COSTA RICA: ULTIMATE PACIFIC & ARENAL PHOTO ADVENTURE

From Scarlet Macaws in Flight to Hummingbirds, Monkeys, Reptiles & Tropical Birds

Costa Rica may be small, but few places on Earth offer wildlife photographers this much diversity in such a short distance.

Our Ultimate Pacific & Arenal Photo Adventure is an immersive 10-day journey created specifically for wildlife photographers. From the tropical lowlands to the forests surrounding Arenal Volcano and the wildlife-rich rivers of the Pacific, we’ll explore some of our favorite photographic locations in Costa Rica.

This is a trip built around variety.

One morning you may be photographing hummingbirds frozen in flight. The next, Scarlet Macaws could be soaring overhead. Later, you might find yourself photographing colorful reptiles, monkeys along a jungle river, or tropical birds from a private boat.

Every destination brings a completely different photographic experience.

And throughout the adventure, we’ll be there to help you make the most of every opportunity.

AN INCREDIBLE VARIETY OF PHOTOGRAPHY

One of the things we love most about this itinerary is that no two days are the same.

We begin in Costa Rica's tropical lowlands, photographing hummingbirds using both natural light and specialized multi-flash techniques. We'll also search for other tropical species, including Wood Rails, owls, and whatever surprises the rainforest gives us.

From there, we turn our cameras toward one of Costa Rica's most spectacular birds—the Scarlet Macaw.

We'll have a dedicated session photographing these magnificent birds in flight while working on autofocus techniques, shutter speeds, exposure, backgrounds, and anticipating flight patterns.

Then it's time to climb into the mid-elevations, where a new collection of hummingbirds awaits.

And we're only getting started.

ARENAL: BIRDS, REPTILES & RAINFOREST

Our journey continues to the spectacular Arenal region, where the photographic possibilities change once again.

Here we'll target colorful tanagers, honeycreepers, hummingbirds, and other tropical birds before dedicating an entire day to one of the most unique experiences of the tour—reptile and macro photography.

With the assistance of an experienced reptile specialist, we'll photograph an incredible selection of Costa Rican snakes, lizards, basilisks, iguanas, and other reptiles in carefully managed photographic settings.

This gives us the opportunity to slow down and concentrate on composition, lighting, backgrounds, depth of field, and the tiny details that make macro photography so rewarding.

INTO THE JUNGLE BY BOAT

Next, we trade the road for the river.

A private boat charter on the Frío River takes us into another side of Costa Rica, where we'll search for Howler Monkeys, White-faced Capuchins, iguanas, wading birds, and other wildlife along the river.

Later in the expedition, we head to the Pacific and the legendary Tárcoles River for both morning and afternoon private boat photography sessions.

From our boat we'll search for raptors, herons, crocodiles, and an incredible assortment of tropical birds while photographing from perspectives that simply aren't possible from land.

A FULL DAY FOR PACIFIC TROPICAL BIRDS

One of our final days is dedicated entirely to searching for some of the Pacific region's most exciting birds.

With the help of an expert local bird guide, we'll explore the area looking for manakins, motmots, cuckoos, pygmy owls, and many other species.

There is always an element of surprise when photographing wildlife in Costa Rica.

We never know exactly what we're going to encounter—and that's part of what makes this adventure so much fun.

DESIGNED FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

This isn't a traditional Costa Rica vacation with a little photography added along the way.

Photography drives the itinerary.

Our shooting locations, private boat charters, wildlife sessions, transportation, and group size have all been selected with photographers in mind.

Throughout the tour, you'll receive hands-on photographic instruction and guidance from two experienced photo leaders.

We'll help you with everything from camera settings and autofocus techniques to composition, working with difficult rainforest light, photographing birds in flight, macro photography, and recognizing opportunities as they develop.

Whether you're an experienced wildlife photographer or looking to take your photography to the next level, you'll have instructors available throughout the adventure.

SMALL GROUP. PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.

We limit this adventure to just 8 photographers, giving us an excellent 4:1 participant-to-instructor ratio.

That means more personal attention, more room for your camera equipment, and a comfortable experience at our shooting locations and during transportation.

Our goal isn't to rush from one species to another.

We want to give you the time, instruction, and opportunities to come home with a diverse collection of images—and become a better wildlife photographer along the way.

WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR SPECIAL

Scarlet Macaws in Flight
Dedicated photography sessions with one of Costa Rica's most spectacular birds.

Multiple Hummingbird Sessions
Photograph different species using both natural light and specialized multi-flash techniques.

Reptile & Macro Photography
A full photographic session dedicated to Costa Rica's incredible snakes, lizards, and other reptiles with an experienced reptile specialist.

Private Wildlife Boat Charters
Explore both the Frío and Tárcoles Rivers in search of monkeys, raptors, crocodiles, wading birds, and other wildlife.

Incredible Tropical Bird Diversity
Search for tanagers, honeycreepers, motmots, manakins, owls, cuckoos, hummingbirds, and much more.

Two Photography Instructors
Hands-on instruction and guidance throughout the adventure.

Only 8 Photographers
A small group with a 4:1 participant-to-instructor ratio.

Easy Physical Level
An accessible wildlife photography adventure without demanding hikes or strenuous trekking.

ONE TRIP. COUNTLESS PHOTOGRAPHIC OPPORTUNITIES.

What makes this Costa Rica adventure special isn't one particular animal or one spectacular location.

It's the variety.

Hummingbirds hovering just feet from your lens.

Scarlet Macaws flying across a tropical sky.

Monkeys moving through trees along a jungle river.

A brilliantly colored reptile filling your viewfinder.

A raptor suddenly appearing as our boat rounds the next bend.

In ten days, you'll experience an incredible range of wildlife, habitats, and photographic situations—all while traveling with a small group of photographers who share the same passion.

Join us and discover why Costa Rica remains one of our favorite wildlife photography destinations in the world.

DECEMBER 11–20, 2027

Limited to only 8 photographers.

$6,950 per photographer, double occupancy

Reserve your spot and join us for the Ultimate Pacific & Arenal Photo Adventure.

Photo Tour / Workshop Details

• Photo Tour Dates
  December 11-20, 2027 - 6 Spots Available

• Cost of Photo Tour
  $6950.00 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.   

A $2000 deposit is required at the time of enrollment with full payment due by October 1, 2027.

PAY DEPOSIT BY CHECK (ACH) - $2000 USD

PAY DEPOSIT BY CREDIT CARD - $2000 USD + $60 USD PROCESSING FEE

Deposits & Cancellation Policy:

• A $2000 deposit is required at the time of enrollment with full payment due by October 1, 2027.

• 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.