Costa Rica Hummingbird Photography Workshop
A four-day small-group photography workshop in San Gerardo de Dota, with repeated hummingbird sessions, cloud-forest birding and guided quetzal outings.
About this tour
Work in the highland cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota during a small-group workshop centered on hummingbirds and practical field photography. Repeated sessions around feeding stations and natural forest settings create time to study behavior, refine focus and exposure choices, and practice both perched portraits and birds in flight.
Dee Webb leads the photography instruction, with guidance on camera settings, composition, flash and natural-light balance, and respectful positioning around active birds. The program also includes two locally guided quetzal outings and visits to nearby birding sites where woodpeckers, toucans and other highland species may add variety. No particular sighting is guaranteed.
The published workshop runs from January 21 to 25, 2027, beginning with a road transfer from San José to San Gerardo de Dota and ending with the return drive after the final morning session. Accommodation, workshop transport, reserve entry fees, photography instruction and breakfast are included. Current availability and the final arrival and departure plan are confirmed after a BirdWatch inquiry.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Costa Rica.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Into the Costa Rican highlands
Travel by road from San José to San Gerardo de Dota, settle into the mountain accommodation and begin with an afternoon orientation and an evening photography session.
Day 2
Hummingbird intensive and quetzal outing
Photograph before breakfast, work through a structured hummingbird session and join one of the locally guided quetzal outings. The guide selects the exact timing according to current conditions.
Day 3
Advanced highland bird photography
Continue early-morning practice, refine techniques for birds in flight and behavior, and use the afternoon for guided work at another nearby birding location.
Day 4
Second full field day
Return to productive highland settings for another day of hummingbird and wider bird photography, with coaching, image review time and a second locally guided quetzal outing when scheduled.
Day 5
Final morning and return to San José
Use the final morning light for one more photography session, then depart after lunch for the return drive to San José.
Locations & map
- San Gerardo de Dota cloud forest - San José Province Costa Rica
Availability & pricing
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Included
- Workshop accommodation - The final properties are confirmed before travel.
- Ground transportation during the workshop - Includes the published San José and San Gerardo de Dota route.
- Photography instruction and guided sessions - Led by Dee Webb with local guiding for the quetzal outings.
- Reserve entry fees and breakfast - As described in the published program.
Not included
- Arrival-night hotel - The January 20 hotel night is not included.
- Lunches, dinners and beverages - Paid separately.
- International flights, insurance, tips and personal expenses - Guests arrange these independently.
Transport & stays
- Road transfer by van Workshop transport links San José with San Gerardo de Dota and the scheduled local photography sites. | Meet: San José International Airport or confirmed hotel | Pickup: The final arrival plan is confirmed before travel.
Accommodations
- Mountain accommodation Double occupancy; limited single rooms may be available
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Is this suitable for different photography experience levels?
Yes. The published program includes structured instruction and repeated field practice. Participants should bring suitable camera equipment and be comfortable with the high-elevation setting.
Are hummingbirds or quetzals guaranteed?
No. The workshop is planned around productive highland habitat and guided sessions, but all sightings depend on weather, access and natural bird activity.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.