Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge, located in northern Costa Rica near the Nicaraguan border, is one of Central America’s most vibrant and ecologically diverse regions. Spanning over 60,000 hectares, it forms part of the San Juan–La Selva Biological Corridor and offers a spectacular range of tropical habitats—from flooded forests and wetlands to rivers and rainforests.

This pristine wilderness is not only vital for conservation but also a world-class destination for photography. With Physis Photo Tours, you’ll have the opportunity to explore and capture the magic of this biodiversity hotspot through guided, immersive, and skill-focused photography tours.

A World-Class Destination for Nature Photography

Photographers visiting Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge can explore a wide range of photographic genres, each supported by the refuge’s incredible environmental diversity and visual richness. Here are the main types of photography you can practice during your tour:

Bird Photography

With over 400 species of birds, Maquenque is a dream location for bird photographers. The refuge is one of the last strongholds of the Great Green Macaw, and it is also home to

• Scarlet Macaws

• Keel-billed and Chestnut-mandibled Toucans

• Agami Herons, Green Herons, and Boat-billed Herons

• Dozens of hummingbird species

• Raptors, jacamars, kingfishers, and flycatchers

Birdwatching and bird photography are particularly rewarding along the San Carlos River, Tres Amigos River, and the forest canopy edges during the early morning and golden hours.

Whether you’re freezing action mid-flight or capturing perched behavior, every image can reveal incredible details and vibrant colors.

Landscape Photography

Maquenque offers stunning compositions for landscape photographers who want to capture the grandeur and mood of the rainforest. The natural features include:

• Misty river scenes at dawn along the San Carlos and Tres Amigos Rivers

• Towering ceiba and almendro trees silhouetted against dramatic skies

• Wetlands and oxbow lakes with mirror-like reflections

• Dense rainforest paths, sunbeams filtering through canopy gaps, and wild tropical storms

Wide-angle lenses come to life here, especially when photographing morning fog, golden hour light, or dramatic cloudscapes during the rainy season.

Macro Photography

The micro-world of Maquenque is just as rich and fascinating as its wide vistas. Macro photographers can focus on:

• Colorful poison dart frogs and glass frogs resting on leaves

• Delicate orchids and bromeliads in bloom

• Butterflies, moths, beetles, ants, spiders, and dragonflies

• Textures of bark, moss, fungi, and water droplets on leaves

Whether you’re shooting with a dedicated macro lens or extension tubes, you’ll find endless inspiration in the intricate details and natural patterns that define the rainforest ecosystem.

General Nature and Wildlife Photography

Maquenque is ideal for wildlife photography beyond birds, offering chances to capture:

• Baird’s Tapir, white-faced capuchin monkeys, and howler monkeys

• Ocelots and jaguars (rare and best detected with remote cameras)

• Coatis, anteaters, and arboreal reptiles

• Amphibians during night walks or rain

• Insects in flight or interacting with flowers

Nature photography here is about storytelling—moments of interaction between species, the dramatic contrasts of weather and light, and the cycles of life that unfold every hour in the rainforest.

The Rivers that Shape the Photographic Experience

San Carlos River

This wide, meandering river supports shoreline birdlife, water reflections, and soft light ideal for wildlife photography. Boat rides offer access to hard-to-reach areas and close-range photography of birds, monkeys, and reptiles in their natural behavior.

Tres Amigos River

Narrow and intimate, this river is perfect for photographing macro subjects, amphibians, and birds in the undercanopy. The dense vegetation and tranquil waters are ideal for close-up work, intimate compositions, and quiet observation.

A Photographer’s Dream with Physis Photo Tours

Our photo tours at Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge are designed to meet the goals of photographers of all levels. You’ll have access to:

• Daily guided field sessions tailored for different genres (birds, macro, landscapes)

• Private coaching on settings, composition, and lighting

• Photo review sessions to help refine your post-processing techniques

• Support with gear, from telephoto and macro lenses to waterproof protection

Whether you’re capturing a hummingbird in flight, a monkey leaping across the canopy, or a raindrop on an orchid petal, you’ll leave Maquenque with a portfolio full of compelling, diverse, and powerful images.

Best Times to Visit for Photography

Dry Season (December–April)

• Predictable weather and golden light

• High bird activity and excellent visibility

• Easier access to trails and remote shooting locations

Rainy Season (May–November)

• Richer greens, reflections, and stormy skies

• Ideal conditions for macro and amphibian photography

• Dramatic and moody forest scenes with mist and fog

Book Your Photography Adventure

Whether you specialize in bird photography, landscapes, macro, or general wildlife and nature photography, Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge offers unmatched photographic potential in every direction.

Join Physis Photo Tours for a carefully crafted journey that combines expert guidance, comfort, and the thrill of discovery in Costa Rica’s most enchanting rainforest.