Colors of Costa Rica Photo Tour
Costa Rica is a magical paradise featuring staggering natural beauty and incredible biodiversity. The all-inclusive Colors of Costa Rica photo tour focuses on those features and explores verdant locations throughout the expansive Central Valley and Northern Zone. We photograph spectacular rainforest waterfalls, vibrant rivers, shimmering lakes, breathtaking tropical sunsets, and an animal sanctuary that’s home to several species of birds, butterflies, monkeys, jungle cats, sloths, frogs, snakes, and more.
With only 4 spots available, you will improve your photo skills with personalized, professional photography instruction, and enhance your digital workflow and editing skills with one-on-one post processing instruction. You will use various exposure techniques and filters and learn ways to improve your compositions. You will do some focus stacking, HDR processing, and image reviews, as well. You will also rest well in award-winning hotels, enjoy delicious gourmet cuisine, and travel comfortably in private transportation.
I have lived in and explored Costa Rica extensively for the last 11 years and know the country and locations extremely well. Joining us is my good friend and professional Costa Rican nature guide who is licensed with the Costa Rica Institute of Tourism. He speaks perfect English, and you will learn about Costa Rica's biodiversity, ecosystems, flora and fauna, and history of the country from him.
Photographers of all skill levels are welcome. The only requirement is a basic understanding of your DSLR, SLR, or mirrorless camera.
What's Included
Professional photography and post processing instruction, professional nature guide, location expertise, all hotels, all meals, private transportation including to and from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), and all location fees.
What's Not Included
Airfare to and from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), travel insurance, gratuities to instructor and guide, alcoholic beverages, laundry service.
Physical Requirements
Participation requires that travelers be able to walk unassisted for three miles over uneven, potentially muddy and slippery trails, and up-and-down inclines with moderate altitude gain. There are hikes over a variety of terrain including pavement, gravel, and dirt trails with large roots, rocks, and stairs. Travelers should be aware that heat and humidity could be high in some locations and daily excursions can be more difficult during inclement weather.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrive in Costa Rica
A representative from ColorTexturePhotoTours will meet you at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and transfer you to our first luxurious hotel. At the hotel, our tour leader will greet you and get you settled comfortably into your room. Once all tour participants have arrived at the hotel, we will have a delicious welcome dinner.
Note: Please schedule your flight arrival between 1P - 5P CST.
Day 2 - La Paz Waterfall Gardens
After breakfast, we will travel by private transfer to photograph a series of fantastic waterfalls and a variety of butterflies, birds, frogs, monkeys, jungle cats, and other Costa Rica wildlife at La Paz Waterfall Gardens (Cataratas La Paz). We will have lunch at a restaurant on location and shoot throughout the afternoon. After shooting, we will travel to La Fortuna and check into our next hotel and have another great dinner. Check out this blog post for more information about La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Day 3 - Bajos del Toro
After breakfast we will travel by private transfer to photograph Bajos del Toro (Catarata del Toro or Catarata Bajos del Toro), one of the tallest waterfalls in Costa Rica that plunges 300+ feet into an ancient volcano crater. Besides the awe-inspiring rainforest waterfall, there are many walking trails and beautiful gardens packed full of incredible orchids, hummingbirds, and butterflies, as well as monkeys on the trail leading to the bottom of the falls. After shooting, we will travel back to the hotel for another savory dinner. For more information about Bajos del Toro, read this blog post.
Day 4 - La Fortuna / Lake Arenal
After an early breakfast, we will depart by private transfer to Catarata La Fortuna, one of the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica. After shooting away the morning and having lunch at an excellent restaurant, we will travel to a private farm and photograph vibrant poison dart frogs and sloths. Afterwards, we will travel to Lake Arenal, photograph a few tropical streams, and another gorgeous sunset before returning to our hotel for our final delicious dinner. Check out this blog post for more information about La Fortuna.
Day 5 - Rio Celeste / Lake Arenal
After an early breakfast, we will travel by private transfer to Tenorio Volcano National Park and photograph the magnificent turquoise waters of the Rio Celeste Waterfall (Catarata Rio Celeste), which is Costa Rica's most iconic waterfall. We will spend the morning shooting, then have a an excellent lunch on location, and travel to Lake Arenal for another tropical sunset. Afterwards, we'll return to the hotel and enjoy our final dinner. For more information about Rio Celeste, read this blog post.
Day 6 - Depart Costa Rica
After an early breakfast, we travel by private transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) where you will catch your flight home or continue exploring Costa Rica on your own.
Note: Please schedule your flight departure no earlier than 1P.
