Embark on Costa Rica’s Ultimate Photography Adventure
Get ready to immerse yourself in the heart of Costa Rica’s unparalleled beauty and biodiversity. Designed specifically for passionate photographers, this dynamic itinerary delivers an action-packed journey through lush rainforests, vibrant wetlands, and remote wildlife refuges—each brimming with incredible photo opportunities.
From dawn bird sessions to nighttime macro shoots, you’ll hone your skills and capture stunning images in every lighting condition.
Join us for a 100% photography-focused expedition where Physis Photo Tours expertly handles all logistics, leaving you free to concentrate on what truly matters: creating breathtaking images and unforgettable memories.
Day-by-day Itinerary
Welcome, PPA Members!
As a fellow PPA member, I’m thrilled to invite you to this immersive Costa Rican photography expedition.
From the moment you land at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (Airport code: SJO), Physis Photo Tours will ensure every detail is expertly managed so you can concentrate on capturing breathtaking images.
Morning / Afternoon
- Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Upon landing, meet the Physis Photo Tours representative for a comfortable private transfer. - Hotel Check-In
Settle into your accommodations in San José. Take some time to rest, adjust your gear, or explore the vibrant city at your leisure.
Evening
- Welcome & Orientation
Gather with fellow PPA photographers to discuss the upcoming itinerary, prime shooting locations, and tips for maximizing your creative opportunities. - Welcome Dinner at the Hotel
Enjoy a delicious meal showcasing local flavors while getting to know your travel companions. - Overnight in San José
Today is all about settling in and preparing for the diverse photography opportunities ahead.
Your Costa Rican journey begins in earnest as we head to Sarapiquí, one of the country’s most biodiverse regions.
Renowned for its lush rainforest, abundant wildlife, and photogenic landscapes, Sarapiquí is a dream locale for PPA members seeking dynamic nature and wildlife shots.
Morning
- Breakfast at the Hotel
Fuel up for the day with a hearty meal before checking out. - Scenic Transfer to Sarapiquí (Approx. 3 Hours)
Watch the scenery shift from San José’s central valley to the tropical lowlands. En route, learn about the region’s ecological significance from our knowledgeable driver or guide.
Afternoon
- Bird Photography Session in Guápiles
We’ll pause in Guápiles to photograph colorful residents and migratory birds. Expect an array of species—from hummingbirds to toucans—all offering stellar opportunities to capture vivid images. - Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Savor authentic Costa Rican cuisine made with fresh, regional ingredients.
Evening
- Arrival & Check-In
Settle into your lodge in the heart of Sarapiquí. Take time to explore the property’s natural surroundings or prepare your gear for the upcoming days. - Dinner at the Hotel (Included)
Enjoy a relaxing meal with fellow photographers, exchanging first impressions and photography highlights of the day. - Free Time
Unwind, organize your shots, or simply soak in the rainforest ambiance. - Overnight in Sarapiquí
Today’s focus: immersing yourself in Sarapiquí’s incredible biodiversity—from vibrant gardens to thrilling macro sessions with exotic reptiles and amphibians.
Morning
- Breakfast at the Hotel
Start your day fresh and ready for an exciting adventure. - Visit Pierella Ecological Garden
Explore a haven teeming with butterflies, hummingbirds, insects, toucans, bats, frogs, and more—all in one compact reserve. Beyond its wildlife, Pierella introduces you to local culture and even a taste of chocolate production, enriching your photographic narrative.
Afternoon
- Snakes & Frogs Macro Photography Session
Step into a safe, controlled environment to capture over five exotic and venomous species. This session is crafted for daring photographers eager to document the intricate details and mystique of Costa Rica’s reptilian and amphibian life—up close and in vivid detail.
Evening
- Dinner at the Hotel (Included)
After a day of fascinating encounters, enjoy a flavorful meal with your fellow PPA members. - Free Night
Take time to review the day’s captures, network with colleagues, or rest up for tomorrow’s continued exploration. - Overnight in Sarapiquí
Continue your final day in Sarapiquí with more unique rainforest experiences, perfect for building an impressive collection of wildlife images.
Morning
- Breakfast at the Hotel
Begin the day with a relaxed meal, prepping yourself and your gear for another rewarding shoot. - Exploration Near Guápiles
Head out to a special locale acclaimed for its diversity of species—ideal for capturing everything from tropical birds to sloths. Keep your cameras ready for chance encounters with Costa Rica’s iconic wildlife.
Afternoon
- Free Time
Enjoy a leisurely break. You may choose to rest, review your shots from earlier sessions, or venture out for independent exploration.
Evening
- Night Macro Photography Session (Weather Permitting)
After sundown, embark on an adventurous excursion to photograph nocturnal subjects such as frogs, toads, and insects. This session provides a glimpse into the rainforest’s hidden nighttime realm—an opportunity to expand your portfolio with rare, atmospheric images. - Dinner at the Hotel (Included)
Cap off your day with a hearty meal shared among fellow photographers. - Overnight in Sarapiquí
Today’s adventures offer two unique photo sessions: a morning bird shoot on a locally owned property followed by an exciting night bat session in Boca Tapada.
Morning
- Breakfast at the Hotel (Sarapiquí) Fuel up for a busy day of photography before checking out.
- Bird Photography Session
Visit a charming Costa Rican family’s property, where you can expect to encounter over 20 bird species. Keep an eye out for woodpeckers, red-legged honeycreepers, toucans, tanagers, and hummingbirds. This setting offers the perfect blend of variety and accessibility for capturing colorful avian portraits.
Afternoon
- Arrival & Check-In
Settle into your accommodations in the heart of Boca Tapada’s lush rainforest. - Free time for photography. Explore the hotel grounds or the surrounding area at your leisure. The local habitat teems with wildlife—keep your camera ready for spontaneous opportunities.
Evening
- Bat Photography Session (5:30 p.m., ~2 Hours)
Experience one of the most thrilling highlights of the trip—photographing bats in flight under controlled conditions. Because of the specialized setup, the group will be split into two smaller teams (up to 4 photographers each). One group will shoot this evening, while the other enjoys a free night and will have their turn on another evening. - Dinner (Included)
After (or before) your designated session, enjoy a satisfying meal at the lodge. - Overnight in Boca Tapada
By day’s end, you’ll have expanded your wildlife portfolio with vivid bird portraits and, for those in the first team, captured the mesmerizing movement of Costa Rica’s nocturnal bat species in flight.
Another action-packed day awaits in Boca Tapada, spotlighting some of Costa Rica’s most impressive avian subjects. From the formidable King Vulture to the tiny yet dazzling hummingbird, prepare your gear for a morning-to-evening lineup of diverse photo sessions.
Morning
- Breakfast at the Lodge
Fuel up for an unforgettable shoot. - King Vulture Session
After breakfast, focus your lenses on the King Vulture, renowned for its striking coloration and powerful beak. At up to 2.5 feet tall and weighing around 8 pounds, this New World vulture often claims first rights to a feeding site due to its ability to open tougher carcasses. Capture dynamic images as it demonstrates its dominance among the region’s scavengers.
Afternoon
- Hummingbird multiflash. After a midday break, prepare for a multi-flash hummingbird setup. Four teams of two photographers each will rotate through one-hour slots, ensuring everyone gets dedicated time with these agile pollinators.
- Additional Bird Photography. While waiting for your turn, enjoy photographing the abundant birds frequenting the property, including up to three different toucan species. This relaxed setting provides ample opportunities for spontaneous shots.
Evening
- Bat Session (5:30 p.m., ~2 Hours)
Continue with one of the tour’s most exciting highlights—photographing bats in flight. Because of the specialized lighting and timing, you’ll be divided into smaller teams (up to four photographers each). One team will capture the fascinating nocturnal activity, while the other enjoys a free night and will shoot on an alternate evening.
- Dinner at the Lodge (Included)
Either before or after your allocated session, savor a fulfilling meal showcasing local flavors. - Overnight in Boca Tapada
With captivating subjects like the King Vulture, hummingbirds, and bats all in one day, Day 6 promises to be a pinnacle in your Costa Rican photography journey. As always, Physis Photo Tours takes care of the logistics, so you can stay focused on getting the perfect shot.
Today’s schedule showcases Boca Tapada’s remarkable biodiversity through two distinct photography sessions—an early excursion for bird enthusiasts and an afternoon macro session focusing on reptiles and amphibians.
Morning
- Breakfast at the Hotel
Start the day with a hearty meal. - Bird Photography Session
Venture into the surrounding habitats to capture a variety of colorful species, including toucans, tanagers, honeycreepers, and if you’re lucky, the elusive Tayra. The soft morning light is ideal for highlighting each bird’s vivid plumage. - Lunch at the Hotel
Refuel and review your morning shots before the afternoon’s adventure.
Afternoon
- Macro Photography Session with Flash (Frogs & Snakes)
Dive into a specialized session spotlighting at least ten species of snakes and frogs. Working with both natural light and flash, you’ll have another opportunity to document the intricate details and unique behaviors of these captivating creatures.
Evening
- Dinner at the Hotel (Included)
Savor a flavorful, locally inspired meal alongside fellow photographers. - Free Night
Wind down at your leisure—organize your images, share tips with your travel companions, or simply relax after a day filled with photographic excitement. - Overnight in Boca Tapada
From vibrant birds to intriguing reptiles and amphibians, Day 7 captures the essence of Boca Tapada’s rich wildlife in a variety of settings and lighting conditions.
Prepare to venture deeper into Costa Rica’s northern wetlands, where rare bird species and unspoiled habitats promise new photographic discoveries. Today’s journey brings you to the remote and impressive Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge—a premier locale for capturing images of aquatic and migratory birds.
Morning
- Breakfast at the Hotel
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checking out of your lodge in Boca Tapada. - Transfer to Caño Negro (Approx. 3+ Hours)
Afternoon
- Boat Tour in Medio Queso
Upon arrival near Caño Negro, embark on a guided boat trip through the Medio Queso wetlands, an essential habitat for rare and elusive bird species such as the Garza Mirasol, Ave Toro, Sora, and Zopilote Cabeza Amarilla. Keep your camera poised for surprises—these swamps often reveal hidden gems lurking among aquatic plants or soaring overhead. - Lunch on the Road
Refuel between your photography sessions with a simple but satisfying meal.
Evening
- Arrival & Check-In
Settle into your accommodations in the Caño Negro area. - Dinner at the Hotel (Included)
Share highlights from your day’s wetland exploration with fellow photographers over a delicious meal. - Free Night
Unwind at leisure or prepare for the next day’s adventures. - Overnight in Caño Negro
From the remote reaches of Medio Queso to the hidden corners of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, you’ll find no shortage of captivating subjects for your lens on Day 8.
Experience a full day of photography on the winding waterways of Caño Negro. With two separate boat tours totaling more than eight hours of shooting, you’ll have ample time to capture the morning’s dynamic wildlife activity and the radiant hues of sunset.
After days of exploring Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems, it’s time to head back to the Central Valley. Before concluding your adventure, enjoy one last bird photography session at The Nest Nature Center, a dedicated haven for avian enthusiasts.
Morning
- Breakfast at the Hotel
Enjoy a relaxed start to the day in Caño Negro. - Drive to The Nest Nature Center (Aguas Zarcas)
Begin the journey toward Costa Rica’s Central Valley. En route, stop at The Nest Nature Center for a final opportunity to refine your bird photography skills.
Midday: Bird Photography at The Nest Nature Center
- About The Nest Nature Center
Nestled in Aguas Zarcas, The Nest Nature Center provides photographers with prime vantage points and thoughtfully maintained feeding stations, attracting an array of colorful species such as toucans, tanagers, and honeycreepers. This well-curated environment allows for close-up encounters, making it an ideal place to capture striking images before concluding your trip. - Photography Session
Spend time observing and photographing resident and migratory birds in a natural setting designed to maximize your photo potential.
Afternoon
- Transfer to San José (Approx. 2 Hours)
Continue to the bustling capital city. During the drive, take a moment to reflect on the incredible diversity and photographic highlights of your Costa Rican journey. - Hotel Check-In
Upon arriving in San José, settle in and prepare for the evening’s farewell festivities.
Evening
- Farewell Dinner (Included)
Celebrate the culmination of your adventure with a special meal. Share favorite images, swap stories, and connect with fellow photographers one last time in Costa Rica. - Overnight in San José
With a final flourish at The Nest Nature Center, Day 10 offers a memorable bird photography experience that captures the essence of Costa Rica’s vibrant avifauna—an excellent finale to your wildlife-filled expedition.
All too soon, it’s time to say goodbye to Costa Rica—but you’ll leave with an incredible collection of images and memories that will inspire your photography for years to come.
Morning/Afternoon
- Breakfast at the Hotel
Enjoy a final, leisurely breakfast. Take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary wildlife encounters, colorful landscapes, and new connections made during your journey.
Departure
- Private Transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport
With Physis Photo Tours handling logistics, your transfer will be smooth and timely. Depart with a full heart, ready to share your breathtaking photos and experiences with colleagues, friends, and family back home.
Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing your stunning images from this unforgettable Costa Rican adventure!
Destinations
Boca Tapada
Sarapiqui
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
What to expect
During the expedition, you’ll stay in comfortable hotels and lodges.
Physis Photo Tours offers certified hotels and lodges in Costa Rica, meticulously chosen to cater to photographers.
These accommodations, set in breathtaking locations, emphasize eco-friendly and sustainable practices.
Each lodging provides on-site trails, wildlife opportunities, and local expert guides, ensuring immersive and responsible photographic experiences. Facilities are designed with photographers in mind, featuring charging stations, secure storage, and dedicated areas for photo reviews.
Your stay supports both environmental conservation and community well-being, making your photography adventure impactful and memorable.
- Hotel Bougainvillea
- Studio Hotel
- El Lugar Resort
- Selva Verde Lodge
- Hotel de Campo Caño Negro
- Caño Negro Natural Lodge
- Maquenque Lodge
- Boca Tapada Lodge
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 short periods of walking.
Please note that minor changes to the daily itinerary may occur based on wildlife locations or weather conditions.
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.
All your transportation needs during your stay in Costa Rica, as specified in your trip itinerary, have been arranged.