Costa Rica Photo Tour

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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 unforgettable 7-night 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, Central America

Nov 8 - 15 2024

May 9 - 16 2025

Nov 7 -14 2025

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, Central America

Nov 8 - 15 2024

May 9 - 16 2025

Nov 7 -14 2025

Wildlife & Landscape Photography

Photography Guide: Adi Ringer

Group Size: Max 8

PRICING OVERVIEW

from USD $3800GBP £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

International Flights
Personal Travel insurance
Alcoholic Drinks

EXPLORE

Photography in Costa Rica

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

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.

Gallery

ECO-FRIENDLY

Your 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.

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 Mirador de Quetzales Lodge. This remote lodge offers cozy, cabin-like accommodations with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The cool, crisp air and serene environment provide the perfect setting for the final days of your photographic journey.

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WORKSHOP LEADER

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 1-2Welcome!

The journey begins with your arrival in San Jose, where you'll gather at the charming Luisiana Hotel before transferring to Sarapiqui. Over the next few days, you'll immerse yourself in photography sessions at Pierella Eco Gardens, capturing the vibrant wildlife and lush surroundings. You'll embark on a birding tour at the Tirimbina Research Station, where expert guides will help you spot and photograph exotic bird species. As night falls, you’ll enjoy special night photography sessions in the rainforest, capturing the magical glow of the nocturnal world.

Day 3-5Exploring Tarcoles

As the tour continues, you’ll head to the Central Pacific region, arriving in Tarcoles. Here, the focus shifts to the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity of Carara National Park. You'll spend your days capturing the park’s diverse flora and fauna, and as the sun sets, you'll find yourself on the beach where the Tarcoles River meets the ocean. During your time here, you’ll enjoy a private boat tour on the Tarcoles River that will offer an incredible chance to photograph a wide array of bird and wildlife species in their natural habitats.

Day 6-7A guided hike around Quetzales National Park

The final leg of your journey takes you to the serene cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota. This region is a photographer's dream, particularly for those keen on capturing the elusive quetzal. You'll participate in both morning and afternoon quetzal tours, ensuring you have the best chance to photograph this magnificent bird. A guided photography hike in Quetzales National Park will provide even more chances to capture the region's unique beauty. As the tour comes to a close, you'll gather for final reflections and a farewell dinner, celebrating the images and memories you've collected.

Day 8Farewell!

Costa Rica Photo Tour

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Tour Enquiry

frog taken in the dark in costa rica macro photography

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.

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