Description
| This is a 5-day (6 night) photography tour running from Sunday to the following Saturday. The tour begins and ends in San José, Costa Rica.
Your flights or travel should bring you to San José on Saturday afternoon/evening. We’ll meet you at the airport or your hotel (a room will be reserved for your overnight stay). If you arrive early enough, join us for an informal meet and greet on Saturday evening. The photography portion of the tour officially starts early Monday morning, when a private coach takes us to our first destination and then up into the mountains. The tour is all inclusive, from when you arrive in San Jose, until we drop you at the airport on Sunday. For more details, please refer to the FAQS and the “What you need to k now” pages. Basically, we take care of everything and all you need is your camera and a sense of adventure. |
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| Sunday Evening – Arrival Day
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Sunday Evening – Arrival Day
Once you arrive at your hotel, you’re invited to a casual meet-and-greet around 6 PM — a chance to get oriented, meet your fellow travelers, and ask any questions before the tour begins. You’re also welcome to explore the area on your own if you prefer. Please note: food and drinks at the hotel are not included, but your overnight accommodation is covered. Most guests are ready for an early night, as we’ll have a prompt start on Monday morning to kick off the adventure. |
| Day 1: Monday
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Mind the Crocodiles
We begin with an early morning trip to the mangrove swamps, about an hour from San José. These ancient, lush wetlands are especially photogenic in the mist and rain. Potentially photograph monkeys, snakes, iguanas, and a variety of jungle wildlife among the dense mangrove roots and tropical foliage. After the mangroves, we travel to our mountain finca, a drive of about three hours through some of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking landscapes. As we climb into the misty Tinamaste mountains, the paved road gives way to gravel and the adventure really begins. We’ll likely stop at the famous Crocodile Bridge over the Tárcoles River, where American crocodiles can often be spotted from above. Once we arrive at the finca, you’ll have time to settle in, unpack, and relax. Enjoy a dip in the pool, unwind in the lounge, and gather for a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. An optional Lightroom setup session will be available for those interested in optimizing their workflow for travel photography. |
| Day 2: Tuesday
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The Spectacular Nauyaca Waterfall Hike
Time to stretch your legs. We head to the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, about an hour away, home to one of Costa Rica’s most spectacular waterfalls. It’s a two-tiered cascade surrounded by jungle — perfect for long-exposure shots and capturing the power of nature. • Themes: Waterfalls, jungle flora, birds, swimming holes |
| Day 3: Wednesday
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A tour highlight – Monkeys and more.
We head to the Pacific coast to visit a beach where wild monkeys roam freely. They’re playful, curious, and incredibly photogenic. The beach itself is a local gem with palm-lined shores, dramatic coastal scenery, and a laid-back vibe.We’ll enjoy lunch at a beachfront restaurant, then make a scenic return to the finca.
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| Day 3: Thursday
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– Amazing Birds and Pizza
Time for a focus on birds, A trip to a local farm that has two outstanding qualities. They make great pizza and have a stunning number of birds of all types on their property. Expect toucans, tanagers, motmots, and more — all just meters from your lens. After capturing your fill, it’s time for more homemade pizza straight from the farm’s stone oven.
Award: Best documentary image of the day |
| Day 5: Friday
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Friday – On the Doorstep Depending on the weather, we’ll spend the day exploring the finca and its surrounding jungle, which is teeming with wildlife. It’s a great opportunity to photograph tropical birds, insects, small waterfalls, and the lush forest right outside your door. Macro photography is an option here, with a wide variety of insects and jungle textures to capture. In the late afternoon, we’ll visit a local farm to experience life in a typical Costa Rican rural community. You’ll meet the animals, see traditional farming in action, enjoy a home-cooked meal, and, if there’s interest, take part in a fun empanada-making session. We’ll return to the finca for a relaxed final evening. Before we wrap up, we’ll hold our final awards:
Best Photographer in Bird, Landscape, and Wildlife categories |
| Saturday Departure Day
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We’ll have an early start as we head back to San José. The drive takes approximately four hours, so we recommend booking your return flight for mid to late afternoon at the earliest to allow plenty of time.
At the airport, we’ll wave you goodbye, hopefully with memory cards full of incredible images, new friends, and stories you’ll be telling for years to come. |
| The Experience
This tour is designed to be more than just a trip — it’s a shared experience for people who love photography, nature, and a bit of adventure. We aim to make it exceptional in every way, from the stunning locations to the relaxed conversations. We keep things flexible, supportive, and fun — because we’re photographers too. Whether you’re chasing light, refining your workflow, or just enjoying the moment, we’re here to help you get the most out of every shot. |
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