Real Experiences

Hear It From Our Happy Shutterbugs

Photographers from around the world have joined our Costa Rica adventures—and returned home inspired, fulfilled, and creatively recharged. But don’t just take our word for it.

Read real stories from fellow photographers who experienced the discovery, learning, and artistic inspiration that define every journey with Physis.

Explore full testimonials here:

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Outstanding experience

Thank you very much for the phenomenal journey in November 2025! Over the course of three weeks, we enjoyed outstanding experiences and sightings without a single critical situation. The support and guidance were consistently friendly and highly professional; accommodation and catering were authenti...

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Gerhard Staudacher

Germany,Germany

Outstanding experience

Thank you very much for the phenomenal journey in November 2025! Over the course of three weeks, we enjoyed outstanding experiences and sightings without a single critical situation. The support and guidance were consistently friendly and highly professional; accommodation and catering were authentic to the country, solid yet comfortable.

Our private small-group tour (6 participants) was a complete success, with well over 200 species observed, including approximately 180 bird species—various hummingbirds, quetzals, kingfishers, jabirus, motmots, owls, raptors, resident and migratory birds, and much more—as well as bats, reptiles and frogs, coatis, sloths, tapirs, and egg-laying turtles.
For each day, Andy had organized one to two highlights—all of them exciting, regardless of whether it rained or not.

We relaxed thoroughly and returned home with many thousands of photographs, some of them truly spectacular. When we look at the best of these again and again, we relive the journey and continue to rave about Costa Rica.

We can highly recommend traveling with Physis and tour guide Andy Bezara—it was outstanding.

Gerhard Staudacher, Aachen, Germany

Gerhard Staudacher

Germany,Germany

It was a fantastic trip

I had been meaning to take my father on a photography tour in Costa Rica for some time. Organization was slightly last minute, and yet Andy (who heads Physis Photo Tours) and Physis were fantastic.
We had a zoom meeting to discuss our options for subjects and locations for the time of year we were p...

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Kenny Taubenslag

United States,United States

It was a fantastic trip

I had been meaning to take my father on a photography tour in Costa Rica for some time. Organization was slightly last minute, and yet Andy (who heads Physis Photo Tours) and Physis were fantastic.

We had a zoom meeting to discuss our options for subjects and locations for the time of year we were planning to visit (as well as lenses and equipment), and he took into account our preferences for species and locations and also made recommendations to craft a personalized itinerary.

Juan who picked my father up from the airport and who was our driver for the week was so kind. Guides, from the folks at the The Nest Nature Center in Aguas Zarcas where they are reclaiming an area of farmland and transforming it into habitat that is more suitable for native fauna, to the fantastic guide in Boca Tapada to our guides near Sarapiqui and Limon were fantastic.

My father and I were floored by the species we were able to photograph in great settings, from multiple species of toucan, to mannequins, to owls and king vulture, to multiple species of hummingbirds, to bats and reptiles. Andy is a photographer and many of our guides were photographers, and I think they really cater to situations and set-ups that are optimal for photography, not just for seeing wildlife or birding per se.

As Andy lives in Costa Rica they partner with local guides and businesses who know the areas and the animal well and who were incredibly welcoming, sometimes into their own back-yards and properties.

It was a fantastic trip, and I can’t complement their professionalism and expertise enough. Physis is highly recommended and we are excited to come back soon as well.

Kenny Taubenslag

United States,United States

Andy regularly created exceptional photo opportunities

From initial exploration of a tour for just two of us through to the final day leaving Costa Rica Andy was exceptionaly helpful and attentive.
Knowledgeable, friendly and extremely well connected throughout Costa Rica Andy regularly created exceptional photo opportunities resulting in beautiful imag...

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Paul Williams

Andy regularly created exceptional photo opportunities

From initial exploration of a tour for just two of us through to the final day leaving Costa Rica Andy was exceptionaly helpful and attentive.

Knowledgeable, friendly and extremely well connected throughout Costa Rica Andy regularly created exceptional photo opportunities resulting in beautiful images and experiences. We highly recommend booking with Andy if you’re planning to visit this beautiful and welcoming country.

Paul Williams

The Toucans Took My Breath Away!

This was my first trip with Physis Photo Tours, and it won’t be my last. Andy and his team were like a well-oiled machine, getting us up close to wildlife without disturbing it. The highlight for me? Photographing not one, but four species of toucans! I never thought I’d get shots like these, and I ...

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Franklin González

United States,United States

The Toucans Took My Breath Away!

This was my first trip with Physis Photo Tours, and it won’t be my last. Andy and his team were like a well-oiled machine, getting us up close to wildlife without disturbing it. The highlight for me? Photographing not one, but four species of toucans! I never thought I’d get shots like these, and I owe it all to the team’s expertise. Costa Rica is absolutely magical. Nacho – Nicetyphoto

Franklin González

United States,United States

Amazing experience

I’m just back from a 12-day trip around Costa Rica with Andy Bezara and Physis.  It was an amazing experience, and I’m absolutely thrilled with the photos I’ve returned with.
Andy is an expert photographer but just as important as that, he is a brilliant organizer, with countless expert guides aroun...

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Michael White

United Kingdom,United Kingdom

Amazing experience

I’m just back from a 12-day trip around Costa Rica with Andy Bezara and Physis.  It was an amazing experience, and I’m absolutely thrilled with the photos I’ve returned with.

Andy is an expert photographer but just as important as that, he is a brilliant organizer, with countless expert guides around the country ready and willing to give guests the best photo experience.

Everything on our tour ran like clockwork and Andy was always ready the flex the plans to suit my needs, which I think is really important as you don’t know until you get there what’s going to be your main focus.

All in all I can’t speak highly enough or Andy and have no hesitation in recommenting him to other like minded photographers.

Michael White

United Kingdom,United Kingdom

Thank you, Andy!

My family (husband, 9 year-old child) and I participated in a photo tour with Andy in February. We enjoyed it so much, and decided to come back a few months later, in April! Our experience was absolutely mind blowing. Andy took us to the most unique places we would never have been able to find or vi...

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Marina Lan

United States,United States

Thank you, Andy!

My family (husband, 9 year-old child) and I participated in a photo tour with Andy in February. We enjoyed it so much, and decided to come back a few months later, in April! Our experience was absolutely mind blowing. Andy took us to the most unique places we would never have been able to find or visit on our own.

From small town humble business owners who welcomed us in their homes (always with coffee and yummy snacks), to large luxury hotel resorts with superior rooms and exquisite meals, all with a persistent sense of unity with Costa Rica’s resplendent natural wonders. Andy did a fantastic job planning both of  our trips.

While my husband was taking some of his most beautiful photographs, Andy was engaging our child and myself in new for us and exciting activities, keeping an element of pleasant surprise throughout. We often found our new experiences quite therapeutic, in overcoming phobias (i.e. large insect encounters), taking a rainforest walk at night, or boating in a crocodile infested river! Yet every single adventure flowed in the most safe, friendly and relaxing atmosphere created by Andy.

My child’s ipad was never seen (or wanted!), and I had a refreshing, relaxing, meditative mental health retreat. We were very lucky and are thankful for the virtuoso planning and organization by our Andy, who created a memorable trip for us all.

Marina Lan

United States,United States

Lifetime of fabulous memories

I just returned from an 8-day trip with Andy, and I loved every minute of it. He is a wealth of knowledge and easy to be with. He made sure that I saw everything, and he tailored the entire trip to my exact liking. I can’t recommend him enough. Let Andy show you his beautiful country, and you will h...

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Elizabeth Tarr

Los Angeles, California,United States

Lifetime of fabulous memories

I just returned from an 8-day trip with Andy, and I loved every minute of it. He is a wealth of knowledge and easy to be with. He made sure that I saw everything, and he tailored the entire trip to my exact liking. I can’t recommend him enough. Let Andy show you his beautiful country, and you will have a lifetime of fabulous memories and pictures!

Elizabeth Tarr

Los Angeles, California,United States

A Truly Unforgettable, Tailor-Made Photo Tour of Costa Rica!

From start to finish, my experience with Physis Photo Tours was nothing short of spectacular. I had the privilege of working directly with Andy, the founder and guide, and I can say with confidence that this was one of the most enriching and rewarding travel experiences I’ve ever had.
As a passionat...

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Andreas Bieringer

United Arab Emirates,United Arab Emirates

A Truly Unforgettable, Tailor-Made Photo Tour of Costa Rica!

From start to finish, my experience with Physis Photo Tours was nothing short of spectacular. I had the privilege of working directly with Andy, the founder and guide, and I can say with confidence that this was one of the most enriching and rewarding travel experiences I’ve ever had.

As a passionate photographer, I wanted a trip that would let me dive deep into the natural beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica—and Andy delivered in every possible way. Before the trip even began, we had a Zoom call where Andy took the time to understand my goals, photography interests, and expectations. What followed was a fully customized, thoughtfully curated itinerary that truly reflected my needs and passions.

Andy’s deep knowledge of Costa Rica, combined with his vast local network of guides, accommodations, and nature reserves, gave me access to places and photographic opportunities I simply wouldn’t have discovered on my own. Every shooting location was stunning, and the support from local hosts and guides was exceptional—friendly, helpful, and always respectful of the environment and our goals as photographers.

What really stood out was Andy’s flexibility and dedication. Whether it was a last-minute change in the schedule, special requirements, or adjusting for weather and light conditions—he was always one step ahead, ensuring every moment was maximized. He’s not just a guide; he’s a fixer, a host, a mentor, and a passionate advocate for Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

This was my first time in Costa Rica, but thanks to this extraordinary experience, it certainly won’t be my last. I can wholeheartedly recommend Physis Photo Tours to anyone who wants a personalized, high-quality photography adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a passionate amateur, Andy will make sure your trip is unforgettable.

10/10 – A highlight of my travels and a photographer’s dream come true!

Andreas Bieringer

United Arab Emirates,United Arab Emirates

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