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Costa Rica's Tortuguero National Park
Wilderness Eco-Lodge Photo Workshop
Upcoming Departures
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]
Single Supplement: +$550.00
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Deposit: $2,000.00
Start/End
San Jose, Costa Rica / San Jose, Costa Rica
Length
6 Days/5 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 2 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 7 Guests
Highlights
- Discover the magic of Tortuguero's breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, and leave with a deeper appreciation and understanding of this remarkable corner of the world.
- Embark on a custom boat-based photo safari with our knowledgeable guides, who will take you deep into the heart of the remote Caribbean jungle to capture incredible wildlife sightings.
- Experience the thrill of encountering some of Costa Rica's most iconic creatures, including the seven species of sea turtles that nest on the park's beaches each year, as well as Spectacled Caiman, Southern River Otters, Spider, Howler and Capuchin Monkeys, and more!
- Join a small group of fellow nature and photography enthusiasts, led by a professional wildlife photographer who will provide expert guidance and tips on capturing the perfect shot.
If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:
Costa Rica has long been a destination as one of the most exotic and unique locales on the planet. In regards to Wildlife Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National Park is known for its abundant diversity, home to a rich variety of plants and animals – second in biodiversity only to the Osa Peninsula (see Wildlife of Costa Rica).
This intriguing National Park is on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and has a generally tropical climate. It is home to a bewildering mix of wildlife most of which is viewable from Tortuguero’s elaborate network of river canals.
There aren’t many locations in Costa Rica where the biodiversity is on better display than at Tortuguero National Park. This is where we’ll fly off to on our Tortuguero Extension that will immediately follow all Backcountry Journeys Wildlife of Costa Rica tours (with the exception of the December dates as this is still the rainy season in Tortuguero).
The area protected by Tortuguero (which means “turtle catcher”) National Park was an archipelago of volcanic islands until alluvial sediments from the interior mountains filled in the spaces and formed a network of marshy islands. Sand piled up where the river deposited land met the sea, and the turtle nesting beaches of Tortuguero formed. The exceptionally high rainfall, and rich environment where the freshwater meets the sea makes the beaches, canals, lagoons and wetlands of Tortuguero areas of exceptional biodiversity and opportunity for nature lovers. The canals, rivers and lagoons here are accessible best by boat, which is precisely what we’ll do as we spend our days here on the water, looking to photograph wildlife. As we float down these waterways we’ll have the chance to see, and photograph, seven species of river turtles, Spectacled Caiman, Southern river otter. Spider, Howler and Capuchin Monkeys, and several species of bird.
This intriguing National Park is on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and has a generally tropical climate. It is home to a bewildering mix of wildlife most of which is viewable from Tortuguero’s elaborate network of river canals.
There aren’t many locations in Costa Rica where the biodiversity is on better display than at Tortuguero National Park. This is where we’ll fly off to on our Tortuguero Extension that will immediately follow all Backcountry Journeys Wildlife of Costa Rica tours (with the exception of the December dates as this is still the rainy season in Tortuguero).
The area protected by Tortuguero (which means “turtle catcher”) National Park was an archipelago of volcanic islands until alluvial sediments from the interior mountains filled in the spaces and formed a network of marshy islands. Sand piled up where the river deposited land met the sea, and the turtle nesting beaches of Tortuguero formed. The exceptionally high rainfall, and rich environment where the freshwater meets the sea makes the beaches, canals, lagoons and wetlands of Tortuguero areas of exceptional biodiversity and opportunity for nature lovers. The canals, rivers and lagoons here are accessible best by boat, which is precisely what we’ll do as we spend our days here on the water, looking to photograph wildlife. As we float down these waterways we’ll have the chance to see, and photograph, seven species of river turtles, Spectacled Caiman, Southern river otter. Spider, Howler and Capuchin Monkeys, and several species of bird.
What's Included
- All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
- All transportation during the workshop
- All lodging during the workshop
- Flights from San Jose to Tortuguero
- Chartered boat in Tortuguero National Park
- All permits and park fees
- Professional photography guiding and instruction
- Gratuity for service staff
What's Not Included
Flights to and from San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
Trip Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Travel Day)(D)
If you are joining this trip as a standalone photo safari this will be your travel day to Costa Rica. If you are continuing your adventure in Costa Rica and joining the Tortuguero trip as an extension from our Wildlife of Costa Rica excursion this is the day you travel from the Osa Peninsula back to San Jose. We will have a welcome dinner for everyone and a pre-trip orientation this evening.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
On the morning following our return from the Osa Peninsula, we’ll head back to the regional airport to board our flight to the Caribbean coast. There are no roads to Tortuguero, so we’ll be heading to a remote location accessible only by air or boat.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
We’ll rise early, heading out to the river systems in the area in search of wildlife. Keep your long lenses ready and your batteries charged as we’ll likely encounter wildlife such as Capuchin and Howler monkey, as well as Spectacled caiman, and Southern river otter during our river cruise. Dinner, served each night after a long day of wildlife photography, will feature a glorious blend of contemporary and traditional Costa Rican delights.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
We will awake early this morning and once again set out again in search of wildlife. Wildlife is abundant in Tortuguero National Park. In fact, there are sixty species of mammals that inhabit the park, and our goal for the day is to frame as much of them as possible. This day will feature two sessions of boat travel through the maze of jungle canals that is Tortuguero National Park.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
We’ll photograph all the wildlife we can find once again this morning prior to packing up and readying for our departure from Tortuguero. This afternoon we’ll board a flight back to San Jose where we’ll settle in to our rooms again at the Courtyard by Marriott. Capping off our fantastic stay in Costa Rica this evening will be a celebratory dinner at a great local restaurant near our hotel. We schedule a ‘travel day’ here because there are not many flights out of San Jose as late as you’d need to leave on this day. One more day in Costa Rica? Sounds GREAT to us!
Day 6 (Travel Day)
Enjoy your last morning in Costa Rica with a leisurely breakfast by the pool and as much Costa Rican coffee as you can drink! Flights home can be booked for anytime today, and there is a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle at the hotel – make sure to arrive at the airport three hours prior to your scheduled flight time.
Day 1 (Travel Day)(D)
If you are joining this trip as a standalone photo safari this will be your travel day to Costa Rica. If you are continuing your adventure in Costa Rica and joining the Tortuguero trip as an extension from our Wildlife of Costa Rica excursion this is the day you travel from the Osa Peninsula back to San Jose. We will have a welcome dinner for everyone and a pre-trip orientation this evening.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
On the morning following our return from the Osa Peninsula, we’ll head back to the regional airport to board our flight to the Caribbean coast. There are no roads to Tortuguero, so we’ll be heading to a remote location accessible only by air or boat.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
We’ll rise early, heading out to the river systems in the area in search of wildlife. Keep your long lenses ready and your batteries charged as we’ll likely encounter wildlife such as Capuchin and Howler monkey, as well as Spectacled caiman, and Southern river otter during our river cruise. Dinner, served each night after a long day of wildlife photography, will feature a glorious blend of contemporary and traditional Costa Rican delights.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
We will awake early this morning and once again set out again in search of wildlife. Wildlife is abundant in Tortuguero National Park. In fact, there are sixty species of mammals that inhabit the park, and our goal for the day is to frame as much of them as possible. This day will feature two sessions of boat travel through the maze of jungle canals that is Tortuguero National Park.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
We’ll photograph all the wildlife we can find once again this morning prior to packing up and readying for our departure from Tortuguero. This afternoon we’ll board a flight back to San Jose where we’ll settle in to our rooms again at the Courtyard by Marriott. Capping off our fantastic stay in Costa Rica this evening will be a celebratory dinner at a great local restaurant near our hotel. We schedule a ‘travel day’ here because there are not many flights out of San Jose as late as you’d need to leave on this day. One more day in Costa Rica? Sounds GREAT to us!
Day 6 (Travel Day)
Enjoy your last morning in Costa Rica with a leisurely breakfast by the pool and as much Costa Rican coffee as you can drink! Flights home can be booked for anytime today, and there is a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle at the hotel – make sure to arrive at the airport three hours prior to your scheduled flight time.
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
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Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
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Explore over 100 worldwide photo tours and workshops tailored to photographers of all skill levels, from iconic U.S. National Parks to Africa's untamed savannahs.
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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Testimonials From Our Customers
Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
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Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
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Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
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Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024