Join us on an incredible photography adventure through the stunning landscapes of this beautiful Central American country with our Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica Photography Holiday. Scheduled for April 2025, this remarkable experience offers wildlife photographers the chance to capture some of the most captivating & diverse wildlife species in the world.

With five-morning sessions explicitly dedicated to capturing images of the magnificent Resplendent Quetzals in flight or at their nests, our itinerary ensures you have the best opportunities to get those once-in-a-lifetime shots. Additionally, our itinerary includes five-afternoon sessions focusing on hummingbirds & other endemic species, allowing you to expand your portfolio with a variety of stunning wildlife imagery.

Costa Rica is known for its incredible biodiversity & is home to countless native species. During our photography holiday, you'll have ample chances to photograph birds in flight & iconic frog species synonymous with this breathtaking country.

The Caribbean lowlands offer exceptional opportunities to capture images of the vibrant Keel-billed Toucan, Collared Aracari, & many mesmerising hummingbirds. In addition, there will be numerous occasions to photograph tanagers, motmots, trogons, & various other remarkable bird species.

Whether you're interested in capturing stunning shots of hummingbirds up close or exploring macro photography by focusing on frogs & reptiles, our trip has it all. Our small group size ensures an intimate experience with a maximum of only seven participants. This allows us to stay in small lodges away from crowded tourist areas, providing a more authentic encounter with nature.

You'll be guided by NaturesLens director & local guides who possess extensive knowledge about Costa Rican flora & fauna. With a guide-to-client ratio of 1:7, you can expect personalised attention while honing your skills behind the lens.

During your eleven-night stay on a half-board basis (non-shared accommodation), we provide single occupancy rooms at no extra cost so that you can relax & recharge in privacy after each day of thrilling photography. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to capture the beauty of 's iconic wildlife with our Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica Photography Holiday.

What is a Resplendent Quetzal?

The , or “Pharomachrus mocinno” in scientific terms, is a stunning bird found in the cloud forests of . Known for its vibrant iridescent feathers & extended tail coverts, the Resplendent Quetzal has been revered by the region's indigenous cultures for centuries, often symbolising freedom & wealth. These birds primarily feed on fruits, insects, & small animals, & are vital for the dispersal of seeds in their habitats. Due to habitat destruction & illegal poaching for their feathers, the is classified as near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these iconic & magnificent birds.

What Are the Iconic Wildlife Species Found in Costa Rica?

is home to a wide variety of iconic wildlife species, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Some of the most famous animals found in Costa Rica include the , known for its striking iridescent feathers & long tail; the colourful poison dart frogs, which come in various vibrant hues & patterns; & the truly iconic . Costa Rica is known for its remarkable biodiversity, boasting a wide array of iconic wildlife species. Among the most famous animals in this Central American country are sloths, known for their slow movement & endearing appearance, representing a symbol of relaxation & tranquillity. Costa Rica is also home to vibrant Toucans & Aracari with colourful beaks. Additionally, the country is renowned for its diverse bird species, including many types of tanager, the Montezuma Oropendola, & the smaller Chestnut-headed Oropendola.

What is the Weather Like in Costa Rica in April?

Costa Rica in April experiences its transition from the dry season to the green season, with generally warm & pleasant weather. The average temperature ranges from 70°F to 80°F, with occasional rain showers in the afternoons. The Caribbean coast tends to be wetter than the Pacific coast during this time, so we ask our guests to consider this & to pack accordingly. April is an excellent time to visit Costa Rica for those looking to enjoy lush green landscapes & a variety of outdoor activities.

An In Flight Respendent Quetzal Which Can Be Photographed During The Natureslens Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife Of Costa Rica Photography Holiday

Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica Photography Holiday Itinerary

The following is the proposed itinerary for this photography holiday, it should be considered provisional & subject to change.
  • Day 1 - Assemble Juan Santamaría International Airport - transfer to local hotel - overnight San Jose
  • Day 2 - transfer to San Gerardo de Dota - overnight San Gerardo de Dota
  • Day 3 - 2 morning sessions of Quetzal Photography, followed by an afternoon session of Hummingbirds or endemic species - overnight San Gerardo de Dota
  • Day 4 - 2 morning sessions of Quetzal Photography, followed by an afternoon session of Hummingbirds or endemic species - overnight San Gerardo de Dota
  • Day 5 - 2 morning sessions of Quetzal Photography, followed by an afternoon session of Hummingbirds or endemic species - overnight San Gerardo de Dota
  • Day 6 - 2 morning sessions of Quetzal Photography, followed by an afternoon session of Hummingbirds or endemic species - overnight San Gerardo de Dota
  • Day 7 - 2 morning sessions of Quetzal Photography - transfer to Sarapiqui - overnight Sarapiqui
  • Day 8 - Full-day of Frog & Snake Photography - overnight Sarapiqui
  • Day 9 - Half-day of Frog & Snake Photography followed by an afternoon session at a local photography deck - overnight Sarapiqui
  • Day 10 - Morning session at a local photography deck, followed by an afternoon session at a local lodge - overnight Sarapiqui
  • Day 11 - Morning session at a local photography deck - transfer to San Jose - overnight San Jose
  • Day 12 - transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport
A Respendent Quetzal Leaves The Nest Which Can Be Photographed During The Natureslens Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife Of Costa Rica Photography Holiday

Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica Photography Holiday highlights

We have taken care to refine the itinerary for this wildlife photography holiday; as such, we consider the following to be amongst the highlights of this tour.
  • 5 morning sessions of Quetzal photography to ensure the best chances of capturing images of the quetzals in flight or at the nest
  • 5 afternoon sessions of hummingbird or other endemic species photography
  • Many opportunities for capturing birds in flight
  • One of the most bio-diverse places on earth with a huge range of native species
  • Opportunities to capture images of many of Costa Rica's iconic frog species
  • Capture images of the Keel-billed Toucan, the Collared Aracari & many hummingbirds in the Caribbean lowlands
  • Photography of many tanagers, motmot, trogons & other species
  • Small group size - a maximum of only seven participants - means that we can stay in small lodges often away from the crowds
  • Great guide to client ratio of 1:7
  • Guided by David Miles for NaturesLens with the assistance of local guides
  • Stay for eleven-nights on a half-board, non-shared basis
  • Single occupancy accommodation is provided at no extra cost to you
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

What will we be capturing images of during the Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica Photography Holiday?

Please note that we cannot guarantee that any photography subject matter or specific behaviour will be present at any given location or time this is the nature of wildlife photography.
A magnificent Respendent Quetzal in flight - which can be photographed during the NaturesLens Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica photography holiday

What Is Included & Excluded on the Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica photography holiday?

If you have any questions about the following, please contact us prior to making a booking.

What Is IncludeD In The Cost Of This PHOTOGRAPHY HOLIDAY

What ExcludeD FROM THE COST OF THIS Wildlife PHOTOGRAPHY HOLIDAY

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

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance – it is a requirement when booking on any wildlife photography holiday scheduled by NaturesLens that you have adequate travel insurance, we suggest a policy from TrailFinders or Campbell Irvine.

Camera Insurance

Insuring your camera equipment before embarking on any wildlife photographic holiday is crucial. Our trips often involve venturing into remote, & sometimes unpredictable environments where accidents & unexpected incidents occur. Insuring your camera gear provides financial protection against theft, loss, or damage, ensuring your investment is safeguarded.

Wildlife photography involves capturing unique & irreplaceable moments, & without proper insurance, any unforeseen mishap could result in significant monetary losses. By insuring your equipment, you can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that you’re covered in case of any unfortunate events, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring world of wildlife & capture stunning photographs without worry.

We recommend PhotoGuard for amateur photographers or Glover Howe, who we use.

A Brown Parrot in flight - which can be photographed during the NaturesLens Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica photography holiday
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

Capture stunning photographs of the iconic wildlife of Costa Rica during our photography holiday. Join us as we explore the diverse landscapes of this beautiful country & encounter quetzals & other fascinating creatures.

The Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica photography holiday is a eleven-night duration event, that costs £5999 & takes place in the Highlands of Costa Rica in Costa Rica, between the dates of 29th March - 9th April 2025. It is ideal for photographing iconic wildlife of Costa Rica. This photography holiday is led by David Miles for NaturesLens.

The Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica photography holiday is offered on a half board, single occupancy with no single supplement payable basis.

Group size for this photography holiday is a minimum of 5 participants & a maximum of 7, plus David.

We consider this to be a photography holiday requiring medium effort or exertion, if you have any questions about your suitability for this photography holiday, please contact us before making a booking enquiry.

The Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica photography holiday starts & ends at Juan Santamaría International Airport. .

The Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica photography holiday requires a deposit of £1100 to secure a place.

The Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica photography holiday is a eleven-night duration event, that costs £5999 & takes place in the Highlands of Costa Rica in Costa Rica, between the dates of 29th March - 9th April 2025. It is ideal for photographing iconic wildlife of Costa Rica. This photography holiday is led by David Miles for NaturesLens.

The Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica photography holiday is offered on a half board, single occupancy with no single supplement payable basis.

Group size for this photography holiday is a minimum of 5 participants & a maximum of 7, plus David.

We consider this to be a photography holiday requiring medium effort or exertion, if you have any questions about your suitability for this photography holiday, please contact us before making a booking enquiry.

The Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica photography holiday starts & ends at Juan Santamaría International Airport. .

The Quetzals & Other Iconic Wildlife of Costa Rica photography holiday requires a deposit of £1100 to secure a place.

NaturesLens photography holidays do not include flights unless it is explicitly stated on the event page. When it is time to book your flights, we will send you the details in plenty of time to allow for bookings at the best available price.

The photography holiday itinerary is subject to change & is to be considered provisional.

NaturesLens photography holidays require a minimum number of participants in order to be viable. If this minimum number is not met, the photography holiday may not go ahead.

In the event that the minimum number for a photography holiday to go ahead is not reached, NaturesLens reserves the right to cancel any given photography holiday. In that event 100% of monies received will be returned. However, NaturesLens is not responsible for expenses incurred by its customers.

Not all mentioned wildlife can be observed & photographed at all times of the year, thus some activities may be considered seasonal & not available.

Please note the cuisine on many of the NaturesLens photography holidays is authentic & typical of the region in which you are travelling. International or western cuisine is often NOT available. If you have any concerns over the food arrangements or have any special dietary requirements, please contact us prior to making a booking.

All personal luggage are the responsibility of the owner & we request that photography holiday participants limit their luggage to the equivalent of one suitcase, one flight bag, one camera bag & tripod. We do not wish to appear dictatorial in this matter & the request is made to ensure space & comfort for everyone in our vehicles.

NaturesLens & its agents act only as agents for the passenger in all matters relating to travel arrangements, & as such, do not assume responsibility for injury, accident, damage, loss, delay or irregularity which may occur via defect of transportation or any other cause.

NaturesLens reserves the right to substitute hotels, & other previously outlined arrangements as necessary, to either improve or equal the travel experience.

NaturesLens reserves the right to pass on to photography holiday participants any additional & unplanned expenditure incurred during a photography holiday, via events beyond the control of NaturesLens. NaturesLens reserves the right to accept or decline any person as a member of any photography holiday.

Payment of deposit by photography holiday participants or their representative constitutes their acceptance of all conditions contained herein.

All bookings are made subject to our terms & conditions.

NaturesLens

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