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10-Day Costa Rica Birdwatching and Wildlife Photography Expedition

A ten-day small-group birdwatching and wildlife photography expedition through Costa Rica cloud forest, Caribbean lowlands, Boca Tapada and the Tarcoles River.

  • Costa Rica Show on map
  • 10 days
  • Group Up to 8 people
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • From: EUR 3,690
  • Next: Jan 14, 2028
  • Public tour
  • Pace: Active wildlife photography with early starts, forest trails, boat work, road transfers and repeated field sessions.
  • City: San Jose
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10-Day Costa Rica Birdwatching and Wildlife Photography Expedition
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About this tour

Photograph Costa Rica's birds and tropical wildlife on a ten-day small-group expedition led by Zero Expeditions. The route begins in San Jose and links cloud forest, the Caribbean lowlands around Guapiles, the rainforest and river habitats of Boca Tapada, and the Pacific wetlands of the Tarcoles River.

Bird photography is central to the programme, with time devoted to Resplendent Quetzal, hummingbirds, toucans, King Vulture and wetland species. Reptiles, amphibians, sloths, bats and other wildlife are also included where conditions allow. Daily field sessions are balanced with travel, rest and group image review.

The January 2028 departure is designed for no more than eight participants and includes a specialist photography guide, accommodation and private ground transport between destinations. Wildlife sightings, weather and access conditions can change, so the exact field plan may be adjusted by the guides.

Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Costa Rica.

Guides

Nestor Rodan
Nature photographer and expedition guide
English, Spanish

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival and briefing
San Jose and central cloud forest
Arrive in San Jose, transfer to the hotel and meet the group for an introductory briefing covering the route, field locations and photographic approach.
Accommodation: Hotels and wildlife lodges
Double or single room according to the booked price Nine nights in hotels and wildlife lodges selected for the expedition route.
Day 2
Cloud-forest bird photography
San Jose and central cloud forest
Travel into humid cloud forest for a full day focused on birds in natural habitat, including quetzals, tanagers, toucanets, hawk-eagles and hummingbirds when conditions are favourable. Review images with the group later in the day.
Accommodation: Hotels and wildlife lodges
Double or single room according to the booked price Nine nights in hotels and wildlife lodges selected for the expedition route.
Day 3
Resplendent Quetzal session
San Jose and central cloud forest
Work in rural cloud-forest locations used by free-ranging Resplendent Quetzals. Photograph feeding and flight activity without disturbing the birds, then visit nearby perches for hummingbirds, trogons and other highland species.
Accommodation: Hotels and wildlife lodges
Double or single room according to the booked price Nine nights in hotels and wildlife lodges selected for the expedition route.
Day 4
Transfer to Guapiles
Guapiles and Caribbean lowlands
Move to the Caribbean lowlands around Guapiles and visit photographic perches and observation sites for owls, toucans and other rainforest wildlife.
Accommodation: Hotels and wildlife lodges
Double or single room according to the booked price Nine nights in hotels and wildlife lodges selected for the expedition route.
Day 5
Pierella Garden and rainforest wildlife
Guapiles and Caribbean lowlands
Explore a private ecological reserve and surrounding lowland rainforest for toucans, hummingbirds, kingfishers, woodpeckers and other wildlife. The day also includes an introduction to local cacao production.
Accommodation: Hotels and wildlife lodges
Double or single room according to the booked price Nine nights in hotels and wildlife lodges selected for the expedition route.
Day 6
Boca Tapada and King Vulture
Boca Tapada
Continue north to Boca Tapada and work in rainforest and river habitats for King Vulture, tanagers, euphonias, oropendolas and hummingbirds.
Accommodation: Hotels and wildlife lodges
Double or single room according to the booked price Nine nights in hotels and wildlife lodges selected for the expedition route.
Day 7
Second Boca Tapada field day
Boca Tapada
Return to the field for another King Vulture session and additional rainforest photography. Controlled, ethically managed sessions may include reptiles, amphibians and nocturnal species.
Accommodation: Hotels and wildlife lodges
Double or single room according to the booked price Nine nights in hotels and wildlife lodges selected for the expedition route.
Day 8
Tarcoles River boat photography
Tarcoles River
Travel to the Pacific slope and photograph wildlife from a boat on the Tarcoles River. Wetland and coastal birds can include pelicans, Osprey, Roseate Spoonbill, herons and ibis, alongside American crocodiles.
Accommodation: Hotels and wildlife lodges
Double or single room according to the booked price Nine nights in hotels and wildlife lodges selected for the expedition route.
Day 9
Morning walk and airport transfer
San Jose and central cloud forest
Take an optional final morning walk, subject to timing and conditions, before transferring to the airport for the flight home.
Accommodation: Hotels and wildlife lodges
Double or single room according to the booked price Nine nights in hotels and wildlife lodges selected for the expedition route.
Day 10
Journey home
San Jose and central cloud forest
Arrive at the home airport and conclude the expedition.

Locations & map

  • San Jose and central cloud forest - Central Costa Rica Costa Rica (Urban arrival point and humid highland cloud-forest habitat.)
  • Guapiles and Caribbean lowlands - Limon Province Costa Rica (Humid lowland rainforest, gardens and private reserves.)
  • Boca Tapada - Alajuela Province Costa Rica (Northern lowland rainforest, wetlands, lagoons and river corridors.)
  • Tarcoles River - Puntarenas Province Costa Rica (Pacific estuary, mangroves and open river habitat.)

4 stops in itinerary order. Select a marker for its name.

Availability & pricing

Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.

DateStatusFrom
Jan 14, 2028 - Jan 23, 2028 open -
Package Amount Terms
Per person in a double room EUR 3,690 / person -
Single room EUR 4,290 / person Single traveler supplement: EUR 600

Included

  • Accommodation - Nine nights as arranged for the published expedition.
  • Specialist photography guide - Field and photography guidance throughout the programme.
  • Private ground transport - Private road transfers between the listed destinations.

Not included

  • International flights - Flights to and from Costa Rica are not included.
  • Meals and drinks - Meals and drinks are excluded unless specifically confirmed.
  • Personal photography equipment - Participants bring their own camera equipment.
  • Personal expenses - Personal purchases and other individual costs are not included.

Transport & stays

  • Private ground transport and boat Private road transfers connect the main regions. A boat excursion is used for the Tarcoles River session. | Meet: San Jose international airport | Pickup: Airport transfer on the scheduled arrival day.

Accommodations

  • Hotels and wildlife lodges (days 1-9) Double or single room according to the booked price Exact properties and room amenities are confirmed in the final travel documents.

Policies & FAQ

Cancellation Policy

Current cancellation and change terms are supplied with the confirmed booking proposal.

Payment Terms

The current payment schedule and booking terms are confirmed directly after a BirdWatch inquiry.

Insurance & Safety

Travel and medical insurance suitable for wildlife photography travel is strongly recommended.
Follow guide instructions around rivers, boats, tropical wildlife and natural trails. Prepare for heat, humidity, rain and slippery surfaces.
What is the main photographic focus?

The programme concentrates on birds and other tropical wildlife in cloud forest, rainforest, river and wetland habitats.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No. All subjects are wild, and opportunities depend on weather, access, season and current animal activity.

How large is the group?

The scheduled expedition is limited to eight participants.

What conditions should photographers expect?

Expect high humidity, changing temperatures, natural trails and boat work. Protection against rain and condensation is important for camera equipment.

Send inquiry

Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.

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