Dates to be announced
Toucans and macaws at rainforest feeders, macro icons of Sarapiquí and the resplendent quetzal in the cloud forest.
A tropical nature journey focused on wildlife and rainforest photography in some of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions — bird photography, macro, rainforests, local culture and experiences carefully designed for nature photographers.
The trip runs at a comfortable, flexible pace, using specialist lodges and carefully selected photographic settings to maximize opportunities: the northern rainforests of Boca Tapada, the macro paradise of Sarapiquí and the cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota.
Nature photographers who want maximum variety — tropical birds, macro and cloud-forest species — at a comfortable pace with specialist lodges and prepared photographic settings.
Costa Rica compresses an extraordinary range of photographic situations into ten days, and this itinerary uses purpose-built infrastructure for nearly all of them. At Boca Tapada, keel-billed toucans and scarlet and great green macaws come to specialist feeders and prepared settings designed for clean backgrounds. Sarapiquí's night sessions are dedicated macro work — red-eyed tree frogs, eyelash vipers and dart frogs — with close guidance on lighting at short range.
The journey closes in the San Gerardo de Dota cloud forest, photographing the resplendent quetzal, one of the most sought-after birds in the Americas. Between sessions there is space for rainforest walks, Costa Rican coffee and rural culture. This is home ground for our Costa Rican team, and the local knowledge runs deepest here.
Arrival in San José and private transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival times, time to rest, prepare photographic equipment and meet as a group before the official start of the expedition. Night in San José.
Three nights in Boca Tapada, one of the most spectacular regions of northern Costa Rica for tropical bird photography and rainforest. We work varied specialist settings — feeders, hides and private tropical forest. Highlights include toucan and tanager photography at feeders, macaw observation and photography, rainforest walks, colorful tropical birds, cultural experiences, local gastronomy, Costa Rican coffee and rural life. Emblematic species: keel-billed toucan, scarlet macaw, crested owl, great green macaw and red-lored parrot.
Two nights in Sarapiquí, one of the country's best regions for macro photography and humid tropical forest, with sessions both day and night: macro photography of frogs and reptiles, night photography in the rainforest, tropical bird feeders, naturalist walks and hummingbird photography. Emblematic species: red-eyed tree frog, eyelash viper, strawberry poison dart frog, snowcap and collared aracari.
Three nights in the mountains of San Gerardo de Dota, famous for its cloud forests and highland birds. The focus: quetzal photography, mountain hummingbird feeders, cloud forest walks, mountain landscapes and endemic species. Emblematic species: resplendent quetzal, volcano hummingbird, fiery-throated hummingbird, collared redstart and long-tailed silky-flycatcher.
Return to San José for the final night before international flights — free time to rest, organize equipment and enjoy a last dinner together. Night in San José.
Specialist photography lodges in Boca Tapada, Sarapiquí and San Gerardo de Dota, plus San José at the start and end.
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Private transport throughout the trip. Arrival and departure via Juan Santamaría International Airport, San José.
International airfare is not included. Travelers arrange and purchase their own international flights; we provide clear arrival guidance for every expedition.
Weather and bird activity constantly shape the rhythm of the itinerary to maximize photographic opportunities. Photography sessions flex around climate, light and wildlife activity. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical evacuation coverage, is required for all Okapi expeditions.
Co-Founder & Expedition Director · Wildlife Photographer
Álvaro Cubero is a wildlife photographer and expedition leader with more than a decade behind the camera — a Canon EOS Master Ambassador whose photographs have been published in National Geographic and reached the finals of the Smithsonian Photo Contest. He has organized and led photography expeditions and workshops in more than 25 countries across four continents, from the savannas…
Interest list open
South Luangwa's leopards, river life and walking safaris — from two exceptional and complementary camps.
1 – 8 July 2027
Leopards & walking safaris
Interest list open
Dancing sifakas, the indri, the aye-aye and giant baobabs under the Milky Way — Madagascar's endemic wonders in 17 days.
22 September – 8 October 2027
Lemurs & endemics
Interest list open
The world's richest bird country: feeders, cloud forests and coffee culture across the Valle del Cauca, Manizales and Antioquia.
Two departures: 3–14 October 2027 · 3–14 November 2027
Birds & cloud forests
