Skip to main content

Home / Penda Tours / Costa Rica Photo Tour

Few countries in the Americas rival Costa Rica when it comes to wildlife photography.

As one of the top 20 most biodiverse nations on the planet, it boasts nearly 900 species of birds, over 1,200 species of butterflies, and 250 species of mammals. With such an abundance of wildlife, Costa Rica is a dream destination for wildlife photographers!

Join us for an adventurous photography tour across a true tropical paradise. This tour takes you through the heart of the country with each location selected to bring you the best of the country’s wildlife. 

Guided by expert photographer Adi Ringer, you’ll weave through the dense, wildlife-rich rainforests of Sarapiqui, explore the Tarcoles river and its breathtaking beach sunsets, and travel to the tranquil mountain-top cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota. With exclusive access to some of the country’s most breathtaking spots, you’ll experience Costa Rica in a way few ever do. Whether capturing the mesmerizing patterns of butterflies, the electric reds, blues and yellows of dart frogs, or the majestic quetzal in flight, you’re guaranteed to end this tour with a portfolio of striking images. 

Quick Facts

Costa Rica
May 7 - 15 2026
Wildlife & Landscape Photography
Photography Guide: Adi Ringer
Group Size: Max 8
All Photography Levels

Tour & Destination Highlights

  • Photograph incredible exotic birds including the rare Resplendent Quetzal
  • Explore a global hotspot for biodiversity and discover flora and fauna found nowhere else on the planet
  • Take in stunning natural settings including jungles, cloud forests, mountains, volcanoes and tropical beaches.
  • Benefit from one-on-one tuition and small group workshops tailored to your experience level with expert photographer Adi Ringer
  • Stay in immersive lodges, surrounded by nature with wildlife roaming freely through the properties
  • Enjoy a variety of photography experiences including night sessions and private boat tours

Quick Facts

Costa Rica
May 7 - 15 2026
Wildlife & Landscape Photography
Photography Guide: Adi Ringer
Group Size: Max 8

PRICING OVERVIEW

from USD $4,495GBP £EUR €ZAR RAUD $
USDGBPEURZARAUD

At the current exchange rate. Please note final quote might vary slightly


per person sharing

INCLUDING

  • Accommodation 
  • All meals 
  • Park fees 
  • All transport
  • All activities as per the itinerary 
  • Photographic tutoring 

EXCLUDING

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic drinks
EXPLORE

Photography in Costa Rica

The rainforest provides a perfect backdrop for both macro and wildlife photography

1/
_10
Costa Rica photo tour_8
Costa Rica photo tour_7
Costa Rica photo tour_6
Costa Rica photo tour_5
Costa Rica photo tour_4
_3
_2
_1

What to expect in Costa Rica

Your Photographic Experience

If you’re looking for a jungle photography adventure with exotic birds, stunning amphibians, and unique flora and fauna, Costa Rica is the place to be. The country's impressive natural landscapes of forests, jungles, volcanoes, and tropical beaches are home to a staggering array of wildlife  - some of which can’t be found anywhere else on the planet. What’s more, as a global leader in sustainable development and conservation, Costa Rica takes care of their wildlife, so you get to see these incredible creatures thriving in their natural habitats. This tour is designed to show you a range of the country’s natural settings, some of its best wildlife viewing spots, and give you some of the experiences that only Costa Rica can provide.  The adventure begins in Sarapiqui, a dense rainforest region renowned for its  incredible biodiversity. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph everything from dart frogs and hummingbirds to howling monkeys and brown-toed sloths. The vibrant colors and textures of the rainforest provide a perfect backdrop for both macro and wildlife photography, setting the perfect scene to create stunning images. Staying in the beautifully immersive Pieralla Gardens, you’ll have unhindered access to wildlife and even enjoy special night time photography sessions. Next, explore the coastal region of Tarcoles, where the rainforest’s rivers run into the sea. The changing terrain will bring new photo opportunities with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean from the rich ecosystems of the Carara National Park. To make the most of your time here, you’ll visit one of the country's best bird-viewing beaches, where you’ll spot kingfishers, herons, macaws and wood storks, and you’ll enjoy a private boat tour of the Tarcoles river. The final leg of the journey takes you to the cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota, where you’ll search for the exquisite, yet elusive Quetzal. This rare exotic bird is famed for its vibrant red and green plumage, spiky crest and twin tail plumes prized addition to any photographer’s portfolio, and this location offers you the best chance of sighting it. The misty forests, with their ethereal quality and soft, diffused light, create the perfect conditions for capturing the mystical beauty of the quetzal and other highland species.

This is a great experience for any level of photographer. We encountered a remarkable array of wildlife, from monkeys and sloths to toucans and crocodiles. Adi is a wonderful guide and with his help, I was able to enjoy this adventure in the lush jungles of Costa Rica, capturing unique and vibrant wildlife. 

Debbie Archie

Having led tours myself, it was an absolute delight to take a step back and fully immerse myself in this incredible journey. Adi crafted a wealth of opportunities to truly capture the essence of Costa Rica. Even when the weather didn’t cooperate, his thoughtful and well-prepared backup plans ensured everything stayed on track effortlessly. If you ever have the chance to explore Costa Rica with Adi, don’t miss it—it’s an unforgettable adventure!

Donald Quintana

ECO-FRIENDLY

Your Accommodation

costa rica accommodation

Throughout the tour, you'll be staying in eco-friendly lodges in incredible locations. Immersed in their natural surroundings these lodges offer comfort, an intimate experience of Costa Rica’s wilderness, and delicious culinary experiences. In Sarapiqui, you’ll stay at the Pierella Eco Gardens in of their rustic cabins dotted around the surrounding rainforest. These open-air cabins let you sleep amongst the hubbub of the jungle with howling monkeys and macaws within earshot. Alternatively, you can opt for more modern rooms with air conditioning for added comfort.

hotel savagre

In Tarcoles, you'll stay at the Cerro Lodge, a haven for nature lovers with panoramic views of the Pacific coast and nearby rainforest. Here, air-conditioned rooms, a serene pool, and a fantastic restaurant ensure you’re well-rested and ready for the next day’s adventures. The tour concludes in the cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota at the Savagre Hotel, which has a pristine natural setting with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Apart from its unique setting, this hotels offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, free wifi, and a spa.

1/2
2/2
1/2

WORKSHOP LEADER

Adi Ringer

Adi Ringer

WORKSHOP LEADER

Adi Ringer

Adi’s passion for wildlife photography started over a decade ago, after a close encounter with a Red-Tailed Hawk that left him with a special connection with nature. Over the years, Adi developed various techniques and skills for photographing wildlife in different environments and is passionate about sharing his knowledge with photographers of all experience levels. He is also proficient in using Lightroom as a post processing tool to bring out the best an image has to offer. Adi has been on safari in India and Africa and traveled to Argentina and Costa Rica to capture and share the beauty of wildlife in their natural habitats.

EXPERIENCE

Your Photo Tour Itinerary

Day 1-3Arrival & Sarapiquí

The tour begins with a direct transfer from San José International Airport to Sarapiquí. Along the way, there are scenic stops offering excellent bird photography opportunities right from the start. You will stay three nights at Pierella Eco Gardens, surrounded by lush jungle and vibrant wildlife. Activities include guided tours of the butterfly farm, night walks, and birding excursions to Tirimbina or La Selva, both featuring hanging bridges and rich biodiversity. Additional highlights include a private trip to photograph King Vultures and visits to Trogon Birding Lodge and Frogs Heaven for close-up shots of frogs, birds, and mammals.

Day 4 & 5Tarcoles & Central Pacific Coast

After lunch on day 4, the group travels to the coastal rainforest of Tárcoles and checks into Cerro Lodge. This area offers a different ecosystem with open landscapes and ocean views. Guests can enjoy free time exploring the grounds, relaxing by the pool, or photographing local wildlife. Scheduled outings include a visit to Carara National Park, known for its transitional forest and high species diversity, a sunset beach walk at the mouth of the Tárcoles River, and a private boat tour offering sightings of crocodiles, kingfishers, macaws, and more

Day 6 & 7Cloud Forest & San Gerardo de Dota

The journey continues to the cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota, a high-altitude region known for its cooler climate and stunning mountain scenery. Guests stay at Savegre Hotel and Spa, nestled in the heart of quetzal habitat. Activities focus on searching for the resplendent quetzal, exploring the trails near Quetzales National Park, and photographing birds at Batsu Gardens, a premier location for capturing perched species in natural settings.

Day 8 - 9Departure

After a final morning activity and lunch, the group transfers to a hotel near the airport for a farewell dinner and time to unwind before departure. Breakfast is provided the next morning, with flexible timing to accommodate individual flight schedules

Costa Rica Photo Tour

Enquire Today

Tour Enquiry

Consent(Required)
Newsletter

frog taken in the dark in costa rica macro photography

Costa Rica Photo Tour FAQs

How many people will be on the trip?

This trip typically hosts 6 to 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Small group sizes allow for tailored photography instruction and better wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the trip.

Where do we fly to?

You’ll fly into San José, Costa Rica (Juan Santamaría International Airport), where the tour begins. Airport transfers are included, making arrival and departure smooth and stress-free.

What will we photograph?

You’ll photograph vibrant wildlife like toucans, monkeys, frogs, and butterflies in lush rainforests and cloud forests. The trip also offers stunning landscape opportunities, including jungle rivers, misty mountains, and dramatic coastal scenes.

What level of photography experience is needed?

This trip is suitable for photographers of all levels, from enthusiastic beginners to seasoned professionals. With expert guidance and small group sizes, each participant receives personalized instruction tailored to their skill level and creative goals.

What is the weather like?

In May, Costa Rica transitions into the rainy season with warm temperatures and a mix of sunny mornings and afternoon or evening showers. Rainfall is typically not constant throughout the day, and average temperatures range from the mid-20s to high 20s °C (upper 70s to low 80s °F) across regions.

In November, the rainy season begins to taper off, bringing warm days and cooler nights, especially in higher elevations. Expect occasional showers, high humidity in coastal areas, and pack breathable clothing along with a rain jacket or poncho.

At Penda, we're all about creating incredible photographic opportunities.

Our photo tours and safaris will take you to the right place, at the right time, to get that epic shot. You'll be guided by a professional photographer, who will help you take your photography to the next level, and we keep our trips exclusive by traveling in small groups. Whether it's in Kenya's sprawling savannahs, Yellowstone's snowy interior, or the jungles of India, your journey will be filled with photography magic.

WHY TRAVEL WITH US

Up Close with Wildlife

Up Close with Wildlife

Where will your photography take you? Discover more of our exclusive wildlife photography tours and safaris.

1 /
Close Menu

TOURS

VOLUNTEERING

DESTINATIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS

ABOUT US

BLOG

PHOTO COMPETITION

ENQUIRE

BACK

PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS