Prepare for the Photographic Adventure of a Lifetime in Costa Rica

Get ready for an adventure filled with breathtaking scenery, a variety of wildlife, and rich cultural experiences, all through the lens of your camera.

As you gear up for this amazing journey, we are here to help you understand what’s in store and offer tips on how to fully enjoy your upcoming tour

Equipment

The following lists are suggestions and recommendations based on the diverse photographic opportunities available in Costa Rica.

Every photographer has unique preferences and styles, so feel free to select the equipment that best suits your needs.
Our tours offer numerous opportunities to capture stunning pictures, so being prepared with the right gear is key.
These equipment suggestions are designed to enhance your photographic experience in Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes and wildlife scenes.
Remember, the best cameras and equipment are the ones that you are comfortable using and that meet your specific photographic goals.
Our tours are designed to offer a plethora of stunning photographic moments, and being equipped with the right gear will help you capture these memories beautifully.

DSLR Camera: Known for their versatility and high image quality. Ideal for photographers who prefer manual controls and interchangeable lenses.
Mirrorless Camera: Lighter and more compact than DSLRs, with similar image quality and interchangeable lenses. Great for travel and nature photography.
Action Camera (like GoPro): Durable and waterproof, perfect for capturing action shots and video in challenging environments like rainforests or during adventure activities.
Compact Camera: Easy to carry, with automatic settings. Suitable for those who prefer a simpler, point-and-shoot experience.
Smartphone Camera: Modern smartphones have advanced camera capabilities. It is useful for quick shots, especially when carrying other equipment isn’t feasible.

Nature, Birds, and Wildlife:

Telephoto Zoom Lens (100-400mm or 70-200mm)
Super Telephoto Lens (400mm, 500mm, 600mm)

Landscape:

Wide-Angle Lens (16-35mm)
Standard Zoom Lens (24-70mm)

Macro Photography:

Dedicated Macro Lens (90mm, 100mm, or 105mm)

Astrophotography:

Fast Wide-Angle Lens (14-24mm, f/2.8)
Standard Lens with a Wide Aperture (35mm, 50mm, f/1.4)

Must-have accessories

Tripod: Crucial for stability in various shooting conditions, especially for wildlife, bird, and landscape photography.
Memory Cards: Bring several high-capacity memory cards to ensure you have enough storage for the high volume of images.
Batteries and Charger: Extra batteries are essential, as shooting in nature can quickly drain them. A charger is also a must for recharging.
External Hard Drive: To back up photos each day. This allows you to free up space on your memory cards by formatting them regularly.

Photography Backpack: A key item for daily activities

Choose a backpack that:

Has padded compartments for camera gear.
Is comfortable to wear for long periods.
Includes a rain cover for weather protection.
Offers quick access to your camera and lenses.
Has enough space for personal items, water, and snacks.

Monopod: Offers quick mobility and stability, ideal for bird and wildlife photography.
Bean Bag: Useful for stabilizing your camera on uneven surfaces or when shooting from a vehicle.
Waterproof Camera Bag: Protects your gear from rain and moisture.
Lens Filters: Including polarizing filters for enhancing colors and reducing glare, and UV filters for lens protection.
Cleaning Kit: To keep lenses and camera sensors clean in humid, dusty environments.
Rain Cover: Protects your equipment during unexpected rain showers.
External Flash with Diffuser: Useful for macro and low-light photography, providing additional light without harsh shadows.
Teleconverter: Useful for extending the reach of your telephoto lens, especially in bird photography.

Clothing

When packing for a two-week photography tour in Costa Rica, it’s important to consider the diverse climates and activities you’ll encounter.

Here’s a comprehensive list of clothing recommendations to ensure comfort and functionality during your adventure

Essential Clothing Items

Lightweight, breathable shirts: Prefer quick-dry materials; long sleeves for sun and insect protection.
Convertible Pants/Shorts: Versatile for varying temperatures, in lightweight and quick-drying fabrics.
Waterproof Jacket: Crucial for unexpected rain showers.
Sturdy Hiking Shoes: Waterproof and comfortable for diverse terrains.
Sandals or Water Shoes: Suitable for beach or water-based activities.
Swimwear: for beach visits or poolside relaxation.
Brimmed Hat: To protect against the sun during outdoor photography sessions.
Fleece or Sweater: Lightweight, for cooler evenings or higher altitude areas.

Specialized Clothing

Insect-Repellent Clothing: Recommended in rainforest areas.
Sun-Protective Clothing: UV protection garments are advisable.
Camouflage Wear: Ideal for bird and wildlife photography, aiding in blending with natural surroundings.

Accessories

Rain Poncho: Lightweight and easy to pack for sudden downpours.
Bandanas or Buffs: Multi-functional for sun protection, dust cover, or as a sweatband.
UV Protection Sunglasses: Essential for eye protection in bright conditions.
Light Gloves: Useful for handling camera gear in different environments.

Locations

Our photography tours are specially curated to lead you through some of the most rural and remote areas, offering an array of unique photography spots.

These destinations, including less-commercialized areas like San Gerardo de Dota, Boca Tapada, Sarapiquí, and Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, provide a true immersion into the heart of Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

Rich Ecosystems: From lush rainforests to tranquil wetlands, each location boasts a diverse range of ecosystems.
Wildlife Galore: Encounter a variety of wildlife, including rare and endemic species, perfect for wildlife and bird photography.
Flora and Fauna: Discover a world of vibrant flora and intriguing fauna, offering endless opportunities for macro and nature photography.

Our tours focus on non-commercial areas, ensuring a serene and unspoiled photography experience.

Each spot is carefully selected for its photographic potential, whether it’s a hidden waterfall, a secluded forest trail, or a serene riverbank.

Away from the Crowd: By focusing on rural and remote areas, our tours offer a more authentic and intimate experience of Costa Rica.
Cultural Insights: Engage with local communities and understand the Costa Rican way of life, adding depth to your travel and photography experience.
Conservation Focus: Learn about conservation efforts in these areas and how photography can play a role in environmental awareness and protection.

Hotels & Lodges

Our Physis-certified hotels and lodges are more than just accommodations; they are integral parts of your photographic adventure in Costa Rica.

With their stunning locations, photographer-friendly amenities, access to wildlife, expert local guidance, and commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing, they offer an immersive and fulfilling experience for every photographer.

Our accommodations are strategically located in some of Costa Rica’s most diverse and picturesque settings.

From the misty cloud forests of Monteverde to the tranquil beaches of Guanacaste, and the vibrant biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula, each location serves as an ideal base for exploring and capturing the essence of Costa Rica’s natural wonders.

Many of our selected lodgings offer on-site trails and exclusive access to natural areas, allowing for spontaneous wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities right at your doorstep.

Enjoy the convenience of capturing stunning wildlife without venturing far.

Each location offers a range of specialized tours and activities designed with photographers in mind.

Engage in early morning birdwatching, partake in nocturnal rainforest expeditions, and never miss a chance to refine your photography skills while documenting the unique beauty of Costa Rica

Local Expertise

Enhance your photographic journey with the insights of local guides.

These experienced guides provide valuable knowledge about ecosystems and help you capture authentic and captivating images of the surrounding landscape and wildlife.

Eco-friendly and socially responsible

Eco-Friendly Practices: All our certified hotels and lodges adhere to strong sustainable and ecotourism policies, ensuring your stay contributes to the preservation of Costa Rica’s natural environments.
Socially Responsible Stays: Beyond environmental stewardship, our selected accommodations are deeply committed to the social wellbeing of their local communities. These establishments support local economies, uphold traditional cultures, and contribute positively to the lives of local residents.

In most cases, we choose hotels in the city of San Jose or the cities near Juan Santamaria International Airport for you to stay the first and last night of your trip.

This depends on your arrival and departure time.

Internet access

Costa Rica offers a range of internet connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and broadband.
Wi-Fi is widely available in Costa Rica, with many public places such as cafes, hotels, and restaurants offering free Wi-Fi to our customers.
The quality and availability of internet services can differ depending on the area.
Internet coverage in Costa Rica can also vary depending on the location. While urban areas generally have good coverage, some rural areas may have limited or no coverage.

Meals

Ensuring a Delightful Culinary Experience

Our approach to meals during the tour is designed to offer flexibility, variety, and a taste of local cuisine while accommodating the diverse preferences and dietary needs of our photographers.
We want each meal to be not just a time to eat but an opportunity to relax, enjoy, and immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Costa Rica.

Here’s what you can expect regarding meals during the tour:

Starting Your Day Right

Included in Your Itinerary: Every morning, a buffet-style breakfast will be served at your hotel. This is included as part of your tour package.
A Blend of Local and International Flavors: Enjoy a variety of breakfast options, from traditional Costa Rican dishes to international favorites like omelets, pancakes, and French toast.
Experience Costa Rican Coffee: For coffee enthusiasts, breakfast will be an opportunity to savor the renowned Costa Rican coffee, known for its rich and exquisite flavor.
Fuel Up for the Day: We understand the importance of a hearty breakfast, especially on days filled with tours, activities, and transfers. We encourage you to enjoy your breakfast and energize for the day’s adventures.
Flexible Breakfast Times: On certain days, especially when morning excursions for bird and wildlife photography are scheduled, breakfast might be served after the excursion to accommodate early start times.

Flexibility and Choice

Not Routinely Included: Lunches and dinners are generally not included in our tour packages, except upon specific request.
Why This Approach?: This flexibility allows you to explore a variety of dining options and cuisines.
Lunch is often enjoyed:
- At the hotels
- On the road at local restaurants during transfers, or
- As part of specific tours that include a light lunch.
Dinners are usually at the hotels.
Personalized Dining Experience: You have the freedom to select meals from the menu that cater to your personal taste and dietary needs.
Special Dietary Requirements: If you have any special dietary requirements or preferences, please inform us in advance. We are committed to communicating with the hotels and restaurants to ensure your needs are met.

Staying Nourished on the Go

During your photography tour in Costa Rica, keeping energized is key, especially on days packed with activities and travel. Here’s how we handle snacks and light meals:

Snack Recommendations

Variety of Choices: We suggest packing a mix of snacks to keep your energy up throughout the day. Consider bringing fruits, cookies and crackers, granola bars, seeds (like peanuts, nuts, and pistachios), chocolates, and more.
Local Treats on the Road: Our excursions often include stops where you can buy snacks. This is not only convenient but also offers you the opportunity to taste local fruits unique to Costa Rica, such as Chinese Mamon, Cas, and Carambola (star fruit), as well as other typical foods. It is a wonderful way to experience the local culture and flavors.

Hydration is Crucial

Stay Hydrated: The varying microclimates, humidity, and heat in Costa Rica make it essential to stay hydrated throughout your journey.
Safe Drinking Water: For your peace of mind, Costa Rica is one of the few countries where it’s safe to drink water directly from the tap. This means you can easily refill your water bottles and stay hydrated without concern.

Photography tours

We are passionate about providing an authentic and enriching experience that goes beyond just photography.
We pride ourselves on conducting tours that deeply engage with the local communities, culture, and environment of Costa Rica.

Here’s how we incorporate local guides, expert knowledge, and community-driven experiences into our tours:

Local guides (at the hotels and in the areas we visit)

Born and Raised Experts: Our local guides are not just experts; they are individuals who were born, raised, and continue to live in the areas we visit. This intimate knowledge of the locale brings invaluable depth to our tours.
Personal Insights and Stories: Our guides share personal stories and insights, offering a unique perspective that connects you more deeply with each location.

Tipping is a Personal Choice

Not Included in the Tour Package: It’s important to note that tips for local guides are not included in the cost of your tour.
A Gesture of Appreciation: Tipping is seen as a personal way to show appreciation for the attention, professionalism, and extensive knowledge our local guides provide. They are not just experts in their field but have also become our friends over the years.
Valuing Their Contribution: Our local guides play a crucial role in enhancing your experience by sharing insights into the local culture, history, and environment. Their expertise adds immense value to each location we visit.

How to Approach Tipping

Voluntary Basis: If you feel satisfied with the guidance and service provided, a tip is a generous way to express your gratitude.
Discretionary Amount: The amount is entirely at your discretion. It can vary depending on your level of satisfaction and the duration of the service.
Direct Gratitude: Tips are usually given directly to the guides at the end of their service or tour segment.

Small Business and Family-Owned Projects

Supporting Local Communities: We conduct our tours in collaboration with small business projects and family-owned businesses. This not only supports the local economy but also provides a more intimate and authentic experience.
Real-Life Cultural Immersion: Staying in family-run hotels and engaging with community projects managed by local families allows for a genuine cultural immersion.

Natural Environments

Responsible Exploration: We explore national parks and protected areas with the utmost respect for the environment, ensuring our tours are sustainable and eco-friendly.
Diverse Natural Settings: These locations provide diverse landscapes and wildlife, allowing for a wide range of photographic subjects and styles.

Ethical Photography

We prioritize ethical practices and responsible nature and wildlife photography.

Our local guides are committed to the well-being of the animals and the preservation of their habitats.

They will guide you on the importance of minimizing disturbance to the animals and the environment, ensuring that your passion for capturing wildlife is balanced with respect and conservation.

Valuing Personal Time

We understand the importance of balancing structured activities with personal time. This approach is designed to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of our guests.

Incorporating free time into our photography tours is an essential aspect of ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable experience. It provides a balance between structured photography sessions and personal space, catering to the individual needs and preferences of our guests. This approach allows everyone to make the most of their photography adventure in Costa Rica in their own unique way.

Here’s how free time is integrated into our itinerary:

In our itinerary, we deliberately include periods of free time, like a free afternoon, for personal use.

This is your time to relax, explore independently, or simply take a break from the structured activities.

Early Starts and Long Journeys: Our tours often involve early mornings and occasionally long road trips, which can be over three hours. After such days, some personal time is essential for rest and rejuvenation.
Accommodating Physical Needs: We recognize that photographers may have varying physical conditions or age-related needs. Free time provides an opportunity for those who might need a slower pace or extra rest.
Photographic Independence: We also acknowledge that some photographers appreciate having the freedom to explore and photograph at their own pace and in their own style. Free time allows for this creative independence.

Rest and Relaxation: Use this time to recharge, whether that’s by taking a nap, enjoying the hotel amenities, or simply reading a book.
Independent Exploration: Feel free to explore the local area, try out new photography techniques, or visit places of interest that might not be covered in the group itinerary.
Cultural Immersion: Free time is a great opportunity to engage more deeply with the local culture, try local cuisine, or interact with the community.
Adjustable Schedule: While we plan for free time, we remain flexible and may adjust the schedule based on the group’s overall energy levels and interests.
Open Communication: We encourage open communication about how you wish to spend your free time. Our guides are more than happy to provide recommendations or assist with arrangements.

Costa Rica

As you gear up for your photographic expedition, understanding the country’s diverse microclimates is essential.

Costa Rica’s weather patterns are as varied as its landscapes, offering photographers a multitude of environments to capture.
Understanding the nuances of Costa Rica’s microclimates is crucial for any photographer looking to capture the country’s beauty.
By preparing for these varying conditions, you can ensure that your photographic adventure with Physis is not only successful but also incredibly rewarding.
Get ready to embrace the diversity of weather and landscapes that make Costa Rica a photographer’s paradise.

Here’s what you need to know about the weather and microclimates as you prepare for your journey.

Weather & Seasons

The Dry Season (December to April): Known locally as ‘Verano’ (Summer), this period offers sunny days with clear blue skies, making it an ideal time for photography, especially for capturing vibrant landscapes and wildlife. The dry season is perfect for beach and sunset photography, with less likelihood of rain interrupting your shooting schedule.
The Rainy Season (May to November): Referred to as ‘Invierno’ (Winter), this season brings more frequent and heavier rainfall, especially in the afternoons. The rainy season, however, offers its own unique photographic opportunities:
- Lush Greenery: The landscape becomes more vibrant and green, ideal for nature and macro photography.
- Dramatic Skies: Cloud formations and lighting can create dramatic and dynamic skies, perfect for landscape photography.
- Waterfalls and Rivers: They become fuller and more impressive, offering spectacular scenes.

A Tapestry of Weather Patterns

Tropical Diversity: Costa Rica, despite its small size, boasts an array of microclimates. The weather can vary dramatically over short distances, from misty cloud forests and humid rainforests to dry tropical forests and temperate highlands.
The Pacific Coast: This region experiences a drier climate, with a pronounced dry season (December to April) ideal for beach and landscape photography under clear skies.
The Caribbean Coast: Known for its more consistent rainfall year-round, this area offers lush, verdant landscapes, perfect for capturing vibrant, rain-soaked scenes.
Central Valley and Highlands: Here, you’ll find milder temperatures and more stable weather patterns. The light is often softer, suitable for a variety of photographic styles.

Costa Rica’s weather can vary significantly by region:

Pacific Coast: Generally drier, especially in the northwest.
Caribbean Coast: More rainfall throughout the year, with a short drier period in September and October.
Central Valley and Highlands: Cooler temperatures and more consistent weather patterns, ideal for comfortable photography outings.

Adapting to Weather Conditions

Flexibility is key. The varied microclimates mean weather conditions can change quickly. Be prepared to adapt your photography plans accordingly.
Protecting your gear: High humidity and sudden rainfall call for waterproof camera bags and protective gear for your equipment.
Capitalizing on light variations: Each microclimate offers unique lighting conditions. Early morning and late afternoon often present the best light for photography, especially in the golden and blue hours.

Medical Considerations

It’s important to consider not only your medical needs but also everyday essentials for your health and comfort in the tropical environment.

Here are some key points to consider:

It’s crucial to pay special attention to medical conditions and medications.

Bring All Necessary Medications: Ensure you have a sufficient supply of all personal medications for the duration of the tour. This is particularly important for prescription drugs, as they may not be readily available or identical in Costa Rica.
Keep Medications in Original Packaging: To avoid any issues with customs and for easy identification, keep medications in their original packaging.
Carry a Copy of Your Prescription: This can be helpful in case you need to explain your medication to local medical professionals or in emergency situations.

Since we will be visiting remote and rural areas, far from urban medical facilities, it is advisable to bring a basic supply of over-the-counter medications:

Anti-Diarrheal Medication: Changes in water and food can sometimes lead to stomach upsets.
Anti-Allergic/Antihistamines: For unexpected allergic reactions.
Pain Relievers/Headache Pills: Such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Medication for Dizziness and Nausea: Useful for long drives or if you suffer from motion sickness.
Medication for Stomach Upsets: To handle minor gastrointestinal discomforts.

Inform us about any medical conditions: If you have any specific medical conditions (like asthma, severe allergies, etc.), please let us know well in advance. This allows us to be better prepared to assist you and ensure your safety and comfort during the tour.
Carry medical alert information: If you have a condition that might require emergency care, carry information about your condition and emergency contacts

Sunblock: Essential for protection against the intense tropical sun. Apply liberally and frequently during the day.
Insect Repellent: Crucial to ward off mosquitoes and other insects, especially in rainforest areas and during the early morning or late afternoon.
Stay Hydrated and Protected: Regularly drink water and use sun protection.
First Aid Kit: It’s a good idea to carry a small personal first aid kit for minor cuts and scrapes.
Travel Insurance: Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Physis – Last Updated: 2023-12