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 1 space available on this trip so book now to avoid disappointment

Costa Rica Wildlife - 8th to 21st April 2025

Let’s go shoot:

Experience a full 11 days of wildlife photography, from 8th to 21st April 2025 of Costa Rica’s dreamlike landscape and wildlife - a place where nature always rules and adventure awaits...

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The Itinerary:

Tuesday 8th Aril 2025
Please arrive into San Jose (Juan Santamaria) International Airport no later than Tuesday 8th April. You will be welcomed by the guide AND escorted back to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, you may also be able to do some photography on the hotel grounds
(flight recommendations will be given)
Overnight: Dinner & Breakfast included
Wednesday 9th April 2025
On your way to our first Lodge you 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
Overnight: All meals & soft drinks included
Thursday 10th April 2025
This morning will be spent around the lodges feeders, gardens and trails
In the afternoon 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 fresh water birds.
In the eveing we will take a night walk to the frog pond
Overnight: All meals & soft drinks included
Friday 11th April 2025
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.
Overnight: All meals & Soft Drinks included
Saturday 12th April 2025
Lagarto Lodge is located in the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica, renowned for the high bird diversity, the number of National Parks, private protected forests and bird sanctuaries, and the huge raptor and hawk migration that passes the region every year. 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. In the afternoon we will return to Lagarto Lodge feeders and also our lodge feeders
Overnight: All meals & soft drinks included
Sunday 13th April 2025
Today we spend the day 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.
Overnight: All meals & Soft drinks included
Monday 14th April 2025
Cope's Garden
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.
From the house, there will be a short excursion out into the surrounding area to look for species such as Bat Falcon, Spectacled Owl, Great Green Macaw, Great Potoo and possibly, roosting Crested Owl.
We will also have the opportunity for Multi-Flash photography with Hummingbirds & Bats
Overnight: All meals & soft drinks included
Tuesday 15th April 2025
Today we set off to our next location in the Central Highlands.
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.
We will have a lunch at a unique and cosy place! Nestled in a charming Costa Rican highlands where nature and local cuisine come together in perfect harmony. It is an ideal destination for bird enthusiasts and lovers of authentic flavours. Here, we invite you to immerse yourself in a world where you can delight in exquisite local delicacies while enjoying an unparalleled bird-watching experience.
The afternoon will be spent at Melvin’s Garden, a serene refuge surrounded by the majestic Talamanca mountains and an impressive ecosystem inhabited by Quetzales.
Overnight: All meals & soft drinks included
Wednesday 16th April 2025
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 the morning 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.
In the afternoon we will visit Batsu garden, a place designed for bird photography and a place to help you capture the beauty and grace of the many species of birds that inhabit the Costa Rican Highlands. Your pictures will frame majestic compositions that include the colours of the garden, beautiful natural perches for the birds, and clear backgrounds… all of that away from crowds.
Overnight: All meals & soft drinks included
Thursday 17th April 2025
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.
On route we head towards Dominican Beach where we will have lunch. Here we also aim to board a boat for a whale watching boat ride (weather permitting).
Overnight: All meals & soft drinks included
Friday 18th April 2025
Carara National Park is considered by many to be one of the best birding locations in Costa Rica. The national park is famous for its population of Scarlet Macaws, and we are certain to see many, particularly at dusk. The excellent birdlife includes up to five different species of Trogons, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Royal Flycatcher, King Vulture, Grey-necked Wood-rail, Elegant Tern, Tawny-winged Woodcreeper, Smooth-billed Ani, Scaled Pigeon, Costa Rican Swift, Panama Flycatcher and some rarities like Mangove Hummingbird (one of the country´s endemic)
In the morning the group takes a 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 fresh water birds, waders and shorebirds.
The afternoon can be spent at the beach, around the lodge or even try the Sky Walk (not included) taking you for a walk high into the canopy.
Overnight: All meals & soft drinks included
Saturday 19th April 2025
This morning we will have a private tour around the Carara National Park in search of some of the rarer bird species to see (like the pygmy owl)
In the afternoon the group takes a 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 fresh water birds, waders and shorebirds
Overnight: All meals & soft drinks included
Sunday 20th April 2025
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.
Lodge: Breakfast included
Monday 21st April 2025
Arrive back in the UK

The Details:

Duration: 13 days/12 nights
Spaces: 5 Spaces (min 4 spaces)
Join Tracey on what is looking to be an amazing opportunity to photograph some spectacular species. You are going to some of the best locations in Costa Rica for photography and the lodges are situated in prime rainforest locations which offer an array of feeders which attracts many species including a huge variety of hummingbirds. You 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 you’ll will take walks into the rainforest to see what you can find. You 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 there smaller species like frogs and insects.
This is going to be an adventure with lots of new colourful species.
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: £4995 pp
Single Occupancy Supplement: £500pp
£5495 for 1 x traveller in a single occupancy room
Secure your place with 25% non-refundable deposit of £1248.75 / £1375.75 (single occupancy) per person
Payments accepted by Bank Transfer
*Please see Terms & Conditions for payment details
Cost Includes:-
12-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
4x4 transport at mentioned lodge
Morning & Afternoon boat trip at Tarcoles
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.