My Photography & Travel Guide to Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica, where nature takes center stage! Imagine lush rainforests, vibrant wildlife, and stunning beaches waiting to be captured through your lens.
Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse locations on the planet. I have been to Costa Rica a few times, and it is a country I would happily come back to again and again. The country has everything a photographer loves—great landscapes, beaches, so many different types of birds and wildlife, rainforests, hanging bridges, volcanos, and wonderful people.
Ready to explore? Let’s dive into the ultimate guide for your trip!
A Hummingbird taken with a 600 f4
Although the country is small it accounts for 5 percent of the existing biodiversity in the entire world. Twenty-six percent of the country comprises National Parks, Reserves, and Protected Areas so there are lots of places to explore . While Spanish is the main language, a large portion of the population speaks English.
In this post, I will highlight my favorite hotels and photography locations in Costa Rica, based on personal experience in the field. I will share where to stay for comfort and access, where to find the best light for wildlife and landscapes, and how to make the most of your time in one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth.
What Makes Costa Rica Unique?
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. More than 500,000 species live here, packed into a country smaller than West Virginia. For photographers, that density is a gift. You do not have to travel far to experience something completely different.
One morning, you can be standing in a misty cloud forest. By afternoon, you are on a wild Pacific beach. The next day, you are photographing scarlet macaws, sloths, or monkeys in a rainforest that feels alive in every direction.
The landscapes are varied and dramatic. Think volcanic peaks, waterfalls hidden in jungle canopies, mangroves filled with birds, and coastlines that glow at sunset. The light changes quickly, which keeps you alert and creative.
What makes Costa Rica even more special is its deep commitment to conservation. National parks and protected areas cover a significant portion of the country. Eco lodges are not just a trend here. They are part of the culture. You feel that respect for nature everywhere you go.
Costa Rica is not just a place to visit. It is a place to reconnect with the wild. And as a photographer, that connection changes the way you see.
Where to Stay in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has no shortage of incredible places to stay, but if this is your first visit and you want strong photography access, two areas consistently stand out.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park blends rainforest and coastline in a way that feels almost cinematic. You can photograph monkeys at sunrise and turquoise coves by midmorning. Elevated hotels here offer sweeping Pacific views, and sunset light over the ocean can be spectacular.
This area works especially well if you want wildlife and beach landscapes in the same frame. Keep your camera ready on hotel balconies. Scarlet macaws and squirrel monkeys often make surprise appearances.
La Fortuna
Arenal Volcano dominates the skyline in La Fortuna. The volcano creates a dramatic focal point for landscape photography, especially at dawn when clouds wrap around the summit. The region is also known for waterfalls, rainforest trails, and thermal hot springs.
La Fortuna is ideal if you want classic Costa Rican jungle energy. Mist, lava rock, hanging bridges, and lush greenery everywhere you turn.
If you can, split your time between both regions. Coast and volcano. Wildlife and wide landscapes. That combination gives you a deeper and more complete Costa Rica experience.
Other Areas to Consider
Costa Rica is not limited to these two destinations. Your ideal base really depends on what you want to photograph.
If you are passionate about cloud forests and hummingbirds, Monteverde may be a better fit. If you want remote beaches and fewer crowds, the Osa Peninsula offers incredible biodiversity. Tortuguero is fantastic for canals and birdlife. The Nicoya Peninsula is strong for surf culture and golden sunsets.
Think about your photography goals first. Wildlife. Landscapes. Birds. Beaches. Then choose the region that aligns with that vision. Costa Rica rewards intention.
Luxury Hotel Options
Nayara Gardens: Located in La Fortuna, this luxury eco-resort offers villas surrounded by lush greenery and volcano views.
Nayara Spring Hotel is one of the best hotels in the world. Just take a look at the accolades they have received. The location in the rainforest with views of the Arenal National Volcano is out of this world. And the staff are so friendly. They even have a Sloth that lives on the property named “Tony.”
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts - a stunning resort
Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort: A beachfront resort in Manuel Antonio with eco-friendly practices and luxury amenities, perfect for capturing stunning coastal landscapes.
The Springs Resort and Spa: With hot springs, stunning views of Arenal Volcano, and luxurious suites, this resort is an oasis for relaxation and photography.
Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. It is located about 25 minutes from the Liberia Airport, and it’s an easy drive. Everything about the hotel was fantastic—the food, staff, location, the beach, and activities.
Mid-Level Hotel Options
Hotel Costa Verde: Located in Manuel Antonio, this quirky hotel is famous for its unique airplane suite and fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Arenal Manoa: A mid-range option in La Fortuna with spacious rooms, volcano views, and natural hot springs.
El Silencio Lodge & Spa: Situated in the cloud forest, this boutique eco-lodge offers a tranquil retreat, perfect for photographing lush rainforests.
Fairfield Marriot San Jose - the hotel is a good spot to stay overnight before or after your Costa Rica Trip.
LAGUNA DEL LAGARTO ECO-LODGE - the hotel is very basic, but they have an incredible perch where you can see Toucans.
Hacienda La Isla in Sarapiqui is a very nice hotel that is close to Frog Heaven.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a year-round destination, but the dry season from December through April is the most popular time to visit.
During these months, you can expect warmer, sunnier days with temperatures generally ranging from the low 70s to the high 80s Fahrenheit, depending on elevation. Coastal areas tend to be hotter and more humid, while higher elevations like Monteverde or areas near Arenal Volcano are typically cooler and more comfortable.
For photographers, the dry season offers clearer skies and easier travel logistics. Roads are in better condition, wildlife viewing is consistent, and sunrise and sunset tend to deliver clean, vibrant color. If you are planning waterfall shoots or volcano views, this time of year gives you a higher chance of unobstructed vistas.
That said, the green season from May through November has its own advantages. Afternoon rain showers bring dramatic clouds, fewer crowds, and lush, saturated landscapes. If you do not mind occasional rain, you can capture moodier light and vibrant jungle scenes that feel almost surreal.
The best time ultimately depends on what you want to photograph. Clear skies and convenience, or dramatic skies and fewer people. Costa Rica rewards both.
Getting There
One of the great advantages of traveling to Costa Rica is how easy it is to reach from the United States. There are frequent nonstop flights from many major cities, and you can often arrive by early afternoon and be in the rainforest or on the beach before sunset.
Most travelers fly into one of two main airports:
Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia
If you are heading south toward Manuel Antonio, the Osa Peninsula, or central regions, San José is usually the better choice. It places you closer to those destinations and often shortens your drive time.
If your focus is the north, such as La Fortuna, Arenal, or the Guanacaste beaches, Liberia is often more convenient. You land closer to the action and can be at your hotel much faster.
Think about your photography priorities first. Volcanoes and hot springs. Pacific sunsets. Remote jungle. Choose your airport accordingly, and you will save hours on the road and more time behind the lens.
How Long Should You Stay?
To truly experience the diversity of Costa Rica, I recommend staying at least 7 to 10 days.
Costa Rica may look small on a map, but travel times can be longer than expected. Roads wind through mountains and rainforests, and you will want to move at a relaxed pace. A week to ten days gives you time to explore more than one region without feeling rushed.
With that window, you can combine the Pacific coast with the volcanic landscapes around Arenal Volcano. You can spend early mornings photographing wildlife in national parks, afternoons chasing waterfalls, and evenings soaking in hot springs.
If wildlife photography is a priority, build in extra time. Animals do not operate on your schedule. The more days you have, the better your chances of capturing meaningful moments.
And do not underestimate downtime. Costa Rica is not just about checking locations off a list. It is about slowing down, listening to the jungle, and letting the experience unfold. Give yourself enough time to do both.
Getting Around Costa Rica
The best way to explore Costa Rica is by renting a car, especially if you plan to visit multiple regions.
Costa Rica rewards flexibility. Sunrise at a volcano. A sudden wildlife sighting along the road. A hidden beach you discover on a whim. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to stop, turn around, and chase light when it appears. If you are carrying camera gear, that flexibility becomes even more valuable.
Keep in mind that some roads can be narrow, winding, or unpaved, particularly in more remote areas. In certain regions, a 4x4 vehicle is a smart choice, especially during the rainy season.
If you prefer not to drive, shuttle services connect major tourist hubs like Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna, and Tamarindo. These are comfortable and reliable, though less flexible for photographers who like to move early and often.
Uber operates in San José and the surrounding areas, but once you head into rural zones or national parks, availability becomes limited. For serious exploration, especially if photography is your focus, having your own car makes the experience smoother and far more rewarding.
Hiring a Driver
One of the smartest decisions we made in Costa Rica was hiring a private driver and guide. It changed the entire rhythm of the trip.
Instead of worrying about directions, road conditions, or timing, we could focus on the experience. That meant more energy for early mornings, more flexibility to stop for wildlife sightings, and zero stress about navigating unfamiliar roads.
We used Costa Rica Drivers, owned by Danny Jimenez. Danny and his team were outstanding. Safe drivers. Fully bilingual. Friendly. Incredibly knowledgeable about the country’s wildlife, geography, and culture. Danny himself is simply fun to spend time with, which matters more than you might think when you are together for several days.
For photographers, this setup is invaluable. You can pull over quickly when you spot a toucan. You can adjust your schedule around light. You can arrive at locations rested instead of fatigued from driving.
If you want a smoother, more relaxed trip, hiring a professional driver is absolutely worth considering.
Photography Gear
For photographers, a DSLR or Mirrorless Camera with the longest lens will be your best choice. Here is My Photography Gear Packing List.
Cameras-you will need a camera that is capable of fast-action & wildlife photography, which is basically every DSLR or Mirrorless camera made in the past few years (i.e, Canon R3/R5/R6, Nikon Z9, Sony A1, etc.). I would recommend a camera that can shoot at least 1/2000th and 15 fps (frames per second). I brought my R3 and R5.
Lens: You want to bring the longest and fastest glass that you own or can rent. So what would I bring?
1. Canon EOS RF 100-500 mm lens since it’s so versatile.
2. Canon RF 400 f2.8 —or I might rent a longer lens like the Canon 600 mm f4.
3. Canon RF 100 mm f2.8 Macro Lens for Night Photography
Converters—I bought an RF 1.4 TC, so my RF400 becomes 560 mm.
Tripods & Gimbals—I would only bring a Monopod.
Using Flash: could be helpful for night photography in the forest.
Waterproof gear: Don’t forget to bring a rain cover for your camera gear, especially if you’re visiting during the green season.—Microfiber towels are very helpful to dry your gear. Rain covers are also helpful.
Clothing And Accessories
Here is my clothing photography guide: My Safari Packing List
Hiring Wildlife Guide
If bird and wildlife photography are high on your list, hiring a professional guide is one of the best investments you can make in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is incredibly biodiverse, but that does not mean wildlife is always easy to find. Many species blend perfectly into the canopy. A trained local guide can spot a tiny tree frog from twenty feet away or hear a specific bird call and know exactly where to look. That kind of skill dramatically increases your chances of coming home with strong images.
An excellent guide I recommend is Kenneth Martinez. He knows the bird photography locations intimately and understands what photographers need, from positioning for light to allowing space for clean backgrounds. Working with someone like Kenneth turns a hopeful outing into a productive session.
If wildlife is your focus, do not leave it to chance. A knowledgeable guide will save you time, reduce frustration, and help you create far more compelling images.
Don’t Miss a Night Photography Tour
A female Quetzel
Photography Locations
Here are some of my favorite photography spots in Costa Rica. Each offers a very different experience, which is exactly what makes this country so compelling.
Arenal Volcano
One of the most iconic landmarks in Costa Rica, offering stunning views and endless photography opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Paraiso Quetzel Lodge for Hummingbirds
Located about 1.5 hours south of San José, this lodge is a hidden gem for bird photography. The elevation and cloud forest environment create ideal conditions for hummingbirds and the resplendent quetzal.
There are two main photography areas.
1. Hummingbird Feeders at the Lodge
Right on the property, feeders attract multiple hummingbird species throughout the day.
The best light is early morning when activity is high.
Use a fast shutter speed, 1/2000 or faster, to freeze wing motion.
A 100 to 500mm lens works beautifully here.
The backgrounds are often soft and green, which helps isolate the birds.
2. Quetzal Locations Nearby
Local guides can take you to known nesting and feeding areas for the resplendent quetzal.
Early morning is critical.
Be patient.
Use a longer lens, ideally 400mm or more.
Photographing a quetzal in soft cloud forest light is one of those moments you will never forget.
There are so many great shots you will get from this location
About 10 minutes away is a spot called El Guarco. This is where you can photograph the most beautiful bird in the world, the Quetzel. We went twice to this location and it definitely paid off.
Male Quetzel
CAÑO NEGRO WILDLIFE REFUGE
No wildlife-focused trip to Costa Rica is complete without visiting Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.
This is one of the best places in the country for boat-based wildlife photography. The refuge is a wetland ecosystem near the Nicaraguan border, filled with calm waterways, thick vegetation, and constant animal activity.
During our visit, we saw iguanas stretched out along branches, crocodiles resting at the water’s edge, toucans tucked into trees, cormorants drying their wings, storks wading in the shallows, and howler monkeys moving through the canopy. And that barely scratches the surface. Birdlife here is extraordinary.
Best Way to Photograph It
You explore Caño Negro by small boat, which means you are often at eye level with your subject. That perspective creates intimate images.
Gear Tips
Bring a telephoto lens, ideally in the 100 to 500mm range. A fast shutter speed helps, especially when shooting from a moving boat. Keep your ISO flexible because light can shift quickly under the trees.
Best Time of Day
Early morning tours offer softer light and more animal activity. The water is usually calmer as well, which helps with reflections.
Caño Negro feels wild and unpolished in the best way. If you love wildlife photography, this refuge delivers real opportunities, not just scenery.
Boca Tapada
If you are serious about bird photography, Boca Tapada deserves a place on your itinerary.
We stayed at Laguna del Lagarto Lodge. The accommodations are simple and rustic. This is not luxury travel. But you are not coming here for thread count. You are coming for feathers.
The lodge has created one of the best toucan photography setups I have experienced in Costa Rica. They maintain an incredible perch that attracts dozens of toucans, along with many other bird species. You can photograph them at relatively close range with clean backgrounds and good angles.
Best Time to Shoot
Early morning is ideal. Activity is highest just after sunrise, and the light is softer and more directional.
Gear Tips
A 400mm or 100 to 500mm lens is perfect. Keep your shutter speed high to freeze motion when birds hop or take flight. Pay attention to backgrounds and wait for clean head angles. Small adjustments make a big difference.
Toucan
You will come back with so many shots from this location
The Toucan Rescue Ranch is far more than a photo opportunity. Its mission is simple and important. Rescue, rehabilitate, and when possible, release Costa Rican wildlife back into the wild.
Located near San José, this organization cares for injured, orphaned, and displaced animals. The work they do is essential. Visiting supports conservation directly, and you leave with a deeper appreciation for the challenges wildlife faces.
From a photography perspective, this is a chance to create intimate portraits in a controlled and ethical setting. You may see toucans up close, owls, and yes, some incredibly adorable sloths. The sloths are patient subjects, which helps you focus on expression, eye contact, and detail.
Pro Tip:
Treat this as conservation photography. Be respectful. Listen to the staff. Use natural light when possible and avoid disrupting the animals.
The Toucan Rescue Ranch reminds you that photography is not just about beautiful images. It can also support meaningful work. And that makes the experience even more powerful.
A 3 Toed Sloth
Frog Heaven
If you love macro photography, Frog Heaven lives up to its name.
Located in Horquetas, Sarapiquí, this family-owned reserve focuses on protecting and showcasing Costa Rica’s incredible amphibian diversity. It feels intimate and personal, not commercial.
Our guide was the owner, Jose, and he was terrific. Knowledgeable, patient, and deeply passionate about his work. He knows exactly where to find red-eyed tree frogs, glass frogs, and other tiny rainforest gems. Without a guide like Jose, you would likely walk right past them.
Best Way to Photograph
Most visits happen in the evening when frogs are active. Bring a macro lens, ideally 90 to 105mm. A small diffuser or soft light source helps create natural-looking illumination. Keep your aperture around f8 to f16 for enough depth of field, and focus carefully on the eyes.
Frog Heaven is not about speed. It is about slowing down, adjusting your settings carefully, and appreciating the smallest details of the rainforest.
I loved our visit to Frog Heaven in Sarapiqui. In Arenal, there is another nice place for Night Photography walks called the Arenal Oasis Frog Night Tour.
There are lots of cool shots of frogs and snakes
A Ghost Frog
Lots and lots of great shots from this location.
PALO VERDE NATIONAL PARK
Through the Four Seasons hotel, we arranged a 6-hour tour of Palo Verde National Park, which is about 1 Hour and 20 minutes from the hotel. Located along the banks of the Tempisque River, the Palo Verde National Park is one of the best places in Costa Rica to view native wildlife.
One of the highlights was the boat trip we took along the river with a naturalist guide. The guide was fantastic and explained all the birds and wildlife we saw. At the end of the boat ride, we enjoyed lunch in their restaurant.
Hanging Bridges in Arenal
The hanging bridges near Arenal Volcano are absolutely worth experiencing.
Walking high above the rainforest canopy gives you a completely different perspective. Instead of looking up into the trees, you are eye level with them. You can photograph monkeys moving through branches, birds flying at canopy height, and layers of jungle stretching into the distance.
These bridges also create strong compositional elements. The lines of the suspension cables naturally lead the eye through the frame. Early morning light filtering through mist can add depth and atmosphere.
It’s an easy 2-mile hike, and you go over nine different suspension bridges during the walk. The hanging bridges allow you to walk over the Rainforest Canopy below. It is an incredible experience that should not be missed.
Manuel Antonio National Park (Link): A wildlife lover’s paradise, where you can spot monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds while exploring the park’s lush forests and pristine beaches.
Monteverde Cloud Forest (Link): A mystical place, often shrouded in mist, offering unique shots of towering trees and diverse plant life.
Final Thoughts
Costa Rica remains one of the most rewarding destinations we have ever visited. The diversity is remarkable. Volcanoes. Rainforests. Wetlands. Remote beaches. In a single trip, you can build a portfolio spanning landscapes, wildlife, birds, macro, and conservation stories.
What makes Costa Rica special is not just the quantity of subjects. It is the access. With the right planning and a bit of patience, you will come home with images you are genuinely proud of.
If you are interested in joining one of my photography workshops, you can find the details through the link. You can also follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or subscribe to my newsletter for more travel photography tips and behind-the-scenes insight.
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