Staff Summit - Office Closed Dec. 19-20
Find Your Next Photo Adventure
Trip Calendar Most Popular Photography Tours 2024 Photography Tours 2025 Photography Tours 2026 Photography Tours 2027 Photography Tours Spring Photography Tours Summer Photography Tours Fall Photography Tours Winter Photography Tours Landscape Photography Tours Wildlife Photography Tours International Photography Tours
Stay Up To Date On All Things
Backcountry Journeys
Backcountry Journeys
Our Photography Community
Our Blog
From articles on the latest camera gear, to trip reports from our latest expeditions, our blog is meant for all interested in travel photography.Our Webinars
Our regularly hosted webinars provide photography instruction from our own guides on a wide range of topics.Our Education Portal
Explore our library of articles that cover everything from common questions, to in-depth guides on how to achieve that perfect shot.Community Testimonials
We're proud to foster an amazing group of photo travelers, and here you can find their stories from their past adventures.About Backcountry Journeys
Why Choose Backcountry Journeys
If you're considering a photography tour, hear why Backcountry Journeys delivers the best experience in the industry.Frequently Asked Questions
If you're new to photography tours, or new to BCJ, you can find our common travel questions here.Fitness Levels
Our trips vary on physical intensity, and by reviewing our fitness levels, you can find out which trips may be more challenging, or aligned more closely with your comfort level.Meet The Crew
We've built an amazing team of experienced guides, and dedicated office staff that elevate your travel experience. Get to know their backgrounds, and hear their stories.Travel Desk
You can review our various payment, and travel policies here, along with resources regarding international travel.Gift Certificates
Give the gift of photo adventure! We offer gift certificates that can be applied to any of our upcoming tours.Loyalty Program
We reward our frequent photo adventurers with exclusive discounts on amazing photography tours.Contact Us
If you need to get in touch with our office staff, or have additional business inquiries, you can find our information here.Resources For Photographers
About Our Company
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Wildlife of Costa Rica
Wilderness Eco-Lodge Photo Safari
Upcoming Departures
Don't See The Dates You're Looking For?
[Block//Start Date %M j%+0] - [Block//End Date %M j, Y%+0]
[Block//Web Spots Left]
Trip Leader(s)
[Block//Trip Leader #1]
[Block//Trip Leader #2]
Starting From [Block//Current Price]
Single Supplement: +$995.00
[Block//Online Availability]
Deposit: $2,500.00
Start/End
San Jose, Costa Rica / San Jose, Costa Rica
Length
7 Days/6 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 3 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 7 Guests
Highlights
- Explore Costa Rica, a biodiverse paradise with a rich variety of flora and fauna
- Adventure to the Osa Peninsula, hailed as the most biologically diverse place on Earth
- Encounter a remarkable array of wildlife, from monkeys and sloths to toucans and crocodiles
- Immerse yourself in the lush jungles of Costa Rica, capturing unique and vibrant wildlife
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 that is home to some of the most exotic and unique locales on the planet. With regards to Wildlife, this small Central American country is known for its abundant diversity with a rich variety of plants and animals. Costa Rica lies sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean and has a generally tropical climate – depending on the elevation. It is home to a bewildering mix of wildlife and although it only encompasses less than .01% of the world’s land mass it contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Flora and Fauna from both North and South America can be found in Costa Rica as well as native species that can only be found here and throughout the Central American Isthmus.
Costa Rica has some of the most progressive environmental policies throughout the world and has successfully managed to diminish deforestation. Initially home to some of the worst rates in the world from 1973 to 1989, Costa Rica has reduced their rate of deforestation to almost zero beginning in 2005. Adopting a national stand for conservation – Costa Rica has made the bold and responsible decision to dedicate 25% of its landmass as National Parks and various protected areas – the highest percentage in the world.
This unique photography excursion takes us to the remote and less visited Osa Peninsula. This peninsula is widely regarded as one of the best places in the world to photograph wildlife and although it is a seven hour drive from Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose – our trip takes advantage of a short and scenic plane ride to maximize our time spent photographing the wildlife! National Geographic has called it “the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity”.
The Osa Peninsula is the only place in Costa Rica where you can photograph all four monkey species native to Costa Rica including the White-Headed Capuchin, the Mantled Howler, the endangered Jeffries Spider Monkey and the Central American Squirrel Monkey. In addition to monkeys we will also have the opportunity to photograph many other unique and interesting species including Coatis, Two and Three-Toed Sloths, Dart Frogs, Hummingbirds, Tapirs, Crocodiles and possibly jungle cats such as Pumas and Ocelots. There are also many opportunities to photograph rare bird species such as Toucans, Scarlet Macaws and more.
Costa Rica is an ever-changing landscape and you never know what you might see or what photo opportunities could be waiting around the next corner. During this trip we will be staying at a beautiful eco-lodge that follows a sustainable tourism mantra. The lodge is nestled away in the thick jungle, while overlooking the Pacific Ocean. They put you and your camera at eye level with a variety of Costa Rican wildlife that come to visit right out your front door.
We will learn how to shoot macro subjects, spot and photograph wildlife in low-light jungle conditions, and use both on and off-camera flash techniques to capture the moment. You will walk away from this photography experience with a wealth of new skills and knowledge and we guarantee you'll be in the best hands possible to maximize your time photographing Central American wildlife. There is absolutely no experience equal to photographing the strange and beautiful creatures found in the lush and vibrant jungles of Costa Rica.
This trip has been crafted to take us to Costa Rica during their dry season when wildlife is easier to spot and the relentless rains of the summer monsoon are not as intrusive to our experience. Coincidentally it also happens to be a great time to escape the frozen winter climates of the northern hemisphere -wherever you may live! Join us in Costa Rica this year for the photographic experience of a lifetime, get some fantastic wildlife shots…and spend some time kicking back in a hammock and enjoying the tropical breeze while you’re down there!
Note: Conditions will likely be hot and humid. The trails we will be hiking on are in the rainforest. They can often be wet and slipper and have lots of roots and uneven surfaces.
Costa Rica has some of the most progressive environmental policies throughout the world and has successfully managed to diminish deforestation. Initially home to some of the worst rates in the world from 1973 to 1989, Costa Rica has reduced their rate of deforestation to almost zero beginning in 2005. Adopting a national stand for conservation – Costa Rica has made the bold and responsible decision to dedicate 25% of its landmass as National Parks and various protected areas – the highest percentage in the world.
This unique photography excursion takes us to the remote and less visited Osa Peninsula. This peninsula is widely regarded as one of the best places in the world to photograph wildlife and although it is a seven hour drive from Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose – our trip takes advantage of a short and scenic plane ride to maximize our time spent photographing the wildlife! National Geographic has called it “the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity”.
The Osa Peninsula is the only place in Costa Rica where you can photograph all four monkey species native to Costa Rica including the White-Headed Capuchin, the Mantled Howler, the endangered Jeffries Spider Monkey and the Central American Squirrel Monkey. In addition to monkeys we will also have the opportunity to photograph many other unique and interesting species including Coatis, Two and Three-Toed Sloths, Dart Frogs, Hummingbirds, Tapirs, Crocodiles and possibly jungle cats such as Pumas and Ocelots. There are also many opportunities to photograph rare bird species such as Toucans, Scarlet Macaws and more.
Costa Rica is an ever-changing landscape and you never know what you might see or what photo opportunities could be waiting around the next corner. During this trip we will be staying at a beautiful eco-lodge that follows a sustainable tourism mantra. The lodge is nestled away in the thick jungle, while overlooking the Pacific Ocean. They put you and your camera at eye level with a variety of Costa Rican wildlife that come to visit right out your front door.
We will learn how to shoot macro subjects, spot and photograph wildlife in low-light jungle conditions, and use both on and off-camera flash techniques to capture the moment. You will walk away from this photography experience with a wealth of new skills and knowledge and we guarantee you'll be in the best hands possible to maximize your time photographing Central American wildlife. There is absolutely no experience equal to photographing the strange and beautiful creatures found in the lush and vibrant jungles of Costa Rica.
This trip has been crafted to take us to Costa Rica during their dry season when wildlife is easier to spot and the relentless rains of the summer monsoon are not as intrusive to our experience. Coincidentally it also happens to be a great time to escape the frozen winter climates of the northern hemisphere -wherever you may live! Join us in Costa Rica this year for the photographic experience of a lifetime, get some fantastic wildlife shots…and spend some time kicking back in a hammock and enjoying the tropical breeze while you’re down there!
Note: Conditions will likely be hot and humid. The trails we will be hiking on are in the rainforest. They can often be wet and slipper and have lots of roots and uneven surfaces.
What's Included
- All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
- All transportation during the workshop
- All lodging during the workshop
- 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)
Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica. Tonight, we will be staying at the Courtyard by Marriott in Alajuela, Costa Rica (right by the San Jose airport – SJO). We will have a welcome dinner for everyone and a pre-trip orientation.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Today we will hop on a small plane which will take us down to the remote Osa Peninsula. The plane ride is less than an hour and it will save us seven hours of driving over bumpy, jungle roads! We will spend some time photographing colorful dart frogs, amphibians, reptiles, birds and snakes at a private wildlife refuge, before checking into our Eco-Lodge.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
We will explore the rainforests of the Osa Peninsula on foot. Each day we will have an opportunity to photograph different species of wildlife be it monkeys, birds, sloths or maybe doing some interesting night-time photography with Dart Frogs and other nocturnal species. Tonight, we will return to the comfort of our beautiful eco-lodge for some excellent local cuisine, cocktails and some rest and relaxation in your private bungalow!
Day 4 (B,L,D)
This morning we depart early for a bird watching adventure with a local expert deep in the rainforest. In the afternoon, we will continue our explorations of the rainforest searching for different types of animals, birds, insects and amphibians. Depending on the tides, we may even be able to take a mangrove tour.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
We will depart early looking for more amazing bird species and other wildlife with a local expert. We have the opportunity to see a variety of creatures including sloth, capuchin monkeys, coatis and perhaps the elusive tayra. This evening, we will retire to our beautiful eco-lodge and un-wind to the rhythm of the tropics!
Day 6 (B,L,D)
We will spend our last morning on the Osa Peninsula at another wildlife refuge garden photographing several sloth families along with other wildlife. This afternoon we’ll board a flight back to San Jose. Enjoy your final night’s accommodation and celebrate the conclusion of a fantastic journey with dinner at a great local restaurant in town!
Day 7
Enjoy your last morning in Costa Rica with a leisurely breakfast by the pool and some Costa Rican coffee if you want! After all it is vacation. Flights home can be booked for anytime today and there is a complimentary airport shuttle at the hotel (4am - midnight) – make sure you are at the airport three hours prior to your scheduled flight time, unless you are the first flight out in the morning.
Day 1 (Travel Day)(D)
Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica. Tonight, we will be staying at the Courtyard by Marriott in Alajuela, Costa Rica (right by the San Jose airport – SJO). We will have a welcome dinner for everyone and a pre-trip orientation.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Today we will hop on a small plane which will take us down to the remote Osa Peninsula. The plane ride is less than an hour and it will save us seven hours of driving over bumpy, jungle roads! We will spend some time photographing colorful dart frogs, amphibians, reptiles, birds and snakes at a private wildlife refuge, before checking into our Eco-Lodge.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
We will explore the rainforests of the Osa Peninsula on foot. Each day we will have an opportunity to photograph different species of wildlife be it monkeys, birds, sloths or maybe doing some interesting night-time photography with Dart Frogs and other nocturnal species. Tonight, we will return to the comfort of our beautiful eco-lodge for some excellent local cuisine, cocktails and some rest and relaxation in your private bungalow!
Day 4 (B,L,D)
This morning we depart early for a bird watching adventure with a local expert deep in the rainforest. In the afternoon, we will continue our explorations of the rainforest searching for different types of animals, birds, insects and amphibians. Depending on the tides, we may even be able to take a mangrove tour.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
We will depart early looking for more amazing bird species and other wildlife with a local expert. We have the opportunity to see a variety of creatures including sloth, capuchin monkeys, coatis and perhaps the elusive tayra. This evening, we will retire to our beautiful eco-lodge and un-wind to the rhythm of the tropics!
Day 6 (B,L,D)
We will spend our last morning on the Osa Peninsula at another wildlife refuge garden photographing several sloth families along with other wildlife. This afternoon we’ll board a flight back to San Jose. Enjoy your final night’s accommodation and celebrate the conclusion of a fantastic journey with dinner at a great local restaurant in town!
Day 7
Enjoy your last morning in Costa Rica with a leisurely breakfast by the pool and some Costa Rican coffee if you want! After all it is vacation. Flights home can be booked for anytime today and there is a complimentary airport shuttle at the hotel (4am - midnight) – make sure you are at the airport three hours prior to your scheduled flight time, unless you are the first flight out in the morning.
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.
More Trips Like This
[Block//Trip Category (Destinations)]
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
[Block//Trip Length]
From [Block//Basic Pricing]
[Block//Author//First Name] [Block//Author//Last Name] | [Block//Published Date]
Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
UNPARALELLED
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
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.
THE BEST TEAM
IN THE
BUSINESS
IN THE
BUSINESS
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.
WORLD-CLASS
PHOTOGRAPHY
COMMUNITY
PHOTOGRAPHY
COMMUNITY
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
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."
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
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."
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
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."
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
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