enrollment information, as stated on the Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc website and the Enrollment Conditions section of this form, especially noting the policy on cancellations, refunds, and limitations on responsibility.  I further agree to the limit on liability as stated below and on the Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc website.

I am aware that during any trip or tour that I am voluntarily participating in under the arrangements of Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc., a Washington corporation, and its employees, agents and associates, certain risks and dangers exist while traveling in the United States, foreign countries, and wilderness areas in any country or territory that include the possibility of property damage, bodily injury, and death. There is a possibility of accident or illness occurring without access to immediate or timely medical treatment or facilities. There is a risk of tropical or communicable diseases that may require quarantine and removal from the tour at my expense, food-related illnesses, the risk of personal injury and property damage or delay or inconvenience by forces of nature, wildlife or wildlife models, quarantine, political instability, acts of terrorism, strikes, government restrictions or regulations change, thefts, and the risk of accidents during travel while on foot or by aircraft, train, automobile, van, bus, boat, ship, or other conveyance. I understand that such risks cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of this trip or tour. In consideration of, and as part payment for the right to participate in such trips, tours and/or other activities and services arranged for me by Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc., its employees, agents and associates, I have and do hereby assume all risks, and hereby release Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc., its employees, shareholders, agents and associates, and will hold them harmless from any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, debts, claims, and demands of every kind and nature, howsoever caused, which I now have or which may arise of or in connection with any of my trips or tours and participation in any activities arranged for me by Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc., its employees, agents and associates.

Should Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc., or anyone acting on their behalf, be required to incur attorney's fees and costs to enforce this Agreement, I agree to indemnify them and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs. In the event a lawsuit is filed, I agree to do so solely in the County of Lewis in the State of Washington and further agree that the substantive law of that state shall apply in that action without regard to the conflict-of-law rules of that state. The terms hereof shall serve as a release and assumption of all risk for myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators, and for all members of my family.

If any part, article, paragraph, sentence, or clause of this Agreement is not enforceable, the affected provision shall be curtailed and limited only to the extent necessary to bring it within the requirements of the law, and the remainder of the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. may take photos and video during your photo tour and use them for promotional purposes. By making a trip reservation with us, you agree to let us use your name and likeness in any images and video in which you may appear, for our promotional materials, website, or advertising. We may also use any written reviews or photos and video you may provide us with for use on our website and in any advertising and all other forms of publicity. If you prefer to be excluded from this proviso, please let your tour leader know at the beginning of your trip.

I acknowledge that if anyone is hurt or property is damaged during my participation in this activity, I may be found by a court of law to have waived my right to maintain a lawsuit against Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc., its employees, shareholders, agents, and associates, based on any and all claims from which I have released them.

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COSTA RICA – The Forest Jewel of Central America

Strawberry Poison Frog carrying its precious tadpole around on its back (image by Inger Vandyke)

Keel-billed Toucan portrait (image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of a Bare-throated Tiger Heron (image by Inger Vandyke)

A male Mantled Howler reaches down to snack on leaves (image by Inger Vandyke)

A male Shining Honeycreeper with his funky yellow legs (image by Inger Vandyke)

Slaty Flowerpiercers have evolved with a quirky bill designed to pierce the base of flowers to get right at the nectar! (image by Inger Vandyke)

Tri-coloured Heron in Cano Negro National Park near the border of Costa Rica and Nicaragua (image by Inger Vandyke)

The elegant aigrette feathers of a Great Egret (image by Inger Vandyke)

A male Resplendent Quetzal preening (image by Inger Vandyke)

A stunning Fine-dendiculated (or Peruvian Shield) Mantis (image by Inger Vandyke)

Stunning residents of the forest floor, tiny Green & Black Poison Dart frogs really make you watch your step in Costa Rica (image by Inger Vandyke)

Side-striped Palm Pit Viper on its palm leaf home (image by Inger Vandyke)

Sunrise in the heavens of Costa Rica's cloud forests (image by Inger Vandyke)

In the forest clad flanks of Costa Rica's Arenal volcano you might find a beautiful Collared Aracari in stands of gigantic cecropia (image by Inger Vandyke)

A cheeky Collared Aracari with his fruit breakfast (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Chestnut-headed Oropendola flying with food for its chick (image by Inger Vandyke)

Stunning male Resplendent Quetzal with fruit (image by Inger Vandyke)

The intent stare of a Rainforest Hog-nosed Pit Viper on the dead leaves of the forest floor (image by Inger Vandyke)

Beautiful Ornate Hawk Eagle female (image by Inger Vandyke)

Watch your step! In Costa Rica it is quite common to find lines of Leafcutter Ants transporting their pressure leaves to their nests (image by Inger Vandyke)

Playing in the rain. Doing a long exposure of creatures in the rain relies on having a very cooperative creature like this Black-cheeked Woodpecker who relished the sudden downpour to cool off (image by Inger Vandyke)

A wild Eyelash Viper curled up on a palm frond in the rainforest (image by Inger Vandyke)

A beautiful Automeris moth with its wings open (image by Inger Vandyke)

Emerald Basilisk is one of Costa Rica's most charismatic lizards (image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of a Cattle Egret in breeding plumage (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Talamanca Hummingbird with its wings outstretched in a show of aggression (image by Inger Vandyke)

The Green Dragon! Portrait of an Emerald Basilisk (image by Inger Vandyke)

Drymaeus land snail adventure on a Heliconia flower (image by Inger Vandyke)

The charismatic Boat-billed Heron is normally a nocturnal species but we found one at a day roost stretching its wings (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Yellow-throated Toucan taking berries to his female on the nest (image by Inger Vandyke)

A baby Geoffroy's Spider Monkey playing with a branch (image by Inger Vandyke)

Resplendent Quetzals. When they fly they are so beautiful they almost don't look real (image by Inger Vandyke)

Boa's truly are beautiful snakes (image by Inger Vandyke)

When you shine a light below a Spiny Cochran frog you can truly see why it is one of Costa Rica's glass frog species (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Fiery-throated Hummingbird in flight (image by Inger Vandyke)

Gorgeous Red-Eyed Frogs live in the wilds of Arenal in Costa Rica (image by Inger Vandyke)

Great Curassows can be remarkably tame in Costa Rica. As they can be easy to approach you can enjoy the possibilities of photographing their 'perm' style head feathers (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Prong-billed Barbet takes a sneeky peak from the foliage (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Keel-billed Toucan at its nest (image by Inger Vandyke)

Look at that tongue! (image by Inger Vandyke)

Cheeky White-nosed Coatis trade on their adorable personalities as fun photography subjects in Costa Rica (image by Inger Vandyke)

Green Iguanas might be proof that we still live amongst dinosaurs (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Central American Pygmy Owl peers out from his nesting hole (image by Inger Vandyke)

Variable Cracker butterfly. When they take flight the males make a firecracker sound with their wings (image by Inger Vandyke)

Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker (image by Inger Vandyke)

King Vultures would have to be the most beautiful vultures in the world (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Keel-billed Toucan sits out a sudden rain shower in the forest (image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of a Black Vulture in a kettle of his species. What fantastic carunculated skin! (image by Inger Vandyke)

Zany Chestnut-headed Oropendolas at their nesting site (image by Inger Vandyke)

Talamanca Hummingbird perched on a Salvia flower (image by Inger Vandyke)

You need to be careful you don't overlook the lichen covered tree trunks as you might miss the beautiful Spot-crowned Woodcreeper (image by Inger Vandyke)

An Emerald Basilisk lounging on a branch (image by Inger Vandyke)

Knob-tailed Dragonfly in a rainforest pool (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Golden-hooded Tanager alarm calling after spotting a nearby Central American Pygmy Owl (image by Inger Vandyke)

The sly eye of a crocodile (image by Inger Vandyke)

Male Resplendent Quetzals are so long they don't fit into their nests. Their tails always tell when they are home (image by Inger Vandyke)

Smilie Spectacled Cayman (image by Inger Vandyke)

"That spot is mine!!!" Montezuma Oropendolas fight over the best place to perch (image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of a Black-cheeked Woodpecker (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Nicaraguan Grackle in full display mode at Cano Negro (image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of an Emerald Toucanet (image by Inger Vandyke)

Green Spiny Lizard is another of Costa Rica's forest dragons (image by Inger Vandyke)

Elegant Brown Vine snake opening its jaws to reveal the beautiful navy blue colouration of its mouth (image by Inger Vandyke)

Adorable Scarlet-rumped Tanagers are quite common in Costa Rica and also very photogenic! (image by Inger Vandyke)

Fiery-throated Hummingbirds face off over females (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Variegated Squirrel deep in the Costa Rican rainforest (image by Inger Vandyke)

A pair of Nicaraguan Slider Turtles on the side of the Rio Frio (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Central American Pygmy Owl with his prey of Black-throated Wren (image by Inger Vandyke)

That telltale sign a frog is on a leaf above your head! (image by Inger Vandyke)

Reflections of a shy Sun Grebe on the Rio Frio (image by Inger Vandyke)

Ripha Flammans Moth is just one of many stunning moths in Costa Rica's lowland rainforests (image by Inger Vandyke)

Red-eyed Tree Frog on a Shampoo Flower (image by Inger Vandyke)

A pair of Green Ibises on the shore of the Rio Frio (image by Inger Vandyke)

A bird of the middle and high altitudes in Costa Rica, Emerald Toucanets love lichen covered branches (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Green & Black Poison Dart Frog sitting on a dead Cecropia leaf (image by Inger Vandyke)

Gorgeous Long-tailed Silky Flycatchers in the cloud forests of Costa Rica (image by Inger Vandyke)

Stunning Green Honeycreeper is a Costa Rican rainforest jewel (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Montezuma Oropendola feasting on palm seeds (image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of a Buff-throated Saltator (image by Inger Vandyke)

A family of Alurnus Ornatus Beetles huddle together in the forest (image by Inger Vandyke)

Red-lored Parrot at its nesting cavity (image by Inger Vandyke)

Sunrise on the Rio Frio in remote Costa Rica, close to the border of Nicaragua (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Fiery-throated Hummingbird takes an aggressive pose (image by Inger Vandyke)

Costa Rica is a bird photographers paradise and Red-legged Honeycreepers are a definite highlight (image by Inger Vandyke)

Green Heron hunting with reflection (image by Inger Vandyke)

Nocturnal portrait of a Black Caiman (image by Inger Vandyke)

Another stunning bird, the Flame-coloured Tanager (image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of a Collared Aracari. Look at that serrated bill! (image by Inger Vandyke)

Our tour searches for all of Costa Rica's rainforest life including pretty Leaf Beetles (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Rufescent Tiger Heron mother preening herself on her nest (image by Inger Vandyke)

Black-winged Dragonlet in Costa Rica's wetlands (image by Inger Vandyke)

Eyelash Viper showing off those beautiful eyes (image by Inger Vandyke)

Ghost Glass Frog, one of the most difficult to find and photograph frogs in Costa Rica (image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of an Acorn Woodpecker (image by Inger Vandyke)

Of all the hummingbirds we will meet on tour the Fiery-throated is always a firm favourite (image by Inger Vandyke)

Flower bokeh in Costa Rica (image by Inger Vandyke)

A cute Black-crowned Tityra doing a display with its leaf gift for its female (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Roseate Spoonbill takes a break from feeding in Cano Negro near the border of Nicaragua and Costa Rica (image by Inger Vandyke)

Montezuma Oropendola in flight (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Yellow-throated Toucan cools off in his tree-trunk plunge pool (image by Inger Vandyke)

Cheeky White-nosed Coati (image by Inger Vandyke)

There's only one thing better than one King Vulture and that's a pair (image by Inger Vandyke)

It's never wise to move fast through the rainforest, for you might miss creatures like the Blushing Phantom Glasswing butterfly (image by Inger Vandyke)

"Oh no! I'm done for!" (image by Inger Vandyke)

Adorable baby Honduran White Bats (image by Inger Vandyke)

When the Cecropia trees come into fruit, White-nosed Coatis take to the trees searching for breakfast (image by Inger Vandyke)

A male Green Honeycreeper is another avian jewel of Costa Rica's forests (image by Inger Vandyke)

A male Resplendent Quetzal delivering an insect meal to its chick on the nest (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Smooth-skinned Brilliant Forest Frog sitting near spawn in a rainforest pool (image by Inger Vandyke)

King Vultures would have to be the most beautiful vulture in the world (image by Inger Vandyke)

Brown-throated Sloth doing what sloths love best (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Neotropic Cormorant tussles with its dinner of Tchupapiela in Cano Negro (image by Inger Vandyke)

Can you ever have too many photos of Keel-billed Toucans? (image by Inger Vandyke)

Side view of an Eyed Silk Moth Caterpillar (Automeris Postalbida) (image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of a Great Curassow (image by Inger Vandyke)

A beautiful Red-legged Honeycreeper searches for berries (image by Inger Vandyke)

Stunning Resplendent Quetzals are the true sylphs of the cloud forests in Costa Rica (image by Inger Vandyke)

On the river at Cano Negro we will search for charismatic Boat-billed Herons (image by Inger Vandyke)

Before a Montezuma Oropendola sings its melodious song, it cranes its head and rattles. They really are fantastic birds! (image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of a male Great Curassow (image by Inger Vandyke)

Fiery-throated Hummingbird. When their throats catch their sun it is like a rainbow (image by Inger Vandyke)

Pretty Yellow-throated Euphonias are always a bird photographer's highlight in Costa Rica (image by Inger Vandyke)

Learn to master birds in flight in low light by spending a morning with the King Vultures of Costa Rica (image by Inger Vandyke)

Pretty Brown-hooded Parrot (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Kiskadee feasting on a moth (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Splendid Tree Frog walks the leaves (image by Inger Vandyke)

Stunning yellow morph of Eyelash Viper on a Heliconia flower (image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of a sweet Orange-chinned Parakeet (image by Inger Vandyke)

A wild Crimson Passionflower on a forest walk (image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of a Blue-throated Toucanet (image by Inger Vandyke)

The eye of a dinosaur, or Green Iguana (image by Inger Vandyke)

A pair of Emerald Toucanets (image by Inger Vandyke)

A bold Geoffroy's Spider Monkey perched on a palm seed cluster (image by Inger Vandyke)

White-necked Jacobins are just one of many stunning hummingbird species we will photograph on tour (image by Inger Vandyke)

Shy Black Guans are not always the easiest bird to find in the forest but when you come across a photographable one it is a treat (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Yellow-bellied Elaenia bringing insect food to its chicks on the nest in a school ground of all places! (image by Inger Vandyke)

Close up of a Green Crowned Brilliant (image by Inger Vandyke)

Although they are not traditionally from Costa Rica, Pink Torch Ginger flowers are grown by many lodges and are great photography subjects (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Purple Tiger Passionflower surrounded by the flowing waters of a forest stream (image by Inger Vandyke)

On forest walks, the occasional glance upward can reveal the true beauty of the canopy (image by Inger Vandyke)

Red-headed Barbets are another avian jewel of Costa Rica's cloud forests (image by Inger Vandyke)

Black-cheeked Woodpecker at a tree (image by Inger Vandyke)

Wild Scarlet Macaw (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Central American Pygmy Owl flies off from his nesting hole with his hapless Black-throated Wren (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Talamanca Hummingbird hovering at a Fuschia (image by Inger Vandyke)

The dense forests of Costa Rica are dotted with stunning waterfalls (image by Inger Vandyke)

A tiny Green & Black Poison Dart frog sitting on a colourful Croton leaf (image by Inger Vandyke)

Black Vultures fighting over carrion (image by Inger Vandyke)

Trees pierce the mist of Costa Rica's rainforests (image by Inger Vandyke)

Smile! Close up of a Black-mandibled Toucan (image by Inger Vandyke)

A mother Long-nosed Proboscis bat with her baby (image by Inger Vandyke)

Acorn Woodpecker in flight (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Crested Guan pair in the Cecropia trees that characterise the middle altitude mist forests in Costa Rica (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Red-eyed Tree Frog peers over the edge of a rainforest leaf (image by Inger Vandyke)

Can you ever photograph too many tanagers? No!!!! Crimson-collared Tanager (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Fiery-throated Hummingbird's throat catching the sun (image by Inger Vandyke)

The gigantic and otherworldly caterpillar of an Eyed Silk Moth (image by Inger Vandyke)

A stunning male Resplendent Quetzal with fruit for his chick (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Keel-billed Toucan watches its back as it approaches a nesting cavity with fruit for its young (image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of a large Green Iguana in orange (image by Mojgan Arashvand)

A female Anhinga drying her wings (image by Inger Vandyke)

A pair of male Green & Black Poison Dart frogs tussle over territory (image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of a male Crested Guan (image by Inger Vandyke)

The vast array of tanager species in Costa Rica is a bit like being confronted with an avian rainbow. Portrait of a Silver-throated Tanager (image by Inger Vandyke)

Pretty Strawberry Poison Frog sitting on a rainforest leaf (image by Inger Vandyke)

A flock of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks on the Rio Frio (image by Inger Vandyke)

Talamanca Hummingbird flying in the rain (image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of a Roseate Spoonbill (image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of a King Vulture in the forest of Costa Rica (image by Inger Vandyke)

In Costa Rica's cloud forests brightly coloured flowers like this Red Hot Poker are a magnet for hummingbirds (image by Inger Vandyke)

Manakins are certainly one of our favourite rainforest birds in Costa Rica. This Red-capped Manakin has a wonderful whistling call when it displays to a female (image by Inger Vandyke)

Green Iguanas are not always green. In fact they can go through several colour phases in their lives - all of them quite becoming (image by Inger Vandyke)

A White-naped Jacobin hovering above a rainforest flower (image by Inger Vandyke)

Although a common bird, the Blue Grey Tanager can look great in the right photographic moment (image by Inger Vandyke)

A male Resplendent Quetzal pokes his head out from the nest making sure his surroundings are OK before he leaves (image by Inger Vandyke)

Look at that bill! Portrait of a Keel-billed Toucan (image by Inger Vandyke)

Costa Rica's rainforests are filled with the wildest insects that camouflage themselves as leaves like this Crenulata Sylvan Leaf Katydid (image by Inger Vandyke)

Keel-billed Toucans are the ultimate combination of supreme beauty and intelligence (image by Inger Vandyke)

The mesmerising cloud forests of Costa Rica during the rainy season (image by Inger Vandyke)

Stately Bare-throated Tiger Heron (image by Inger Vandyke)

A pretty Dappled Daggerwing we found by the roadside (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Black-cheeked Woodpecker enjoys the relief of rain in the Costa Rican heat (image by Inger Vandyke)

Collared Aracaris are truly the clowns of Costa Rica's rainforests. I'd just keep your fingers away from that serrated bill! (image by Inger Vandyke)

A male Resplendent Quetzal preening his feathers (image by Inger Vandyke)

A stunning Scarlet-thighed Dacnis in the trees at Arenal (image by Inger Vandyke)

The mirrored face of a Spectacled Cayman (image by Inger Vandyke)

Portait of a Magnificent Hummingbird (image by Inger Vandyke)

COSTA RICA: WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS WITH WILD IMAGES

Imagine a world filled with vast and largely unexplored rainforests, one that is filled with a kaleidoscope of creatures, making it one of the premier destinations for wildlife photography on earth. This is Costa Rica! Join us in going off the beaten track in this stunning country, exploring remote rivers, cloud forests and rainforests, searching for some of the most glorious birds, reptiles, insects, plants, mammals and amphibians of this natural wonderland.

Costa Rica is well known for being one of the finest destinations for wildlife photography tours in the world. Where else can you capture incredible photos of spectacular birds like toucans, tanagers, hummingbirds and quetzals, alongside a vast array of other creatures including coatis, sloths, caiman, lizards, frogs and insects, all at relatively close range in a perfect conservation setting?

This carefully crafted itinerary of two weeks duration takes in the best photography locations that Costa Rica has to offer and then goes off the beaten track to explore some remote wetlands and riverine woodlands near the border of Costa Rica with Nicaragua. Superb photography, good accommodations and generally good roads make photography in this small but incredibly rich country a real pleasure.

A Rainforest Wonderland

Costa Rica’s rainforests are one of the main reasons why photographers flock to the country each year. The breathtaking scenery and outstanding biodiversity of Costa Rican rainforests makes you feel like you’re entering a magical dimension. These forests are some of the most biologically diverse terrestrial ecosystems on earth.

About 51% of Costa Rica’s territory is rainforest and almost 24% of this is primary forest.  So much of it is undisturbed by humans that walking in these forests is like a waking dream. The sights, sounds, and smells are unlike anything else. It’s a feast for the senses. Fantastic birds that you would swear cannot be real, appear in the trees and dare you to believe your own eyes. Leafcutter ants march across the forest floor, carrying umbrellas of vegetation back to their nests. It’s always dark there as if the lights were dimmed before a film you cannot wait to see, and as each scene unfolds, the story gets ever deeper. Tiny poison dart frogs leap around the leaf litter while a chorus of tropical birds serenade your stroll.

A highlight of our tour is the chance to photograph some of the more difficult species of frogs and snakes of Costa Rica both in the wild and at unique conservation projects.  We’ve teamed up with an expert local tracker who can show us around known habitats for Honduran White Bats, Strawberry Poison frogs, Brown-throated Sloths, a variety of insects and butterflies.  He has an avid interest in all of the wildlife of his area and through his intimate first-hand knowledge we may see cute little White-collard Manakins and Crested Oropendolas, alongside a raft of other forest critters that are awesome to photograph.  At his home are some wonderful natural feeders which are visited by lovely birds, including Orange-chinned Parakeet and white-necked Jacobins.

During our time in this stunning environment, we will enjoy photo shoots with some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful reptiles and amphibians in a unique conservation project. Creatures we might photograph here include the remarkable Ornate and Emerald Glass Frogs, Barred Leaf Frog, Eyelash Viper and Green Pit Vipers.

A highlight of our Costa Rican rainforest odyssey will be two nights at the spectacular lodge in Laguna Lagarto, home to some of the most fantastic bird, caiman and wildlife photography opportunities in the country.  Here we will be able to photograph Collared Aracaris, Keel-billed Toucans and a host of other incredible birds like Montezuma Oropendula, honeycreepers, parrots and even curassows against a magnificent verdant forest backdrop.  During our time at Laguna Lagarto we will go off on a night search for pretty Black Caiman in the pools close to the lodge.  We will also spend one morning at a hide created by award-winning photographer Bence Maté to photograph Black and King Vultures at a vulture dinner station.  The array of photographic subjects here is so vast that it will be difficult to tear ourselves away. After all, where on earth can you photograph amazing rainforest birds in such a sublime setting while you even eat breakfast?

Waters that feed Life

From Lagarto we travel north to the remote reserve of Caño Negro, situated in the wild borderlands of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. A stunning natural refuge, Caño Negro is considered by many to be one of the most important wetland areas of the Americas. It is the only place in Costa Rica where you can see the rare Nicaraguan Grackle and also spot the largest bird of the Americas, the Jabiru.

Covering a region of over 800 hectares, Caño Negro is home to over 200 bird species as well as unique and distinct plants and animals.  Here we will take to the rivers and wetlands searching for caiman, iguanas, Emerald Basilisk lizards, Howler Monkeys and a host of wetland birds including Roseate Spoonbills, Limpkin, Northern Jacana, Ibises, Jabirus, Anhingas, Cattle Egrets, Swamp Hens, Sun Grebe and Cormorants.  Floating along these rivers, looking for wildlife in the fringing riverine woodlands is almost like being immersed in another world.  These forests are dense and untouched.  It is possible that we may see large howler monkeys swinging above our heads while dinosaur-like iguanas sun themselves on the river banks.  We will search for Slider Turtles and stunning Emerald Basilisk Lizards to photograph from our comfortable boats.

Where Volcanoes Sleep

Costa Rica is home to a great number of volcanoes including six active volcanoes and another 61 dormant or extinct ones. For the past 50 years, the spectacular massif of Arenal was the country’s most active volcano, but it entered into a resting phase in 2010, so its eruptions have ceased for the time being.

Normally shrouded in mist, our final stop on the tour is at a lodge that enjoys spectacular views of Arenal’s near-perfect conical summit when she dares to show herself to the world.

From our comfortable lodge, we will explore ancient forests, azure streams and hot springs that will introduce us to another realm of photographic subjects.  The lodge grounds are dotted with flowering and fruiting trees that, when they bring forth their bounties, attract a myriad of wonderful birds like beautiful Scarlet-thighed Dacnis’. Other avian jewels we might find in these forests include Yellow-throated Toucan, Green Honeycreeper, Blue Grey Tanager, Black-crested Coquette and Shining Honeycreeper.  If you are lucky enough to have a ground-floor room it is sometimes possible to see the lodge’s tame Great Curassows wandering past your door on their way to feast at the lodge’s feeders.

Each day, a breakfast of fresh fruit is served to the forest wildlife.  Here we have a chance to capture incredible photos of Montezuma Oropendola, Crested Guan, Keel-billed Toucan and Collared Aracari. Whatever the birds don’t eat, a group of cheeky White-nosed Coatis might come and clean up from the ground below the feeders.

The feeders sit at the edge of a grove of the largest cecropia trees on our tour and it is worth searching their lush foliage for beautiful birds like the aracaris and oropendolas roosting in the umbrella-like leaf structures of these trees.  Complementing the botanical wonderland of the lodge grounds is numerous varieties of ginger flowers which attract the resident hummingbirds.

One of the unique highlights of our lodge is an active frog pool.  There are never two nights the same at this pool and each evening we will head out and go ‘frogging’ where we will try to spot wild Red-eyed Tree Frogs, Masked Tree Frog, American Bull Frog and even Vine Snakes.

A Forest in the Clouds

Shrouded in clouds and mist with pointed volcanic cones piercing the skies, the hauntingly beautiful cloud forests of Costa Rica are home to one of the most spectacular birds in all of the Americas, the Resplendent Quetzal.

Towards the end of our tour we travel into the mystical cloud forests to spend three mornings staked out at a regular roosting site for these magnificent birds, waiting for them to fly in, feed and perch in the forests close to our lodge.

During the afternoons we will spend time at a series of hummingbird feeders that Volcano, Fiery-throated and Talamanca Hummingbirds regularly visit to feast on the sugar syrup that is refreshed for them daily.

If you can tear yourself away from the myriad of photographic opportunities at the feeders a short walk around the lodge grounds may see you capturing images of lovely Golden-browed Chlorophonias, Acorn Woodpeckeers, Large-footed Finch, Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher and also Slaty Flowerpeckers.

From our lodge, it sometimes feels like you could touch the clouds from its lofty location.  Sunrises are magical here at times with the orange glow of dawn rising above the cloud layers to the blue peaks in the distance.  It’s a view that would take the breath away from even the most jaded traveller and one that always feels so hard to leave.

This incredible landscape  is truly the crowning glory of our stunningly diverse wildlife photography tour in this forest wonderland that is Costa Rica.

Why Travel to Costa Rica with Wild Images

Right now a number of photographers and photography touring companies offer tours to Costa Rica.  Our tour is different!

– We visit five different lodges offering the broadest variety of habitats for photography including wetlands, rainforests, riverine woodlands and mist forests

– We spend three mornings with the Resplendent Quetzal.  Getting the perfect image of these amazing birds is not as easy as one might think and it is best to have a couple of opportunities to photograph them

– We will be visiting a frog and reptile conservation program for an entire day, rather than a fleeting visit, allowing us enough time to photograph a broad variety of creatures in different settings

– Wild Images has teamed up with one of the leading natural history guides in the country who is extremely well versed in rainforest habitats, the creatures that call them home and how to photograph them well

– Journey with us to the remote wilderness close to the border of Nicaragua where the riverine woodlands are like a lost world.

Accommodation & Road Transport

The hotels/lodges used during our Costa Rica wildlife photography tour are almost all of good standard. Road transport is by small coach or minibus mostly good quality bitumen and dirt roads.

The walking effort during our Costa Rica photography tour is mostly easy.

At lower altitudes in Costa Rica it will be hot, humid and sunny. At higher altitudes the weather is similar but temperatures are cool to warm.  As Costa Rica is largely tropical we may experience a few rain showers in the afternoons.

Photographic Equipment

For wildlife photography of birds we recommend a telephoto (with or without converter) with a focal length of 500–600mm on a full-frame DSLR . (If you cannot run to large primes, a 400mm f.5.6 or a 100-400mm zoom lens on a crop-sensor body makes for a perfectly reasonable substitute.) There will also be some very approachable wildlife in range of anything from 100-200mm upwards. Opportunities for macro photography of herptiles for instance are particularly good, but with limited light in the forests, fill-in flash may be desirable.

You can also get great results with many subjects with a high quality digital bridge camera with an optical zoom of 18-20x or more and a wide-angle equivalent to around 24mm.

The tour will be moving through mostly forested environments that are unsuitable for drone photography.

If you have questions about what equipment you ought to bring, please contact us.

Photographic Highlights

• One of the largest arrays of photography subjects offered on tour in Costa Rica including insects, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles
• Photograph magnificent Resplendent Quetzals in the wild during a time when they are nesting and actively bringing food to their young
• Journey to remote Caño Negro, one of Costa Rica's least accessible reserves, to photograph riverine and wetland wildlife
• Chances to photograph some of Costa Rica's stunning frogs and snakes in the wild and on a conservation program
• Enjoy a rainbow of hummingbird species including the near-endemic Fiery-throated Hummingbird, surely one of the country's most beautiful hummers!
• Enjoy a morning of King and Black vulture photography in a hide designed by award-winning photographer Bence Maté
• Photograph Keel-billed Toucans while you eat breakfast at the wonderful Laguna Lagartos lodge
• Join one of Costa Rica's most experienced naturalists to search for Honduran White Bat, Strawberry Poison Dart Frog, insects, butterflies and birds in the vicinity of his home
• Numerous hide and feeder photography opportunities of jewel like birds including hummingbirds, dacnis, honeycreepers, tanagers, toucans, aracaris and oropendolas
• Meet tame White-nosed Coatis and Great Curassow at one of our lodges
• Night spotting for Black Caiman, Red Eyed Frogs, Barred Tree Frog and Central American Bullfrog
• Photograph incredible Glass Frogs on a carefully considered conservation project
• Photograph Eyelash Vipers, arguably one of Costa Rica's most beautiful snakes

OUTLINE ITINERARY

• Day 1: Arrive in San Jose and overnight
• Day 2: Drive to the lowland rainforests for an afternoon of photographing, frogs, mammals, birds and other wildlife
• Day 3: Full day of photography with one of Costa Rica's most experienced naturalist guides
• Day 4: Morning and afternoon photography of frogs and snakes on a conservation program
• Day 5: Drive to our lodge at Laguna Lagarto arriving in time for some sunset bird and wildlife photography
• Day 6: Full day of wildlife photography in the region of Laguna Lagarto
• Day 7: After a final morning of bird photography we will drive to Caño Negro, arriving in time for sunset photography on the river
• Day 8: Morning photography on a remote riverine woodland, drive to Arenal Volcano
• Day 9: Full day of wildlife photography around Arenal region
• Day 10: Travel to the cloud forests of the Cerro De La Muerte and enjoy our first afternoon of photography at our lodge's hummingbird feeders
• Days 11 & 12: Morning photography sessions with the magnificent Resplendent Quetzals. Afternoons photographing the hummingbirds and a variety of cloud forest birds in the vicinity of the lodge
• Day 13: After a final morning of photography at our lodge, return to San Jose airport where our tour will end after lunch

To see a larger map, click on the square-like ‘enlarge’ icon in the upper right of the map box.

To see (or hide) the ‘map legend’, click on the icon with an arrow in the upper left of the map box.

To change to a satellite view, which is great for seeing the physical terrain (and for seeing really fine details by repetitive use of the + button), click on the square ‘map view’ icon in the lower left corner of the ‘map legend’.

PRICE INFORMATION

Wild Images Inclusions: Our tour prices include surface transportation, accommodations, meals and entrance fees.

Our tour prices also include all tips for our driver/naturalist guide and accommodation/restaurant staff.

Deposit: 20% of the total tour price. Our office will let you know what deposit amount is due, in order to confirm your booking, following receipt of your online booking form.

TO BOOK THIS TOUR: Click here (you will need the tour dates)

If you are travelling alone, the single supplement will not apply if you are willing to share a room and there is a room-mate of the same sex available.

This tour is priced in US Dollars. Amounts shown in other currencies are indicative.

Air Travel To & From The Tour: Our in-house IATA ticket agency will be pleased to arrange your air travel on request, or you may arrange this yourself if you prefer.

COSTA RICA: THE FOREST JEWEL OF NORTH AMERICA WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR: DETAILED ITINERARY

Costa Rica: Wildlife Photography Tour Day 1

Our Costa Rica wildlife photography adventure starts this evening at the comfortable Bougainvillea Lodge, located in the quiet outskirts of Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose.

Costa Rica: Wildlife Photography Tour Day 2

This morning we will drive out of the city anddrive to Sarapiqui at the edge of the wilds in Braulio Carillo National Park.  Arriving in time for lunch we will dip our toes in to the wildlife of this area by exploring the network of trails in the grounds of our lodge.

Costa Rica: Wildlife Photography Tour Day 3

We will spend a full day with our guide visiting the hide and feeders he has at his home and walking the forest trails in search of wildlife.  His extensive experience as a spotter is almost unrivalled in the country and the region around his home is home to some absolutely wonderful wildlife.  From his feeders alone we might see Orange-chinned Parakeet, Crested Oropendola, White-necked Jacobin and a variety of tanager species to add to our growing portfolio from the tour.

Costa Rica: Wildlife Photography Tour Day 4

Today we will spend a full day doing photography in a carefully considered conservation program for Costa Rica’s frogs and snakes.  It is here we will meet incredible frog species including Ghost Glass Frog, Barred Tree Frog, Strawberry Poison Dart Frog and the famous Red-eyed Frog of Costa Rica.  The reptilian highlights of our day may include the stunning Eyelash Viper, Side-striped Palm Pit Viper, Fer-de-lance, False Coral snake and Boa Constrictors.  This family owned project sits on a large property that also has Brown-throated Sloths, many tropical flowers, insects, anolus lizards and a large variety of birds.

Costa Rica: Wildlife Photography Tour Day 5

Our rainforest exploration continues as we drive to the wonderful Laguna del Lagarto Eco Lodge where we will arrive to enjoy some afternoon photography in the lodge grounds of this rainforest paradise.

Costa Rica: Wildlife Photography Tour Day 6

Situated in a valley  amidst 500 hectares of protected rainforest, over 350 species of birds have been recorded here and one of the absolute highlights is the ability to photograph incredibly beautiful birds like Collared Aracaris, Keel-billed Toucans, Montezuma Oropendola, Green Honeycreeper, Shining and Red-legged Honeycreepers, all while you sit and eat breakfast.  The lodge has two small lagoons that are home to a number of Caiman which we will visit for night photography.  It also has a spectacular and well set up hide to photograph Black and King Vultures at a vulture dinner daily.  If these locations alone are not enough, the lodge grounds might produce Giant Curassows, White-nosed Coatis, Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker, Central American Pygmy Owl and Brown-hooded Parrot.

Costa Rica: Wildlife Photography Tour Day 7

After a final morning of photography at our wonderful lodge, we will drive north to the remote Caño Negro reserve, close to the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua.  This area is one of the only accessible places to see the rare Nicaraguan Grackle. Arriving in time for a sunset cruise at a diverse wetlands we will be looking out for birds including Limpkin, Northern Jacana, Wood Stork, crakes, rails, herons, egrets, anhingas and kingfishers to photograph until sunset.

Costa Rica: Wildlife Photography Tour Day 8

The following morning we will take to the water again in quiet boats exploring some incredibly untouched riverine systems that are home to Proboscis Bat, Green Iguana, Emerald Basilisk Lizard, Howler Monkeys and many species of birds.  Simply floating quietly on these rivers is a like immersing yourself in a forest wonderland with vines falling over the river, gigantic trees and many beautiful rainforest creatures.  The sights and sounds are mesmerising.  This afternoon we will sadly leave our rainforest wildlife behind as we ascend towards the mid-altitude forested flanks of Mount Arenal, Costa Rica’s most active volcano.  If we are lucky here the clouds will give way so we can see the lofty cone-like mountain from our comfortable lodge and we will arrive in time to do some photography in the lodge grounds.  This evening, after dinner, we will have a chance to visit the lodge’s wonderful frog pond and enjoy our first photography with wild Red-eyed Frogs, Masked Tree Frog, Central American Bullfrog and even the occasional snake.

Costa Rica: Wildlife Photography Tour Day 9

Today we will enjoy a full day of photography in the spectacular Arenal region.  Our lodge alone is home to some very tame coatis and curassows and if you are lucky enough to have a ground floor room, you might even wake up to a curious curassow wandering past your door.  The curassows and coatis join up to feed on the dropped fruit underneath the lodges feeders, effectively enjoying a complimentary breakfast each day alongside the lodge guests.  The grounds have been carefully planted with huge stands of ginger flowers, flowering and fruiting trees which all attract a myriad of birds.  Perhaps one of the most spectacular backdrops here is the giant cecropia trees.  It is really worth keeping an eye out in them for perching aracaris, toucans and oropendolas.  Tonight we will enjoy a wonderful meal at our lodge to celebrate some of the amazing wildlife experiences of the tour and, just in case you haven’t had enough of Costa Rica’s incredible frogs, we will revisit the frog pool to see if we can photograph even more species before our time around Arenal ends.

Costa Rica: Wildlife Photography Tour Day 10

We will ascend to the cloud forests of Cerro de la Muerte. Our lodge is perched on a hillside with a series of wonderful hummingbird feeders. Opportunities abound to capture wonderful images of some stunning hummingbirds including Magnificent, Fiery-throated and Volcano hummingbirds, amongst others.  If we tire of the myriad of hummingbird photographic opportunities, short walks in the lodge grounds might introduce us to avian jewels including Golden-browed Chlorophonia, Slaty Flowerpiercer, Acorn Woodpecker and others.  If we are lucky with the weather we may see our first sunset above the clouds on our first evening.

Costa Rica: Wildlife Photography Tour Days 11-12

Over the next three days we will spend our mornings at a stakeout for roosting and feeding Resplendent Quetzals, surely one of the most spectacular birds of the Americas.  While we quietly sit and wait, we will also be keeping an eye out for other birds to photograph nearby.  During the afternoons we will return to the lodge for more bird photography.

Costa Rica: Wildlife Photography Tour Day 13

Today we will enjoy a final morning of the tour at a wonderful cafe in the highlands which has feeders attracting some of the more elusive birds we may have not yet seen on the tour including Emerald Toucanet, Acorn Woodpecker, Volcano Hummingbird, Slaty Flowerpiercer and the gawdy Flame-coloured Tanager.  After a sumptuous lunch here we will return to San Jose where our tour will end at the airport.

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I always thought it would be wonderful to go to Costa Rica for photography.  A few years ago I joined a Birdquest tour to see the country’s birds and I felt completely beguiled by it.  Where else in Central America can you find such vast expanses of completely unexplored rainforest filled with charismatic and wonderful […]

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Costa Rica Bird Photography Tour

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Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica – Hotel Bougainvillea Day 2-3: Caribbean Foothills – Arenal Observatory Lodge Day 4-5: Boca Tapada – Laguna del Lagarto Lodge Day 6-7: Caribbean Lowlands – Tirimbina Lodge Day 8-9: Caribbean Slope – Rancho Naturalista Day 10-11: San Gerardo de Dota – Quetzal Paradise Lodge Day 12: San Jose – Depart for home

Map of the Costa Rica Bird Photography Tour

Day 2: Caribbean Foothills – Arenal Volcano region

Enjoy an early morning breakfast, and depart for Arenal. Enjoy your stop at the La Tigre Hummingbird gardens. Your guide will help you spot a wide variety of hummingbirds as well as Tanagers, bananaquits, and more. Top Hummingbird Species: White Bellied Mountain Gem, Violet Sabrewing, Green Hermit, Purple-throated Mountain Gem, Green-crowned Brilliant, Violet-Crowned Woodnymph.

After hotel check-in, meet your guide for an afternoon of birdwatching and photography in the gardens and on the grounds of the lodge. The feeders and gardens are teeming with Tanagers, Honeycreepers, Parrots, Flycatchers, and Hummingbirds. Hotel: Arenal Observatory Lodge

Day 3: Caribbean Foothills – Bogarin Gardens

This morning you will enjoy a great day of photographing birds on the grounds and trail at the Observatory Lodge. This area is alive with so many different species of birds, you will need a quick eye to spot them all. There are more than 500 species recorded in this area. The diverse landscape includes primary and secondary forest, pastureland and even hardened lava flows. From the gardens, you will continue into the jungle trails looking for Antbirds, Tinamous, Doves, and Quails.

This afternoon you make an excursion to the Bogarin Gardens. Bogarin is an absolute must visit for ANY birder wearing binocs or carrying a camera. Thanks to the dedication, perseverance, and hard work of local naturalist Geovanni Bogarin, you can walk a good, easy trail through second growth and wet areas that host the most reliable location for a wide variety of bird species. Some of the top species include Uniform Crakes, Rufous-tailed Jacamars, Rufous-winged Woodpecker, Barred Antshrike, Long-billed Gnatwren, Black-crested Coquette, Golden-winged Warbler and Mourning Warblers. You will have time for the trails and feeders, to get your perfect shots. Hotel: Arenal Observatory Lodge

Day 4: Boca Tapada – King Vultures

Today after breakfast you will travel with your guide to the small town of Boca Tapada and the rustic Laguna del Lagarto Lodge. Laguna del Lagarto Lodge, at Boca Tapada, San Carlos, Costa Rica, offers genuine contact with nature. Exuberant trails in the tropical rainforest allow for direct access to nature. 150 species of trees, monkeys, caimans, coatis, red frogs and the symphony of 350 species of birds – the most wanted dream of bird watchers and photographers – are all part of this enchanting experience. Laguna del Lagarto Lodge comprises 500 protected hectares that can be toured in different ways, by foot, by horse or by boat, and each trip will leave you with a great impression.

The Lodge has specially located platforms to take pictures of birds at a strategic distance of no more than four meters. For photographers and lovers of nature, Laguna del Lagarto is a must for any visit to Costa Rica.

This afternoon enjoy a special session, on a specially designed photography platform to photograph the elusive King Vulture.

Laguna del Lagarto Lodge / Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Boca Tapada – Private gardens & hummingbirds

Remote areas of undisturbed, dense forests are not always the best places to photograph birds. Agricultural areas, gardens with fruits, edge-habitats often attract many more species, and the situation is no different in Costa Rica. To take advantage of the incredible array of bird species in the Caribbean lowlands, we will visit the hide in the backyard of a local inhabitant of Santa Rita, a nearby village. Adolfo’s Gardens is superb. This hide has very quickly become one of our most popular locations for bird photographers and you’ll spend the morning getting your best shots. This afternoon you WIll visit the special hummingbird garden at the Laguna del Lagarto Lodge to photograph a wide variety of hummingbird species. Laguna del Lagarto Lodge / Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Caribbean Lowlands – Alvaro’s Macaws

On the way to Sarapiqui you’ll make a very special stop at Alvaro’s farm. Several years ago a farmer, Alvaro, living in a remote part of Sarapiqui was given an injured Macaw. He nursed it back to health and made it known that he would care for more injured Macaws if they ever became available. After a while, one by one, he was given four more. All the birds made a full recovery and they have since bred and there are now around twenty Macaws at the farm. They all fly freely and rarely move far from the farmhouse. There are both the Scarlet Macaws and the Great Green Macaws here. The birds have really bonded with this special farmer and will follow him from tree to tree for a few peanuts. This means that there is a pre-determined flight-path, so photographers know exactly where to stand to capture the birds in flight. As well as photographing the Macaws in flight, there are other opportunities to get amazing perched shots of these birds from very close distances. You will photograph them both at eye level and higher up in the trees. After Alvaro’s you will continue on to your hotel. Tirimbina Lodge / Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: Caribbean Lowlands – Cope’s Garden

Enjoy the early morning in the gardens and trails of Tirimbina, then after breakfast visit a local birding and photography site, Cope’s Gardens. Cope’s garden, owned by local birder and artist, Jose Albert Perez is an amazing retreat for birders and photographers.

The finca has a small but very productive pond and feeder set up. Common visitors include various tanagers, toucans, Pale-vented Pigeon, Hermits, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer, and many other hummingbirds. The vocalizations of Slate-colored Grosbeak and Striped Cuckoo from nearby in the garden will remind you of the high avian potential in the area. Other visitors to Cope’s garden include the Pygmy Kingfisher and the Russet-naped Wood-Rail. Cope is often familiar with the roosting site of several owl species, including the Crested Owl. You’ll have time for photographing owls, if there are some in the area.

Other species known to the gardens and surrounding areas: White-ringed Flycatcher, Purple-throated Fruit Crows, Semi Plumbeous Hawks, Brown-hooded Parrots, and Thicket Antpittas.

Tirimbina Lodge / Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: Turrialba – Caribbean Foothills

Rancho Naturalista, is a lush jungle paradise, surrounded by magnificent cloud and rainforests, in the middle of Costa Rica. In this Lodge, you will discover great natural beauty, an abundance of crystal waters and the richness of some extraordinary forests where the privacy and the personalized service form a unique and unrepeatable experience.

Live the experience of being able to breathe the purest of mountain air, while resting or walking through the jungle, without any environmental pollution and in complete peace and tranquility. This small rustic Lodge is made up of 12 very spacious rooms, pleasantly decorated with Costa Rican handicrafts,  providing a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. Each room has two double beds, a private bathroom with hot water and ample balconies to admire the magnificent landscape of our mountains.

Spend the afternoon exploring the gardens, feeders, and grounds of the lodge.

Keep your eyes peeled for some of the areas most wanted species: Immaculate Antbird, Thicket Tinamou, Purple-crowned Fairy Hummingbird, White Hawks and much more

Rancho Naturalista / Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Rancho Naturalista – Birding the Gardens and Trails

Today you’ll spend the day exploring the reserve and surrounding area at Rancho Naturalista. Guests will enjoy the observation balcony, the gardens, the beautiful forest trails and even have a chance to visit the hummingbird pools, where hummingbirds come in the afternoon to bathe. This area is fantastic for a wide variety of bird species.

Day 10: San Gerardo de Dota – Paramo

On day 10 of your Costa Rica bird photography tour, you depart the steamy Caribbean for the cool Talamanca Mountains. You’ll make a stop at the Cinchona feeders for your first chance to photograph many highland species. Cinchona is a fantastic place to visit feeders and have the opportunity to photograph Barbets, Tanagers, Hummingbirds, and Toucanets. The observation deck puts you at eye level with a wide array of feeders. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee, relax and watch for your favorite species.

Quetzal Paradise Lodge features extensive gardens, rustic, wooden bungalows and a fantastic terrace with views of the cloud forest. It is located just 3 km from Los Quetzales National Park.

The bungalows offer basic but comfortable furnishings, coffee maker, wardrobe and a private bathroom with shower. The on-site restaurant offers panoramic views of the forest, valley and surrounding mountains. The property sits amidst 12 kilometers of trails, open for use for all guests.

This afternoon we’ll arrange for the feeders to be well stocked so you can set up with your cameras to get the best shots of all the mountain species. Hotel Quetzal Paradise Lodge / Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11: San Gerardo de Dota – Quetzal Country

Today we will visit several highland areas to give everyone the best chance to photograph some of the most wanted bird species. Based on weather and time factors, we may visit Tolomuco Lodge, Batsu, or Savegre Lodge. We’ll be focusing on elevations between 1500-2500 meters to give everyone the best chance at capturing the Resplendent Quetzal, Golden-browed Chlorophonia, Long-Tailed Silky Flycatcher, and the Flame-throated warbler on film.

We will return to the feeders at Quetzal Paradise Lodge for the late afternoon feeder activity. Quetzal Paradise Lodge / Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 12: Return to the SJO Airport for your flight home

Today your Costa Rica bird photography tour comes to an end. You Will return to the San Jose International Airport to check in for your flight home.

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Whether you're an experienced photographer, or a total beginner, this tour is for you. Costa Rica is a tropical treasure perfect for honing your skills in nature photography under the expert tutelage of CAU fan-favorite, David Todd. Experience the turquoise waters, crystalline rivers, cloud forests, and lush wildlife while learning how to capture amazing photos of your epic journey.

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Your 8-day adventure will unfold in Costa Rica, revealing vast biodiversity and stunning landscapes with an emphasis on nature photography.

Embark on an exploration of the winding rivers of Tortuguero National Park, where you seek three-toed sloths, three species of monkeys, and 320 bird species.

Visit the Sea Turtle Conservation Museum and join an evening turtle nesting tour, immersing yourselves in the captivating world of sea turtle conservation.

Immerse yourself in Monteverde's complex ecosystem for two days, perched atop the continental divide. Witness the misty clouds and fog that envelop this unique environment, home to over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, tens of thousands of insect species, and at least 2,500 varieties of plants, including 420 orchid species.

Check out the trails and hanging bridges near Arenal Volcano for a unique top-down view into the canopy. Learn from local biologists about sea turtle conservation and see their nests on a special nighttime walking tour. Take an optional raft down the Sarapiqui River. All the while, benefit from the pro tips David Todd is sharing throughout.

Dive into extraordinary photo ops as you visit an organic farm to learn what it takes to farm organically in the tropics,  experience the Hummingbird Gallery, and gain awareness of the ecological importance of bats in the Bat Jungle.

Enjoy plenty of time to relax in this lush wonderland surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of flowers, dense foliage, and colorful wildlife.

Arrive in the capital city of San Jose. Transfer to the Bougainvillea Hotel, and in the evening, join fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner.

Meals included: Reception, Dinner

After breakfast, travel to Tortuguero National Park by motor-coach and boat. In the afternoon, explore the winding rivers of Tortuguero National Park, seeking three-toed sloths, various species of monkeys, and a multitude of bird species. Learn about local marine conservation efforts at the Sea Turtle Conservation Museum. As the sun sets, participate in a sea turtle walk led by an expert guide.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue your exploration of Tortuguero National Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Navigate the canals and rivers, keeping a keen eye out for exotic bird species, playful monkeys, and elusive reptiles. In the afternoon, join a local biologist to delve into the captivating world of sea turtle nesting, gaining firsthand knowledge about these ancient creatures and the challenges they face. This day promises encounters with nature's wonders and a deeper appreciation for the delicate ecosystems of Tortuguero.

Today, join an optional rafting adventure down the exciting Class II/III rapids of the Sarapiqui River, feeling the exhilarating rush of the water and soaking in breathtaking views along the way. Suitable for ages 6 and older, this thrilling experience is sure to create lasting memories for the whole family. Following the river adventure, continue your journey to the scenic Arenal National Park, where the majestic Arenal Volcano awaits. Check-in at Tilajari Hotel, your gateway to the wonders of the rainforest.

Embark on a canopy adventure as you explore the rainforest trails and traverse hanging bridges near Arenal Volcano. Gain a deeper understanding of sustainable practices with a visit to an organic farm for lunch. As night falls, experience the rainforest in a new light with a captivating night walking tour, unveiling the mysteries of nocturnal flora and fauna. This day promises a perfect blend of adventure, education, and connection with nature.

Cross Lake Arenal by boat as you make your way to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, a biodiversity hot spot. Immerse yourself in the intricacies of the nocturnal ecosystem during an expert-led nighttime walk in the cloud forest to experience the enchanting nocturnal sounds of both the rainforest and cloud forest.

Begin the day with a morning walk in Monteverde’s cloud forest, gaining an appreciation for its diverse and rare plant and animal species. Visit the Hummingbird Gallery to understand the vital role these pollinators play in maintaining the ecosystem. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Bat Jungle, gaining insight into their intriguing feeding patterns and learning more about these often-misunderstood animals. Conclude your journey with a special farewell dinner.

Transfer to Liberia Airport for your return flights home.

Meals included: Breakfast, meals aloft.

David Todd—together with Jennifer Gioffre Todd—has taught more than 100 CAU Summer students the art of photography across a range of techniques including nature photography, digital photography, and black & white 35mm photography. For this extraordinary journey, David will be on the ground in Costa Rica with CAU, while Jennifer, co-developer of the tour, will provide expertise during pre-tour elements and curate a special bonus feature for participants from back in Ithaca.

"David and Jen were awesome instructors! I loved this course!" ~CAU Summer participant

"Jen and David are excellent instructors! They easily tailored the material to fit my beginner status, which was really helpful. Also, they helped me learn how to use my camera effectively!" ~CAU Summer participant

With only 30 spots, this tour will fill up fast!

June 17 – 26, 2025 with Holger Klinck, The John W. Fitzpatrick Director of the K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Aboard the 76-cabin National Geographic Resolution In partnership with Lindblad Expeditions

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A Girls’ Trip to Costa Rica. But With No Phones, Did It Happen?

Travelers are signing up for phone-free tours, to try to escape technology’s tether on daily life. But would it make for a better experience?

By Christine Chung

We were on a quintessential girl’s trip to Costa Rica. Together, we gulped icy drinks by the hotel pool, were battered by waves during a surf lesson, had our tarot cards read aboard a catamaran, and danced our hearts out, powered by espresso martinis, to early 2000s anthems on a rooftop.

But we didn’t capture any of this on our phones. No Instagram stories were posted of the fun being had. No TikToks either. We didn’t text photos to friends and family in far colder climates back home.

And if there wasn’t a picture, well, did it happen? I had wondered if a vacation without my phone would reprogram my iPhone-addled brain, whether it might deepen the connections I made or improve my travel experiences. So, in mid-April, I joined a group of 10 other women in their 20s and 30s for a four-day, phone-free tour of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, on the country’s northwestern coast, a picturesque place of breathtaking beaches, tropical forests and, everywhere around you, the chance of a surreal wildlife sighting.

To document my vacation, I brought only a pen, a notebook and a disposable camera.

‘More present in the moment’

FTLO Travel , which started offering group tours in 2016 for solo travelers 25 to 39 years old, organized our phone-free trip. Most FTLO clients are women, said Tara Cappel, the company’s founder and chief executive, and the majority of them are traveling solo for the first time.

The company has long had a rule prohibiting phones at dinner, she said, and the phone-free trips, which began this year, are an extension of this. “Removing that sort of temptation has always helped facilitate better bonding and conversation,” said Ms. Cappel, 35.

The hope in providing an entirely phone-free experience, she continued, is that travelers could “be present in the experience and the destination and with each other.”

She added that FTLO’s phone-free trips this year, which start at $1,699 and also head to Iceland, Mexico, Cuba and Puerto Rico, are in strong demand . My Costa Rica trip was sold out and overall, the company anticipates about 3,000 travelers across the hundreds of trips they’re offering this year.

The interest in these trips stem in part from a growing trend among travelers to try to escape technology’s tether on daily life. Operators are moving beyond offering meditation retreats and truly remote locations — even cruises and hotels in buzzy vacation hot spots these days market their disconnection experiences. At the Grand Velas Resorts , on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, guests can opt for a detox concierge, who will remove the hotel room’s flat screen television and lock all personal electronics in a safe. With Unplugged , a company specializing in tech-free escapes, you can book a “digital detox cabin” to spend three tech-free days in the English countryside.

Heather Orton, a nurse practitioner and my roommate in Costa Rica, said that going phone-free was the main reason she’d booked the FTLO trip. She’d previously gone on two trips with FTLO, to Crete and to Morocco, experiences where she made lasting friendships.

“At work I have to always have my phone on, be responsive to texts, emails and calls,” said Ms. Orton, 37, of Ohio. “It’s nice to turn that off and get away.” She said she felt she was “more present in the moment” and fully immersed in Costa Rica.

A bit like sleepaway camp

We’d come from all over the United States, including Texas, Alabama, California and Minnesota, and most of us were meeting for the very first time.

It felt like sleepaway camp, or college orientation — it was a social situation structured around group activities that quickly gave rise to new friendships, even if they were brittle ones. Two ebullient trip leaders corralled us to various activities and recited facts about local flora and fauna, all adding to the feeling of a camp for adults, and at times like being chaperoned on a school trip.

They directed us to their favorite restaurants and watering holes, and attempted to draw everyone into conversation and ensure no one felt left out. One afternoon, Mandy, one of the co-leaders and a certified yoga instructor, led a trio of us in a restorative flow at our hotel. Dani, the other trip leader, who was born in Costa Rica, was on crutches because of a recent ankle injury, but he hobbled along energetically on nights out, swaying to dance music on one leg.

Companies targeting younger travelers, like FTLO, G Adventures , Flashpack and others, aren’t touting their ability to get you to a place, but the connection they can deliver.

“The inspiration was really to help people go abroad who had the desire but didn’t necessarily have people to go with,” Ms. Cappel said of creating FTLO.

Sambavi Venkatesen, a 32-year-old therapist who lives in Austin, Texas, told me she had booked the trip after turning to TikTok to research group travel for people of color.

“The opportunity to meet other diverse women is not something that’s easily accessible in your 30s. That was kind of a big appeal,” she said, adding that she felt a real connection to other tour participants by trip's end. “I genuinely want to see people again and hope they visit me.”

Unscheduled time

We were based in Tamarindo, a lively tourist playground set along the Pacific Ocean that spanned just a few blocks, making it easy to navigate without GPS. We were given a printed map of the town, which I barely used. With my phone and laptop locked in the hotel room safe, gone were all the tools I usually rely on while traveling (and check frenetically): map and translation apps, social media and internet, for restaurant and activity searches. But thanks to the tour, this work had already been done.

We spent an afternoon ziplining through canyons and then crossed a rickety suspension bridge to plunge into the icy, refreshing waters by a waterfall. We surfed and drank beer — two activities I do not generally voluntarily sign up for. We lounged on the netted deck of a catamaran, where we watched a deep-red sun sink into the sea. Nearly every night we frequented a different nightclub.

We started the trip knowing nothing about each other’s lives, from our ages to interests. Our first night was characterized by icebreakers (“share a fun fact about yourself”) and the occasional awkward silence. But by the third night, we were screaming the lyrics to Lil Jon’s “Get Low” in the club. And the conversation grew more nuanced, as we shared stories about jobs, relationships, beloved pets and the rhythms of lives back home.

Some of the best moments happened during the time left unscheduled, when I made my own decisions about activities. A highlight of the trip was an excursion my roommate and I booked on our own, through the hotel, to kayak in a mangrove-bordered estuary, where we spotted iguanas, howler monkeys and a crocodile, watchful and still in the murky waters.

A fuzzy food photo

Overall, I didn’t miss my phone. The absence of Slack notifications and countless other digital intrusions was bliss. Conversations unspooled more fluidly than I expected they would without the crutch of a phone for idly filling silence. I slept deeper than I had in months. But my phone’s phantom presence loomed large. I swiveled my head, a Pavlovian response, when I heard the ping of another tourist's phone. My bag felt too light, which made me feel uneasy.

Mainly, I missed a good camera. Others had wisely brought digital cameras along, but I had to ration the pictures on my disposable camera, and only allowed myself to take one food photo. It’s fuzzy.

Not everyone on the trip was fully committed to the screen time ban. One night, as I tried to capture sunset using my disposable, one of my trip mates pulled out her phone and took a picture. I’m sure her photo is better than mine.

Toward the end of the trip, I learned that some other travelers had surreptitiously used their phones throughout (to text and call their moms, mostly).

But we delighted in seeing a drowsy tapir, a large mammal almost mythical because of its rarity, wake from an afternoon nap in Hacienda Guachipelin , a private property by Rincon de la Vieja National Park . There were also dozens of howler monkeys perched atop mangroves swaying in the wind, and one night, a man who was absolutely shredding on the guitar at a beachfront bar. All were incredible moments that I’ve already revisited in my memory.

On the last day of the trip, we switched our phones back on, literally jolting us back to real life with pings and vibrations. We shared Instagram handles to connect online, and I returned, almost without realizing it, to a stream of information, push notifications, digital itineraries, unfettered scrolling and the expectation of a quick reply to a message.

I’ve tried, however, to maintain the feeling of being phone-free in Tamarindo: the delicious lack of immediacy, the way time seemed to expand languidly.

Simply put, I’m using my phone less.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

The Alaska Highway:  On an epic road trip, a family plots a course from Alaska to the Lower 48, passing through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery .

Minorca:  Spend 36 hours on this slow-paced Spanish island , which offers a quieter and wilder retreat than its more touristy neighbors.

Japan:  A new high-speed train stop unlocks Kaga, a destination for hot springs, nourishing food and traditional crafts , as an easy-to-reach getaway from Tokyo.

London:  The Victoria and Albert Museum is a treasure trove of art and design. Here’s one besotted visitor’s plan for taking it all in .

Traveling Without a Passport

Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit Right Now?

Dreaming of adventure? Costa Rica’s got it! Wondering about safety? No worries—Costa Rica is incredibly safe to visit. Read on to see our top tips for a safe and unforgettable vacation.

Costa Rica, known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife, attracts millions of tourists every year. But, as with any destination, safety is a top concern for travelers. In this article, we’ll answer the question, “Is Costa Rica safe to visit?” (SPOILER ALERT: Yes, it is!) and, in conjunction with our partner, Vigilios , we’ll provide helpful tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable vacation.

Navigating Costa Rica Safely

Overview of safety in costa rica.

When comparing safety in Costa Rica to other Latin American countries, Costa Rica stands out as one of the safest destinations, with relatively low crime rates overall. Many tourist areas and national parks are well-protected and considered safe for visitors. However, it’s important to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions when traveling in any foreign country, including Costa Rica.

Government Travel Advisories

Government travel advisories play a crucial role in communicating safety information to travelers. In this case, the US State Department lists Costa Rica at level 2 (defined as “exercise increased caution”) due to crime. Level 1 (“exercise normal caution”) is the safest. Other countries garnering a level 2 rating from the US State Department are Italy, Spain, and Denmark, putting Costa Rica’s safety on par with some of the world’s most tourist-friendly places. The Canadian and Australian governments use the same risk level scale, and both countries rank Costa Rica at level 2.

See Also: The Safest Latin American Countries to Visit

Costa Rica’s Tourist Police

The Tourist Police of Costa Rica (TPCR) focuses on serving tourists, tour operators, and communities that receive tourists. All TPCR members are proficient in English and Spanish and respond to incidents involving both foreign and domestic tourists. 

In 2019, Costa Rica ranked 16th out of 140 countries in the World Economic Forum’s assessment of countries prioritizing travel and tourism. The presence of a specialized tourist police force highlights Costa Rica’s dedication to safeguarding tourism and providing a welcoming environment for visitors.

Safety Tips for Travelers in Costa Rica

To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Costa Rica, follow some of these basic safety tips. 

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Keep valuables close, to minimize the risk of becoming a target for petty crime
• Utilize the hotel’s safe for storing valuables 
• Always be discreet when handling cash in public.

Some safety measures to consider, specific to Costa Rica, are: 

• Know the emergency numbers. Dialing 911 will connect you to police, fire, and medical services.
• Respect all wildlife and maintain a safe distance from animals.
• Pay attention to beach flags, tides, and currents, and swim in designated areas.

TourRadar’s Nika P., who recently returned from an organized adventure in Costa Rica, states, “I felt very safe and comfortable all of the time.” Still, she advises following standard precautions like not walking alone through dimly lit or isolated areas in the cities or on beaches at night.

See Also: Best Tours in Costa Rica

Transportation Safety in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s roadway infrastructure might not be as extensive as that of Europe’s or Canada’s, but it’s nowhere near as congested as Mumbai’s or New York’s. In 2019, the World Economic Forum ranked Costa Rica’s ground and port infrastructure 86th out of 140 nations. Nonetheless, Costa Rica’s roadways still ranked higher than those of its bigger and wealthier neighbors, like Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil.

Costa Rica might rank lower than average because these rankings account for factors like paved road density and railroad density. Tourists visit Costa Rica because of its abundance of open spaces, access to wilderness, and proximity to nature—exactly the places that roads and railroads can’t reach! When deciding how to explore Costa Rica, we suggest going with the ultimate travel hack and booking an organized adventure . Letting the experts navigate means you can kick back and soak in the sights without a worry in the world. The drivers are local, seasoned pros who know every dip and turn of the roads they travel. TourRadar’s Patricia B. recently returned from her own organized adventure in Costa Rica and agrees wholeheartedly, stating, ‘Not having to organize, worry, or plan my route helps me do what I most want to do on vacation: relax!’

Health, Medical, and Legal Concerns

Accessing medical care while traveling.

Costa Rica has both public and private medical facilities in its cities, small towns, and rural areas. Both are generally well-equipped, and the healthcare system is considered on par with those of most advanced nations. 

For peace of mind, it’s essential to have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical costs, including medical evacuation, before departing. When visiting a hospital or care provider, be sure to have a copy of your passport and travel insurance details available.

Drinking Water Safety in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s tap water is generally safe to drink in most tourist areas. The World Economic Forum’s 2019 Global Competitiveness Report ranks Costa Rica 37th overall when measuring the reliability of its water supply. Additionally, according to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, 81 percent of Costa Rica’s population can access safely managed drinking water sources.

Consulate and Embassy Resources

Your consulate or embassy can provide assistance and support in case of emergencies, such as lost passports and medical or legal issues. It’s advisable to keep the contact information of your consulate or embassy handy when traveling in Costa Rica.

So, there you have it! Costa Rica isn’t just a place to connect with nature; it’s also a place where you can feel safe. With dedicated tourist police and robust medical services, Costa Rica rolls out the welcome mat for all. Stay informed about the current safety situation and download the Vigilios app for the latest information in any country you visit. Embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle responsibly, explore must-visit locations, and enjoy all that Costa Rica offers!

About Vigilios

As you plan your adventures, it’s crucial to have up-to-date safety information. Vigilios , an AI-powered travel safety app, provides precisely that. It consolidates data from various trusted sources to deliver timely, accurate insights directly to your device. With Vigilios, navigating new destinations becomes easier and safer. Whether you’re exploring a bustling metropolis or seeking tranquility off the beaten path, Vigilios ensures you stay informed and confident every step of the way. You can download the app here .

Jehangir Irani

I'm a writer, photographer, and video journalist based in Berlin, Germany. I previously worked in NYC for 12 years as a photojournalist and documentarian. Patagonia tops my travel bucket list.

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Costa rican man shoots his neighbor dead after heated argument on video, costa rican man on video shooting neighbor dead ... after heated argument.

A neighborhood dispute turned deadly in Costa Rica after a man opened fire on another guy ... and the horrific moment was caught on video, which shows the killing.

In the harrowing surveillance footage from earlier this week that's making the rounds, 2 neighbors and their respective wives are seen getting into an argument, yelling at one another from their adjoining homes in the city of Escazú. The disagreement moves to the front yard, where the 2 parties continue to hurl words back and forth.

As the argument heats up, Otoniel Orozco Mendoza -- the man who ended up getting shot, and later identified by local media -- makes the quarrel a physical one ... throwing punches at his neighbor, Eduardo Ramírez Zamora . Unfortunately, Zamora pulled a gun out in response.

Zamora ended up firing at least 9 shots at Mendoza ... at point-blank range, mind you.

Mendoza's wife is seen screaming and fleeing as the shots are fired, with Zamora's wife pulling him back ... attempting to stop the disturbing scene. They both eventually run off.

The incident, which took place Monday, was fatal for Mendoza -- who was pronounced dead at the scene after first responders arrived. According to La Nacion , the couples had been arguing about their shared water valve.

Zamora was arrested by authorities after the incident.

Mendoza, who was originally from Nicaragua, was a businessman who worked in private security. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter and son. He was 53.

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