King Vulture Venture 2026 Trip Report: 15 Days of Bird Photography in Costa Rica

King Vulture Venture was a 15-day bird photography tour across Costa Rica designed for photographers who want time, flexibility, and access to the country’s most productive locations. Led by bird photography specialist Andrés Zúñiga, the trip focused on working with light, behavior, and field conditions rather than rushing from checklist to checklist.

Over just two weeks, the group photographed birds across multiple elevations and ecosystems, finishing with 219 bird species recorded and a portfolio shaped by patience, planning, and Costa Rica’s exceptional diversity.

Quick Facts – King Vulture Venture 2026

• Dates: January 2026
• Trip length: 15 days
• Tour focus: Bird photography
• Guide: Andrés Zúñiga
• Habitats covered: Highlands, foothills, Caribbean lowlands, wetlands, coastal river systems
• Total species recorded: 219
• Signature species:
  • King Vulture
  • Ornate Hawk-Eagle
  • Resplendent Quetzal
  • Coppery-headed Emerald
  • Snowcap Hummingbird
• Full eBird trip report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/446185

An Easy Start and a Thoughtful Pace

From day one, the trip set a relaxed tone. Rather than pushing immediately into long drives or intensive schedules, the first day was intentionally low-key. Andrés met the group at the hotel and began birding right on site, using the gardens as a relaxed way to ease into the trip. It gave everyone time to adjust, sort out camera gear, and get a feel for how the days would unfold.

This pacing defined the entire journey. Locations were chosen not just for species potential, but for how they allowed photographers to respond to changing light and behavior without pressure.

Early Highlight: Coppery-headed Emerald at Cocora

Early in the tour, at Cocora, the group was rewarded with one of Costa Rica’s most special birds, the endemic Coppery-headed Emerald. Seeing and photographing this hummingbird, found nowhere else in the world, was a meaningful early highlight and a reminder of just how unique Costa Rica’s avifauna truly is.

Starting the trip with an endemic of this caliber reinforced what this tour was built to do—slow down and make the most of the birds in front of the lens.

As the trip progressed, the group experienced a wide range of habitats, each offering its own challenges and rewards.

Highlands Success: San Gerardo de Dota

In the cool highlands of San Gerardo de Dota, patience paid off repeatedly. The Resplendent Quetzal lived up to its reputation, while hummingbird diversity stole the show: Volcano, Scintillant, and Fiery-throated Hummingbirds all appeared, dazzling photographers with color and motion.

Rather than chasing quantity, time was spent refining shots and adjusting technique as conditions evolved.

Rancho Naturalista: Feeders, Forest, and Persistence

The move into the Turrialba Valley brought the group to Rancho Naturalista, a site well known for close, repeatable photo opportunities. Feeders and forest edges delivered excellent looks at the striking Snowcap Hummingbird, while persistence was rewarded with views of the often-missed White-throated Crake.

These encounters reflected the strength of the itinerary—being in proven locations long enough for the right moments to happen.

Group Dynamics and Field Moments

Beyond the birds, the atmosphere within the group remained relaxed and supportive. Shared laughs, spontaneous moments, and Andrés’ hands-on approach shaped the experience. One unforgettable episode involved a stream crossing while searching for owls, ending with Andrés earning the nickname “Superman” after carrying a guest across piggy-back style.

Moments like these added to the sense that this was a shared experience, not just a checklist-driven tour.

Caribbean Lowlands: King Vulture and Ornate Hawk-Eagle

In the Caribbean Lowlands, Laguna del Lagarto Lodge delivered two of the trip’s defining sightings. The group enjoyed extended looks at the tour’s namesake King Vulture, followed by a truly exceptional encounter with an Ornate Hawk-Eagle—a moment that stood out even among seasoned photographers.

These sightings underscored why this region remains essential for any serious Costa Rica bird photography itinerary.

Tárcoles River: Wetlands and Coastal Variety

A boat excursion on the Tárcoles River added yet another dimension. The group photographed a broad mix of coastal and wetland species, including Royal, Elegant, Sandwich, and Caspian Terns, alongside numerous herons and egrets. The slower pace of the river allowed time to compose shots, observe behavior, and simply enjoy being immersed in the landscape.

Final Numbers and Lasting Impressions

As the trip progressed, the species count climbed steadily, finishing at 219 bird species—a strong result that reflected both the diversity of habitats visited and the deliberate pacing of the tour.

On the final days, messages reflected both gratitude and the bittersweet feeling that always comes at the end of a great journey. One guest wrote:

“The trip has been great. We are seeing so many different birds, including the elusive Quetzal!!! Andrés is an excellent guide! Costa Rica is a beautiful country.”

A Bird Photography Tour Done Right

By the time everyone headed home the feeling was clear. This wasn’t just a successful bird photography tour. It was a shared experience shaped by expertise, humor, and a deep appreciation for Costa Rica’s natural world.

For photographers looking for time in the field, thoughtful pacing, and access to iconic species, this trip delivered on every front.