Costa Rica Ultimate Rainforest Photo Tour

For more than a decade, Costa Rica has been one of my favorite places to lead wildlife photography expeditions. After more than 40 tours throughout the country and hundreds of photographers joining me in the field, I've developed an itinerary that showcases the very best of Costa Rica's extraordinary biodiversity and photographic opportunities.

This isn't simply a bird photography tour or a rainforest vacation—it's a carefully designed photographic expedition that takes you from the lush Caribbean lowlands to the misty cloud forests of the Talamanca Mountains, placing you in front of some of the most spectacular wildlife in the Neotropics.

Over ten unforgettable days, you'll photograph an incredible diversity of subjects including colorful toucans, tanagers, parrots, honeycreepers, king vultures, hummingbirds, tropical frogs, owls, tent bats, and, of course, the legendary Resplendent Quetzal—one of the most sought-after birds in the world.

What truly sets this expedition apart is the variety of photographic experiences. You'll capture wildlife using both natural light and advanced multi-flash techniques, learning how to photograph hummingbirds and bats in flight while also creating stunning portraits of rainforest frogs and tropical birds. Every location has been carefully selected not only for its biodiversity, but for its outstanding photographic potential.

Throughout the journey, you'll benefit from personalized instruction in the field. Whether you're refining your composition, improving your camera technique, or learning how to use flash creatively, you'll receive hands-on guidance designed to help you return home with your strongest portfolio yet.

Over the past twelve years, I've built relationships with exceptional local guides, private reserves, and landowners across Costa Rica, giving our groups access to remarkable locations that consistently produce incredible photographic opportunities. These partnerships allow us to photograph wildlife ethically while maximizing time in the field.

With a maximum of only eight photographers, every participant enjoys plenty of space at each shooting location, individual instruction, and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages learning, creativity, and camaraderie.

If you've ever dreamed of photographing one of the world's richest ecosystems—from dazzling hummingbirds and vibrant poison dart frogs to the iconic Resplendent Quetzal—this expedition offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience Costa Rica through the lens of a wildlife photographer.

Come discover why Costa Rica remains one of the finest wildlife photography destinations on Earth. I would love to share this extraordinary country with you.

Photo Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in San José

Arrive in Costa Rica where our private transportation will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our hotel.

Days 2–4 – Caribbean Lowland Rainforest

We begin our expedition in the lush Caribbean lowlands, one of Costa Rica's premier bird photography destinations. Here we'll photograph an incredible variety of tropical birds including toucans, parrots, tanagers, honeycreepers, and the spectacular King Vulture from specialized photography hides. During the evenings, participants will have the opportunity to photograph bats in flight using professional multi-flash setups.

Days 5–6 – Sarapiquí Rainforest

Our journey continues to Sarapiquí, where we'll focus on Costa Rica's amazing rainforest biodiversity. Highlights include colorful poison dart frogs, glass frogs, the iconic Red-eyed Tree Frog, Honduran Tent Bats, owls, Gray-necked Wood Rails, and many other tropical species. We'll also enjoy dedicated hummingbird photography sessions using both natural light and high-speed multi-flash techniques.

Days 7–9 – Talamanca Cloud Forest

Our final destination is the breathtaking cloud forests of Talamanca, home to the legendary Resplendent Quetzal. We'll spend a full day searching for and photographing this magnificent bird while also capturing several species of highland hummingbirds and other cloud forest specialties. Both natural light and multi-flash techniques will be used throughout our final photography sessions before returning to San José for our farewell dinner.

Day 10 – Departure

After breakfast, our private transportation will transfer you to San José International Airport for your flight home, concluding an unforgettable Costa Rican wildlife photography adventure.

Photo Tour / Workshop Details

• Cost of Photo Tour
  $6950.00 per photographer (double occupancy)
  For single supplement add $780.00

• Each Session Open for 8 Photographers
  December 2-11, 2027 - 6 SPOTS AVAILABLE

• 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 and bats.
- 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 September 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 September 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 insurance quotes and estimates visit www.insuremytrip.com.

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