Iconic Costa Rica Photography Workshop
EXPERIENCE THIS ALL-INCLUSIVE, SMALL-GROUP PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURE THROUGH THE FULL BEAUTY OF COSTA RICA - GUIDED BY A LOCAL NATURALIST AND PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Immerse yourself in the staggering natural beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica on this all-inclusive, small-group photography workshop through the country’s most iconic and visually stunning landscapes. From breathtaking jungle waterfalls and vibrant turquoise rivers to misty cloud forests, volcanic landscapes, vivid tropical sunsets, and lush rainforests thriving with monkeys, sloths, frogs, and hundreds of species of colorful birds, this remarkable journey goes far beyond the Costa Rica most photographers ever experience.
Throughout the workshop, you will receive personalized photography and post processing instruction, and explore with a professional Costa Rican naturalist whose immense knowledge of the country’s ecosystems, wildlife, history, and culture adds another level of immersion to the experience. You will relax in beautiful, award-winning boutique hotels and a luxurious 5-star resort, enjoy gourmet cuisine each day, soak in natural hot springs beneath Arenal Volcano, and explore Costa Rica in comfortable, private transportation designed for a seamless and unforgettable adventure.
WORKSHOP DATES, PRICES & REGISTRATION
Early Bird Discount: Save $500 by Registering before September 1, 2026
Previous Workshops:
March 8-13, 2026 - SOLD OUT
March 16-21, 2025 - SOLD OUT
Availability
2 Person Minimum / 6 Person Maximum
Workshop Price: $8,975.00 (Online Payment) / $8,750.00 (Cashier's Check)
Photography workshop prices is based on double occupancy. Price Includes professional photography and post processing instruction, professional local naturalist, location expertise, all lodging and meals in Costa Rica during the workshop, all ground transportation in Costa Rica during the workshop including to and from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), snacks and water, and all park entrance fees.
Photography workshop price does NOT include airfare to and from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), airport departure tax (currently $29.00 and may be included in the price of your airfare), travel insurance, gratuities to instructor and naturalist, alcoholic beverages, and laundry service.
Single Supplement: $1,850.00 (Online Payment) / $1,800.00 (Cashier's Check)
For participants requesting private hotel rooms or when sharing is not available.
Deposit / Payments
$1,000.00 non-refundable deposit is due with registration. Remaining balance split into equal payments due 120 and 60 days before workshop.
Early Bird Details
Register before September 1, 2026 and save $500.00. Enter EARLYBIRD in the registration form message field. 👉
Workshop Minimum Participation Policy
If only one participant registers, the workshop may proceed privately for an additional $3,000.00 fee, be rescheduled to a different workshop within 365 days, or canceled with a full refund of payments, minus the deposit.
Cancellations & Refunds
Written cancellations received 60+ days before the workshop may qualify for partial refunds depending on whether the space can be refilled. No refunds within 60 days. See our complete Liability & Cancellation Policy.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS - LUXURY IN THE HEART OF COSTA RICA
After immersive days exploring Costa Rica’s waterfalls, rainforest rivers, volcanic landscapes, exotic wildlife, and tropical sunsets, unwind in carefully selected, award-winning boutique hotels and a luxurious, 5-star resort chosen for their atmosphere, comfort, location, and immersive Costa Rica experience.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned shooter, you’ll receive personalized, professional instruction to elevate your photography skills. The only requirement is a basic understanding of your DSLR or mirrorless camera. You'll dive into...
• Exposure Techniques
• Mastering Filters
• Creative Composition Techniques
• Intentional Camera Movement (ICM)
• High Dynamic Range (HDR) Processing
• One-on-One Post Processing Sessions
• Image Reviews
Awesome Amenities
• Award-Winning, Luxurious, 4- and 5-Star Hotels
• Delicious Gourmet Cuisine
• Comfortable Private Transportation
• Small Group of Photography Enthusiasts
• Fun-Filled Creative Atmosphere
Fitness Level - Moderate
Participants should be able to walk unassisted for three miles (roundtrip) on uneven and potentially muddy trails with moderate inclines, and navigate a variety of terrains including pavement, gravel, dirt, and sand, with large rocks, tree roots, and stairs. Heat and humidity will be high in all locations, and daily excursions can be more challenging during inclement weather.
Locations
• San Jose, Bajos del Toro, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Rio Celeste, Sarapiquí, Lake Arenal, Caño Negro
Expert Instructor and Nature Guide
Your instructor and naturalist bring unmatched local expertise and photography experience, and together they will immerse you in Costa Rica's rich biodiversity, ecosystems, flora and fauna, and fascinating history.
Scott Setterberg
• 35 Years of Nature Photography Experience
• Lived in Costa Rica for the Last 10 Years
• Knows Locations Extremely Well
• Professional Naturalist
• Credentialed and Licensed with the
Costa Rica Institute of Tourism
• 20 Years of Experience
TESTIMONIALS
"During my spectacular Costa Rica photo workshop, I was able to experience every corner of Costa Rica with the best photographic artist, Scott Setterberg, and his professional, efficient team. Thanks to Scott, who showed me how to use creative compositions, filters, and exposure techniques to produce better photographs, I was able to create excellent images filled with rich color, texture, and contrast that permeates Costa Rica's landscapes. Each morning, I could hardly wait for the next adventure to begin... blue morpho butterflies resting on your shoulders, monkeys swinging like circus acrobats through the lush jungle canopy, and sensational waterfalls creating the grandest of stages. We hiked in the lush mountains, bathed in a paradise of exotic plants and flowers, and each pathway led us to light as the chant of waterfalls seduced us long before we ever saw them. We stayed in wonderful hotels, decorated with exquisite taste and Costa Rican charm. There were beautiful tropical gardens, refreshing pools, hot springs, spas, and incredible volcano views. We ate at some of the best restaurants and I can't stop thinking about how delicious the food was! This vacation was an unforgettable experience that I’d love to repeat! Thank you Scott for your excellent work, for taking care of me, improvising and finding solutions, providing outstanding food, lodging, transportation, and extraordinary places to visit. Thank you for everything and for giving me an incredible vacation."
~ Sara C. | California
“Thank you so very much for a memorable, fabulous trip. I greatly appreciate all you taught me in bracketing, in HDR, and in editing, as well as your patience and generosity of time and spirit in helping me put all this into practice. Your attentiveness to my interests and physical limitations, your patience, humor, flexibility, and warmth all made this trip so special. I loved watching you and Jason interact - your humor, friendship, and teamwork were wonderful. In spite of the unexpected and challenging weather, I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful introduction to Costa Rica! The trip you put together for me, and adjusted to my needs and interests, was really perfect! I thank you for so very much! I look forward to staying in touch and to traveling and photographing with you again.”
~ Leslie G. | California
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrive in Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica! A representative from ColorTexturePhotoTours will meet you at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and transfer you to our first luxurious hotel. As you settle into the warm tropical atmosphere and lush scenery of Costa Rica, you'll begin to understand why this remarkable country captures the hearts of so many photographers and travelers. Once all workshop participants have arrived, we will gather for a delicious welcome dinner at one of the finest restaurants in San José, get to know one another, and begin preparing for the unforgettable adventure ahead.
Day 2 - Sarapiquí
After an early breakfast, we will travel by private transfer into the lush rainforests of Sarapiquí, one of Costa Rica’s most photogenic and immersive regions. Filled with winding rivers, rustic bridges, towering waterfalls, dense jungle, and incredible wildlife, Sarapiquí feels like stepping into another world. We will photograph sensational Pozo Azul in the morning before enjoying lunch and continuing to a private rainforest sanctuary featuring two stunning waterfalls surrounded by primary rainforest. The atmosphere here is pure Costa Rica - lush, wild, vibrant, and alive with color and sound. After an incredible afternoon of photography, we will continue to La Fortuna, check into our luxurious 5-star resort beneath Arenal Volcano, and enjoy another exceptional dinner.
Day 3 - Bajos del Toro
After breakfast, post processing instruction, and image reviews, we will travel into the misty cloud forests of Bajos del Toro, one of Costa Rica’s hidden gems and home to some of the country’s most spectacular waterfalls. Our destination is the breathtaking Catarata Bajos del Toro, a massive 300-foot waterfall plunging into an ancient mineral-scarred volcanic crater surrounded by lush rainforest cliffs. The sheer scale, atmosphere, and power of this location is difficult to describe until you experience it in person. Along the trail, beautiful gardens filled with orchids, hummingbirds, and butterflies create endless photographic opportunities, and howler monkeys are sometimes seen moving through the canopy. After an unforgettable day of photography immersed in the cloud forest, we will return to our resort for another outstanding dinner and a relaxing evening beneath the volcano.
Day 4 - La Fortuna / Private Wildlife Preserve / Lake Arenal
After breakfast, we will travel to Catarata La Fortuna, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic waterfalls, where a massive cascade tumbles into a lush jungle canyon near Arenal Volcano. We will spend the morning photographing the falls before enjoying lunch at an excellent local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will visit a private wildlife preserve and photograph sloths, tropical birds, vibrant poison dart frogs, and other wildlife that makes Costa Rica one of the most biologically diverse countries on Earth. Later, we will travel to beautiful Lake Arenal to photograph jungle streams, sweeping volcanic scenery, and another unforgettable tropical sunset before returning to our resort for another incredible dinner.
Day 5 - Las Gemelas / Catarata Celestial
After breakfast, post processing instruction, and image reviews, we will once again journey into the cool, misty cloud forests of Bajos del Toro. Surrounded by rolling green pastures and dramatic mountain scenery, we will hike to Las Gemelas - “The Twins” - two stunning waterfalls cascading side-by-side into a lush canyon below. We will spend time photographing both waterfalls as well as the beautiful jungle stream flowing beneath them before continuing deeper into the rainforest to Catarata Celestial, an extraordinary cascade dropping into a vibrant turquoise pool hidden within dense tropical jungle. This area is wonderfully remote, peaceful, and untouched, and after an afternoon immersed in some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful rainforest scenery, we will return to the resort for another memorable dinner and relaxing evening.
Day 6 - Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve
After breakfast, editing sessions, and image reviews, we will travel to the Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve, one of Costa Rica’s premier wildlife destinations. Traveling quietly by boat through the reserve’s winding waterways, we will photograph colorful tropical birds, monkeys, caiman, iguanas, and countless other species that inhabit this remarkable ecosystem. The reserve offers an entirely different side of Costa Rica - peaceful wetlands alive with wildlife, reflections, tropical light, and endless photographic opportunities. We will photograph throughout the afternoon, capture sunset in the reserve, then return to our resort for another fantastic dinner.
Day 7 - Rio Celeste / Monteverde
After breakfast, post processing instruction, and image reviews, we will travel to Tenorio Volcano National Park and photograph the breathtaking turquoise water of Rio Celeste, one of Costa Rica’s most famous and visually stunning locations. Surrounded by dense rainforest, Rio Celeste features surreal blue water unlike anything else in Costa Rica, including the country’s most iconic waterfall cascading into a vibrant tropical pool below. We will spend the morning photographing the area before enjoying lunch and continuing to Monteverde, one of Costa Rica’s most famous cloud forest regions. After photographing sunset, we will check into our beautiful final hotel and enjoy another outstanding dinner surrounded by the cool mountain atmosphere of Monteverde.
Days 8 - Monteverde
After breakfast, we will travel to El Tigre, a spectacular private reserve filled with misty rainforests, hanging bridges, jungle streams, and sensational waterfalls. Monteverde’s cool cloud forest atmosphere creates a completely different mood from the tropical lowlands, with lush vegetation draped in moss and soft light filtering through the forest canopy. We will spend the morning photographing waterfalls and rainforest scenery before enjoying lunch and taking a well-earned break. Later, we will photograph another beautiful sunset before gathering together for our final dinner and celebrating an unforgettable journey through the full beauty of Costa Rica.
Day 9 - Depart Costa Rica
After breakfast, we will depart by private transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) for your flight home. While the workshop may be ending, the memories, friendships, and incredible experiences shared throughout Costa Rica will stay with you long after you return home.
INSPIRED BY YEARS OF SOLD OUT COSTA RICA PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS
While the Iconic Costa Rica Photography Workshop is a newly redesigned experience for 2027, it is built on years of successful Costa Rica workshops, trusted logistics, and locations refined over countless scouting trips and client experiences.
March 8-13, 2026
March 16-21, 2025
March 3-8, 2024
What Most Photographers Miss in Costa Rica
Costa Rica looks like an easy place to photograph. Lush jungles. Waterfalls everywhere. Incredible landscapes. But once you’re there, it’s not so easy. Most photographers arrive expecting one thing and leave realizing they missed opportunities they didn’t even know were there.
This free guide breaks down the best locations and what actually matters so you can avoid the most common mistakes and make the most of your time in Costa Rica.
GET THE GUIDE
