Central and South America

Costa Rica | Nature Photography

with Emily Carter
Date:
Mar 23 - Mar 31, 2026
Duration:
9 Days
Price:
From $4,495
Interests:
Photography
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Great Kiskadee
Talamanca Hummingbird
Violet Sabrewing
Blue-gray Tanager
Scarlet Macaws
White-throated Mountain-gem
Resplendent Quetzal
Collared Aracari
Bay-headed Tanager
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Join This Trip

About this trip

Explore the incredible biodiversity and natural beauty of Costa Rica with nature and wildlife photographer Emily Carter. On this 9-day photo safari, you'll receive personal instruction while capturing the wonder of tropical plants, insects, amphibians, birds, mammals, and more. Costa Rica’s lush environment is the perfect backdrop to practice macro photography and light management techniques with colorful poison dart frogs, and to discover how shutter speed impacts shots of fast-moving objects at the hummingbird feeders. Enjoy the vibrant flora and fauna of the tropics while adding new treasures to your portfolio!

Highlights

  • Capture amazing images of Scarlet and Great Green Macaws in flight at a farm that's working to protect these majestic birds and their habitat.
  • Venture out on guided night walks to practice shooting subjects in low light and spot a variety of nocturnal fauna, including the colorful red-eyed tree frog—a must in every photographer's collection.
  • Visit the home and gardens of a local artist, photographer, birder, and nature-lover for the chance to shoot bats, owls, hummingbirds, and other wildlife.
  • Boat through Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a Ramsar wetland that provides important habitat for thousands of migratory water birds and other fascinating wildlife.
  • Learn about local ecosystems, traditions, and history from your naturalist guide to provide a story behind every photo.

About your leader

Emily Carter

Emily Carter is an award-winning and published nature and wildlife photographer, and has an intimate connection with Costa Rica. She has lived in and visited the country over the past 50 years and has an appreciation of all that Costa Rica offers. From sweeping landscapes and cultural experiences to its incredible wildlife, there is so much to discover. 

Through her work Nature as Art, she brings a creative interpretation of our natural world. Her work has been exhibited with numerous art galleries. Her passion for photography is shared with others through her nature and wildlife photography classes offered in the Metro DC area.

Website: https://www.emilycarterphotography.net 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/emily_carter_photo

FB: NatureAsArtPhotography

Land Cost

$4,495

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $500

What makes us different

Designed for photographers

Itineraries are thoughtfully scheduled to provide an optimum balance of beautiful natural light and wildlife activity

Local cuisine

Live like the locals and enjoy fresh and delicious typical meals throughout your journey

Hands-on instruction

Receive hands-on instruction from our professional and award-winning photography guides to improve your technique in the field

Inclusive pricing

Unlike other travel providers, our pricing includes most meals, activities, and entrance fees so you won’t have to travel with extra cash to cover surprise expenses.

Meaningful experiences

We believe travel should be more than just a vacation – it should enrich and inspire

Expert guides

We take pride in hiring local guides who are carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the field

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
San Jose
Upon arrival in San José, you will be met and taken to your hotel. Check-in begins at 3 pm. Elevation is 3,100 feet. Meet for orientation followed by a welcome dinner tonight at the hotel restaurant.
Dinner included
Hotel Bougainvillea
Boca Tapada
Depart from San José and head to Laguna Del Lagarto Eco-lodge. Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch. This afternoon, split into two groups: one group will spend the afternoon photographing small birds including flash for hummingbirds and the other will spend time photographing frogs and reptiles. At night, half the group will have the opportunity to for a flash photo session with bats.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
La Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge
Boca Tapada
Spend the morning at the eco-lodge, photographing and birding around the property. The lodge is located on 500 hectares of rainforest, with over 100 species of trees and 350 species of birds. There is a multitude of trails and photography platforms. Early morning will be spent on the platform for a toucan session. Later in the morning, visit the vulture blind. In the afternoon, groups will switch activities they did they previous day. One group will photograph small birds and the other frogs/reptiles. In the eveing, the second half of the group will have an opportunity to photograph bats.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
La Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge
Cano Negro
After departing Laguna del Lagarto, head north to the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, often described as Costa Rica's Everglades. Like the Everglades, this immense wetland attracts numerous species of birds and is an important protected wildlife area. Arriving at the lodge, we'll check in and then continue birding on a walk around the grounds. This is one of the best places to see the Nicaraguan Grackle, whose only Costa Rican habitat is Caño Negro and other marshy areas just south of Lake Nicaragua.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel de Campo Cano Negro
Cano Negro
After a morning snack, head to the dock and board a boat for an early morning tour through the wetlands. An abundance of wildlife can be seen in this remote 22,000 acre tropical wetlands. Gliding along lagoons and canals, be on the lookout for some of the 350 species of birds found in the refuge, including a colony of Nicaraguan Grackle, egrets, anhingas, Roseate Spoonbills and other waterfowl. We may also spot caiman, crocodiles, and monkeys. Return to the lodge for a full breakfast, then head out on foot to photograph some more species around the lodge and surrounding areas. Have lunch at the lodge and rest for a little while before returning to the reserve for another boat safari. Caño Negro is one of the few nesting spots for the endangered Jabiru Stork. Return to the hotel with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel de Campo Cano Negro
Sarapiqui
Depart for Sarapiqui area with a stop en route for some photography in the Medio Queso wetland area. Continue to Sarapiqui, located in the lush lowlands of north-central Costa Rica. This afternoon, enjoy free time for photography around the grounds, in search of some of the 300 bird species found here, including a variety of colorful hummingbirds, trogons, and toucans. After dinner, venture out on a night walk to spot a variety of nocturnal life including the colorful red-eyed tree frog, a must in every photographer's collection.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Selva Verde Lodge
Sarapiqui
This morning, visit the Macaw Farm, a private initiative started by Don Alvaro Otoya that has turned into a successful breeding center for the two species of Costa Rican macaws: Scarlet and Great Green. Habitat loss and poaching have threatened these amazing birds, nearly bringing them to the point of extinction in some places. As a result, the need for reintroduction into the wild is high, in particular for Great Green Macaws. Projects like Don Alvaro's have allowed local authorities to bring the populations back in some areas, and now macaws can be seen flying high where they were absent for decades. The macaws at Don Alvaro's are not caged, and fly free through the surrounding rainforest. Take advantage of the opportunities to capture amazing images of macaws in flight, with more controlled light than in the forest, while contributing to the effort of protecting and reintroducing the macaws back to their habitat. After lunch, depart for Dave and Dave's Costa Rica Nature Park for a two-hour tour to photograph hummingbirds and other wildlife along the river trail.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Selva Verde Lodge
San Jose
This morning visit Copearte - the home and gardens of the artist, photographer, birder, and nature-lover known as Cope - to photograph bats, owls, hummingbirds, and other wildlife. Have lunch at Copearte and then continue to your San José hotel, where you can rest before this evening's farewell dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Bougainvillea
Depart
This morning you will be transferred to the airport in San José for your flight(s) home. Check out is at 12 pm.
Breakfast- included
Land Cost

$4,495

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $500

What's Included
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Full time guide for the duration of your program
  • Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Carbon Offset
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Items of personal nature
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 8 participants in double occupancy.

A $350 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. This deposit is refundable 95 days prior to departure excluding a $100 cancellation fee. Cancellations after this date are not refundable.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $500


Final payment due date: December 18, 2025

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Passports must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. As this requirement is subject to change at any time without notice, we recommend at least 6 months' validity.

A visa is not required for visits up to 90 days.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Costa Rican Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Costa Rica, unless you are traveling from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk. Though not required for entry, the CDC recommends vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Costa Rica.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC advises that malaria transmission is present in certain regions of Costa Rica, primarily in the provinces of Alajuela and Limón. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. If you are visiting areas where malaria is present and choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your doctor for a prescription. To protect against mosquitos, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).

OTHER INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES

Other insect-borne illnesses are known to occur in Costa Rica, including dengue fever, leishmaniasis, Zika virus, and others. Travelers to Costa Rica should protect themselves against insect bites using the measures described above.

After spending time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.

As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

OTHER NUISANCE PESTS

In places with rich vegetation and proximity to bodies of water, you may encounter chiggers. These are mites that can superficially attach to skin and leave behind itchy red bumps that appear 3-6 hours after initial contact. Their bites are sometimes mistaken for those of bed bugs or other insects; however, unlike bed bugs, which tend to target exposed skin, chiggers look for skin folds or areas where clothing fits tightly, like the ankles, waist, underarms, elbow creases, and the back of the knees to feed on broken down skin cells. They do not transmit any illnesses in Costa Rica.

We recommend that travelers to Costa Rica protect themselves against chigger bites using the measures noted above. Additionally, if potential exposure occurs, we recommend showering and scrubbing skin with soap and hot water as quickly as possible. If that is not immediately feasible, promptly rub skin with a dry towel or cloth and place any exposed clothing in a zip-top bag until it can be washed. To treat any itchiness, we suggest over-the-counter anti-itch lotion and/or oral antihistamines.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

If your itinerary includes locations at high elevation (above 5,000 feet), altitude sickness is a possibility. Stay hydrated and well-rested, and avoid heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arrival. Consult your physician prior to travel for advice specific to your situation.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Resources

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Packing Recommendations

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in the New Headings Gear Store. Use code HolbrookGuest10 for a 10% discount on your purchase.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities in Costa Rica. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at additional cost. If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Costa Rica’s rainy season is May through November, but it can rain at any time. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

If your program includes visits to higher elevations (e.g. Savegre, Monteverde, or Cordillera de Talamanca), warm clothing is strongly recommended. Temperatures can get quite chilly, especially at night and early in the morning, and hotel rooms don’t always have heat. It can also be windy at times. Consider packing a warm underlayer, as well as a warm, protective outer layer.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and mosquito protection
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection; jeans tend to be uncomfortable in hot and humid conditions, but are fine in the cooler highlands.
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt (or heavier weight if visiting high-elevation areas)
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s) for the beach, if applicable, plus many hotels have pools
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs. If your itinerary indicates muddy hikes with rubber boots provided on-site, pack a few pairs of knee socks to prevent blisters.
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals. If you’re whitewater rafting or visiting the beach, you may also want a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites (and to be considerate of you fellow travelers).
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap. Most—but not all—hotel rooms provide a hair dryer, but you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – If you’ll be in the ocean, we recommend reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle – especially important in national parks, which do not permit single-use plastic bottles or containers
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Travel-size umbrella – Some people find this unwieldy to carry, while others find it offers better protection than a rain jacket alone.
  • Money belt
  • Chargers for electronics
"Our guide and our driver were both excellent beyond compare. They were highly skilled, were flexible when the need arose, and helped us all individually and as a group."
- Nancy S.
Costa Rica , 2023
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