COSTA RICA – Bird Photography Tour
May 4th-13th 2025 – 10 people – $3,800
We are pleased to announce our 2025 photography tour to Costa Rica. This tour takes us to world-class birding and wildlife locations in mountains, rivers, and rain forests. Led by renowned birding guide Esteban Mendez and photo instructor Joe Fischer, this tour will provide beginners to seasoned travelers with an unforgettable photography experience. In addition to superb Birding & Wildlife, Joe will also teach macro photography as Costa Rica is famous for its colorful frogs, reptiles and amphibians. Limited to 10 people.
For First Time and Seasoned Travelers | A Photo Paradise
Private Guide & Instructor
With a private guide you can expect to see at least 50% more species, and with a private photo instructor you’ll get personal help throughout the tour. Not only will you do photography at parks and reserves, you also have the flexibility to stop at local spots only the guide knows. You’ll have experts with you for the entire tour.
Hummingbirds Galore
Costa Rica is a haven for hummingbirds boasting over 50 species. The country provides year round habitats, each with its own species and challenges for photographers. See the Hummingbird Gallery.
Frogs and Macro
Are you ready for a unique experience? Costa Rica is home to 212 colorful species of frogs. Just for this reason, Joe will also teach macro photography. You can even join him on optional night tours at key locations.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Cost & Details
- 10 Days, 9 Nights
- Private Guide, Photo Instructor, Transportation, Meals
- $3800
Join the best Costa Rica photography tour for $3,800. A deposit of $1,500 is needed to hold a spot and is refundable 45 days before the tour date. You may find reasonable airfares at Southwest Airlines.
What’s Included:
- 9 nights lodging
- 10 days private guide, photo instructor, transportation
- 3 meals per day (can be upgraded for an extra charge)
- Park Fees, Admission Fees, Taxes
- Local region details provided by our certified guide
- Pre-trip meet and greet
The price is for double occupancy rooms. We will place single travelers in same gender rooms. A single supplement of $500 is available to have a private room.
Not Included:
- Flights and hotels the night before or after the tour
- Optional tours
- Alcoholic beverages
- Trip insurance
- Tips
Your Naturalist and Birding Guide
Esteban Mendez is a professional bilingual naturalist and birding guide certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Board. As a native born resident of Monteverde, he has guided for more than 20 years for world-renowned tour companies, environmental organizations, and scientific expeditions – and leads birding, nature, and night walks. In addition to leading tours. he also coordinates tropical biology courses with custom research itineraries for universities and private entities. Esteban also leads birding trips in Mexico, Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador in search of new birds to add to his life-list that is now more than 1000 species.
Your Photo Instructor
Joe Fischer is a photography instructor who teaches in some of the world’s most iconic land and undersea locations. Since 1996, he has traveled to 17 countries, gaining unique experience in oceans, jungles, and landscapes while teaching individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels. Specializing in nature photography, Joe is an avid outdoor enthusiast, scuba diver, and adventurer at heart. Known for his natural teaching ability and technical expertise, he has also dedicated part of his career to working with conservation and environmental protection organizations.
Contact to sign up or for more info
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the required fitness level? At most locations we can sit comfortably near feeders with tripods and our boat tour is entirely seated too. All the walks are on maintained trails with occasional hills and we take breaks often, especially when birding. Advanced hikers are free to explore more strenuous trails.
- What type of camera and lens do I need? Any 200-400mm-ish lens will work for most everything except for birds or animals high in trees. A 600mm and 200-ish lens is recommended, and a teleconverter too. DSLRs or mirrorless are common, but compacts can have excellent features. Contact me anytime to discuss gear.
- Can dietary restrictions be accommodated? Yes. The hotels have full menus that serve tourists daily, and you will be able to modify meals to suit. When eating on the road our guide and driver will find places to suit.
- What is our transportation? We’ll travel in a 2022 or newer Mercedes or Toyota Tour Van with AC that seats more than the number of guests on the tour. This way, everyone will have plenty of room.