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 José – 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.