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Testimonials

Hear from Photographers Around the Globe
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Photographers from around the world have joined Physis Photo Tours and returned home with unforgettable images, sharpened skills, and lifelong memories.

Don’t just take our word for it—read their testimonials and discover why so many trust Physis to guide them into the wild.

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Tour Options

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Tour Options & Travel Styles

Physis Photo Tours offers several travel styles depending on your preferences, group size, and Andy’s availability during your travel dates. All options include the same level of professional itinerary design, planning, and logistical coordination.

Andy Bezara as Tour Leader

For small private groups of one or two travelers, Andy Bezara can personally lead the expedition while also serving as your driver and photography guide. This option offers the most immersive experience, with hands-on guidance in the field and a fully photography-focused program.

For groups of three or more photographers, Andy leads the expedition while a professional driver manages transportation, allowing photographers to focus entirely on the experience and the photographic opportunities.

Self-Drive Photography Expedition

For travelers who prefer additional flexibility or independence, Physis Photo Tours also offers self-drive photography expeditions.

In this option you rent your own vehicle while we design your complete photography itinerary, reserve accommodations, schedule photography sessions, and provide detailed travel guidance between destinations.

You will still benefit from our network of trusted local expert guides who assist with wildlife photography sessions, night walks, and activities at each destination.

This option is particularly popular for photographers who enjoy exploring Costa Rica at their own pace while still having a professionally designed expedition structure.

Private Driver with Full Expedition Planning

If Andy is unavailable because he is guiding another expedition, Physis Photo Tours will assign a trusted professional driver who is experienced in supporting photography travelers throughout Costa Rica.

Your entire itinerary will still be personally designed and organized by Physis Photo Tours, including accommodations, photography sessions, wildlife locations, and local expert guides at each destination.

This option allows travelers to enjoy the same carefully planned program while benefiting from the support of experienced local professionals.

Local Expert Guides

Regardless of the travel style you choose, our network of highly experienced naturalist guides and wildlife specialists assists throughout the expedition. These local experts help locate wildlife, support photography sessions, and share their deep knowledge of Costa Rica’s ecosystems.

This collaboration ensures that every expedition delivers exceptional wildlife encounters and meaningful photographic opportunities.

Our Tours

How Our Photography Expeditions Are Designed
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Every Physis Photo Tour begins with a simple principle: the itinerary must serve the photography.

Rather than rushing between destinations, our expeditions are designed around ecosystems, wildlife behavior, and the natural rhythm of the day. Costa Rica offers an extraordinary variety of habitats within a relatively small area, and each one supports different species and photographic opportunities.

A typical expedition may include several key environments such as cloud forests, Caribbean rainforests, remote northern forests, and freshwater wetlands. By moving gradually between these ecosystems, photographers have the opportunity to experience a wide range of wildlife while maintaining a comfortable travel pace.

Each destination is carefully selected for its photographic potential, reliable wildlife activity, and access to experienced local naturalist guides. Most days include one or two dedicated photography sessions, usually during the early morning and late afternoon when light and wildlife activity are at their best.

Between sessions there is time to rest, review images, prepare equipment, and enjoy the surrounding environment. This balanced approach allows photographers to remain focused and energized while maximizing opportunities in the field.

Because every expedition is private and customizable, the itinerary can also be adjusted to emphasize specific photographic interests such as birds, macro photography, amphibians, reptiles, or general wildlife.

The result is a thoughtfully crafted photography expedition that combines exceptional biodiversity, strategic locations, and professional guidance to create a rewarding experience for photographers of all levels.

Overview

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14-days photography tour

Physis Photo Tours specializes in private wildlife photography expeditions in Costa Rica, carefully designed for photographers who want to explore the country’s extraordinary biodiversity through immersive field experiences.

Rather than offering fixed group departures, every expedition is thoughtfully crafted around the photographer’s goals, preferred subjects, and available travel dates. From the cloud forests of the Talamanca Mountains to the lush Caribbean rainforests and northern wetlands, each itinerary focuses on the ecosystems and locations that offer the best photographic opportunities.

Most days include one or two dedicated photography sessions, planned according to wildlife activity, light conditions, and seasonal behavior patterns. This flexible approach allows photographers to spend meaningful time in the field while exploring Costa Rica’s most remarkable habitats.

All expeditions are designed by Andy Bezara, founder of Physis Photo Tours and a professional wildlife photographer with more than two decades of experience guiding photographers throughout Costa Rica.

Expedition Highlights

Private photography expeditions designed for individuals, couples, and small groups

  • Carefully planned 1–2 photography sessions per day based on wildlife activity and light conditions

  • Exploration of multiple ecosystems including cloud forest, tropical rainforest, and wetlands

  • Opportunities to photograph iconic species such as the Resplendent Quetzal, toucans, hummingbirds, frogs, reptiles, and tropical wildlife

  • Access to carefully selected lodges, reserves, and wildlife photography locations

  • Professional planning, local expertise, and trusted partnerships throughout Costa Rica

  • Fully customizable itineraries ranging from 10 days to three weeks or more

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Destinations

1. San Jose or surrounding areas

Heredia Province, Santo Domingo, Costa Rica

2. San Gerardo de Dota

San José Province, San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica

3. Sarapiqui

Puerto Viejo, Heredia, Sarapiquí, Costa Rica

4. Boca Tapada

Provincia de Alajuela, Boca Tapada, Costa Rica

5. Aguas Zarcas

Aguas Zarcas, Provincia de Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa Rica

6. Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

Caño Negro Los Chiles Alajuela, Provincia de Alajuela, Caño Negro, 21402, Costa Rica

7. San Ramon

Alajuela Province, San Ramon, Costa Rica

8. San Jose or surrounding areas

XWPF+7P4, Heredia Province, Santo Domingo, Costa Rica

Signature Tours

What Are “Signature Photography Tours”?
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At Physis Photo Tours, our Signature Photography Tours are the flagship experiences that define who we are and what we do best. Each one is a carefully crafted, private, and photography-focused session designed to give you unparalleled access to Costa Rica’s most extraordinary wildlife, landscapes, and habitats. These tours carry our personal stamp—expert guiding, exclusive locations, and specialized setups—ensuring you return home with images and memories you simply can’t get anywhere else.

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Resplendent Quetzal

Photographing the Resplendent Quetzal is a highlight of any visit to the highlands. Revered for its brilliant plumage and elusive nature, this iconic bird offers a rare opportunity to capture one of Central America’s most striking species in its natural habitat. With patience and guided support, you’ll work in areas where sightings are frequent during the fruiting season — aiming for clean compositions and natural behavior in a misty, forested setting.

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King & Black Vultures

Direct your camera towards one of the most remarkable predators in the New World. Boasting vivid coloration and a commanding presence, the king vulture offers dramatic photo opportunities and close-up captures of its impressive beak and plumage.

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Macro Photography (Snakes & Frogs)

Discover a hidden world of reptiles and amphibians—from vibrant tree frogs to venomous vipers. Working with both flash and natural light, these sessions emphasize the tiny textures and bold colors that often go unseen in the rainforest.

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Bats multiflash at night

Photograph bats in flight under controlled lighting conditions. This rare opportunity allows you to freeze their swift movements and reveal intricate wing detail, turning quick, nocturnal flyers into awe-inspiring subjects.

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Bird photography sessions

Capture the vibrant plumage and dynamic behaviors of toucans, tanagers, hummingbirds, honeycreepers, and more. Each location offers a unique habitat teeming with avian diversity, ensuring every shoot brings fresh surprises.

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Hummingbirds multiflash

Delicate, lightning-fast, and brilliantly colored, hummingbirds are challenging yet rewarding subjects. Specialized multi-flash setups help you capture razor-sharp images while preserving vivid feather details.

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Boat Safaris in Caño Negro

With its labyrinth of canals, lagoons, and flooded forests, Caño Negro offers a completely different photographic experience—best discovered by boat

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Macro Photography – Day & Night Discoveries

Explore the hidden beauty of the rainforest through macro photography, with dedicated sessions during both daylight and nighttime hours. By day, capture vibrant flowers, fungi, and colorful insects under natural light. As night falls, a new world awakens—frogs, spiders, beetles, and even small mammals emerge, offering dramatic and intimate photographic moments with flash and focused lighting. This is a unique opportunity to dive deep into textures, details, and life often overlooked by the naked eye.

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Day 1

Arrival to Costa Rica
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Welcome to Costa Rica

Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in San José, located in the Central Valley. Surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, this region serves as the gateway to the country’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day can be used to relax, recover from your international flight, and prepare your photography equipment for the adventure ahead.

In the evening, a welcome dinner is planned where you will meet your expedition leader and review the exciting journey ahead. This informal gathering is a great opportunity to discuss the photographic goals of the expedition and learn more about the ecosystems we will explore during the coming days.

Participation in the welcome dinner depends on your arrival time in Costa Rica.

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Photography sessions and activities

  • Airport transfer to hotel

  • Expedition briefing and program overview

  • Welcome dinner (depending on arrival time)

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Included Meals

  • Dinner (welcome dinner, depending on arrival time)

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Accommodation

  • San José – Central Valley

Day 2

Zona de Los Santos
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San José to Talamanca Mountains

After breakfast, we depart San José and begin our scenic journey into the Talamanca Mountains, home to some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful cloud forests.

The drive to San Gerardo de Dota takes approximately three hours as we gradually ascend through changing landscapes and cooler climates. Along the way we will make a carefully selected stop at a productive birding location where photographers can capture species that inhabit the mid-elevation forests.

After lunch and check-in at our lodge, we prepare for one of the most anticipated moments of the expedition — our first session searching for the Resplendent Quetzal.

San Gerardo de Dota is one of the best places in Central America to observe this extraordinary bird. The surrounding cloud forests provide ideal habitat, particularly near wild avocado trees where quetzals often feed.

The afternoon light in the mountains creates beautiful photographic conditions and offers an exciting introduction to the wildlife of the highlands.

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Photography sessions and activities

  • Morning bird photography stop during the drive

  • Signature Photography Experience: Afternoon Resplendent Quetzal photography session

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Meals

  • Breakfast at the hotel

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Accommodation

  • Overnight in the La Zona de los Santos cloud forest region, including San Gerardo de Dota, Copey de Dota, or nearby mountain communities.

Day 3

Zona de Los Santos
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San Gerardo de Dota – Quetzal & Cloud Forest Photography

Our first full day in the highlands begins early as we venture into the misty cloud forests surrounding San Gerardo de Dota, one of the most reliable places in Costa Rica to photograph the magnificent Resplendent Quetzal.

At first light we explore known feeding areas and forest edges where quetzals are frequently observed, particularly around wild avocado trees that attract these spectacular birds. With patience and a bit of luck, photographers may capture a variety of behaviors including feeding, calling, and movement through the forest canopy.

After the morning session we return to the lodge for breakfast and time to rest, review images, and prepare equipment for the afternoon outing.

During the afternoon we continue exploring different locations within La Zona de los Santos, a region famous for its cool mountain climate, dramatic landscapes, and rich birdlife. In addition to quetzals, these forests host an impressive variety of highland species including Collared Redstart, Flame-colored Tanager, Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher, Slaty Flowerpiercer, and several hummingbird species.

The soft mountain light and moss-covered cloud forest create a magical environment for wildlife photography and offer wonderful opportunities to capture the atmosphere of Costa Rica’s highland ecosystems.

Because we will depart early the next morning toward the Caribbean lowlands, the afternoon session is an excellent opportunity to enjoy one final exploration of these beautiful cloud forests.

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Photography sessions and activities

  • Hummingbird photography

  • Highland bird photography (flycatchers, tanagers, woodpeckers)

  • Quetzal photo session

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Meals

  • Breakfast at the hotel

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Accommodation

  • Overnight in the La Zona de los Santos cloud forest region, including San Gerardo de Dota, Copey de Dota, or nearby mountain communities.

Day 4

Sarapiqui & Caribbean Lowlands
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From the Cloud Forests of La Zona de los Santos to the Rainforests of Sarapiquí

We depart early in the morning from the beautiful cloud forests of La Zona de los Santos, beginning our journey toward the warm and lush Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica.

The drive takes us through dramatic landscape changes as we descend from the cool highlands into the tropical rainforest environments of Sarapiquí, one of the country’s most biologically productive regions.

Sarapiquí is famous among naturalists and wildlife photographers for its remarkable biodiversity. The combination of rivers, primary rainforest, and surrounding reserves creates an extraordinary habitat for birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Hundreds of bird species have been recorded here, along with monkeys, sloths, colorful frogs, and countless insects and butterflies. 

After arriving and checking into our lodge, we enjoy lunch and some time to rest before preparing for our first rainforest exploration.

In the afternoon we begin our introduction to the Caribbean lowland rainforest, exploring forest trails and lodge gardens where a variety of tropical bird species can often be photographed.

As night falls, we embark on our first rainforest night walk, searching for frogs, insects, reptiles, and other nocturnal creatures that thrive in this humid environment. For macro photographers, these night sessions often become some of the most exciting moments of the expedition.

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Photography sessions and activities

  • Scenic drive from La Zona de los Santos to the Caribbean lowlands

  • Afternoon rainforest wildlife photography session

  • Evening rainforest night walk and macro photography

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Meals

  • Breakfast at the hotel

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Accommodation

  • Overnight in the Sarapiquí rainforest region, located in Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands

Day 5

Sarapiqui & Caribbean Lowlands
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Sarapiquí – Rainforest Wildlife Photography

Sarapiquí offers a vibrant mosaic of rainforest habitats, making it one of the most rewarding regions in Costa Rica for wildlife photography.

The day begins early with a morning bird photography session, when tropical bird activity is at its peak and the soft rainforest light creates beautiful photographic conditions. This region hosts an incredible diversity of species, and photographers may encounter iconic lowland birds such as toucans, tanagers, Montezuma oropendolas, and aracaris moving through the forest canopy.

Later in the morning, we explore the rainforest on foot during a guided natural history walk. These slow-paced explorations allow photographers to search for fascinating small creatures that thrive in the rainforest understory. Possible subjects include owls, the famous “Jesus Christ” basilisk lizard, bullet ants, frogs, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians.

After lunch and a short rest at the lodge, we return to the field for another afternoon bird photography session, timed to coincide with the renewed activity of tropical birds as temperatures cool and the forest becomes lively again.

Expect a dynamic day filled with both action photography and quieter moments observing wildlife behavior in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse rainforest regions.

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Photography sessions and activities

  • Early morning rainforest bird photography

  • Guided rainforest nature walk for reptiles, amphibians, and macro subjects

  • Afternoon bird photography session

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Meals

  • Breakfast at the hotel

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Accommodation

  • Overnight in the Sarapiquí rainforest region, located in Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands

Day 6

Sarapiqui & Caribbean Lowlands
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Rainforest Macro Photography

Today our focus shifts toward the intricate and often overlooked world of macro photography.

Sarapiquí’s rainforest ecosystems are incredibly rich in small life forms, offering endless opportunities to photograph insects, amphibians, reptiles, and other fascinating creatures that inhabit the forest floor and understory.

The morning begins with a visit to a biodiverse reserve, where gardens and forest edges attract a variety of colorful insects. Butterflies, beetles, and other small subjects provide excellent opportunities to practice composition, depth of field, and lighting techniques while working with vibrant and fast-moving wildlife.

Later, we continue exploring the rainforest on foot, carefully scanning leaves, branches, and forest trails in search of frogs, spiders, snakes, and other macro subjects. These slow and attentive explorations often reveal remarkable details of rainforest life that many visitors never notice.

This day encourages photographers to slow down, refine their observation skills, and capture the rich textures and delicate details that make tropical rainforests one of the most fascinating environments for macro photography.

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Photography sessions and activities

  • Signature Photography Experience: Morning macro photography session focused on butterflies and insects

  • Guided rainforest exploration for frogs, reptiles, spiders, and other macro subjects

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Meals

  • Breakfast at the hotel

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Accommodation

  • Overnight in the Sarapiquí rainforest region, located in Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands

Day 7

Boca Tapada & Maquenque Wildlife Refuge
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Rainforest Transition & Bat Photography

The day begins with a final bird photography session in the Caribbean lowlands, offering one last opportunity to capture the vibrant species that inhabit the rainforests of Sarapiquí. Early morning light often provides beautiful conditions for photographing birds as they become active along forest edges and canopy gaps.

After breakfast, we depart Sarapiquí and travel north toward Boca Tapada, a remote and peaceful region in northern Costa Rica known for its pristine rainforest and exceptional biodiversity. The journey takes us through lush countryside and agricultural landscapes before reaching the rich forests near the Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge.

Upon arrival at our lodge, the afternoon is yours to relax, explore the surrounding forest trails, or prepare your equipment for the evening’s specialized photography session.

After sunset, we prepare for one of the expedition’s most unique highlights: a multi-flash bat photography session. Using a controlled setup with multiple flashes, photographers will have the opportunity to freeze bats in mid-flight with remarkable clarity and detail. This exciting and technically rewarding experience combines creativity, precision, and fast-paced action photography.

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Photography sessions and activities

  • Early morning bird photography session in Sarapiquí

  • Scenic transfer to Boca Tapada

  • Signature Photography Experience: Evening multi-flash bat photography session

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Meals

  • Breakfast at the hotel

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Accommodation

  • Overnight in the Boca Tapada rainforest region, near Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge.

Day 8

Boca Tapada & Maquenque Wildlife Refuge
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King Vulture & Multi-Flash Hummingbird Photography

After breakfast, the day begins with a visually compelling photography session dedicated to one of the rainforest’s most striking birds: the king vulture.

With its bold coloration, impressive wingspan, and dramatic presence, this magnificent raptor provides powerful photographic opportunities as it descends to feed in a carefully managed setting. Patience, anticipation, and timing are essential as photographers prepare to capture dynamic moments when these impressive birds approach and interact around the feeding area.

The session offers exciting opportunities for both action photography and dramatic portraits, highlighting one of the most iconic scavengers of the Neotropical rainforest.

In the afternoon, we shift into a completely different photographic challenge with a high-speed hummingbird multi-flash session. Using a professional lighting setup—including multiple flashes, wireless triggers, and light stands provided by Physis Photo Tours—photographers will have the opportunity to freeze wing movement and reveal the intricate iridescent details of these extraordinary birds.

This specialized session is designed to help photographers refine their technical skills while experimenting with lighting, timing, and composition to create striking images of hummingbirds in flight.

The evening is yours to relax, review your images, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and sounds of the surrounding rainforest.

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Photography sessions and activities

  • King Vulture photography session

  • Signature Photography Experience: Hummingbird multi-flash session (flashes, triggers and stands are provided)

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Meals

  • Breakfast at the hotel

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Accommodation

  • Overnight in the Boca Tapada rainforest region, near Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge.

Day 9

Boca Tapada & Maquenque Wildlife Refuge
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Rainforest Macro & Bird Photography

Today is dedicated to exploring the extraordinary biodiversity of Boca Tapada’s rainforest, focusing on two complementary photographic experiences: macro photography and tropical bird photography.

The day begins with a macro photography session in search of frogs, snakes, and other fascinating rainforest creatures. These small subjects offer incredible photographic opportunities, allowing photographers to work closely with texture, color, and lighting. Using a combination of flash and natural light, we will focus on creative compositions that highlight the intricate details of these elusive animals.

Later in the day, we turn our attention to bird photography, visiting productive forest edges and carefully maintained feeding areas where a variety of tropical species are often observed. Depending on the season and activity, photographers may encounter birds such as Keel-billed Toucans, Yellow-throated Toucans, Montezuma Oropendolas, honeycreepers, and other colorful rainforest species.

As with all wildlife photography in tropical environments, flexibility is essential. Weather patterns, light conditions, and wildlife behavior will guide the timing and location of our sessions, allowing us to adapt throughout the day to maximize photographic opportunities.

This balanced approach—combining macro exploration with vibrant birdlife—creates a rewarding and dynamic day in one of Costa Rica’s richest rainforest habitats.

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Photography sessions and activities

  • Macro photography session focused on frogs, snakes, and rainforest microfauna

  • Tropical bird photography session at forest edges or feeding areas

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Meals

  • Breakfast at the hotel

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Accommodation

  • Overnight in the Boca Tapada rainforest region, near Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge.

Day 10

Aguas Zarcas & Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
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Rainforest to Wetlands: Journey to Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

After breakfast, we depart the rainforests of Boca Tapada and begin our journey west toward the Aguas Zarcas region, where we pause for a productive bird photography session.

This area, located at the transition between the Caribbean lowlands and the northern foothills, offers excellent opportunities to photograph colorful tropical species in natural light. Forest edges and gardens in this region often attract a variety of birds, creating rewarding conditions for dynamic and well-lit images.

Following this session, we continue our journey north toward Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, one of Costa Rica’s most important wetland ecosystems and a designated Ramsar site recognized for its global ecological significance.

Situated near the border with Nicaragua, Caño Negro protects an extensive network of rivers, lagoons, and seasonal floodplains that support remarkable biodiversity. The region is particularly known for its abundance of birdlife, as well as reptiles, mammals, and aquatic wildlife. The quiet atmosphere and remote location create a unique environment for wildlife photography, offering a dramatic contrast to the dense rainforests we explored earlier in the expedition.

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Photography sessions and activities

  • Bird photography in Aguas Zarcas

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Meals

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Dinner at the hotel

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Accommodation

  • Overnight in the Caño Negro wetland region, near Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.

Day 11 - 12

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
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Exploring the Wetlands and Lagoons of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

Over the next two days we will fully explore the extraordinary wetland ecosystems of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, one of Costa Rica’s most important protected wetlands and a designated Ramsar site of global ecological significance.

Located near the border with Nicaragua, Caño Negro is a vast network of lagoons, rivers, marshes, and seasonally flooded forests that supports remarkable biodiversity. This environment provides a completely different photographic setting compared to the rainforests visited earlier in the expedition.

To take full advantage of this unique ecosystem, we will conduct four guided boat photography excursions across two days, exploring different habitats within the refuge.

The schedule typically includes:

  • Morning session on the lagoons, where calm water and soft light create beautiful reflections and open compositions.

  • Afternoon exploration of the wetlands and river channels, where dense vegetation attracts a variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals.

The following day we reverse the approach, visiting wetland channels in the morning and returning to the larger lagoons in the afternoon, allowing photographers to experience different lighting conditions and wildlife activity patterns.

As we navigate quietly through the waterways, photographers may encounter an impressive range of species including Jabiru storks, tiger herons, kingfishers, green iguanas, caimans, basilisks (Jesus Christ lizards), howler monkeys, and numerous wetland birds that thrive in this remote sanctuary.

The relaxed pace of these boat excursions allows time to observe wildlife behavior and carefully compose images. The open landscapes, reflective waters, and ever-changing scenery offer excellent opportunities for wildlife portraits, environmental compositions, and storytelling images.

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Photography sessions and activities

  • Morning boat photography on Caño Negro lagoons

  • Afternoon boat photography exploring wetlands and river channels

  • Morning wetland exploration by boat

  • Afternoon lagoon photography session

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Meals

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Dinner at the hotel

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Accommodation

  • Overnight in the Caño Negro wetland region, near Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.

Day 13

San Ramón de Alajuela
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After breakfast, we leave the northern wetlands of Caño Negro and begin our journey south toward the central Pacific mountain range, arriving in the scenic San Ramón area. The drive takes approximately three hours, passing through diverse landscapes that gradually transition from tropical lowlands to cool, mist-covered highlands.

This region is known for its lush cloud forests, rolling hills, and cooler temperatures, offering a refreshing contrast to the previous days in the lowlands.

Upon arrival, the afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You’ll have time to take photos around the lodge, explore nearby trails, or simply unwind in this tranquil highland setting—an ideal moment to reflect, review your images, or prepare for the next stage of the expedition.

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Photography sessions and activities

  • Casual photography around the lodge and surrounding area

  • Optional afternoon exploration (light hiking or birdwatching)

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Meals

  • Breakfast at the hotel

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Accommodation

  • San Ramón or surrounding towns

Day 13

La Paz de San Ramón & San José
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After breakfast, we begin our return journey from the wetlands of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge toward the Central Valley and the city of San José.

This drive takes us across a diverse range of landscapes that showcase the geographical richness of northern Costa Rica. As we travel south, the scenery gradually transitions from open wetlands and cattle country to rolling hills, agricultural valleys, and eventually the mountains surrounding the Central Valley.

Along the route, we may make short scenic stops whenever interesting landscapes, bird activity, or photographic opportunities present themselves. These brief pauses allow photographers to capture elements of Costa Rica’s countryside while enjoying the relaxed pace of the journey.

The drive also offers beautiful views of rural Costa Rica—small villages, farmland, rivers, and distant mountain ranges that create a very different visual atmosphere compared to the rainforests and wetlands explored earlier in the expedition.

Upon arrival in San José, we check in at our hotel and prepare for our final evening together.

In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner, celebrating the incredible wildlife encounters and photographic experiences shared throughout the expedition.

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Photography sessions and activities

  • Scenic drive from Caño Negro to San José

  • Optional short stops for landscape or wildlife photography along the route

  • Farewell dinner

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Meals

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Farewell dinner

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Accommodation

  • San José – Central Valley

Day 14

Departure day
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After breakfast, your Costa Rica wildlife photography expedition comes to an end.

Depending on your international flight schedule, you will be transferred from your hotel to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your departure.

As you leave Costa Rica, we hope you take with you not only a remarkable collection of photographs, but also unforgettable memories of the country’s extraordinary biodiversity—from the cloud forests of the highlands to the rainforests and wetlands explored throughout the expedition.

Thank you for joining Physis Photo Tours on this journey through one of the most biologically rich destinations on Earth.

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Meals

  • Breakfast at the hotel (subject to your departure time)

Services

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What’s Included

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  • 14-day expertly crafted itinerary

  • Includes 1–2 planned photo sessions or field activities each day, such as

    • Bird photography in highland and lowland habitats

    • Dedicated quetzal photography session in the cloud forest

    • Macro photography (day & night sessions)

    • Multi-flash setups for hummingbirds and bats

    • King Vulture photography

    • Guided nature walks

    • Private access to feeders and hides

    • Boat tours through wetlands and backwater lagoons

    • Cloud forest and rainforest exploration

    • Cultural immersion and landscape photography

  • 13 nights of accommodation at Physis-certified hotels and lodges

    • Standard, superior, or deluxe rooms (single, double or twin occupancy)

    • All rooms with private bathroom

  • Daily breakfasts at the hotels

  • Welcome dinner and farewell dinner included

  • More than 10 immersive photography experiences, designed to maximize biodiversity, light conditions, and creative opportunities

  • Specialized local guides with certifications in birding, wildlife behavior, and nature photography

  • Private ground transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

    • Includes experienced driver

    • Transfer-in and transfer-out from/to the airport

  • All travel expenses covered for the tour leader and/or driver

  • All entrance fees are included, which cover:

    • National parks

    • Wildlife reserves

    • Private farms

    • Photo-friendly locations

  • All local insurances and permits included

  • All applicable local taxes included (+13% VAT)

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What’s Not Included

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The following items are not included in the price of the tour and are the responsibility of each participant:

  • Lunches and dinners (except where specifically indicated, such as the welcome and farewell dinners)

  • Alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, cocktails, etc.) and any beverages not listed on the standard hotel or tour menu

  • International airfare to and from Costa Rica

  • Visa fees, if required by your country of origin

  • Medical insurance (strongly recommended)

  • Travel insurance, including coverage for trip cancellation or interruption (strongly recommended)

  • Tips and gratuities for local guides, drivers, and the expedition leader

  • Hotel services such as laundry, room service, or minibar usage

  • Personal services, including spa treatments, massages, or other optional wellness services

Your Experience

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Safety, Flexibility & Daily Briefing

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Our priority is to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and highly productive experience for you.

While we are fully committed to delivering the complete itinerary as planned, we respectfully reserve the right to modify, postpone, delay, or cancel any activity when necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.

These may include, but are not limited to:

  • Adverse weather conditions

  • Road or trail closures

  • Natural events or environmental factors

  • Recommendations from local guides based on wildlife behavior

All adjustments will be made with your safety and photographic success in mind.

Whenever changes are required, we’ll always strive to provide the best possible alternative experience available under the circumstances.

Daily briefing & Weather

Each evening during dinner, we’ll review the next day’s plan — targets, light conditions, access details, and recommended gear — so you’re fully prepared.

Please note that weather conditions can change quickly in some regions. We’ll adapt our schedule as needed to ensure you can keep photographing comfortably, safely, and effectively.

Payments

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  • Secure payment link provided via WeTravel, a trusted global platform in the travel industry

  • 30% deposit required to confirm your booking (non-refundable)

  • Remaining balance due 90 days prior to arrival

  • We also offer a flexible payment plan with recurring and automatic payments, making it easier to manage your travel investment over time

  • All payments are processed securely through WeTravel for your convenience and peace of mind

Request a quote

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Let's compose your photo tour

Every photographer’s vision is unique — and your expedition should be too.

Whether you dream of capturing the iridescent flash of a hummingbird’s wings, the intense gaze of a King Vulture, or the misty landscapes of Costa Rica’s cloud forests, Physis Photo Tours will design a custom itinerary tailored to your photographic goals.

Our private, photography-focused expeditions are built around your favorite subjects, your preferred pace, and your creative vision. We handle the logistics, scouting, permits, and timing so you can focus entirely on what matters most: creating extraordinary images in some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.

Because many of the lodges and specialized photography locations included in our programs have limited availability, we recommend planning your expedition well in advance.

Start designing your Costa Rica photography adventure today.

Simply complete the short form below, and we’ll begin crafting a journey as unique as your portfolio.

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