COSTA RICA November 28 to December 5, 2025

9 days

Jan

Availability 8

$6,250 USD

From

$4,950 USD

FOR PERSON

COSTA RICA

Pura Vida

8 days and 7 nights
28 Nov to 5 Dec 2025
SJO, Costa Rica

Suitable for all photographic levels
Available locations 10/10
SJO, Costa Rica

Costa Rica: A Paradise for Wildlife Photography

Costa Rica is one of the richest destinations in biodiversity globally, making it an exceptional place for nature photography.
With a wide variety of ecosystems including rainforests, cloud forests , and pristine coastlines, the country offers a unique experience to capture wildlife in its natural environment.

During this photographic trip, you will have the opportunity to photograph emblematic species such as the resplendent quetzal in the high altitude forests and other animals that inhabit the jungles and coasts.
We focus on an ethical approach to wildlife photography, without the use of lures, artificial feeding , or flash mounts.
Our priority is respectful and quiet observation , allowing the animals to behave naturally while we document their essence.

We have local guides who are experts in the fauna and flora of Costa Rica, who will be with you at all times to maximize photographic opportunities, sharing their knowledge and ensuring that each capture is authentic and respectful of the environment.

What distinguishes us on this Photographic Journey?

Access to exclusive and unfrequented locations: While many photography trips in Costa Rica focus on popular tourist destinations, our expedition takes you to hidden and lesser-explored corners , offering an authentic experience in nature without the interruption of large crowds
Small group for personalized attention: With only 10 participants, we make sure to offer personalized photographic attention, allowing each traveler to take full advantage of opportunities to capture wildlife and landscapes.
Ethical and respectful photography: We differentiate ourselves by our practice of ethical photography, without the use of decoys or mounts that interfere with the natural behavior of animals.
We want you to capture genuine moments, always respecting the environment and wildlife
Expert guide in the local fauna and flora: We will have an expert local guide who has a deep knowledge of Costa Rica’s ecosystems , which will increase your chances of capturing stunning images and allow you to learn more about the environment you are photographing
Exclusive sunrise and sunset photography opportunities: Our itinerary has been strategically designed to take advantage of the most spectacular daylight moments.
You’ll have multiple opportunities to capture sunrises and sunsets in iconic landscapes, ensuring you get to experience and document these unique moments

What to expect from this Photographic Trip?

Corcovado National Park: Located on the Osa Peninsula, this park is known for being one of the most biodiverse sites in the world.
Here you will have the opportunity to photograph mammals such as the Central American tapir, white-faced monkeys, spider monkeys, sloths, and capybara.
Among the birds, scarlet macaws, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds such as the magnificent hummingbird and the hermit hummingbird stand out.
Mangroves in El Sierpe: In this region, we will explore the mangroves where you can photograph birds such as the tiger heron, the iris-billed toucan and the green ibis, as well as reptiles such as crocodiles and other mammals associated with the wetlands.
Marino Ballena National Park: In Uvita, we will explore the famous Whale’s Tail, with opportunities to photograph shorebirds such as plovers and terns, along with the possibility of seeing capybaras and other species of coastal mammals.
Cerro de la Muerte: This mountainous area is known for its high-altitude biodiversity.
Here we will look for the majestic resplendent quetzal and other species of hummingbirds, such as the blue-headed mountain hummingbird and the green hermit hummingbird, as well as mammals such as coatis, peccaries.
Herpetofauna Session: We will dedicate a special session to the photography of reptiles and other species of herpetofauna, where we will capture unique images of amphibians and reptiles in their natural habitat, adding one more dimension to our photographic experience

List of fauna possible to spot

Corcovado, Sierpe and Uvita

Species Name	Common Name	Scientific Name	Sighting Chances
Scarlet Macaw	Ara	macao	Very high
Great Curassow	Pavón Grande	Crax rubra	High
Brown Pelican	Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis	Very high
Magnificent Frigatebird	Frigate	Magnificens	Very high
Brown Booby	Brown Bobo	Sula leucogaster	Very high
Bare-throated Tiger-Heron Bare-necked	Tiger Heron	Tigrisoma mexicanum	High
Reddish Egret	Reddish Heron	Egretta rufescens	Very Low
Green Heron	Green	Heron Butorides virescens	High
Tricolored Heron	Tricolor	Egretta Tricolor	Low
Little Blue Heron Heron	Small	Blue Egretta caerulea	Very high
Great Egret	White Heron	Ardea alba	High
Great Blue Heron	Blue Heron	Ardea herodias	Medium
White Ibis	Ibis white	Eudocimus albus	Medium
Purple Gallinule	Purple Redfish	Porphyrio martinicus	Medium
Osprey	Osprey	Pandion haliaetus	Medium
White-tailed Kite	White-tailed Black-tailed	Elanus leucurus	Low
Double-toothed Kite	Bidentate Sparrowhawk	Harpagus bidentatus	Medium
Common Black-Hawk	Crab-eating Hawk	Buteogallus anthracinus	High
Crested Caracara	Bearded Caracara Caracara	cheriway	Very high
Yellow-headed Caracara	Chimachimá	Milvago chimachima	Very high
Mangrove Swallow	Mangrove Swallow	Tachycineta albilinea	Very high
Stripe-throated Hermit	Dwarf Hermit Hummingbird	Phaethornis striigularis	Medium
Red-lored Parrot	Yellow-cheeked Parrot	Amazona autumnalis	High
Baird’s Trogon	Red-breasted Trogon	Bairdii Low Trogon
Slaty-tailed Trogon	Trogon coliplomizo	Trogon massena	Medium
Ringed Kingfisher	Megaceryle torquata	High	collared kingfisher
Black-mandibled Toucan Toucan	with a black bill	Ramphastos ambiguus	Very high
Orange-collared Manakin	Orange-necked Jumper	Manacus aurantiacus	Medium
Red-capped Manakin	Jumping red head	Ceratopipra mentalis	Low

Savegre and Perez Zeledón

Tile

Species Name	Common	Name Scientific Name	Chances of Encounter
Crested Guan	Pava Cojolita	Penelope purpurascens	Low
Great-headed Chachalaca	Chachalaca Grey-headed	Ortalis cinereiceps	Very high
King Vulture Vulture	King	Sarcoramphus Papa	Medium
White Hawk	White Eagle	Pseudastur albicollis	Medium
Broad-winged Hawk	Eagle Wide Wings	Buteo platypterus	High
Gray Hawk	Grey Buteo Sparrowhawk	plagiatus	High
Laughing Falcon	Guaco	Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans	High
Long-billed Hermit	Long-billed Hummingbird	Phaethornis longirostris	Low
Purple-crowned Fairy	Hummingbird Masked Fairy	Heliothryx barroti	Low
Violet-headed Hummingbird	Blue-headed Hummingbird	Klais guimeti	High
White-crowned Parrot	Parrot White Crown	Pionus senilis	High
Squirrel Cuckoo	Cuckoo Squirrel	Piaya cayana	Medium
Gartered Trogon	Trogon Violet	Trogon caligatus	Medium
Blue-crowned Motmot	Momoto Corona Blue	Momotus coeruliceps	High
Fiery-billed Aracari	Orange-billed Toucanet	Pteroglossus frantzii	Very high
Black-mandibled Toucan	Black Beaked Toucan	Ramphastos ambiguus	Very high
Pale-billed Woodpecker	Silver Beak	Woodpecker Campephilus guatemalensis	High
Lineated Woodpecker Woodpecker	Woodpecker	Dryocopus lineatus	High
Common Tody-Flycatcher	Common Spatula	Todirostrum cinereum	High
Orange-collared Manakin	Orange-necked	Manacus aurantiacus	Medium
Tropical Mockingbird	Centzontle Tropical	Mimus gilvus	Very high
Black-and-white Warbler	Climbing Warbler	Mniotilta varia	High
Cherrie’s Tanager	Cherrie Tanager	Ramphocelus costaricensis	Very high
Blue-gray Tanager	Tanager	Thraupis episcopus	Very high
Silver-throated	Tanager Silver Throat Tanager	Icterocephala High Tanager
Golden-hooded Tanager	Tanager Golden Hooded Tanager	Stilpnia larvata	High
Green Honeycreeper	Green Honey Grower	Chlorophanes spiza	High
Bay-headed Tanager	Redhead Tanager	Gyrola Low Tanager
Yellow-faced Grassquit	Olive Seedbed	Tiaris olivaceus	Very high
Buff-throated Saltator	Throat Jumper Ochre	Saltator maximus	High
Rufous-collared Sparrow	Rock Sparrow	Zonotrichia capensis	Very high
Summer Tanager	Piranga Red Piranga	rubra	Medium
Flame-colored Tanager	Piranga Striped Back	Piranga bidentata	High
Montezuma Oropendola	Montezuma’s Oriole	Psarocolius montezuma	Very high

Cerro de la Muerte and San Gerardo

Species Name	Common	Name Scientific Name	Chances of Encounter
Black-breasted Wood-Quail	Corcovado Blackbreast	Odontophorus leucolaemus	Low
Magnificent Hummingbird	Magnificent Hummingbird Eugenes	fulgens	Very high
Brown Violetear	Brown Hummingbird	Hummingbird delphinae	High
Green Violetear	Hummingbird Violet Ears	Colibri thalassinus Very	high
Purple-throated Mountain-gem	Purple-throated Hummingbird	Lampornis calolaemus	Very high
Magenta-throated Woodstar	Hummingbird Magenta	Philodice bryantae	High
Volcano Hummingbird	Hummingbird Volcano	Selasphorus flammula	Medium
Resplendent Quetzal	Mesoamerican Quetzal	Pharomachrus mocinno	Very high
Emerald Toucanet	Green Toucanet	Aulacorhynchus prasinus	Very high
Acorn Woodpecker	Carpenter Acorn Tree	Melanerpes formicivorus	Very high
Sooty Thrush	Blackish Blackbird	Turdus nigrescens	Very high
Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher	Capulinero	Longtail Ptiliogonys caudatus	High
Flame-throated Warbler	Flaming Throat Warbler	Oreothlypis gutturalis	Medium
Redstart Necklace	Tealight	Myioborus torquatus	High
Yellow-thighed Finch	Yellow Thigh Jumper	Atlapetes tibialis	High
Golden-browed Chlorophonia	Golden-browed Chlorophonia	Chlorophonia callophrys	Medium
Elegant Euphonia	Eufonia Blue Cap	Chlorophonia elegantissima	Low
Yellow-throated Euphonia	Euphonia Yellow-throated	Euphonia hirundinacea	High

Corcovado, Sierpe and Uvita

Species Name	Common Name	Scientific Name	Sighting Chances
Scarlet Macaw	Ara	macao	Very high
Great Curassow	Pavón Grande	Crax rubra	High
Brown Pelican	Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis	Very high
Magnificent Frigatebird	Frigate	Magnificens	Very high
Brown Booby	Brown Bobo	Sula leucogaster	Very high
Bare-throated Tiger-Heron Bare-necked	Tiger Heron	Tigrisoma mexicanum	High
Reddish Egret	Reddish Heron	Egretta rufescens	Very Low
Green Heron	Green	Heron Butorides virescens	High
Tricolored Heron	Tricolor	Egretta Tricolor	Low
Little Blue Heron Heron	Small	Blue Egretta caerulea	Very high
Great Egret	White Heron	Ardea alba	High
Great Blue Heron	Blue Heron	Ardea herodias	Medium
White Ibis	Ibis white	Eudocimus albus	Medium
Purple Gallinule	Purple Redfish	Porphyrio martinicus	Medium
Osprey	Osprey	Pandion haliaetus	Medium
White-tailed Kite	White-tailed Black-tailed	Elanus leucurus	Low
Double-toothed Kite	Bidentate Sparrowhawk	Harpagus bidentatus	Medium
Common Black-Hawk	Crab-eating Hawk	Buteogallus anthracinus	High
Crested Caracara	Bearded Caracara Caracara	cheriway	Very high
Yellow-headed Caracara	Chimachimá	Milvago chimachima	Very high
Mangrove Swallow	Mangrove Swallow	Tachycineta albilinea	Very high
Stripe-throated Hermit	Dwarf Hermit Hummingbird	Phaethornis striigularis	Medium
Red-lored Parrot	Yellow-cheeked Parrot	Amazona autumnalis	High
Baird’s Trogon	Red-breasted Trogon	Bairdii Low Trogon
Slaty-tailed Trogon	Trogon coliplomizo	Trogon massena	Medium
Ringed Kingfisher	Megaceryle torquata	High	collared kingfisher
Black-mandibled Toucan Toucan	with a black bill	Ramphastos ambiguus	Very high
Orange-collared Manakin	Orange-necked Jumper	Manacus aurantiacus	Medium
Red-capped Manakin	Jumping red head	Ceratopipra mentalis	Low

Savegre and Perez Zeledón

Tile

Species Name	Common	Name Scientific Name	Chances of Encounter
Crested Guan	Pava Cojolita	Penelope purpurascens	Low
Great-headed Chachalaca	Chachalaca Grey-headed	Ortalis cinereiceps	Very high
King Vulture Vulture	King	Sarcoramphus Papa	Medium
White Hawk	White Eagle	Pseudastur albicollis	Medium
Broad-winged Hawk	Eagle Wide Wings	Buteo platypterus	High
Gray Hawk	Grey Buteo Sparrowhawk	plagiatus	High
Laughing Falcon	Guaco	Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans	High
Long-billed Hermit	Long-billed Hummingbird	Phaethornis longirostris	Low
Purple-crowned Fairy	Hummingbird Masked Fairy	Heliothryx barroti	Low
Violet-headed Hummingbird	Blue-headed Hummingbird	Klais guimeti	High
White-crowned Parrot	Parrot White Crown	Pionus senilis	High
Squirrel Cuckoo	Cuckoo Squirrel	Piaya cayana	Medium
Gartered Trogon	Trogon Violet	Trogon caligatus	Medium
Blue-crowned Motmot	Momoto Corona Blue	Momotus coeruliceps	High
Fiery-billed Aracari	Orange-billed Toucanet	Pteroglossus frantzii	Very high
Black-mandibled Toucan	Black Beaked Toucan	Ramphastos ambiguus	Very high
Pale-billed Woodpecker	Silver Beak	Woodpecker Campephilus guatemalensis	High
Lineated Woodpecker Woodpecker	Woodpecker	Dryocopus lineatus	High
Common Tody-Flycatcher	Common Spatula	Todirostrum cinereum	High
Orange-collared Manakin	Orange-necked	Manacus aurantiacus	Medium
Tropical Mockingbird	Centzontle Tropical	Mimus gilvus	Very high
Black-and-white Warbler	Climbing Warbler	Mniotilta varia	High
Cherrie’s Tanager	Cherrie Tanager	Ramphocelus costaricensis	Very high
Blue-gray Tanager	Tanager	Thraupis episcopus	Very high
Silver-throated	Tanager Silver Throat Tanager	Icterocephala High Tanager
Golden-hooded Tanager	Tanager Golden Hooded Tanager	Stilpnia larvata	High
Green Honeycreeper	Green Honey Grower	Chlorophanes spiza	High
Bay-headed Tanager	Redhead Tanager	Gyrola Low Tanager
Yellow-faced Grassquit	Olive Seedbed	Tiaris olivaceus	Very high
Buff-throated Saltator	Throat Jumper Ochre	Saltator maximus	High
Rufous-collared Sparrow	Rock Sparrow	Zonotrichia capensis	Very high
Summer Tanager	Piranga Red Piranga	rubra	Medium
Flame-colored Tanager	Piranga Striped Back	Piranga bidentata	High
Montezuma Oropendola	Montezuma’s Oriole	Psarocolius montezuma	Very high

Cerro de la Muerte and San Gerardo

Species Name	Common	Name Scientific Name	Chances of Encounter
Black-breasted Wood-Quail	Corcovado Blackbreast	Odontophorus leucolaemus	Low
Magnificent Hummingbird	Magnificent Hummingbird Eugenes	fulgens	Very high
Brown Violetear	Brown Hummingbird	Hummingbird delphinae	High
Green Violetear	Hummingbird Violet Ears	Colibri thalassinus Very	high
Purple-throated Mountain-gem	Purple-throated Hummingbird	Lampornis calolaemus	Very high
Magenta-throated Woodstar	Hummingbird Magenta	Philodice bryantae	High
Volcano Hummingbird	Hummingbird Volcano	Selasphorus flammula	Medium
Resplendent Quetzal	Mesoamerican Quetzal	Pharomachrus mocinno	Very high
Emerald Toucanet	Green Toucanet	Aulacorhynchus prasinus	Very high
Acorn Woodpecker	Carpenter Acorn Tree	Melanerpes formicivorus	Very high
Sooty Thrush	Blackish Blackbird	Turdus nigrescens	Very high
Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher	Capulinero	Longtail Ptiliogonys caudatus	High
Flame-throated Warbler	Flaming Throat Warbler	Oreothlypis gutturalis	Medium
Redstart Necklace	Tealight	Myioborus torquatus	High
Yellow-thighed Finch	Yellow Thigh Jumper	Atlapetes tibialis	High
Golden-browed Chlorophonia	Golden-browed Chlorophonia	Chlorophonia callophrys	Medium
Elegant Euphonia	Eufonia Blue Cap	Chlorophonia elegantissima	Low
Yellow-throated Euphonia	Euphonia Yellow-throated	Euphonia hirundinacea	High

INVESTMENT

The investment for this photographic trip in a shared double room is $4,950 USD. You will be able to reserve your place with $1500 USD .

Subject to availability at the time of request.

You will have to pay no later than October 15, 2025, otherwise your place will be released and there will be no refund.

You can opt for the following payment scheme:

Second payment – $500USD
Third payment – $500USD
Fourth payment – $500USD
Fifth payment – $500USD
Sixth payment – $500USD
Seventh payment – $500USD
Eighth payment – $450USD

There are no place reservations without prior deposit.

We have the following payment methods:international transfer via SWIFT, Wester Union and Mercado Pago.

INCLUDES

Includes:

Private flight with panoramic route from San Jose to Corcovado National Park.
Private ground transportation throughout the trip.
Professional photographic instruction, personalized and adapted to your level.
Search and herpetofauna session assisted by a naturalist biologist, researcher and photographer.
Water and soft drinks throughout the trip.
7 nights lodging in a double room.
Boat transportation during the tour in Corcovado and Sierpe National Park.
4×4 vehicle in some sections of our trip.
Social anthropologist and archaeologist guide, also a wildlife photographer, who will accompany us throughout our trip.
Local guides who will provide support in different areas of the tour.
Food included.
Pre-trip session via Zoom.
Post-processing session via Zoom.
Fine print of your best photo on 40x60cm with Specto Gallery.
Access to an exclusive community of photographers.

Does not include:

Flights to/from the city where the trip starts.
Meals (breakfast, lunch or dinner) and beverages not specified.
Gratuities.
Personal expenses.
Travel Insurance (required; if you need help to get it, let us know).
Everything not expressly mentioned in the“Included” section.

TESTIMONIALS FROM OTHER TRIPS

Francis Villarreal

"Great team at Feral Frame, very professional. I highly recommend them."

Francis Villarreal

"Gran equipo el de Feral Frame, muy profesionales. Los recomiendo ampliamente."

@francisvillarreal_photo

Ana Paula Vizcaino

"An incredible trip, full of adventures, landscapes and colors. Each place visited offered a new and different landscape to the previous one. Incredibly well organized and with very good local operators. I was surprised by the diversity of landscapes, flora and fauna, the cleanliness, the good state of conservation of its national parks, and the quality of its people. There is no doubt that Namibia is a country with a lot to offer for photography, a delight for photographers and nature lovers!"

Ana Paula Vizcaino

"Un viaje increíble, lleno de aventuras, paisajes y colores. Cada lugar visitado ofrecía un paisaje nuevo y diferente al anterior. Increíblemente bien organizado y con muy buenos operadores locales. Me sorprendió la diversidad de paisajes, flora y fauna, la limpieza, el buen estado de conservación de sus parques nacionales, y la calidad de su gente. No cabe duda de que Namibia es un país con mucho que ofrecer para la fotografía, ¡un deleite para fotógrafos y amantes de la naturaleza!"

@anapaulavizcaino_photo

Sofía Achar

"Viaje fotográfico con Feral Frame, ¡muy recomendable! Mucho que ver, apreciar y aprender sobre cómo tomar fotos en diferentes horarios, climas y situaciones, con una asesoría personal. Además, hicimos amigos maravillosos para seguir viajando juntos con Feral Frame. ¡Increíble viaje!"

@sofiaachar

What photographic topics can we address?

Aperture, shutter speed and ISO: how they relate to each other and how to adjust them to control exposure
Measuring and Getting the Exposure Right
Histograms: How to Read and Adjust Exposure Accurately
Creative depth-of-field effects using aperture control
Focus settings for wildlife photography
Capture motion in your photos using different shutter speeds
White balance and how to use it to your advantage
Create compositions with impact
Compose to direct the viewer’s attention to your photos
Balance of composition, tension and visual flow
Using Neutral Density and Polarizer filters to capture dramatic light or create long exposure effects
Bird in Flight Photography: Camera Settings and Techniques
Aspects of post-processing and digital workflow

ITINERARY

Day 1 (November 28)

Upon arrival of the participants at the international airport, the transfer to the hotel will be arranged.
During the day, guests will be greeted and taken to the hotel so that they can settle in and rest after their trip.

In the evening, a welcome dinner will be offered at the hotel, where we will share the details of the itinerary and meet the guides and other participants. It will be a time to relax and prepare for the next few days of photographic adventure.
If for any reason you need photographic equipment or clothing, San Jose will be the only place where you will be able to find what you need.

We will also prepare our equipment for the next day, as we will take an early flight to the south of Costa Rica.

Day 2 (November 29)

We start the week away from the concrete jungle and into true pristine nature. We will take an early private flight with a scenic route that will take us close to Corcovado National Park.

The objective of the day is to get into the environment, increasing the chances of finding wildlife.
This will be a full and intense day that will take us on the first of many hikes, starting at sea level in the heart of the Osa Peninsula, a place listed by NatGeo as “one of the most intensely biodiverse places on the planet”.

First, we will have an aerial panoramic view of the country on a one-hour scenic flight .
Then, we’ll take a fast boat for 1.5 hours to reach the most secluded ranger station in search of wildlife encounters.

We will hike in the morning, break for lunch, and continue with an afternoon hike.
Upon returning, we will take advantage of the private boat to get closer to our next destination.
This 3-hour journey will open opportunities to encounter pelagic marine fauna, such as sea turtles, dolphins and even whales.

On this day, we will have the opportunity to meet the tapir on one of the hikes.
It is also likely to see one of the four species of monkeys in Costa Rica.
Macaws will be the target of the first two days of the week.

Before arriving at the first of the three accommodations, a welcome artisanal dinner awaits us in a private place, away from light pollution, next to the bank of a river.
It will be an official welcome for this journey, planned with the heart.

Day 3 (November 30)

The day will start early, departing from the hotel to embark on an exploration in mangroves.
We will board our private boats and enjoy breakfast on board, while we take advantage of the morning to spot wildlife from the water.

We will navigate through one of the largest mangrove systems in Central America, where we will have the opportunity to photograph scarlet macaws, monkeys , and a variety of waterfowl.
We can also find American crocodiles and other species that inhabit this ecosystem.

Afterwards, we will take a hike in a protected section of the park, increasing our opportunities to photograph tapir, as well as other native species.
Lunch will be served next to the beach, with a menu of local fish and seafood .

In the afternoon, we will return to the boats to continue exploring the mangroves, using drones to capture unique aerial views of the labyrinth of canals.

As night falls, we will prepare for a night walk dedicated to herpetofauna photography, with a focus on amphibians and reptiles in their natural habitat.

Day 4 (December 01)

After two intense days, we will start the day early, but with the good news that the afternoon will be free to rest, review the photographs and relax.

We will depart from the hotel at 5:00 AM for an approximately 1.5 hour drive to our next hike. This hike will be more leisurely, exploring a trail in the Tropical Rainforest, in a combination of primary and secondary forest. The hike is flat and easy, allowing us to focus on wildlife photography, looking for species such as peccaries, agouti, coatis and sloths.

After the hike, we will enjoy an early lunch at a local restaurant hidden in the jungle, with a relaxing view.
There will be time to enjoy a refreshing drink before heading back to the hotel for a lazy afternoon.

The afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the hotel facilities or lounge by the pool.
For those interested, an optional vehicle tour of the surrounding area will be offered in search of more photo opportunities, especially scarlet macaws and pelagic birds on the nearby coast.

Day 5 (December 2)

After a well-deserved rest, we will start the day very early with an optional departure to photograph the sunrise from a high point in the mountains.
Those who decide to participate will leave at 4:00 AM for a journey of about 45 minutes to our viewpoint, which offers a 360-degree panoramic view.
From here, there will be multiple opportunities for long exposure photography at sunrise, with two points close by to position tripods and secure a prime position.

After sunrise, we will return to the hotel to pick up those who preferred to rest and quickly head to one of the largest waterfalls of our expedition. This will be a day where we move from photographing wildlife to focusing on landscapes. During the hike, we will find several interesting spots to capture long exposure photography . . Se recomienda aprovechar este día para la aerial photography with drones.

After the hike, we will enjoy lunch and a tour of a coffee plantation and an afternoon of wildlife viewing.

Afterwards we will have our dinner and then rest.

Day 6 (December 3)

This day starts early with a drive into the highest mountains in Costa Rica.
We will leave at 5:30 AM for a journey of approximately 2 hours, ascending to an altitude of more than 3,000 meters.
Along the way, we will stop for coffee and a traditional artisanal breakfast.

Our main objective of the day will be to find and photograph the majestic Resplendent Quetzal, considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world.
Local guides will have explored the area the day before to increase our chances of spotting it.
We will spend a couple of hours looking for the “coludo”, as it is known locally, and we will take the opportunity to capture other species of mountain birds in this unique ecosystem.

Hikes will be short due to the altitude, but will concentrate on key areas to maximize photo opportunities.
In addition to the quetzal, we will look for hummingbirds, the green toucanet, the acorn woodpecker, the long-tailed capuchin and the golden-browed chlorophonia, true jewels of the high mountains.

At noon, we will enjoy lunch in a hummingbird garden, where there will be excellent opportunities for bird photography.
After lunch, we will transfer to our last accommodation, where we will have time to rest before leaving in the afternoon to a nearby point to photograph the sunset.

After sunset, conditions permitting, we will stay to practice night star photography , before returning to the hotel for dinner.

Day 7 (December 04)

Our last full day in the mountains of Costa Rica begins with breakfast at 5:40 AM to reach one of the highest peaks in the area and take advantage of the photographic opportunities offered by the sunrise.

After sunrise, we will return to the hotel for breakfast and to meet the rest of the group.
Next, we’ll set off on one last search for the quetzal or, depending on our success the day before, focus on photographing other highland bird species .
This will be our last chance to capture the endemic fauna of this region.

Lunch will be served at the hotel at 1:00 PM, and the rest of the afternoon will be free for participants to enjoy the hotel facilities, relax, or review and organize their photographs.

In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner at 6:00 PM, where we will share our experiences of the week and toast to the moments lived.
For those who wish to make the most of it until the last moment, there will be an optional night photography session focused on the stars or nocturnal fauna.

Day 8 (December 5)

This will be the day of farewell and return to the international airport.
The morning will begin with an optional sunrise photography session for those who wish to capture one last image of the Costa Rican landscape.
The departure will be at 4:00 AM to arrive at the photography site and take advantage of the first rays of the sun.

After the photo shoot, we will return to the hotel for breakfast at 7:00 AM.
Subsequently, we will coordinate the departure to the airport depending on the schedules of the participants’ international flights.
There will be only one departure of the group from the hotel to the airport, if you schedule your return flights for that day please do so after 16:00 hrs

If some participants have flights later in the day, recommendations will be offered to pass the time, such as visiting museums in the city or enjoying a meal somewhere nearby.
We can also help coordinate additional transportation if needed.

For those staying in the country, we can drop you off at a convenient location or help you arrange more activities or visits in Costa Rica.

PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT

To enjoy this trip we recommend wide-angle lenses between 12 to 24mm, 16 to 35mm and if possible large apertures such as f2.8 to be able to better enjoy night photography. An intermediate lens such as the 24-70mm and a telephoto lens such as the 200-600mm.
We recommend SLR or mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses, but you can also participate with bridge, compact cameras or even smartphones.
Neutral density, gradient and polarizing filters
Extra batteries, intervalometer and memories are enough for this trip.
Tripod for night, sunrise and sunset photos
Monopod that will help with long telephotos and wildlife photography.

GALLERY

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Costa Rica

FREQUENT QUESTIONS

Is a certain level of fitness required to participate?

Walks will be carried out that will not have technical difficulty, with the aim of traveling trails for wildlife photography and being able to reach waterfalls which implies several hours of walking in some days.
An acceptable physical condition is needed for this trip.

Do I have to have a minimum photographic level to participate?

No, it is a trip suitable for all levels.

No specific photographic level is necessary, but it is highly recommended to understand the exposure triangle, as well as the manual use of your camera, use of a tripod and understand the focus modes of your camera.

What weather to expect during the trip?

Between November and February, Costa Rica is in the dry season, which means a mostly sunny and warm climate. Temperatures vary by region: in coastal and low-lying areas, they range between 25°C and 35°C, while in mountainous areas such as Cerro de la Muerte, mornings and nights can be cooler, reaching 10°C. Although rainfall is unlikely, in tropical areas such as Corcovado, occasional showers may occur.

For photographers, it’s essential to bring sunscreen, lightweight, quick-drying clothing, and waterproof gear covers in case of unexpected rain.
It is important to stay well hydrated due to the heat, and bring cold gear if visiting higher altitude regions.
Also, consider using UV filters or polarizers to improve the quality of images under bright light.

What is the meal plan during the trip?

Food is included in this trip.
Before starting the trip, they will be sent a survey to find out if they have allergies and to be able to adapt the food for this.

Where will we sleep?

We will stay in comfortable hotels that will give us early access to the areas we are touring. The rooms will be shared double rooms.

In case you require a private room do it in advance, since it is season and we need to see the reservations in time and also know the costs.

Can I join this Photographic Journey from any country?

Yes, anyone from any country can participate in the trip
Yes, you can join from anywhere in the world.

According to your arrival time, transportation will be arranged to drop you off at your hotel in San Jose.

For the day this photography trip ends, we highly recommend that your flights depart after 4pm so that you can arrive in time.
If you leave earlier, please contact us to coordinate a private transportation and see the costs of it.

What to bring to the workshop?

We will advise you on what to take on this Photographic Trip.

As soon as you sign up for this Photographic Trip, we will send you our travel guide and equipment recommendation.
This recommendation refers not only to the clothes, accessories and necessary elements to take with you on the trip, but also to the photographic equipment.
In short, you will not have to worry about anything, as our experts will inform you of everything you need to bring to make the most of this trip.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

General Terms and Conditions

Travel organized by Feral Frame.
Feral Frame carefully designs each of the routes it offers, adapting at all times to the needs of the traveler.
However, due to the particularities of the country, it is possible that these itineraries may suffer variations in their route and places to visit.
In this sense, the guides/photographers reserve the right to vary the itinerary and/or planned activities depending on weather and environmental conditions, road conditions, etc.

Likewise, the photographer(s) guide(s) reserve the right to interrupt or vary the route of the trip in case of force majeure circumstances, such as illness, accident or theft of themselves or any of the clients who are part of the trip, always trying to ensure that in such a case these circumstances are solved in the shortest possible period of time, in order to resume the trip with the least possible damage to the content of the planned program.

Likewise, Feral Frame reserves the right to substitute the guide/photographer(s) of the trip in case of force majeure circumstances, such as illness, accident, or hospitalization of the same or of first or second degree relatives, among others.
In these cases, the trip will be carried out with alternative guides/photographers without the trip being affected.

Program and itinerary changes

We reserve the right to change workshop dates, itinerary or accommodations as required by weather conditions, political situations and other factors beyond our responsibility, without consulting the attendees.
Such decisions will be made in the best interest of all participants and their safety.
Should it be necessary to postpone a trip or change the itinerary due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, illness, volcanic eruption or other contingency, the cost of delays or changes is not included.

Feral Frame and its members will confirm the trip giving the green light for the purchase of the flights to the trip.
This trip confirmation is done when the minimum number of people considered for each trip is reached, in case of not having it at a certain date, the trip will be canceled and there will be no responsibility for the expenses generated prior to the trip (flights, insurance, purchase of equipment, clothing, etc…).

We reserve the right to cancel the workshop or tour prior to departure for any reason, including logistical problems such as strikes, wars, acts, volcanic eruptions or any other circumstance that may interfere with the objective of the trip.
All payments made by participants and received for the photographic trip will be reimbursed immediately and this reimbursement will be the limit of our responsibility.
We are not responsible for any expenses incurred by participants, including non-refundable or penalty airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other expenses related to the trip.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

In case of cancellation for any reason, 15% of the total amount of the trip will be retained, as it is in season with this all places and the internal flight are insured, which is non-refundable.
Therefore, no refund will be made under any circumstances.

If the workshop is held and you cancel, you can do the following:

With 90 to 75 days prior to the photographic trip or workshop you can choose to register for another workshop, penalizing only 15% of the total amount of the trip.
Between 75 to 60 days prior to the date, 15% of the total amount of the trip and a refund of 50% of the total amount of the trip will be withheld.
Between 60 to 45 days prior to the date, 15% of the total amount of the trip and a refund of 30% of the total amount of the trip will be withheld.
45 days prior to the start date of the trip there will be no refund.
This trip will be made with a minimum of 8 participants, in case of not reaching this minimum, 100% will be refunded or this amount may be used for another workshop or outing.
It is necessary to confirm the trip before purchasing your flights.
If required, you may transfer that balance to another person to take your place.

Payment can be made through transfer in Mexico with the following data:
BBVA Bancomer Andrés Valle Rodríguez
CLABE 012 650 01520356554 2
ACCOUNT 152 035 6554

SWIFT International Transfer
SWIFT BCMRMXMMPYM
CLABE 012 650 01520356554 2

Responsibility

We assume no liability for injury, loss or damage to persons or property in connection with any service resulting directly from: detention, inconvenience, delays, expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, theft, robbery, pilferage, failure of any means of transportation to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, terrorism, governmental restrictions or regulations, discrepancies or changes in transit or hotel services over which we have no control. Reasonable changes to the itinerary may be made when deemed advisable for the comfort and welfare of the participants. In the event that a medical problem arises during the expedition, resulting in evacuation costs, use of aircraft or repatriation, the responsibility for payment of these costs rests solely with the passenger. We recommend that passengers ensure that such eventualities are covered by travel insurance. If not covered by travel insurance, the responsibility remains with the passenger and we specifically disclaim any liability.