Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/2024/04/14/iconic-wildlife-of-costa-rica/ # Our awesome new Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica Photography Holiday Published on April 14, 2024 [![A Respendent Quetzal Leaves The Nest Which Can Be Photographed During The Natureslens Quetzals Other Iconic Wildlife Of Costa Rica Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/A-Respendent-Quetzal-leaves-the-nest-which-can-be-photographed-during-the-NaturesLens-Quetzals-Other-Iconic-Wildlife-of-Costa-Rica-photography-holiday-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/A-Respendent-Quetzal-leaves-the-nest-which-can-be-photographed-during-the-NaturesLens-Quetzals-Other-Iconic-Wildlife-of-Costa-Rica-photography-holiday.jpg) Written by [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) with images contributed by Various Photographers. Join us on an rewarding photography holiday in Costa Rica with NaturesLens! Discover the beauty of Costa Rica’s iconic wildlife with our [Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/icons-of-costa-rica/), designed to provide you with the ultimate wildlife photography experience including the opportunity to **photograph quetzals going to & from their nests in flight**. ## What Is A Resplendent Quetzal? The [resplendent quetzal](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/resplendent-quetzal/) is a **striking bird species** found in the cloud forests of [Central America](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/central-america/). We’ll take you to the best spots to capture this fine bird in flight or at the nest. With its vibrant emerald green & crimson red plumage, the quetzal has been revered by ancient Mesoamerican cultures like the Maya & Aztecs as a symbol of freedom & divinity. These birds are known for their long, iridescent tail feathers growing up to three feet long, making them worth seeing in flight. ![A Splendid Respendent Quetzal Leaves The Nest Which Can Be Photographed During The Natureslens Quetzals Other Iconic Wildlife Of Costa Rica Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/A-splendid-Respendent-Quetzal-leaves-the-nest-which-can-be-photographed-during-the-NaturesLens-Quetzals-Other-Iconic-Wildlife-of-Costa-Rica-photography-holiday.jpg) ## What are the other species of Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica that we will photograph? Costa Rica is renowned for its diverse range of iconic wildlife species, & we’ll take you to the best locations to capture them in their natural habitat. From the [three-toed sloth](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/three-toed-sloth/) moving at a slow pace through the trees of the rainforest to the playful & social white-headed capuchin monkey, & the striking colours of the [red-eyed tree frog](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/red-eyed-tree-frog/), we’ll help you capture strong images of Costa Rica’s rich tapestry of wildlife. ![A Respendent Quetzal In Flight At A Nesting Site Which Can Be Photographed During The Natureslens Quetzals Other Iconic Wildlife Of Costa Rica Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/A-Respendent-Quetzal-in-flight-at-a-nesting-site-which-can-be-photographed-during-the-NaturesLens-Quetzals-Other-Iconic-Wildlife-of-Costa-Rica-photography-holiday.jpg) With a small group size limited to only seven participants, you’ll enjoy an intimate experience in small lodges away from the crowds. Benefit from a fantastic guide-to-client ratio of 1:7, with [David](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) leading the tour alongside knowledgeable local guides. ## planned for this photography holiday [Our itinerary](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/icons-of-costa-rica/) is designed to ensure you have the best chances to capture notable images of Costa Rica’s iconic wildlife. We’ll spend **five mornings dedicated to Resplendent Quetzal photography**, five afternoons focused on hummingbird or other endemic species photography, & then move on to explore one of the most bio-diverse places on Earth, supporting a wide range of native species. Here’s a summary of the planned itinerary: Day 1: Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, transfer to a local hotel in San Jose for an overnight stay. Day 2: Transfer to **San Gerardo de Dota** for the first night there. Days 3-6: Each day includes two morning sessions of **Resplendent Quetzal Photography**, followed by an afternoon session focusing on either Hummingbirds or endemic species. All nights are spent in [San Gerardo de Dota](https://natureslens.co.uk/specific-location/san-gerardo-de-dota/). Day 7: Two morning sessions of **Resplendent Quetzal Photography** before transferring to **Sarapiqui** for an overnight stay there. Day 8: A full-day dedicated to **Frog & Snake Photography** in Sarapiqui. Day 9: Half-day of **Frog & Snake Photography** followed by an afternoon session at a local photography deck in Sarapiqui. Day 10: The morning consists of a session at a local photography deck, followed by an afternoon session at a local lodge in Sarapiqui. Day 11: Another morning session at a local photography deck before transferring back to San Jose for an overnight stay. Day 12: Transfer from San Jose to Juan Santamaría International Airport for departure. Overall, the itinerary offers a unique photography experience focusing on capturing the beauty of the [Resplendent Quetzals](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/resplendent-quetzal/), Hummingbirds, endemic species, frogs, & [snakes](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/snake/) in various locations across Costa Rica, providing a diverse & enriching photography adventure. ![An In Flight Respendent Quetzal Which Can Be Photographed During The Natureslens Quetzals Other Iconic Wildlife Of Costa Rica Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/An-in-flight-Respendent-Quetzal-which-can-be-photographed-during-the-NaturesLens-Quetzals-Other-Iconic-Wildlife-of-Costa-Rica-photography-holiday.jpg) The [Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/icons-of-costa-rica/) is a photography-focused trip starting & ending at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose. Throughout the duration of our journey take you to San Gerardo de Dota, Sarapiqui, & other locations to capture strong images of Costa Rica’s iconic wildlife. ![A Perched Keel Billed Toucan One Of The Icons Of Costa Rica Which Can Be Photographed During The Natureslens Quetzals Other Iconic Wildlife Of Costa Rica Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/A-perched-Keel-billed-Toucan-one-of-the-icons-of-Costa-Rica-which-can-be-photographed-during-the-NaturesLens-Quetzals-Other-Iconic-Wildlife-of-Costa-Rica-photography-holiday.jpg) natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Hummingbirds-are-amongst-the-other-species-that-we-will-be-able-to-capture-images-of-which-can-be-photographed-during-the-NaturesLens-Quetzals-Other-Iconic-Wildlife-of-Costa-Rica-photography-holiday.jpg” alt=”Hummingbirds Are Amongst The Other Species That We Will Be Able To Capture Images Of Which Can Be Photographed During The Natureslens Quetzals Other Iconic Wildlife Of [Costa Rica](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/central-america/costa-rica/) Photography Holiday” width=”2048″ height=”1365″ /> - NaturesLens wildlife photography holidays are structured around photographic opportunity — every schedule decision is made around light, behaviour, & access. - Small groups of 4–8 photographers ensure unhurried positions & individual guidance. - Single occupancy accommodation is included as standard across the majority of our trips. ## Share this post - - - - [![An Atlantic Puffin Swimming On Calm Water Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-atlantic-puffin-swimming-on-calm-water-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island-300x200.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/09/01/grimsey-island-for-puffin-photography/) ### [Why We Recommend Visiting Grímsey Island in 2027 with Robin](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/09/01/grimsey-island-for-puffin-photography/) September 1, 2026 With our long-running residential Skomer workshops brought to a close from 2026 & Fair Isle already full for 2027, Grímsey… - [![Heipi Travel Tripod Review](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Heipi-Travel-Tripod-Review-5.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/08/26/heipi-travel-tripod-review-long-term-field-use/) ### [HEIPI Travel Tripod Review – Long-Term Field Use & Real-World Verdict](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/08/26/heipi-travel-tripod-review-long-term-field-use/) August 26, 2026 After two years of extensive real-world use, we revisit the HEIPI Travel Tripod to see how it has stood up… - [![One Of The Pelicans Of Lake Kerkini Drifting On The Still Waters Of Lake Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/one-of-the-pelicans-of-lake-kerkini-drifting-on-the-still-waters-of-lake-kerkini-300x200.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/17/dalmatian-pelicans-of-lake-kerkini-2027/) ### [Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini 2027 – New January Dates Added](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/17/dalmatian-pelicans-of-lake-kerkini-2027/) January 17, 2026 The first Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini trip for 2027 is now full. New January dates have been added, offering… In this article 1. [What Is A Resplendent Quetzal?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2024/04/14/iconic-wildlife-of-costa-rica/#what-is-a-resplendent-quetzal) 1. [What are the other species of Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica that we will photograph?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2024/04/14/iconic-wildlife-of-costa-rica/#what-are-the-other-species-of-iconic-wildlife-of-costa-rica-that-we-will-photograph) 1. [planned for this photography holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/2024/04/14/iconic-wildlife-of-costa-rica/#planned-for-this-photography-holiday) ### Author DM [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) shares practical field notes, trip updates and wildlife photography advice from the NaturesLens programme. Next step ### Find your next wildlife photography holiday Browse small-group trips by destination, subject, season and photographic goal. [Browse Holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/) ### Related articles [![Why We Recommend Visiting Grímsey Island In 2027 With Robin](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-atlantic-puffin-swimming-on-calm-water-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island-150x150.jpg) **Why We Recommend Visiting Grímsey Island in 2027 with Robin**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/09/01/grimsey-island-for-puffin-photography/) [![Heipi Travel Tripod Review – Long-Term Field Use &Amp; Real-World Verdict](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Heipi-Travel-Tripod-Review-5.jpg) **HEIPI Travel Tripod Review – Long-Term Field Use & Real-World Verdict**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/08/26/heipi-travel-tripod-review-long-term-field-use/) ### Field notes by email New articles, trip reports and wildlife photography holiday announcements from NaturesLens. 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