Last updated: November 2026
Short answer: the Rainforest Bird Photography Signature Session is dedicated to the colorful birds of the lowland rainforest: toucans, honeycreepers, tanagers and, in the same regions, great green and scarlet macaws. Boca Tapada and Sarapiquí are the two most important areas for it. Physis includes it all year in private programs. Which birds appear on a given day is never guaranteed.
Session at a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Toucans, honeycreepers, tanagers, migratory birds, great green macaw and scarlet macaw |
| Technique | Natural light with a telephoto lens |
| Regions | Boca Tapada and Sarapiquí |
| Season | All year; migratory birds in season |
| Included in | Private Physis programs; not sold separately |
Which birds can I photograph?
- Toucans: three species of toucan can be seen in these regions. See our guide to photographing the toucans of Costa Rica.
- Honeycreepers and tanagers: small, intensely colored birds that reward a clean background and good light.
- Macaws: the great green macaw and the scarlet macaw. The great green macaw also has its own Signature Session.
- Migratory birds: at certain times of year, species arriving from the north join the resident birds. Read about bird migration to Costa Rica.
Why Boca Tapada and Sarapiquí?
These are the two most important areas for rainforest birds in Physis programs. Both are lowland rainforest on the Caribbean side, with the variety of species that this habitat supports, and they are different enough from each other to be worth combining. Boca Tapada is remote and is planned as a stay of several nights; Sarapiquí is easier to reach and connects well with other regions.
Add Rainforest Bird Photography to your program
Physis designs private photography programs in Costa Rica around the sessions you choose. Tell us which Signature Sessions you want in your private program. Private programs start from US$4,000.
What equipment and settings do I need?
| Field need | Practical starting point |
|---|---|
| Lens | A 400–600 mm lens, or a 100–500 mm or 200–600 mm zoom for birds that come closer |
| Light | Rainforest light is low and changes fast; be ready to raise ISO |
| Perched birds | Small birds move constantly: 1/500 s or faster |
| Flight | 1/2000 s or faster for macaws and toucans in flight |
| Weather | Rain cover for camera and lens; the lowlands are hot and humid, with showers at any time of year |
For a wider packing list, see what camera gear to bring to Costa Rica.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for rainforest bird photography in Costa Rica?
The session runs all year, because the resident birds are always there. Migratory birds add to the variety during their season. Tell us your dates and Physis will advise what to expect.
Can I combine it with other sessions in the same region?
Yes. In Boca Tapada it combines with the King Vulture and Great Green Macaw sessions, and in Sarapiquí with the Rainforest Night Walk and macro.
Can I book this session on its own?
No. Signature Sessions are included in private Physis programs and are not sold separately.
Related pages
- Private bird photography tours in Costa Rica
- 25 fascinating birds to photograph in Costa Rica
- Our ethical approach to bird photography
See all Signature Sessions
Combine rainforest birds with king vultures, macaws, hummingbirds, quetzals, boat sessions and more in one private program.
