Discover the unique wildlife of Costa Rica with Tracey on this amazing opportunity to capture spectacular species. The lodges for this tour are situated in prime rainforest locations to attract an array of creatures in a beautiful and natural environment. This trip has been optimised for maximum photographic opportunities and species. There is only one space remaining on this tour

Costa Rica Wildlife - 14th to 29th March 2028

Let’s go shoot:

Experience a full 15 days of wildlife photography, from 14th to 29th March of Costa Rica’s dreamlike landscape and wildlife - a place where nature always rules and adventure awaits...

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The Itinerary:

Tuesday 14th March 2028
Please arrive in San Jose (Juan Santamaria) International Airport no later than Tuesday 14th March. You will be welcomed by our guide and escorted back to your hotel.
Depending on arrival time, you may also be able to do some photography on the hotel grounds
Overnight: Hotel Bouganvillea, San Jose (Dinner & Breakfast included)
Wednesday 15th March 2028
This morning will be spent around the lodge’s feeders, gardens and trails.
After lunch we will head into the town of Fortuna where you will visit a private feeder that is very good for finding both sloths species and Black and White, as well as Boat billed Herons, one of the most wanted freshwater birds.
In the evening, we will take a night walk to the frog pond to see what has decided to come out at night. Photography will be done by spotlight.
Overnight: Arenal Observatory Lodge (All meals included)
Thursday 16th March 2028
After breakfast we will spend a full day visiting the Caribbean foothills of Cinchona, one of the best feeders to see and photograph an interesting number of local endemics that are found in the mountains of this side of Costa Rica only. The list of birds is long, but some common birds are Crimson-collared Tanager, Coppery headed Emerald, Northern Emerald Tucanet, Violet Sabrewing, Prong Billed and Red Headed Barbets. We can stay here as long as we wish before finishing the journey to our lodge which has feeders and gardens offering many more species.
Overnight: Arenal Observatory Lodge (All meals included)
Friday 17th March 2028
Cano Negro is a vast wildlife refuge in northern Costa Rica, renowned for its wetlands, rich biodiversity, and immersive riverboat wildlife experiences.
Cano Negro, officially known as the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, is located in the Alajuela Province near the Nicaraguan border, about two hours from La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano area
The primary way to explore Cano Negro is via guided riverboat tours along the Rio Frio and the Cano Negro lagoon, offering close encounters with wildlife in a tranquil, immersive setting. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching from towers and boardwalks, and the refuge supports eco-friendly tourism that benefits the local community
Overnight: Cano Negro (All meals included)
Saturday 18th March 2028
Cano Negro is a vast wildlife refuge in northern Costa Rica, renowned for its wetlands, rich biodiversity, and immersive riverboat wildlife experiences.
Cano Negro, officially known as the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, is located in the Alajuela Province near the Nicaraguan border, about two hours from La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano area
The primary way to explore Cano Negro is via guided riverboat tours along the Rio Frio and the Cano Negro lagoon, offering close encounters with wildlife in a tranquil, immersive setting. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching from towers and boardwalks, and the refuge supports eco-friendly tourism that benefits the local community
Overnight: Cano Negro (All meals included)
Sunday 19th March 2028
Today we will have the opportunity to photograph Tapirs from hides and also spend time around the lodge at the amazing feeders it has to offer.
Overnight: Maquenque Lodge (All meals included)
Monday 20th March 2028
After breakfast we head back Lagarto Lodge Feeders. First thing in the morning is waiting for the birds to visit the feeders. From the lodge balcony you’ll wait for the King Vultures to land near the hide and then spend the morning in the best hide in the country where you can watch and photograph this splendid bird no further than a few feet away. There is also opportunities to photograph both the Turkey & Black Vultures as well. In the afternoon we will return to Lagarto Lodge feeders and also the feeders and lagoon at our lodge
We will also have the opportunity for Multi-Flash photography with Bats as well as Macro photography with frogs, snakes and many other exciting critters.
Overnight: Maquenque Lodge (All meals included)
Tuesday 21st March 2028
Today we will have the opportunity to photograph Tapirs from hides and also spend time around the lodge at the amazing feeders it has to offer.
Overnight: Maquenque Lodge (All meals included)
Wednesday 22nd March 2028
This morning, we head to a local Macaw rescue centre. Despite being a rescue centre it is a fantastic location for the critically endangered Green Macaws and endangered Scarlet Macaws. The birds are wild and have been released from the rescue centre. We will have opportunities for both flight and portrait photography with the Macaws. Amongst the gardens you may also get chances to photograph White-faced Capuchins.
In the afternoon we will head towards our new lodge but beforehand we will visit the feeders at Lagarto Lodge. Lagarto Lodge is unspoiled and virtually unvisited spot, where photographers can explore the Rain Forest at their own pace while staying at a cozy jungle hideaway. Laguna Lagarto is located in Northern Costa Rica near Boca Tapada and the Rio San Carlos River. The Lodge Rica offers 1250 Acres (500 Hectares) of virgin tropical rainforest with an incredible variety of fauna and flora. 350 different species of birds have been counted. The lodge has feeders for big birds like toucans, parrots, oropendolas, as well as tanagers and other birds.
Overnight: Selva Verde Lodge (All meals included)
Thursday 23rd March 2028
Today we spend the morning at an Ecological Garden. This small oasis in the expanding clear-cut of Costa Rican land is now home to dozens of native species, from the 50+ identified bird species. This is also home to a thriving population of rare White Honduran Bats and many species of Butterflies. There will also be an opportunity to photograph frogs and other interesting insects here.
Today we will visit the property of a local artist named Cope. He is a well-known local artist and environmentalist who has turned his property into an amazing nature reserve and viewing gallery. With fruit and nectar feeders and well-placed natural perches, this is a photographers and birders dream. You will watch a variety of honeycreepers, tanagers, pigeons and hummingbirds coming and going, while the pool attracts Wood-rail and Pygmy Kingfisher. Orange-billed Sparrow and even White-tipped Sicklebill are possible here and everything is so close and in perfect light.
We will also have the opportunity for Multi-Flash photography with Hummingbirds as well as Macro photography with frogs, snakes and many other exciting critters.
Overnight: Selva Verde Lodge (All meals included)
Friday 24th March 2028
Highland Endemics
More than 50 endemic birds are found in the central highlands of Savegre. Here we have the best chance to see a number of regional endemics found in these mountains, including fancy species such as Volcano Hummingbird, Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher, Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, and both Yellow thighed and Large-footed Finch. You will visit Batsu garden, a place designed for bird photography.
Overnight – Savegre Lodge Lodge (All meals included)
Saturday 25th March 2028
Savegre Valley Highlands
A pristine mountain valley located high in the Talamanca Mountains at 2200 meters of altitude (7220 ft) nestled in a steeply walled river valley where the cloud forest is filled with massive oaks and other highland native species. More than 50 endemic birds are found in the central highlands of Savegre. You will spend a full day in the valley looking for one of the most attractive birds in the world: The Resplendent Quetzal. While seeing a quetzal will be the main goal, the valley is also an excellent place for all the specialty birds of the region. We are likely to see include Highland Tinamou, Red-tailed Hawk, Black Guan, Sulphur-winged Parakeet, Ruddy Treerunner, throated Mountain-gem.
Overnight – Savegre Lodge Lodge (All meals included)
Sunday 26th March 2028
Today we start our journey over to the Central Pacific Lowlands. It is a unique zone of overlap where both northern and southern species can be seen in the same place. The lodge is located right by Carara National Park and is surrounded by lush tropical forest.
Overnight: Hotel Punta Leona (All meals included)
Monday 27th March 2028
Today the group takes a morning and afternoon tour along the Tarcoles River and Guacalillo mangrove estuary. Here is the largest population of American Crocodiles in Central America. You will see many of the biggest ones on the sand banks. Great opportunity for freshwater birds, waders and shorebirds.
Overnight: Hotel Punta Leona (All meals included)
Tuesday 28th March 2028
Today, we will have a private tour around the Carara National Park in search of some of the rarer bird species to see.
Overnight: Hotel Punta Leona (All meals included)
Tuesday 29th March 2028
Departure Day
First activity in the morning is a birding walk in the lodge trails for the last birds of the trip. After breakfast we will head to a local store where you can buy any presents or memorabilia to take home with you. We will stay here for lunch (not included) before we leave for the international airport (short trip of approx 1.5 hours) and catch your return flights home.
Wednesday 30th March 2028
Arrive back in the UK

The Details:

Duration: 16 days/15 nights
Spaces: 6 Spaces (min 4 spaces)
Costa Rica is a place where nature always rules and the adventure awaits
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world; it contains about 5% of the world’s species. The lush wild natural environment can be experienced all throughout the country and is easily accessible to the curious visitor. Costa Rica is a safe paradise. Unlike other countries, Costa Rica enjoys a very stable political climate and economic development, providing visitors with a tranquil setting for their stay. It is one of the few countries in the world with no army. The country and its people have a peaceful disposition, which makes for the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable vacation.
Costa Rica offers dreamlike landscapes, kind people willing to share their culture and a safe country to experience natural wonders. It provides the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, culture, fine cuisine and wildlife. Visitors find in Costa Rica an adventure paradise set in the most beautiful natural and safe environment.
Join me on what is looking to be an amazing opportunity to photograph some spectacular species. We are going to some of the best locations in Costa Rica for photography and our lodges are situated in prime rainforest locations which offer an array of feeders which attracts many species including a huge variety of hummingbirds. We will also have access to various hides and private gardens for more amazing viewing and photography of other species like Tanagers, Toucans, Parrots and so much more. On some days we will take walks into the rainforest to see what we can find and we may even be lucky to see some mammal species like Tapirs and monkeys. There will also be opportunities along the way at Macro photography for some of their smaller species like frogs and insects.
This is going to be an adventure with lots of new colourful species.
*The activities within the itinerary may move around to optimise photography opportunities
We will be staying in clean comfortable lodges and hotels throughout, all to a standard typical of what you might expect in the US which is the principal customer base for tourism in Costa Rica.
Details of all lodges to be given during booking enquiry
Pre-trip advice
2-3 months prior to travel you will receive a comprehensive document that provides packing advice so you are prepared for your trip
Tour language
This tour is an English-speaking tour. Please note: all lodge staff/forest guides will have a good understanding/ use of understanding the English language.
Visas
According to the immigration department of Costa Rica, there are 4 different groups of international countries that have four different visa requirements for their citizens to enter, visit and stay in Costa Rica. Citizens of the first and second group of countries do not require a Costa Rica visa. They will receive a visa on arrival and obtain an entry stamp in their passport. After receiving the entry visa, make sure to always double check the entry and exit stamps! Sometimes the authorities can make a mistake which can cause you some problems later on. Please see link below with regards the groupings.
Costa Rica Visa
It is your responsibility to also ensure that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months and has several clear pages for visas prior to departure
Vaccinations \ Health
Wild Aperture are not qualified or legally allowed to provide vaccination or medical advice. You should consult your travel nurse or doctors for specific medical advise and up to date advise on vaccinations required. It’s suggested that you do this at least 2-3months prior to travel or sooner, if this allows.
Fitness Level Required
This tour does not require a high level of fitness. However, guests should be able to get in/out of a vehicle with little or no assistance. The walking activities are not long or hard (few hundred metres) but the humidity and general climate can be quite tiring and there are some long drives involved.
Camera Equipment
Depending on the size of the subject you are photographing, or the image you have in mind, lenses can range from 20mm to 800mm!
Ideally, the longest lens you have will be needed (300mm with a convertor as a minimum or a 500mm + 1.4) along with a tripod. A 70-200mm or 100-400mm lens is essential for the Hummingbirds. A 24-70mm would be great for any landscape images and a macro lens (the longest you have in terms of focal length) will be ideal for flowers, frogs and insects. Flash is not essential as we will be utilising natural light as much as possible and nowadays most cameras are very capable of higher ISO's but if you have a flashgun for your camera you are welcome to bring it.
Further information on photography equipment will be supplied as part of your pre-trip advice.
Gratuities
Gratuities are not included in the cost of your trip.
It is customary for tourists visiting Costa Rica to leave a gratuity for guides and hospitality staff. You will notice that guides and staff will often go out of their way in order to give guests the best experience possible. We respectfully ask guests attending the group photo tours to provide a set amount which will cover all of your tipping requirements during your 12-nights in Costa Rica. Please provide this amount in the local currency (USD).
Your hosts will advise of this amount closer to the trip and collect this amount from you all at the beginning of the tour or on the first night in Costa Rica. This will avoid you having to worry about paying gratuities at the end of the trip.
Wi-Fi Network Access
Wi-Fi is available in the lodges
Dietary
Most dietary requests can be catered for with advance notice provided to us at least two months prior to departure.
Travel Insurance
It’s strongly recommended that you purchase your own travel insurance at the time of booking to cover any eventualities should you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances as both the deposit and final balances are non-refundable. Guests travelling without their own travel insurance do so at their own risk.
Group Photo Safari Cost: £6495 pp
Secure your place with 25% non-refundable deposit of £1623.75 per person
Payments accepted by bank transfer
*Please see Terms & Conditions for bank transfer details
Cost Includes:-
- 15-nights’ accommodation in various mid-ranged lodges (including breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Use of all specified hides/feeders
- Access to private gardens as mentioned
- Road transport in air-conditioned comfortable vehicle
- All activities mentioned
- Fantastic local guides
- Services of a photographic host
- Local park and conservation fees
NOT Included:-
- International flights to/from San Jose
- Any personal expense such as beverages / drinks bill at all hotels, snacks whilst travelling, telephone bills, airport tax etc
- Tips & gratuities. E.g. local guides/drivers & hotel staff (amount to be advised by the hosts)
- Personal Travel insurance
- Any other services not stated in the itinerary or above costs.