This is a 5-day (6 night) photography small group tour running from Sunday to the following Saturday. The tour for you and 8 other guests 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 know” check list page. Basically, we take care of everything and all you need is your camera and a sense of adventure.
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.
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. Expect to 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.
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. The hike takes about an hour each way and includes some steep terrain, but it’s worth every step. A scenic alternate route is available for those wanting a gentler option. • Themes: Waterfalls, jungle flora, birds, swimming holes • Early start for the best light • Long exposure techniques at the falls • Picnic lunch at the base • Award: Best shot of the day (group vote)
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. Themes: Ocean, wildlife, lifestyle photography Stop for photo ops along the way Awards: Best Bird shot.
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. Themes: Wildlife, birds, portraits, relaxed shooting As much time as you need for the perfect shot Award: Best documentary image of the day
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 evening, 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 Shot of the Week Best Photographer in Bird, Landscape, and Wildlife categories
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.
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.
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.
At Finca Bella Vida, you’ll find eight unique cabins tucked into the jungle canopy, each offering sweeping views of the valley below. From spacious casitas with kitchenettes to stylish studios and comfortable hotel-style rooms, every cabin blends rustic charm with just the right amount of comfort — your own private retreat in the heart of the wild.
All the public spaces are available for your enjoyment. These include the infinity pool and the area around it
Basically, this is an all inclusive trip from the time you leave San Hose on Monday morning until we drop you at the airport the following Saturday morning. We also take care of your hotel room on the night of your arrival, but don’t include meals and drinks for that evening.
What’s included?
What’s not included?
We can’t wait to share Costa Rica with you! To help make your trip worry-free, we ask that all guests have travel insurance. It should cover:
• Medical care and emergency evacuation (just in case)
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Lost or delayed baggage
Once you’ve got your policy, just send us a quick copy at least 7 days before departure. If you’re not sure where to start, we can recommend trusted providers like Allianz, Travel Guard, or World Nomads. That way, you can focus on pura vida and we’ll all have peace of mind.
James, the founder of Real Cool Photography Tours, has dedicated the past five decades to capturing stunning images for both work and personal enjoyment. Initially, his passion for photography led him on a personal quest to find the perfect shot. This quest transformed into a mission to guide photographers from around the globe as to how to immerse themselves in opportunities to create breathtaking photographs of Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
James’s professional background as an industrial photographer has honed his unique teaching style. He emphasizes the importance of slowing down, observing the subtle nuances of light, and capturing the stories that nature silently conveys.
His deep understanding of technology and digital imagery makes his simple mentoring sessions and demonstrations even more accessible, effective and fun.
James’s tours go beyond mere technical skills acquisition. They aim to foster a profound connection with the environment. Participants can experience the misty embrace of dawn, the enchanting echoes of howler monkeys through the trees, and the patience required to capture that elusive perfect moment.
When not guiding tours, James is often experimenting with innovative editing workflows in Lightroom, scouting remote locations, and planning his next adventure. His approach is straightforward: to inspire people to see beyond the ordinary and capture photographs that truly resonate with their souls.
