Costa Rica is frequently celebrated for its varied wildlife, immaculate beaches, and lush rainforests. Beyond the picture-perfect locations, however, is a completely different world—one that is a bird photographer's dream come true. A Costa Rican tour offers some of the world's most amazing bird photography chances, with over 900 bird species, such as the stunning quetzal, scarlet macaws, and toucans.
If you're planning a Costa Rica tour, here’s what no one tells you—the hidden gems and unmissable bird photography experiences that will make your trip unforgettable.
1. Bajos del Toro – A Hidden Haven for Hummingbirds
Bajos del Toro is still a secret bird photographer's heaven, even though La Fortuna is famous for its scenery. Motmots, tanagers, and hummingbirds abound in this area of cloud forest. Beautiful photography chances are presented by the birds' vivid colors, which contrast exquisitely with the verdant surroundings.
If you’re booking Costa Rica tour packages, ask about guided birdwatching tours in Bajos del Toro—you won’t regret it!
2. The Osa Peninsula – Where the Scarlet Macaws Soar
A haven for birdwatchers is the Osa Peninsula, which is home to Corcovado National Park. Photographing flocks of scarlet macaws soaring above the rainforest canopy is one of the highlights of this area's bird photography. Due to the park's distant position, there are fewer visitors and a wide variety of unusual bird species, such as the black-cheeked ant-tanager and the endangered great curassow.
Many Costa Rica tour packages offer jungle lodges in the area, allowing photographers to capture these majestic birds right from their balconies.
3. Monteverde Cloud Forest – The Land of the Resplendent Quetzal
A trip to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a must for any bird photography tour in Costa Rica. One of the greatest locations in the world to get images of the elusive dazzling quetzal is this highland sanctuary. Photographers love this bird because of its long tail and eye-catching emerald-green feathers.
During the breeding season, which runs from February to May, you have a better chance of seeing a quetzal. Finding the ideal spots for sightings might be facilitated by scheduling a local guide through your Costa Rica travel package.
4. Carara National Park – The Best of Both Worlds
Carara National Park, a transitional area between the central highlands and the Pacific lowlands, is home to both dry forest and rainforest bird species. From the colorful trogons to the eye-catching turquoise-browed motmot, it's the perfect place to photograph a wide range of birds.
One of the biggest populations of scarlet macaws in Costa Rica can also be found in this area. For the finest lighting and bird activity, go early in the morning.
5. La Selva Biological Station – A Photographer’s Research Paradise
The La Selva Biological Station provides unmatched access to rare species and study paths for those looking for a more immersive bird photography experience. More than 400 bird species, such as the exquisite keel-billed toucan and the elaborate hawk-eagle, are drawn to the station's habitat.
La Selva is less crowded than other reserves because it is a research facility, giving photographers unhindered views and plenty of time to get the ideal snap.
6. Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge – Photographing Birds in a Wetland Wonderland
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is a must-see if you like taking pictures of birds in their natural environment. Spoonbills, herons, kingfishers, and the endangered jabiru stork can all be found in this wetland ecosystem.
Boat travel is the most effective way to see Cano Negro since it lets you get up close to the birds without upsetting them. To guarantee you get the greatest photos, a lot of Costa Rica tour packages include guided boat cruises.
7. Savegre Valley – The Hidden Home of High-Altitude Birds
A bird photographer's paradise, Savegre Valley is tucked away in the Talamanca Mountains. High-altitude bird species such as the collared redstart, black guan, and long-tailed silky-flycatcher are well-known in this serene area.
Savegre provides some of the best opportunities for those who want to photograph the dazzling quetzal in a more private situation. When you wake up from your stay at a nearby eco-lodge, you can see birds grazing outside your window.
8. Palo Verde National Park – Birds of the Dry Forest
The biodiversity of Costa Rica extends beyond its rainforests. The Guanacaste region's Palo Verde National Park is a great place to take pictures of marsh and dry forest birds. White ibis, roseate spoonbills, and even the endangered Jabiru stork can be seen here.
See the park's wetlands during the dry season (December to April), when migratory birds congregate and offer breathtaking photo ops.
9. Talamanca Highlands – A Rare Opportunity for Endemic Species
Some of Costa Rica's rarest birds, such as the fiery-throated hummingbird and the spangle-cheeked tanager, can be found in the Talamanca Highlands. Unlike lowland rainforests, this area offers a distinct photographic experience due to its chilly environment and high-altitude woods.
The Talamanca Highlands should be on your agenda if you're a bird photographer hoping to snap species that are unique to the world.
10. Nighttime Bird Photography – The Challenge of the Nocturnal World
The sun doesn't have to set on bird photography. Numerous nocturnal birds, such as the common pauraque and the spectacled owl, can be found in Costa Rica. Make reservations for a guided night trip with your Costa Rican travel agency to get a chance to see these elusive animals.
You may take beautiful nighttime photos without upsetting the birds by using a red lamp and a high ISO setting on your camera.
Capture the Magic of Costa Rica’s Birdlife
The amazing birdlife that abounds in the marshes, forests, and skies is just as important as the scenery on a proper Costa Rica tour. Costa Rica provides countless options for bird photographers, whether they are capturing the stunning quetzal in Monteverde, the Osa Peninsula's scarlet macaws, or the wading birds in Cano Negro.
So, be sure to include these birding locations in your Costa Rica tour packages. Explore Costa Rica's breathtaking birdlife and go beyond the typical tourist destinations. You will have amazing photos and enduring memories of the nation's diverse birds when you return home.
Are you ready to capture the beauty of Costa Rica’s birds? Let us know which bird species you’d love to photograph the most!
