Colors of Costa Rica!
Michael's Photo Expedition
March 8 - 20, 2025
Status: Confirmed
Updated: June 20, 2024
Expedition details
- Arrival airport: SJO
- Departure airport: SJO
- 13 days
- 12 nights lodging
- Local photographer
- +12 photo activities
- Difficult: Easy
- All levels are welcome!
- Free time
- Daily activities
- Experienced driver
- Private transportation
- Expedition leader
- Local insurance
- All local taxes
- Local guides
- Certified lodges
- Breakfast included
Gallery
Day by day itinerary
Welcome to Costa Rica!
Upon your arrival at San Jose International Airport, your private guide will be there to greet you and escort you to the charming Hotel Bougainvillea.
After checking in, take some time to explore the hotel’s stunning gardens. In the evening, gather with your group for a delightful welcome dinner.
Lodging in Heredia City
- After breakfast today, we’ll embark on a journey of about 3 hours from the Central Valley to the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains and the picturesque town of San Gerardo de Dota, with the exact travel time depending on the number of birding stops you make along the way.
- As you travel, you’ll pass through farmlands and rolling green hills, gradually gaining elevation. Keep a sweater or fleece handy, as the temperature will drop as you ascend above the paramo and into the mountains.
- San Gerardo de Dota is a serene mountain village located in a lush valley along the Savegre River. Known for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity, it is a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. The area is particularly famous for the Resplendent Quetzal, which can often be spotted in the nearby cloud forests. With its cool, crisp mountain air and tranquil ambiance, San Gerardo de Dota offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
- Upon our arrival, we’ll begin our first bird photography session in the beautiful gardens of the hotel.
- Lodging in San Gerardo de Dota
Today, we have two exciting sessions planned.
- Morning Hummingbird photo session: In the morning, we’ll have a hummingbird photo session. These small birds are truly a sight to behold with their brightly colored feathers. You’ll see them flitting from flower to flower, drinking nectar and foraging for food. Their delicate nature makes it seem like they could vanish in an instant, which is why capturing them in a photo session is such a special experience. In San Gerardo de Dota, you can photograph a variety of hummingbird species, including the Lesser Violetear, the Green-crowned Brilliant, the Magnificent Hummingbird, and the Volcano Hummingbird.
- Afternoon Resplendent Quetzal Tour: After lunch, we’ll search for the Resplendent Quetzal. This bird is one of the most iconic species in Costa Rica and the world. A member of the trogon family, the Resplendent Quetzal is renowned for its vividly colored plumage and long tail feathers. Males are especially striking, with their iridescent green and red feathers and tail streamers that can be up to three feet long. The quetzal inhabits cloud forests and is considered a symbol of freedom and wealth in various Mesoamerican cultures. Their diet primarily consists of fruits, particularly wild avocados, supplemented by insects and small vertebrates. Photographing the Resplendent Quetzal is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. These birds are elusive and require patience and a bit of luck to spot. The experience of capturing their beauty on camera amidst the lush, green backdrop of the cloud forest makes this afternoon session truly unforgettable.
- Lodging in San Gerardo de Dota
Today, we have two exciting sessions planned.
- Bird photo session at Feather Gardens: In the morning, we’ll have a hummingbird photo session. These small birds are truly a sight to behold with their brightly colored feathers. You’ll see them flitting from flower to flower, drinking nectar and foraging for food. Their delicate nature makes it seem like they could vanish in an instant, which is why capturing them in a photo session is such a special experience. In San Gerardo de Dota, you can photograph a variety of hummingbird species, including the Lesser Violetear, the Green-crowned Brilliant, the Magnificent Hummingbird, and the Volcano Hummingbird.
- Bird photo session at Gema del Bosque: After lunch, we’ll search for the Resplendent Quetzal. This bird is one of the most iconic species in Costa Rica and the world. A member of the trogon family, the Resplendent Quetzal is renowned for its vividly colored plumage and long tail feathers. Males are especially striking, with their iridescent green and red feathers and tail streamers that can be up to three feet long. The quetzal inhabits cloud forests and is considered a symbol of freedom and wealth in various Mesoamerican cultures. Their diet primarily consists of fruits, particularly wild avocados, supplemented by insects and small vertebrates. Photographing the Resplendent Quetzal is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. These birds are elusive and require patience and a bit of luck to spot. The experience of capturing their beauty on camera amidst the lush, green backdrop of the cloud forest makes this afternoon session truly unforgettable.
- Lodging in San Gerardo de Dota
Today we have 2 different photo shoots.
- After breakfast and check-out, we will drive to the Caribbean Lowlands.
- Along the way, we will pass through authentic and beautiful Costa Rican towns such as Turrialba and Juan Viñas.
- Sarapiqui area, located in the heart of Costa Rica, is a captivating destination for photographers from around the world who have an affinity for nature, bird, landscape, and wildlife photography. With its remarkable biodiversity, breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and favorable weather conditions, Sarapiqui offers unparalleled opportunities for photographers to capture stunning images that showcase the wonders of nature
- Afternoon: Bird photoshoot in Guapiles and lunch
- Night: Rainforest night tour in the hotel
- Lodging in Sarapiqui area
Today we have 2 different sessions.
- Morning: Wildlife and bird photoshoot. Near Guápiles, we will visit a special location where we can photograph a variety of species. Additionally, we will embark on a hike through the rainforest to capture images of bats, owls, sloths, and other animals.
- Night: Macro photo shoot at night. At night, we are going to engage in macro photography, capturing amazing toads and frogs to discover a new world and fascinating species This session is reserved but not confirmed, depending on the weather conditions at night (rain)
- Lodging in Sarapiqui area
Today we have 2 different sessions.
- Morning: Pierella Ecological Garden: After breakfast, we will be visiting the Pierella Ecological Garden: butterflies, hummingbirds, amazing insects, toucans, bats, frogs, wildlife, culture, and chocolate — all in one location.
- Afternoon: Snakes and Frogs Photo Session: During our Snakes and Frogs macro session, you’ll have the opportunity for close-up encounters and photography with over five exotic and venomous species. This experience, conducted in a safe and controlled environment, allows you to capture the allure and danger of these enigmatic creatures. It’s an adventure designed for the daring and curious, keen to explore and document the wild’s mystique in vivid detail.
- Free night
- Lodging in Sarapiqui area
Today we have 2 different photo sessions
- Morning: Bird photography session: Today, we’ll visit a venture run by a delightful Costa Rican family. On their property, you can photograph over 20 bird species, including woodpeckers, red-legged honeycreepers, toucans, tanagers, hummingbirds, and more.
- Then we will drive for about 2.5 hours to the beautiful and wild region of Boca Tapada, near the border with Nicaragua.
- Free afternoon. In the afternoon, you will do some photography at the hotel and in the surrounding area.
- Bats photo shoot at night: At 5:30 p.m. and for about 2 hours, we will have one of the most exciting and unique sessions. We will photograph flying bats at night.
- Lodging in Boca Tapada area
Today we have 3 different photo shoots.
- Morning: King Vulture. After breakfast, we dedicate this photo session to the King Vulture. The King Vulture, notable for its vibrant coloration, is one of the largest New World vultures, growing up to 2.5 feet tall and weighing around 8 pounds. This bird possesses one of the strongest beaks among American vultures, enabling it to open carcasses that others can’t, often eating first at a feeding site.
- Afternoon: Hummingbird Multiflash Session. Hummingbird Multiflash Photo Session and Macro Photography Session
- Free night
- Lodging in Boca Tapada area
- Breakfast is at the hotel at 8:00 a.m. Check-out
- Morning: We are going to take one of these tours: Yellow-throated toucan, Keel-billed toucan, Sunbittern, Royal Flight Flycatcher, or Boat Trip on the San Carlos River (to be confirmed depending on the behavior of the animals or weather conditions).
- After that, we will drive for more than 3 hours to the impressive and remote area of Caño Negro.
- We will have lunch on the road.
- Free night.
- Dinner at the hotel
- Lodging in Caño Negro
Today we will have two boat tours
- In the morning, we will be able to take advantage of the dawn light and the activity of many birds, crocodiles, monkeys, and lizards, among others. This tour starts at 6:00 am.
- We will return to the hotel to rest and have breakfast.
- Lunch at the hotel or a local restaurant.
- At 3:00 p.m. we begin the afternoon tour. We will visit the observation tower and navigate the river again to take advantage of the afternoon light and watch the sunset.
- Lodging in Caño Negro
- Breakfast and check out
- We will drive for over 4 hours to the Cinchona area, near the Poas Volcano.
- We will stop at a famous restaurant to have lunch and take lots of pictures: birds, 2 beautiful waterfalls: La Paz and San Fernando), as well as the beautiful landscapes of that zone.
- Then, we will drive 1 more hour to the city of San Jose.
- Lodging in Heredia City
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Check-out
- Private transfer to the International Airport
- End of services
Destinations
San Gerardo de Dota
San Gerardo is renowned for its lush cloud forests and is a prime spot for birdwatching, particularly for the resplendent quetzal, a beautiful and colorful bird native to Central America.
Boca Tapada
Boca Tapada, located in the lush northern region of Costa Rica, is a natural paradise for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.
Sarapiqui
Sarapiqui in Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for nature photography, including bird photography, wildlife photography, and landscape photography. The region is known for its incredible biodiversity, lush rainforests, and stunning flora and fauna.
San Gerardo de Dota
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge offers a plethora of photography spots that will leave photographers awe-struck and inspired. From vast wetlands to dense rainforests, each location within the refuge presents unique opportunities to capture mesmerizing shots.
Specialized Photography Shoots & Activities
While all these activities are included, they may be subject to change depending on the weather and other conditions. We consult with our local guides daily to pinpoint the most favorable situations and prime photography opportunities.
- Hummingbird photo shoot (San Gerardo de Dota)
- Quetzal tour (Los Santos zone)
- Bird photo shoot (San Gerardo de Dota)
- Bird photo shoot (Guapiles city)
- Rainforest night tour (Sarapiqui)
- Wildlife, bird, and macro photo shoot (Sarapiqui)
- Macro photo shoot: Snakes and Frogs (Sarapiqui)
- Bat photo shoot at night (Boca Tapada)
- King Vulture photo shoot (Boca Tapada)
- Hummingbird multi-flash photo shoot (Boca Tapada)
- Wildlife Boat Tours Photo Tour (Caño Negro)
- Other activities
Services
- What’s included
- Private and Exclusive itinerary
- 12 nights of lodging
- 1 standard, superior or deluxe room (single occupancy)
- Private bathroom
- Breakfasts
- Local professional photographer and expedition leader with years of experience
- +8 Experienced, certified, and area-specific guides for birds, wildlife, and nature photography
- +12 photography tours and activities.
- Private ground transportation for 11 days
- Private Transfer-in (Airport-hotel)
- Private Transfer-out (Hotel-Airport)
- All entrance fees (National parks, reserves, refuges, etc)
- 1 room for the guide
- Daily meals for the guide
- All local insurances
- All local taxes
- What’s not included
- Airfare to/from Costa Rica
- Visa (If it’s required)
- Medical insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Lunches
- Dinners
- Tips and gratuities (local guides, driver, and expedition leader)
- Alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, cocktails, etc) and beverages not included on the menu.
- Hotel services (laundry, room service, etc)
- Personal services (spa, massage, etc)
What to expect
Activity Rating
This trip is rated light to moderate and caters to a variety of interests and abilities. Guests should be in good health and comfortable with extended periods of walking and sitting.
Itinerary Flexibility
Please note that minor changes to the daily itinerary may occur based on wildlife locations.
Accommodations
During the expedition, you’ll stay in comfortable hotels and lodges. These accommodations have been selected for their excellent locations, allowing you to explore the incredible natural wonders of each area.
Expedition Team
Your trip will be accompanied by a professional photographer, an expedition leader, and an experienced driver.
Local guides will also join you at various points along the way.
Transportation
All your transportation needs during your stay in Costa Rica, as specified in your trip itinerary, have been arranged.
Suggested Hotels and lodges
- Hotel Bougainvillea (Confirmed)
- 2 nights
- First and last night
- Hotel Trogon Lodge (Confirmed)
- Ara Ambigua Lodge (Confirmed)
- Boca Tapada Lodge (Confirmed)
- Hotel de campo Caño Negro (Confirmed)
Price per person based on 1 person
- US$7,865.00 per person based on a single occupancy room.
Dates & flight information
- March 8–20, 2025. (Confirmed)
- Arrival: March 8, 2022
- Departure: March 20, 2025
Payment method and dates
- International wire transfer or payment link
- Deposit: 20% on June 15, 2024
- First payment: 30% on September 1, 2024
- Second payment: 50% on December 15, 2024
Physis Photo Tours – Costa Rica