Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Tours & Bird Watching
8 Days and 7 Nights
This Costa Rica photography tour and bird watching 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. Bird watching enthusiasts will enjoy the opportunity to photograph quetzals and other birds during our bird watching 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 wildlife and best bird watching tours.
Costa Rica Photography Tours Highlights
- Best wildlife and bird watching in Costa Rica
- Explore the Tortuguero canals and the mystic cloudforest habitats
- Best chances to photograph the Resplendent Quetzal
- Improve your wildlife photography skills with an expert leader
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 with luck the Green Macaws can be seen, 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 Bird Watching Photography Tours
The workshop is designed for a small group of individuals looking to enhance their wildlife photography skills. It is tailored for intermediate to advanced photographers who want to capture stunning images in the perfect setting. Our expert photography guides are exceptional—they are among the best in Costa Rica, fun to work with, and have an unparalleled ability to find wildlife and birds.
Quetzal Bird Watching Costa Rica
During the Quetzal season, we will first search for the elusive bird at Paraíso del Quetzal, where we will attempt to photograph it. After your hike through the lush forest, take some time to visit the hummingbird garden for fantastic photos of these colorful species. It’s amazing how close they get, flitting and darting around the vibrant flowers—this is truly one of the best birdwatching locations.
Our second opportunity to encounter the magnificent Quetzal will be at Palo Verde Cloudforest, where you will hike for approximately two hours while enjoying the cool, fresh climate amidst moss-covered hardwoods and unique flora and fauna. The biodiversity differs significantly from what you’ll find at lower altitudes. The premontane forest is home to many birds and animals that aren’t found anywhere else in Costa Rica. Over 200 bird species have been spotted in the park, including the Resplendent Quetzal, Bellbirds, trogons, hummingbirds, redstarts, wrens, and woodpeckers.
Our Costa Rica photography expedition will take us to stunning locations: the rainforest of the Caribbean Lowlands, the river canals, and the cloud forest of the central highlands.
Don’t miss this adventure! Contact us to plan your Costa Rica photography tour today!
Itinerary
SAN JOSÉ
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.
INCLUDED
- Arrival transportation
- 1 night’s accommodations at Park Inn hotel. Standard room (Breakfast included)
- Orientation briefing
EXCLUDED
- Incidentals like: laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, spa services, tours, meals not specified on the itinerary.
TORTUGUERO
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 3.5 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 2 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 , lots of water birds, toucans, parrots, parakeets, caiman (cousins of alligators), and possibly crocodiles, as well as colorful tropical forest birds.
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
INCLUDED
- Transportation and guide services.
- Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
- 2 nights’ accommodations at Evergreen Lodge. Standard room
- National Park Entrance fee
EXCLUDED
- Incidentals like laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, spa services, tours, meals not specified on the itinerary.
TORTUGUERO
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.
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 , lots of water birds, toucans, parrots, parakeets, caiman (cousins of alligators), and possibly crocodiles, as well as colorful tropical forest birds.
MISS JUNIES
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.
TORTUGUERO TOWN VISIT
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
- Tortuguero Canals
- Miss Junies
- Tortuguero Town Visit
INCLUDED
- Photo shoot tour and guide services.
- Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
- National Park Entrance fee.
EXCLUDED
- Incidentals like laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, spa services, tours, meals not specified on the itinerary.
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 Sarapiqui 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.
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
INCLUDED
- Photo shoot tour and guide services.
- Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
- 1 nights’ accommodations at Ara Ambigua Lodge. Standard room (Breakfast included)
EXCLUDED
- Incidentals like laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, spa services, tours, meals not specified on the itinerary.
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 a bird lookout in the Guapiles lowlands. Several private birdwatching gardens in Guapiles have recently been developed, featuring unique feeders designed for photography and the appreciation of birds and nature. These locations invite visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty that inspires photography with a focus on detail and passion. Our guides know the best hidden spots!
Continue your journey toward your hotel at Cerro de la Muerte, with a stop for lunch along the way.
Dinner tonight is included at your hotel. You may enjoy a quiet evening meal at the hotel, maybe try a local beer!
INCLUDED
- Transportation and guide services.
- Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
- Photo tour.
- 2 nights’ accommodations at Hotel Savegre. Standard room (Breakfast included)
EXCLUDED
- Incidentals like laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, spa services, tours, meals not specified on the itinerary.
SAN GERARDO DE DOTA PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR
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 another birding photography garden selected by our expert guides, offering 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).
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
INCLUDED
- Transportation and guide services.
- Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
- Photo tour.
- Entrance fees.
EXCLUDED
- Incidentals like laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, spa services, tours, meals not specified on the itinerary.
SAN JOSÉ
Transfer to San Jose
Costa Rica Photography Tour Day 7.
After breakfast, meet your private guide to explore a different location within Quetzales National Park and the Talamanca network of private reserves for a nature walk, offering additional opportunities for Costa Rican wildlife photography. Our guides are well-informed about the best spots to explore, particularly areas with fruiting trees that attract the famous resident birds of these high mountains, such as the quetzal, bellbirds, and other stunning avian species!
Check out and depart with your guide towards San José. Enjoy a stop for lunch en route before continuing to your San José hotel.
Overnight at San José
LOS QUETZALES NATIONAL PARK HIKE
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
Los Quetzales National Park Hike
INCLUDED
- Transportation and guide services.
- Entrance fee.
- Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
- Photo tour.
- 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.
INCLUDED
- Departure transportation
