Costa Rica - Bird Photography Expedition, Nov 2026

After an early breakfast, travel toward the Central Pacific coast. The drive itself becomes part of the experience as landscapes transition from highland valleys to tropical lowland forest.

Upon reaching the coast, we embark on a boat-based wildlife photography session along the Tárcoles River, famous for its large American crocodiles and rich diversity of waterbirds and raptors. Open riverbanks provide clean backgrounds and dynamic shooting angles.

In the afternoon, continue southward toward the foothills of the Talamanca region.

Photography Focus: Waterbirds, Raptors, Shorebirds, Crocodiles

Ascend into the cool, mist-laden cloud forests of the Talamanca Mountain Range, one of Costa Rica’s richest highland ecosystems. Forest trails and garden setups allow access to hummingbirds, tanagers, and a variety of montane species.

The change in altitude brings noticeably cooler temperatures and a completely different bird community, offering dramatic variation in your photographic portfolio.

Photography Focus: Tanagers, Hummingbirds, Highland Species

Begin the day early in search of the iconic Resplendent Quetzal in its natural habitat. This region supports one of the healthiest populations of quetzals in Costa Rica, offering rewarding opportunities for habitat-based photography.

Later in the day, visit carefully curated bird gardens designed for ethical, eye-level photography. These setups provide clean backgrounds and ideal lighting for capturing vibrant montane birds and macro subjects.

Photography Focus: Resplendent Quetzal, Montane Birds, Garden Photography

Descend toward the Caribbean slope, entering a warmer, more humid tropical rainforest ecosystem. This transition introduces a completely new biodiversity profile including amphibians, reptiles, insects, and colourful lowland birds.

We stop at specialized hummingbird locations before reaching a renowned rainforest garden famous for macro and amphibian photography. An optional night photography session allows opportunities for nocturnal species.

Photography Focus: Hummingbirds, Frogs, Snakes, Macro Subjects

Spend a full day in the Caribbean lowland rainforest exploring garden decks and forest edges known for controlled, eye-level bird photography. These setups allow you to work on lighting control, composition refinement, and behaviour-based storytelling.

Photography Focus: Rainforest Birds, Macro, Controlled Photography Setups

Travel north into the Sarapiquí lowlands, an important biological corridor rich in forest birdlife. Visit rainforest-edge locations where scarlet macaws, toucans, and hummingbirds are often active.

By late afternoon, arrive in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse wetland regions, surrounded by primary rainforest.

Photography Focus: Macaws, Toucans, Forest Birds

A full photography day in wetland and rainforest habitats. Specialized decks and hides provide excellent vantage points for raptors and wetland birds.

An optional night session offers a rare opportunity to photograph bats and nocturnal mammals under guided conditions.

Photography Focus: Raptors, Wetland Birds, Nocturnal Wildlife

Begin the morning with relaxed bird photography from elevated decks offering close-range opportunities for tanagers, toucans, and forest species. This controlled environment allows refinement of composition and behavioural shots.

Later in the day, travel back to the Central Valley near the airport in preparation for departure.

Photography Focus: Tanagers, Toucans, Raptors

Private transfer to San José International Airport for your onward international flight. The expedition concludes with a diverse tropical portfolio spanning cloud forests, rainforests, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems.