If you’re passionate about wildlife and bird photography, few places offer the diversity, vibrant habitats, and intimate photographic opportunities found in Sarapiquí and Guápiles, Costa Rica.
At Physis Photo Tours, we specialize in immersive photography tours and workshops tailored specifically for nature photographers. These regions in the Caribbean lowlands are ideal for capturing birds, mammals, reptiles, and macro life in their natural environments.
Why Sarapiquí and Guápiles are ideal for nature photography
Sarapiquí and Guápiles are located in the northeastern region of Costa Rica, bordering important biological corridors and rainforests like Braulio Carrillo National Park and La Selva Biological Station. This area is known for:
- Over 400 species of birds, including toucans, macaws, motmots, trogons, and hummingbirds
- Rich biodiversity with sloths, monkeys, frogs, butterflies, reptiles, and more
- Year-round photographic opportunities thanks to the tropical climate
- A mix of primary rainforest, wetlands, rivers, and agricultural edges that provide diverse habitats
- Access to private reserves, family-owned farms, and conservation areas that are not open to regular tourism
What makes our photography workshops unique
At Physis Photo Tours, we design experiences specifically for photographers. Our focus is not on rushing through a checklist of species but on creating the right conditions for exceptional photographs and personal growth.
Small Groups and Private Experiences
- We limit group size to ensure every participant gets personalized guidance, peaceful shooting conditions, and priority access to photographic opportunities.
Professional Guidance
- Each workshop is led by a local naturalist and professional photographer who understands light, composition, and animal behavior. You will learn to anticipate action, manage changing conditions, and tell powerful visual stories through your camera.
Exclusive Access to Private Locations
- We partner with private landowners and conservation areas that offer birding gardens, hummingbird setups, photographic hides, and rainforest trails free from crowds.
Ethical Wildlife Photography
- We follow best practices for responsible wildlife photography. No baiting. We ensure that there is no flash at night or disturbance to the birds. There will be no disturbance to the habitat. Our goal is to capture authentic moments while respecting nature.
What you’ll photograph in Sarapiquí and Guápiles
Birds
- Keel-billed and Chestnut-mandibled Toucans
- Collared Aracari
- Great Green Macaws
- Broad-billed and Violaceous Trogons
- Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds and Woodnymphs
- White-collared and Red-capped Manakins
Mammals
- Mantled Howler Monkeys and White-faced Capuchins
- Two- and Three-toed Sloths
- Coatis, Agoutis, and Kinkajous
Frogs, Reptiles, and Insects
- Red-eyed Tree Frogs, Poison Dart Frogs, and Glass Frogs
- Eyelash Vipers, Anoles, and Basilisks
- Blue Morphos, Katydids, and Leafcutter Ants
Macro Subjects
We include optional night walks and macro-focused sessions to photograph rainforest insects, amphibians, fungi, and plant textures with dedicated guidance and natural lighting techniques.
Optional extensions are available to Boca Tapada or Caño Negro for water birds and rare species.
Best season for photography in Sarapiquí and Guápiles
The dry season (December to May) offers ideal lighting, accessibility, and comfort. However, the green season (May to November) provides
- Richer vegetation and vibrant backgrounds
- Dramatic overcast lighting for macro and birds
- Fewer tourists and more peaceful locations
We run private and custom-made photo workshops year-round, adjusting each itinerary based on your preferred species and photographic goals.
Who should join this tour
- Beginner, amateur, or professional photographers
- Birders looking to elevate their photography skills
- Nature travelers and ecotourism enthusiasts
- Solo travelers, couples, or small photography groups
No matter your level of experience, we tailor it to your pace and interests.
What to Bring
- DSLR or mirrorless camera with telephoto lens (minimum 300mm recommended)
- Macro lens for frogs and insects
- Lightweight tripod or monopod
- Rain covers and dry bags for gear
- Comfortable, breathable field clothing
- Optional: flash, off-camera trigger, remote shutter release
Plan your photography adventure
Sarapiquí and Guápiles offer a combination of biological richness and photographic access that is difficult to match. Physis Photo Tours will guide you through every step of the process, whether your goal is to photograph elusive trogons, colorful hummingbirds, or the intricate details of a rainforest insect.
We offer custom itineraries, private workshops, and group departures based on your preferred pace, skill level, and target subjects.
Contact us today to design your personalized wildlife and bird photography tour in Sarapiquí and Guápiles.
Visit www.physis.cr or reach out via our contact form to start planning.
