This bird photography getaway is designed for independent travelers who want a streamlined, expert-supported experience in three of Costa Rica’s most iconic birding regions. With logistics seamlessly handled—including private transportation, comfortable accommodations, and scheduled sessions with local birding guides—you’ll be free to focus on what you came for: capturing stunning images of Costa Rica’s vibrant avian life.
Over 8 days, you’ll explore the lush gardens of the Central Valley, the misty oak forests of the Talamanca Highlands, the rich tropical foothills of the Caribbean slope near Rancho Naturalista and the sultry Caribbean Lowlands. Each destination offers unique photographic opportunities—from colorful hummingbirds and tanagers to highland endemics like the Resplendent Quetzal.This exciting itinerary combines guided sessions and time on your own to explore at your pace. Whether you’re after that perfect shot of a toucan in flight or the iridescent shimmer of a hummingbird at sunrise, this journey is crafted to help you make the most of your time in the field.
What's Included in Your Photography Getaway Costa Rica?
Independent Tour with Local Guides
Features and Inclusions
‘Meet & Greet’: Your private driver meets you at your arrival airport.
Airport pick up: Included
Guide Services: For scheduled sessions, local birding or naturalist guide
Birding Flexibility: Combination of scheduled sessions and “on your own”
Transportation: Air-conditioned van, private driver
Meals: Breakfast only, unless the lodge includes meals
Species Observation: At scheduled locations & lodge
Official Checklist: Not Included
Daily Species Recap: Not Included
In-country Assistance: Included, 24/7
Ideal for
Budget-conscious travelers
Those who prefer more downtime on their own
Guests traveling with non-birding companions who may want to mix in general activities.
Photography Getaway Costa Rica Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica! Settle into your hotel in the Central Valley, where beautifully landscaped gardens provide your first opportunity to photograph a variety of colorful species right outside your door.
Travel to the misty cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota, home to the majestic Resplendent Quetzal. The cool mountain climate and towering oaks create a dreamy backdrop for highland bird photography.
Visit a nearby private habitat that is perfect for photographing the Resplendent Quetzal. With natural perches and ideal lighting you can get your best shots of this gorgeous bird. Spend the rest of your day photographing on your own or exploring the trails around the lodge.
Descend into the lush rolling hills of Turrialba and arrive at a lodge famed for its hummingbird feeders and active gardens. The change in elevation brings new species and a fresh environment to explore.
Enjoy a private photography session with a local guide, taking advantage of Rancho’s fantastic array of habitats. You’ll visit forest trails, gardens, and the feeding stations. The diversity of species is some of the best in the country.
Travel north into the Caribbean lowlands, a region teeming with life and color. Settle in and spend your afternoon exploring trails, ponds, and gardens and photographing birds and other tropical creatures. This area is excellent for colorful tree frogs.
Spend the day at two of the region’s most well-known private gardens, guided by a local birding expert. Capture striking images of tanagers, owls, and other forest species in beautifully arranged settings.
Wrap up your photography adventure as you return to the Central Valley. Enjoy one last glimpse of Costa Rica’s beauty en route to the airport.
Transfer: Private – Sarapiquí to SJO Airport
"Amazing, could not have been better!"
When we booked this we knew nothing about the company and we were a little nervous about what we would be getting. We put some preliminary questions, like “will meals be a fixed menu, or free choice a la carte”. We also worried about whether the guide would be personable, knowledgeable, and with good language ability, etc.
It turned out that not only were these worries unfounded, but we had lucked into a far more generous, efficient, knowledgeable, and exciting company than we could have possibly imagined.
Every last part of this tour was super, and we don’t say that lightly. To begin, of course, the locations were mind blowing, and the birding was great. But then there was the personality, knowledge, and language ability of our guide and of the driver – both great people, and we fell in love with them immediately. And they and the company behind them had really thought of everything. There was never the slightest glitch or problem. To boot, the accommodations were to us first rate, and the food wonderful, and basically unlimited. …
Now, as we are going through our photos, we are impressed over again with every single last bit of this experience. It’s a cliché to say we could not recommend Costa Rica Focus highly enough, but that is exactly the case.
A special parting word about our guide, Alex C. Costa Rica Focus has many guides, but of course we only know about Alex. If in life you can meet a kung fu master or a violin master, or someone who has mastered any field, then it is inspiring. Alex is one of these. He could look in a forest and identify birds we could not even see, often even when he indicated them with his laser pointer. In addition he had a great knowledge of Costa Rican history, geography, culture, and politics, that he shared with great clarity. If Alex is any indication, then the guide you get with Costa Rica Focus is going to be good.
"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.
"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!
"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.
"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!
"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.
"A fantastic trip to Ecuador"
I’ve just returned from a fantastic 11 days’ birding in Ecuador organised by Costa Rica Focus and I couldn’t be happier. Having used them last year, I knew what to expect and they didn’t let me down. Their attention to detail is incredible and everything went exactly to plan from the moment I was greeted at Quito airport.
But what makes them special is their careful choice of guides. Both Daniel and Ivan were outstanding and helped me to see and photograph more than 300 birds, most of them lifers. Their incredible knowledge, professionalism and enthusiasm made all the difference. Toucans, hawks, cock of the rock, umbrella bird, oilbird and loads of hummingbirds – they got me up close and personal to them all.
I have no hesitation in recommending Costa Rica Focus and I look forward to my next adventure with this great company.
"“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.
