Over the past 13 years, I’ve had the privilege of living in, exploring, photographing, and leading photography workshops throughout Costa Rica. During that time, I’ve closely followed what other photography workshops offer, and one thing stands out - all of them focus exclusively on wildlife, particularly birds. Don’t get me wrong - I appreciate great wildlife photography, but by narrowing the focus to that one aspect of Costa Rica, those workshops are missing out on 95% of what makes this country so extraordinary.
Costa Rica is filled with breathtaking national parks, pristine beaches, spectacular waterfalls, towering volcanoes, misty cloud forests, lush rainforests, colorful rivers and streams, serene lakes, volcanic hot springs - and yes, remarkable wildlife, too. What sets my workshops apart is that we capture all of it. Yes, we photograph wildlife - but also seek out the diverse landscapes, natural wonders, and cultural richness that other workshops overlook.
It's also important to understand why I do photography workshops in Costa Rica when I do them. Costa Rica has two distinct seasons. The dry season begins in mid-December and continues through April, and the weather is amazing with lots of sunshine and very little rain. The wet season begins in May and continues through mid-December, and throughout most of the country, it rains every day.
Many companies offer workshops during Costa Rica's wet season to promote lower prices. Due to my experience in Costa Rica, I have learned that conducting a photo workshop during the wet season is extremely difficult. Days are spent inside hotel rooms or restaurants waiting for the rain to stop, and when the weather clears, trails are muddy, wet, and slick, and can be challenging to navigate. Rivers that are normally turquoise, blue, and green turn murky brown, and waterfalls become raging torrents of muddy water. None of that is good for photography, so I only produce workshops during Costa Rica's dry season. This allows us to take full advantage of the beautiful weather and shoot without any limitations.
So, now that you understand the importance of Costa Rica's seasons and how much diversity this special country offers, let's take a look at the 2026 Costa Rica photo workshop schedule. If you're looking to expand your portfolio and experience the full magic of Costa Rica - far beyond just bird photography - these upcoming workshops are designed for you!
The South Pacific Costa Rica Photo Workshop kicks off the 2026 season. This all-inclusive 7-day, 6-night photography workshop is your passport to a tropical paradise brimming with stunning scenery. Explore the breathtaking southern provinces of Puntarenas and San Jose, where you will capture spectacular rainforest waterfalls, vibrant rivers, mesmerizing beach sunsets, and exotic wildlife.
Next in line is the Costa Rica Landscapes Photo Workshop. This exhilarating all-inclusive 6-day, 5-night photo workshop features the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica, a magical country that's bursting with vibrant biodiversity. Get ready to capture the beauty of Sarapiquí, Bajos del Toro, and San Ramon while using stunning La Fortuna as your home base. This isn’t just any workshop – it’s an opportunity to photograph gorgeous jungle rivers, sparkling lakes, mystical cloud forests, stunning waterfalls, lush rainforests, and the incredible wildlife that calls Costa Rica home.
The third workshop for 2026 is the all-inclusive, 6-day, 5-night Colors of Costa Rica Photo Workshop. Embark on an unforgettable adventure on this all-inclusive photography workshop and immerse yourself in the staggering natural beauty and incredible biodiversity of this tropical paradise. Explore the sprawling Central Valley and lush northern rainforests, and photograph stunning waterfalls, vibrant rivers, shimmering lakes, and breathtaking tropical sunsets. Discover a magical animal sanctuary teeming with exotic birds, playful monkeys, majestic sloths, and so much more!
The 6-day, 5-night, all-inclusive Pura Vida Costa Rica Photo Workshop closes out the Costa Rica season. This all-inclusive photography workshop takes you on an exhilarating journey through the breathtaking Gold Coast of Guanacaste, lush rainforests of the Northern Zone, and three incredible national parks. Capture the magic of pristine beaches, vibrant jungle rivers, spectacular waterfalls, serene lakes, and mesmerizing tropical sunsets, while encountering the colorful wildlife that makes Costa Rica truly unique.
These outstanding photo workshops in Costa Rica are open to photographers of all skill levels, with only six spots available on each adventure to ensure a personalized experience. I share my 35 years of nature photography experience to help you create better images, and you'll improve your editing and digital workflow skills with one-on-one post processing instruction.
In additional to unlimited photo opportunities, you will enjoy award-winning, 4- and 5-star hotels, gourmet cuisine, and private transportation, and learn about Costa Rica's extraordinary biodiversity from my professional Costa Rican nature guide. He speaks fluent English, is licensed with the Costa Rica Institute of Tourism, and shares his vast knowledge of locations, flora and fauna, and the history of Costa Rica.
Finally, since these photo workshops are all-inclusive, all you have to do is show up with your photography gear, and I take care of everything else! Click the buttons throughout this email to check out detailed itineraries, tons of location photos and tour dates, then use the registration form on each itinerary page to book your spots.
Come join us!
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Scott Setterberg
Author