Costa Rica Ultimate Pacific Photo Expedition

From vibrant Scarlet Macaws flying across the Pacific coastline to the misty forests surrounding Arenal Volcano, this exclusive 10-day photographic adventure showcases some of Costa Rica's most spectacular wildlife habitats. Designed specifically for wildlife photographers, this expedition combines carefully planned photographic sessions, private boat charters, expert local guides, and years of experience leading tours throughout Costa Rica.

Our journey begins in the tropical lowlands where colorful hummingbirds, reptiles, owls, and other rainforest species provide incredible opportunities for both natural light and creative multi-flash photography. From there we travel to one of our favorite locations to photograph Scarlet Macaws in flight before moving into the country's lush mid-elevation forests, home to an entirely different collection of hummingbirds and tropical birds.

The second half of our expedition takes us to the Arenal region, where we'll photograph dazzling tanagers, honeycreepers, and other rainforest specialties before enjoying one of the highlights of the tour—a professionally managed reptile photography session. Working alongside one of Costa Rica's most experienced reptile specialists, you'll safely photograph an incredible variety of venomous and non-venomous snakes, colorful frogs, basilisks, iguanas, and other fascinating rainforest reptiles.

We'll also explore the beautiful Frío River aboard a private boat in search of White-faced Capuchins, Howler Monkeys, Green Iguanas, and an abundance of wetland birdlife.

Our final destination is the legendary Tarcoles River, where private boat charters place us at eye level with Bare-throated Tiger Herons, Yellow-headed Caracaras, Black Hawks, Boat-billed Herons, crocodiles, and countless other species. We'll also spend a full day photographing Pacific rainforest birds including motmots, manakins, pygmy owls, cuckoos, trogons, and many unexpected surprises that make this region one of our favorite bird photography destinations in Costa Rica.

With more than a decade of leading photography tours throughout Costa Rica, carefully selected locations, outstanding local guides, and small group sizes, this expedition offers an exceptional opportunity to photograph the incredible diversity that makes Costa Rica one of the world's premier wildlife photography destinations.

Photo Tour Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in San José

Arrive in Costa Rica where our private transportation will meet you at the international airport and transfer you to our hotel. Meet your fellow photographers during our welcome orientation before the adventure begins.

Day 2 — Tropical Lowlands

Our first full day is dedicated to the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica's lowland rainforest. We'll photograph several species of hummingbirds using both natural light and multi-flash techniques while also searching for Wood Rails, Great Potoo, reptiles, and other rainforest wildlife.

Day 3 — Scarlet Macaws & Mid-Elevation Forests

An exciting morning photographing Scarlet Macaws in flight, followed by an afternoon in the cloud forest where we'll work with an entirely new collection of hummingbirds including Coppery-headed Emeralds, Violet Sabrewings, Green Hermits, and several additional species.

Day 4 — Arenal Volcano Region

Travel to the beautiful Arenal region where we'll spend the afternoon photographing colorful tanagers, honeycreepers, and numerous tropical bird species against the spectacular backdrop of the rainforest.

Day 5 — Reptiles of Costa Rica

One of the signature experiences of the expedition. Working alongside a professional reptile specialist, we'll safely photograph a remarkable variety of Costa Rican reptiles including Eyelash Vipers, Bushmasters, Fer-de-Lance, Coral Snakes, Basilisks, Iguanas, and many other fascinating species.

Day 6 — Frío River Wildlife Cruise

A private photographic boat excursion along the Frío River searching for White-faced Capuchins, Howler Monkeys, Green Iguanas, kingfishers, herons, and countless other birds and wildlife that inhabit this remarkable ecosystem.

Day 7 — Arenal to Tarcoles

After breakfast we travel toward Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Upon arrival we'll board our private boat for an afternoon photography session on the famous Tarcoles River, home to crocodiles, herons, hawks, kingfishers, and many other iconic species.

Day 8 — Pacific Rainforest Birds

Spend the day with one of Costa Rica's premier bird guides exploring the rich Pacific rainforest. Our targets include motmots, manakins, pygmy owls, trogons, cuckoos, woodcreepers, and many of the region's incredible tropical birds.

Day 9 — Tarcoles River & Farewell

One final sunrise boat excursion offers additional opportunities to photograph the incredible birdlife of the Tarcoles River before returning to San José for our farewell dinner and final evening together.

Day 10 — Departure

After breakfast, private transportation will transfer you to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your flight home, bringing an unforgettable Costa Rican wildlife photography adventure to a close.

Photo Tour / Workshop Details

• Photo Tour Dates
  December 11-20, 2026 - 8 Spots Available

• Cost of Photo Tour
  $6750.00 per photographer (double occupancy)
  For single supplement add $780.00

• Physical Level - Easy

INCLUDES:

- Lodging during our tour.
- All meals as specified.
- Airport Transfers on first and last day.
- Photographic instruction and guidance by both co-leaders.
- Local Bilingual Guides.
- Multi flash setups for hummingbirds.
- Macro Sessions for reptiles with reptile guide/expert.
- Private Boat Charters on Frio and Tarcoles Rivers.
- Private transportation through out the tour.
- All applicable taxes.

DOES NOT INCLUDE::
- Airfare to and from San Jose, Costa Rica.
- Dinner the first night.
- Alcoholic Beverages.
- Personal items (souvenirs, batteries, etc).
- Extra services at Hotels (laundry service, etc.)
- Gratuities for local guides, porters, wait staff and drivers.   

We are limiting the number of photographers to 8 (for a 4:1 participant to instructor ratio) so you can get our full attention and be very comfortable at all shooting locations and during transport with your photo gear.

A $2000 deposit is required at the time of enrollment with full payment due by October 1, 2026.

Deposit can be paid via PAYPAL (plus 3% fees) by clicking here:

FOR PAYPAL DEPOSIT CLICK HERE

or by mailing a U.S. Check or Money Order Payable to:
      
Hector D. Astorga
PO Box 74
Delmita, TX 78536

Deposits & Cancellation Policy:

• A $2000 deposit is required at the time of enrollment with full payment due by October 1, 2026.

• Deposits and tour/workshop fees are non-refundable.

• If the photo workshop is full and someone from the waiting list can take your spot, your tuition is fully refundable minus a 15% cancellation fee.

• We are not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other reasons.

• Should cancellation be required due to severe weather, an alternate date will be scheduled at no additional charges.

• No fees will be refunded if you withdraw after the photo workshop begins.

• We are not responsible for any fees associated with non-refundable air travel, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.

 For more information or questions please contact Hector Astorga:
Email: hector@hectorastorga.com 
Phone: (956) 821-0701.