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.
This 11-days Costa Rica photography tour is a curated journey into some of the most biologically rich and visually spectacular regions on the planet. Designed for photographers who want more than a trip—they want an immersive, expertly guided experience—this program takes you from highland cloud forests and tropical lowlands to remote wetlands and hidden wildlife havens.
Every day is carefully planned for light, season, and species behavior, giving you unparalleled opportunities to capture iconic subjects like the resplendent quetzal, king vulture, hummingbirds in mid-flight, bats on the wing, and dazzling macro life—from tiny poison dart frogs to iridescent beetles.
With seamless logistics, private transportation, and carefully selected lodges close to nature, you’ll focus entirely on your photography while we take care of every detail.
Tour Leader
Andy Bezara, founder of Physis Photo Tours, has over 20 years of experience guiding photographers in Costa Rica. A member of PPA, PSA, SINWP, and NANPA, Andy specializes in creating 100% photography-focused programs that balance the needs of serious photographers with the adventure of exploration.
Tour Options & Leadership
Depending on the option you choose and the size of your group:
Andy Bezara as Driver and Tour Leader – For small private groups of 1–2 people, Andy can personally guide and drive, offering hands-on photography instruction throughout your journey. For groups of 3 or more, Andy will lead the tour while a professional driver handles all transportation.
Private Driver with Full Planning — If Andy is unavailable because he is leading another group, we will assign a trusted, experienced private driver. You will still receive a fully planned photography program with all logistics, hides, sessions, and accommodations arranged by Physis Photo Tours.
Self-Drive with Full Planning – Rent your vehicle, and we’ll design your complete itinerary, book your accommodations, arrange all photography sessions, and provide detailed driving instructions.
In all cases, our extensive network of qualified local expert guides will be assisting with activities, photography sessions, and tours at each destination we visit—ensuring the highest level of photographic opportunity and local knowledge.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With its labyrinth of canals, lagoons, and flooded forests, Caño Negro offers a completely different photographic experience—best discovered by boat
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.
From the moment you arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), every detail is expertly handled—so you can focus on capturing unforgettable images.
Morning/Afternoon
Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Private transfer to your hotel
Evening
Welcome and orientation session
Overnight in San José or the nearby area
Meals
Welcome dinner (depends on your arrival time at the hotel)
After breakfast, you’ll begin your ascent into Costa Rica’s highlands. The scenic drive to San Gerardo de Dota takes approximately three hours, with shifting landscapes as you climb into the cool, mist-laced cloud forests.
En route, we’ll make a strategic stop at a prime birding location for a morning photo session—an excellent opportunity to photograph species active at lower elevations before transitioning into the highland ecosystem.
After a relaxing lunch, the afternoon is reserved for one of the most anticipated highlights of the expedition: photographing the resplendent quetzal. Adorned in shimmering emerald and crimson, this iconic bird is a symbol of Central America and a true gem for any wildlife photographer.
The evening is free to rest, download your images, and prepare for the next day’s sessions.
Photo Sessions & Activities
Bird photography at lower elevations
Afternoon session: resplendent quetzal
Meals
Breakfast included
Overnight
San Gerardo de Dota or surrounding areas
Today is dedicated to photographing highland bird species, particularly hummingbirds, flycatchers, tanagers, and woodpeckers.
The cool climate and moss-draped cloud forest provide an ideal setting for capturing fast movements and vibrant colors against soft, natural backdrops.
We’ll explore a variety of elevations and microhabitats to help diversify your portfolio and practice in different lighting conditions.
The day also includes time to review techniques for freezing motion and creatively using naturally diffused light.
Photo Sessions & Activities
Hummingbird photography
Highland bird photography (flycatchers, tanagers, woodpeckers)
Meals
Breakfast included
Overnight
San Gerardo de Dota or surrounding areas
After breakfast, you’ll depart the highlands and begin a scenic four-hour journey toward Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands.
As the elevation decreases, the environment shifts into lush tropical rainforest—an area celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity and rich photographic opportunities.
Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch at a well-known birdwatching spot.
It’s the perfect moment to stretch your legs, enjoy regional cuisine, and capture spontaneous images of lowland bird species in a relaxed setting.
Upon arrival in Sarapiquí, the afternoon is yours to rest, explore the lodge grounds, or prepare gear for the upcoming sessions.
Photo Sessions & Activities
Bird photography (lowland species)
Meals
Breakfast included
Overnight
Sarapiquí area or surrounding areas
Sarapiquí offers a vibrant mosaic of habitats, making it one of the most rewarding regions in Costa Rica for wildlife photography.
The day begins with an early bird photography session, capturing iconic lowland species like toucans, tanagers, Montezuma oropendolas, and aracaris bathed in soft morning light.
Later, we’ll venture into the forest on foot. This guided nature walk provides opportunities to photograph owls, Jesus Christ lizards, bullet ants, and various reptiles and amphibians in their natural environment.
In the afternoon, another bird photography session awaits, timed to take advantage of shifting light and increased bird activity as temperatures drop.
Expect a dynamic day filled with both action shots and quiet, intimate encounters—set in a region teeming with life and photographic texture.
Photo Sessions & Activities
Bird photography (morning and afternoon)
Wildlife photography during guided forest walk
Meals
Breakfast included
Overnight
Sarapiquí or surrounding areas
Today shifts the focus to the intricate and often overlooked world of macro photography.
The morning begins with a visit to a biodiverse reserve teeming with butterflies, beetles, and other insects—ideal for practicing composition, depth of field, and lighting with colorful, fast-moving subjects.
Later, we’ll continue exploring the forest floor and understory in search of frogs, spiders, snakes, and other fascinating macro subjects. With patience and a sharp eye, you’ll capture close-up images that highlight the rainforest’s rich textures and hidden beauty.
This day invites you to slow down, refine your vision, and appreciate the silent drama of life at a smaller scale.
Photo Sessions & Activities
Wildlife & macro photography (insects)
Macro photography (frogs, snakes, and other forest floor species)
Meals
Breakfast included
Overnight
Sarapiquí or surrounding areas
The day begins with a final bird photography session in the lowlands—an early opportunity to capture species active in the soft morning light before departing Sarapiquí.
After breakfast, you’ll set off on a scenic journey to Boca Tapada, a remote region in northern Costa Rica renowned for its pristine rainforest, serene atmosphere, and exceptional wildlife viewing.
Upon arrival, the afternoon is yours to rest, explore the lodge grounds, or fine-tune your gear in preparation for the evening shoot.
After sunset, prepare for one of the tour’s most distinctive highlights: a multi-flash bat photography session. In this controlled environment, you’ll freeze bats mid-flight with remarkable sharpness and clarity—an exciting and technically rewarding experience that blends precision with creativity.
Photo Sessions & Activities
Morning bird photography (lowland species)
The evening session involves capturing bats in flight using a multi-flash setup. (flashes, triggers and stands are provided.)
Meals
Breakfast included
Overnight
Boca Tapada
After breakfast, the day begins with a visually compelling session dedicated to one of the rainforest’s most striking birds: the king vulture. With its bold coloration, imposing size, and dramatic presence, this species provides powerful photographic opportunities as it descends to feed in a controlled setting. Patience, anticipation, and timing are key to capturing clean, impactful frames of this rare raptor in action.
In the afternoon, shift gears into a high-speed, precision-based hummingbird multi-flash session. Utilizing a professional setup—featuring four flashes, wireless triggers, and light stands provided by Physis Photo Tours—you’ll freeze wing movement and reveal the intricate, iridescent details of these elusive subjects. This session is crafted to sharpen your technical skills and elevate your creative range in the realm of advanced wildlife photography.
The evening is yours to rest, review your images, or simply enjoy the calm and sounds of the rainforest.
Photo Sessions & Activities
King Vulture photography session
Hummingbird multi-flash session (flashes, triggers and stands are provided)
Meals
Breakfast included
Overnight
Boca Tapada
Today is designed to immerse you in the photographic richness of Boca Tapada’s rainforest, with a focus on two core experiences: macro photography and bird photography. The flexible structure of the day allows us to adjust based on light, weather, and animal activity—ensuring the best possible conditions for impactful images.
Begin with a macro photography session dedicated to frogs and snakes, using flash and natural light to reveal the textures, colors, and detail of these elusive rainforest subjects. This is a rewarding opportunity to practice creative framing, lighting techniques, and patience in the field.
Later, enjoy a bird photography session at a local feeder or nearby forest edge, where species like keel-billed toucans, yellow-throated toucans, Montezuma oropendolas, and honeycreepers may appear depending on the season and conditions.
As with all fieldwork, flexibility is key—seasonal behavior and weather patterns will guide the timing and location of each session.
Photo Sessions & Activities
Macro photography (frogs and snakes)
Bird photography session
Flexible activity based on seasonal conditions and animal behavior
Meals
Breakfast included
Overnight
Boca Tapada
After breakfast, we’ll head west to the Aguas Zarcas region for a new bird photography session.
This area provides excellent opportunities to capture colorful lowland and foothill species in bright, natural light.
Photo Sessions & Activities
Bird photography in Aguas Zarcas
Meals
Breakfast included
Farewell dinner
Overnight
San Jose city or surrounding areas
After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your flight home.
You leave Costa Rica with a powerful collection of images and the lasting memory of an immersive wildlife photography experience.
Meals:
Breakfast included
11-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
10 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)
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
At Physis Photo Tours, our priority is to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and highly productive experience for every guest.
While we are committed to delivering the full scope of the planned itinerary, we respectfully reserve the right to modify, postpone, delay, or cancel any tour 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
Political or regional instability
Any adjustments will be made with your safety and photographic success in mind, and we will constantly strive to provide the best alternative experience available under the circumstances.
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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
Every photographer’s vision is unique — and your tour should be too. Whether you dream of capturing the iridescent flash of a hummingbird’s wings, the watchful gaze of a King Vulture, or the misty landscapes of the cloud forest, Physis Photo Tours will create a custom itinerary that matches your style, skill level, and goals.
Our private, photography-focused tours are built around you — your favorite subjects, your preferred pace, and your creative vision. We take care of the logistics, scouting, and timing so you can focus entirely on creating extraordinary images.
Let’s compose your perfect Costa Rica photography experience today. Fill out the short form below, and we’ll start crafting a tour that’s as unique as your portfolio.