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Capture Costa Rica

11-Night, 12-Day Trip

About This Bird Photography Group Tour

Focus: Bird Photography

Tour Highlights

Personalized instruction from an expert bird photography guide
Extended time at premium photography locations
Access to private reserves and specialized photography setups
Deliberate pace designed specifically for photographers
Diverse habitats and wide array of possible species

Trip Overview

Day 1:

Arrive San Jose

Days 2-3:

Caribbean Lowlands

Days 4-5:

Caribbean Foothills

Days 6-7:

Central Pacific

Days 8-9:

Talamanca Highlands

Day 10:

San Jose

Day 11:

Return to SJO Airport

Overview
What's Included
Itinerary
Additional Info
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This 10-night, 11-day privately guided bird photography tour is crafted for photographers who want to go beyond casual birding and capture striking images of Costa Rica’s most iconic and colorful species. With the guidance of an expert bird photography guide, you'll travel through diverse habitats—including lush rainforests, volcanic slopes, tropical lowlands, and coastal wetlands—each offering a new range of subjects and photographic challenges. The tour follows a deliberate, photographer-friendly pace, allowing for extended time at premium locations and access to private reserves and specialized setups. Highlights include the renowned feeders at Cinchona, the wild hummingbird activity at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and a visit to Cope’s Gardens, a favorite for close-up hummingbird shots and surprise wildlife encounters. In Orotina, you’ll search for owls in lesser-known hotspots, while the Tarcoles River Estuary boat tour offers a dynamic opportunity to photograph water birds and mangrove species from the waterline. A stay at Quetzal Paradise Lodge rounds out the experience, with targeted efforts to photograph the magnificent Resplendent Quetzal. Whether you’re refining your technique or expanding your portfolio, this tour offers exceptional access, flexibility, and photographic potential in some of Costa Rica’s most productive birding regions.
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What's Included in Your 11-Night, 12-Day Capture Costa Rica Tour?

  • Small Group Tour – Photography

    On a group tour with a private guide, the guide is with you from your arrival to your departure. You not only enjoy bird photography at the hotels, parks, and reserves on your itinerary, you also have the flexibility to stop with the guide at local spots, and places that only the guides know. You have an expert with you every step of the way. Guests with a Private Guide can expect to see and photograph at least 50% more species than guests using local guides.

    Pros and Cons of a Scheduled Group Trip

    Continuous expert guidance throughout the entire trip

    50% more species typically observed and photographed

    Access to off-the-beaten-track locations

    Flexibility for impromptu stops

    Daily species recap with guide

    Photo identification from your guide during and after your trip.

    Fixed travel dates

    Less individual flexibility

      Ideal for

    • Serious bird photographers aiming to maximize species sightings

    • First-time visitors wanting constant expert guidance

    • Photographers interested in off-the-beaten-path locations

    • Travelers who value having all meals and services included

    • Photographers who enjoy shared experiences with like-minded travelers

    • Travelers looking for an easy, seamless travel experience

      • Capture Costa Rica Itinearary Details

      Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica

      Arrive at San José International Airport where you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel with your private driver. Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful gardens of Hotel Bougainvillea with your private photography guide, capturing images of garden birds and practicing your settings for the days ahead. In the evening, join your group for a welcome dinner where your guide will provide an overview of the exciting photography opportunities awaiting you.

    • Lodging

    • Explore

      Hotel Bougainvillea Gardens

    • Day 2: San José to Sarapiquí

      Depart from San José with your guide to Sarapiquí. En route, visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where the strategically placed feeders and natural settings provide excellent opportunities to photograph hummingbirds, tanagers, and other colorful species. In the afternoon, arrive at Tirimbina Lodge and explore its private reserve, offering forest trails and river views for diverse shooting conditions.

    • Lodging

    • Explore

      La Paz Waterfall Gardens

      Birding La Paz Waterfall Gardens

    • Explore

      Tirimbina Lodge Trails

    • Day 3: Sarapiquí Area

      Morning visit to Cope’s Gardens, a photographer-friendly private property with perfectly positioned perches and feeders designed specifically for photography. The afternoon takes you to Pierella Gardens, another specialized photography location where natural gardens provide optimal backgrounds for your top shots. Both locations provide excellent opportunities to capture striking portraits of rainforest species.

    • Lodging

    • Explore

      Cope’s Gardens

    • Explore

      Pierella Gardens

    • Day 4: Sarapiquí to Arenal

      Journey from Sarapiquí to the Arenal Volcano region. Stop at the famous Cinchona feeders, where toucans, barbets, and tanagers visit regularly, providing great opportunities to capture Costa Rica’s diverse species. Arrive at Arenal Observatory Lodge in the afternoon, where the expansive grounds and volcano views create a dramatic landscape for bird photography.

    • Lodging

    • Explore

      Cinchona Feeders & Trails

    • Explore

      Arenal Observatory Lodge Reserve

    • Day 5: Arenal Area

      Full day dedicated to photography at Arenal Observatory Lodge. The property’s diverse trail system takes you through primary forest, secondary growth, and open areas, each offering different lighting conditions and bird species. The lodge’s balconies and platforms provide stable shooting positions for flying birds with the volcano as a backdrop. 

    • Lodging

    • Explore

      Arenal Observatory Lodge Reserve

    • Day 6: Arenal to Central Pacific

      Travel from Arenal to the Central Pacific region. In the afternoon, enjoy a special photography session with local expert Alvaro Guitierrez in Orotina, focusing on owls. This specialized excursion provides rare opportunities to photograph these elusive birds using appropriate techniques. 

    • Lodging

    • Explore

      Orotina

    • Day 7: Central Pacific Area

      Morning exploration of Carara National Park, where the transitional forest creates diverse habitat edges perfect for photography. The trails offer opportunities for many forest birds. You’ll be on the look out for the Scarlet Macaws, as this is their territory. In the afternoon, take a boat tour of the Tarcoles River Estuary, providing a stable platform for photographing waterbirds, waders, and mangrove specialists at close range.

    • Lodging

    • Explore

      Carara National Park

    • Explore

      Tárcoles River Estuary – by boat

    • Day 8: Central Pacific to San Gerardo de Dota

      Journey from the Pacific lowlands to the highlands of San Gerardo de Dota. Visit Miriam’s Quetzals & Hummingbirds, a site known for the active hummingbird feeders. In the afternoon, explore the grounds of Quetzal Paradise Lodge, where highland species visit the gardens and feeders frequently. Be on the lookout for the beautiful Resplendent Quetzal. 

    • Lodging

    • Explore

      Miriam’s Quetzals

    • Explore

      Quetzal Paradise Lodge Trails

    • Day 9: San Gerardo de Dota Area

      Morning visit to Batsu Gardens, a premier bird photography spot with platforms and feeders specifically designed for photographers. In the afternoon, explore the private reserve at Savegre Lodge, where the pristine oak forest provides natural settings for bird photography. Your guide will help you find the top highland species of the area. 

    • Lodging

    • Explore

      Batsu Gardens

    • Explore

      Savegre Reserve

    • Day 10: Highlands to San José

      Early morning dedicated to Quetzal photography near the lodge – one of the best locations worldwide to capture images of this spectacular bird. Later, ascend to the Paramo ecosystem for landscape and bird photography in this unique high-altitude habitat with its specialized residents. In the afternoon, return to San José, with time to photograph in the gardens of your hotel.

    • Lodging

    • Explore

      Quetzal Paradise Lodge Trails

    • Explore

      Hotel Buena Vista Chic Trails

    • Day 11: Departure

      After breakfast, transfer to San José International Airport for your international departure, bringing home memory cards full of extraordinary bird images from your Costa Rican adventure.

        "“Off the beaten track” excellent trip that lived up to its name."

        3rd trip with this company. Alex was an excellent guide/driver and the itinerary well organized and unique. Some locations family owned with breathtaking views, wonderful accommodation and home cooked meals. Saw 214 species of birds with 90 % “lifers”. Was a fusion of photography and forest birding. Have to admit that as a prairie person my body ached after hiking up and down slippery paths and staircases. CR is beautiful with waterfalls, lush vegetation and mountains!

        We crossed the country from SanJose to the Pacific Ocean, over the highest peaks and to the southern tropical areas with stops at local restaurants and locations where we saw species rarely seen. The meals were healthy and typically CR. Given that this is nesting season without the migrant birds, Alex and the experienced birders in our small group found many unique species. It was a good learning experience for myself as I’m more of a photographer. Would highly recommend this tour and I will certainly continue to travel with Costa Rica focus.

        ulrike h

        "The wonderful experience in Costa Rica"

        We had a wonderful time in Costa Rica. Our tour guide always consider the weather to suit in our activities, we avoid afternoon rain several times and relax at the bird feeder to keep us dry and happy. We switch the accomodation to avoid bad weather condition in Corcovado. And we saw so many wild life and birds.
        They do a great job.

        Trek27967443336

        "I would recommend this company to all"

        This company designed a fabulous Costa Rica bird trip. There were a variety of habitats to maximize the types of birds we saw. The accommodations were first rate. The hired drivers and bird guides were dependable and first rate. We enjoyed the food everywhere we went. The company stayed in touch and were able to make minor adjustments if necessary. We were very pleased with the trip.

        Douglas B

        "An amazing birding experience in Costa Rica"

        Costa Rica Focus went above & beyond in every way. From the very beginning when I had a few questions before I made my decision to book this trip to the end in traveling home. I felt very safe because we had the ability to be in constant contact with the team if we needed them.

        The trip itself was just amazing! I added over 200 new life birds to my list! The scenery was spectacular! Our guide was so helpful, knowledgeable & personable. Each lodge was unique in it’s own way; from larger to quite small. The staff at each place were super. Food was plentiful & tasty. Different birds and experiences at each location. I don’t think a single thing could be improved upon.
        Thanks again for a most memorable experience!

        Paula M

        "Amazing Experience"

        My wife and I joined a small group, we were 5 in total. Everything was perfectly well organized. Our guide, Minor, was fantastic. He was always ready to help and accomodate us. He also has a fantastic knowledge of wildlife and where to find it. We went to the mountains, Tortuguero in the rain forest and to the slopes of the Arenal volcano. Exotic places, fantastic views and hundreds of species of birds.
        I would recommend Costa Rica focus without hesitation.

        Gil

        Mississauga, Canada

        "A dream come true … Saw and photo memory of A Resplendent Quetzal"

        In pursuit of the Resplendent Quetzal, snow capped hummingbird, sunbittern, and turquoise browed motmot and many other endemics. By luck I had connected with Costa Rica focus and together with our representative Sven Watson he formulated a 12 day independent tour catering to our wishes and my friends walking limitations. I desired to spend time at Hotel Bougainvillea, Rancho Naturalista, Trogan Lodge, Cerro lodge, and Villa San Ignacio. It was a seamless well organized itinerary. We explored each lodge and were captivated by all its beauty not to mention the magnitude of birds we stumbled across. We had no worries. We were communicating via WhatsApp and had a new representative Adriana, who ensured we were completely satisfied with our lodging and tour at all times.

        It was incredible to have a wonderful contact available 24/7. A testament to the company’s customer service. Navigating the country was all pre-arranged with drivers scheduled to pick us up and transport us to the next lodge. All drivers were early friendly and most accommodating. We had scheduled guides special mention to Mercedes, Raul and Wilky who were personable and a wealth of knowledge and each found us our target birds. It was a most memorable trip, I was able to share with my friend Marilyn on her very first trip to Costa Rica my third. Costa Rica’s focus exceeded our expectations and we felt completely well taken care of. Costa Rica is a bird watcher’s dream destination. In future I wouldn’t hesitate to schedule a tour with this company they excel in delivering an amazing itinerary

        Jane K

        Lindsay, Canada

        "Knowledgeable and great local connections"

        Joan and company were excellent by being so responsive, attentive, cooperative with making adjustments and extremely helpful at navigating our way around the country of Costa Rica.
        They had great connections with the locals and we got to know the people as well as the wildlife and the countryside. Our nature guides were top notch as well as our drivers. Very knowledgeable and patient (traffic and roads can be crazy at times).
        We always felt remembered each day as they checked in with us and them with us. The app is fantastic for knowing what was up each day. Highly recommend!

        Freedom442224

        "A Quest for the Agami Heron"

        I went on the A Quest for the Agami Heron in June of 2023 and have meant to write a review since then. I am going with better late than never. My cousin talked me into going with her and insisted I take her camera. I could not get a picture for three days that I could even see but on the third day magic happened and my life changed. From the moment I walked out of the airport to the moment they dropped me back off everything was taken care of. Our guide, Minor, and our driver, Victor, took care of us and were an amazing team to get us to very unique hotels, wonderful restaurants and to birds I never knew existed. Resplendent Quetzels, Sunbitterns, and Agami Herons were some of my favorites. We saw baby turtles released into the sea and all cried together when they made it. We built friendships through our experiences that were real and lead to another one this summer and a reserved one for next year. I highly recommend Costa Rica Focus. 5+ out of 5 stars.

        Susan R

        Joplin, Missouri

      Additional Tour Info

      This itinerary requires an intermediate level of physical activity. Guests will traverse a variety of environments, including well-established trails, narrow forest paths, gardens, feeders, and observation platforms. Participants should be comfortable walking at least 2 miles at a steady, relaxed pace without the need for frequent stops or rest.

      Weather

      Weather in Costa Rica varies significantly by region and elevation. Expect different temperatures and rainfall patterns as you travel through the country. While some areas experience brief morning mist or afternoon showers, others may have longer periods of rain. These patterns shift throughout the year and create the perfect conditions for Costa Rica’s rich wildlife. While we plan activities around typical weather patterns, we recommend packing for both sun and rain to ensure your comfort throughout your journey. The temperatures listed below represent typical averages for each region, though daily conditions may vary.

      • Central Valley: Warm daytime temperatures from the high 70s °F to low 80s °F. Evenings pleasant in the high 60s °F to low 70s °F.
      • Caribbean Lowlands: Daytime temperatures will range from the high 80s to low 90s °F. Evening temperatures will be in the high 70s – low 80s °F. Expect high humidity.
      • Mid-Elevation Locations (Foothills): Enjoy temperate weather with daytime highs in the low to mid-80s °F and evenings and early mornings in the low to mid 60s Mid-Elevation Locations: Enjoy temperate weather with daytime highs in the low to mid-80s °F.
      • Pacific Lowlands: Daytime temperatures will range from the high 80s to low 90s °F. Evening temperatures will be in the high 70s – low 80s °F.
      • Highlands (Talamanca Mountains): Cooler conditions prevail here, with daytime temperatures in the mid to high 70s or low 80s °F. Evenings can drop to the high 40s or low 50s °F, so pack appropriately to stay comfortable throughout your journey. We recommend layers and a fleece or jacket. 

      On the Trail

      Please note that some parks and reserves lack seating or designated rest areas once inside the forest. While most trails are relatively flat, certain locations may involve inclines, steps, or uneven terrain with minor elevation changes.

      Trail conditions will vary, and guests should be prepared to navigate narrow forest paths with natural debris such as sticks, leaves, rocks, and roots. In the event of rain, trails may become muddy and slippery, adding to the challenge.This itinerary is designed for participants with an intermediate level of fitness and mobility, ensuring a rewarding experience for those prepared for the natural demands of these environments.

      All guests should be comfortable carrying their own equipment and personal items in the field. We understand that everyone’s pace and energy levels are different. If you ever feel the need for a shorter day, a morning to rest, or time to recharge, please let your guide know. This is your trip, and we’re here to ensure you enjoy it to the fullest.

      This trip would not be recommended for a person with mobility issues.

      Accommodations

      For our group trips, we select hotels based on their prime locations for birding opportunities. Accommodations will range from basic, rustic lodges to mid-range hotels with additional amenities, always with the goal of prioritizing excellent access to birding hotspots.

      It’s important to note that not all hotels will have air conditioning, but all will feature private bathrooms, hot or warm running showers, fans, and Wi-Fi (available at least in reception or dining areas, though signal strength may vary). The level of comfort will align with the descriptions provided in the itinerary.

      In some locations, rooms may be a 5–15 minute walk from the reception or dining areas. If you have physical needs and would prefer a room closer to these facilities, please inform us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.