Compare Costa Rica Photography Holiday by Creative Escapes vs Costa Rica: See & Experience it ALL in 11 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours by Charlie The Traveler

DAYS 1 & 2 : SAN JOSE
It’s only a short hop from the airport to our luxury boutique hotel in the heart of San Jose – Costa Rica’s spectacularly set capital city – ringed by jagged mountains, lush plants- tions and volcanoes on all sides. Our hotel, the Grano de Oro, is the finest hotel here, a 40-room former Victorian mansion, is a true oasis, a sanctuary in the heart of the city. Here we begin the basics of photography; understanding in very non-techy language how to confidently use your camera. Later, we’ll swing by some of the opulent museums of gold and jade, capture some colorfully arresting murals and hipster buskers in historic neighborhoods, and then kick back and drink the buzzing night- time atmosphere at Calle La Amarula. Welcome to the world’s happiest place!

DAYS 3 & 4: MONTEVERDE
Today, we head north, to Montverde Cloud Forest Reserve, extending over 35,000 acres and eight life zones atop the Continental Divide. Home to over 100 species of mammals, 1,200 amphibians plus jaguars, pumas and the resplendent quetzal, we’ll check into our junior suites, and get ready for our first adventure. At nightfall, a new world awakens in the clouds, and we’ll be there to capture the nocturnal biodiversity of the tropical forest by flashlight, led by experienced guides. Next day, we’ll delve further into the skills required to shoot great nature photography, then board the sky tram. Soon, high inside the forest, we’ll walk along sky trails at the level of the treetops, with spectacular views of the entire Biological reserve. Then, for those brave enough, we’ll descend 2.5 kilometers of zip lines up to 40mph, chance to silently observe the forest in all it’s might.

DAYS 5 & 6 : TURRIALBA
Costa Rica is home to a great number of volcanoes, six being active and another 61 dormant or extinct. Today, we’ll venture first to Irazu, the highest volcano in Costa Rica, from which on a clear day you can see both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. After an afternoon shooting over the emerald lake and surrounding moonscapes, we’ll take a short drive to Turrialba, to our stunning ranch with fabulous views of an active volcano – chance to learn the art of night photography in plush, safe surroundings. Next day, we’ll switch into black and white mode, going behind the scenes at a working coffee plantation, chance to get your hands dirty roasting beans, grinding, blending then a private tasting (and some liqueurs too).

DAYS 7 & 8: PUERTO VIEJO
East today, to the Caribbean, to where the flora and fauna meets gorgeous beaches, crystal clear blue waters and unspoiled, authentic seaside towns. Here we’ll chill, chance to get into the Caribbean rhythm, and capture portraits in this untouched paradise. Today, we’ll find our own adventures, meeting rainforest fruit farmers, local surfers, and hawkers cooking up a storm in their rickety shacks. This is Costa Rica in second gear, and a smorgasbord of photographic opportunities to capture one of the last original communities. In your free time, take a snooze in the grounds of our luxury hotel, learn how to surf, or learn the art of creole cookery in our lunch spot at Maxims. Later, we’ll review all of the shots of the day, beachside – with cocktails, of course.

DAYS 9 & 10: SAN JOSE
Our final stop back to the luxurious Grano de Oro, chance to put all your skills in portraiture, documentary, action, nature and landscape photography into practice, and work closely with your tutor to develop some shots for our final nights pop up exhibition in the grounds of the hotel. We’ll help pinpoint your emerging technique, give you tips on where to develop your skills, and some advice on the best kind of kit to suit your style. Finally, to round the trip off, we’ll host a pop-up outdoor exhibition overlooking the city of San Jose, then head out to celebrate all of our creative exploits. Next day, you’ll have time to relax and explore Costa Rica one last time before the plane flight home.

Day 1: A Social Gathering on the Sand & Horseback Riding

Our tour to Costa Rica starts in Tamarindo. This beach village is a popular destination for couples and families looking for a good time. Tamarindo is the epitome of everything Costa Rica prides itself on. Let's head to the beach, where there is likely to be a gathering/party of some sort. On a side note, Tamarindo is also home to leatherback turtles. The day ends with horseback riding on the beach and in a nearby valley.

Day 2: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with an Open Bar & Appetizers & Going Snorkeling

We go on an excursion today. Passing by the beaches in Brasilito and then Potrero, we stop at Flamingo beach so we can go swimming. Afterwards, we do a cruise into the bay. We are provided with snorkeling gear, local appetizers and access to an open bar. Enjoy the sunset while “sipping on some bubbly.”

Day 3: Zip-Lining & a Night Expedition in a Cloud Forest Reserve

We relocate from Tamarindo near to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. There we go on a zip-lining tour. We return in the evening for a night tour.

This reserve draws roughly 70,000 visitors a year. It consists of over 10,500 hectares of cloud forest and 6 ecological zones, 90 percent of which are virgin forest. A high biodiversity-consisting of over 2,500 plant species, 100 species of mammals, 400 bird species, 120 reptilian and amphibian species and thousands of insects-has drawn scientists and tourists alike.

Day 4: Rappelling, Climbing & Hiking & Bathing in Natural Hot Springs

We relocate from Monteverde to the town of La Fortuna. Shortly thereafter, we are taken on an adrenaline-pumping adventure to the Lost Canyon. There we climb and hike and otherwise go waterfall rappelling. Lunch is included on today’s tour.

After the Lost Canyon, we are taken to one of the many natural hot springs in La Fortuna. More specifically, we are taken to a resort called Ecotermales Fortuna. There we bathe as well as eat. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 5: Walking Over Hanging Bridges & Swimming Under a Waterfall

Today we are taken on a tour to the nearby surroundings. First is Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, which features cool-looking bridges hanging in the tropical rain forest. Next is La Fortuna Waterfall, where we can go swimming. Following the waterfall is lunch, which is included on today’s tour. Lastly for today is Arenal Volcano National Park. It offers a nice hike amid tropical scenery. The volcano measures at least 1,633 meters (5,358 feet) high and is estimated to be less than 7,500 years old.

Day 6: An Intimidating Volcano

We go on a daytrip today. We are taken to Tenorio Volcano National Park. The jewel of this national park is its volcano, from which it receives its name. Tenorio Volcano consists of 4 volcanic peaks and 2 craters. Thermal springs and small geysers dot the area, as do rivers, waterfalls and lagoons. The upper area of the park is dominated by primary cloud forest, while the lower regions are carpeted with rain forest. The summit can be reached via the Lago Las Dantas Trail, which winds up the volcano and passes through forested terrain before eventually reaching the peak. From the park’s entrance, it takes about an hour to hike up to the peak/main viewpoint. Lunch is included on today’s tour.

Day 7: The Country's Most Famous Beach

We relocate from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio. We see why this town is so popular with tourists. Its national park receives almost 150,000 visitors annually. Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica at its most tropical. Let's head to the beach.

Day 8: White Sand & Taking a Surf Class

The day starts with a guided tour inside Manuel Antonio National Park. Extra time is given so we can go swimming. This park has impressive landscapes and several coves with many white sand beaches and lush foliage amidst great mountains and forests. The second half of the day is spent taking a surfing class.

Day 9: Discovering Wildlife Inside an Animal Kingdom

Before relocating to the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, we are provided with a guided tour inside Manuel Antonio National Park. Extra time is given so we can go swimming. This park has impressive landscapes and several coves with many white sand beaches and lush foliage amidst great mountains and forests.

Day 10: The Most Stunning Volcano in Costa Rica & a Coffee Plantation Visit

We go on a daytrip today. We are first taken to Doka Estate. There we are provided with breakfast followed by a guided tour of a coffee plantation. Next, we visit Poás Volcano National Park. There we are provided with a guided tour. Please note that Poás Volcano National Park is often closed due to eruptions. If this is the case during your visit, then this park would need to be removed from today’s itinerary. Lastly, we visit La Paz Waterfall. There we are provided with lunch as well as a guided tour.

Day 11: Our Tour Ends This Morning

San Jose is the final destination on our tour around Costa Rica. Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the international airport.