Costa Rica Landscapes Photo Tour
Costa Rica is an amazing tropical wonderland and this all-inclusive photography tour capitalizes on the country's extraordinary biodiversity and spectacular landscapes. We explore the idyllic areas of Sarapiqui and Bajos del Toro and primarily use La Fortuna as a base. We photograph jaw-dropping jungle rivers, gorgeous meadow lakes, mysterious cloud forests, spectacular Costa Rica waterfalls, rustic bridges, tropical flora, and all the Costa Rica wildlife we encounter.
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 - Sarapiqui
After an early breakfast, we will depart by private transfer to photograph the raw Costa Rica landscapes in Sarapiqui. Filled with winding rivers, rustic bridges, outstanding waterfalls and wildlife, Sarapiqui is a photographer's dream come true. We will photograph Pozo Azul in the morning, have lunch in town and photograph tropical flowers, then head to Marsella for a peaceful, gently cascading waterfall that very few people know about. For more information about Sarapiqui, check out this blog post. After shooting, we will travel to La Fortuna, check in to our next fantastic hotel, and enjoy a mouthwatering dinner.
Day 3 - Bajos del Toro / Las Gemelas
After breakfast, we travel by private transfer to the misty cloud forest of Bajos del Toro and hike through gorgeous pastures to Las Gemelas, which translates to "The Twins". We will photograph the two stunning fraternal cascades, the beautiful stream below the falls, and a couple other hidden gems. Check out this blog post for detailed information about Las Gemelas.
After shooting Las Gemelas and a typical Costa Rican lunch, we will photograph sensational Bajos del Toro (Catarata del Toro or Catarata Bajos del Toro), one of the tallest waterfalls in Costa Rica that plunges 300 feet into a colorful mineral-scarred ancient volcano crater. Along with the awe-inspiring rainforest waterfall, there are beautiful gardens packed full of elegant orchids and roses, speedy hummingbirds, vibrant butterflies, and if we're lucky, howler monkeys on the trail to the bottom of the falls. For more information about Bajos del Toro, read this blog post. After the long day of shooting, we will return to our hotel and have another great dinner.
After breakfast, editing images and post processing instruction, we will depart by private transfer to the little known town of Toro Amarillo for a waterfall extravaganza. Upon arrival, we'll have a typical Costa Rican lunch at the on-site restaurant, then spend the afternoon photographing eight breathtaking waterfalls, some of which drop directly into the spectacular Rio Toro with its shore lined with bright orange boulders. For more information about Toro Amarillo, read this blog post. After shooting, we'll head back to the hotel in La Fortuna, get cleaned up, and enjoy another fantastic dinner.
Day 5 - Bajo Rodriquez / San Ramon
After breakfast and editing images, we depart by private transfer to Bajo Rodriguez and photograph a stunning meadow lake at the base of verdant rolling hills and the towering suspension bridge over Rio Peñas Blancas. Afterwards, we will continue to San Ramon for lunch, then explore and photograph a beautiful location filled with several incredible waterfalls and hiking trails. After shooting all afternoon, we will travel to our final amazing hotel in a lush cloud forest and enjoy our last delicious dinner.
Day 6 - Depart Costa Rica
After breakfast, we travel by private transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) where you'll catch your return flight home or continue exploring Costa Rica on your own.
Note: Please schedule your flight departure no earlier than 1P.
