Explore Costa Rica’s best habitats with expert birding and photography guides.
900+ species · Expert naturalist guides · From half-day walks to multi-day expeditions
Whether you're an avid birder with a life list or a photographer chasing the perfect Quetzal shot, our birding programs are tailored to maximize species encounters across Costa Rica's top habitats.
Field Portfolio
Birds of Costa Rica
Real photos from our guides and guests across Costa Rica.
Resplendent Quetzal
King Vulture
Green Violet-ear
King Vulture in Flight
Silver-throated Tanager
Keel-billed Toucan
Hummingbird Portrait
Agami Heron
Black Hawk-Eagle
Agami Heron
Hummingbird & Flower
Spectacled Owl
Rufous Motmot
Red-legged Honeycreeper
Hummingbird Feeding
Caño Negro Wetlands
Caño Negro Birds
Caño Negro Photography
Black-and-white Warbler
Hummingbirds in Flight
Guided Birding Session — Arenal
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Your Expert Birding Guides
Elías Peña Ramírez
Owner · Birder · Wildlife Photographer · 15+ years
Founder of VIVO Expeditions with deep knowledge of Arenal's bird populations. Specialist in finding target species across all ecosystems. Former Operations Manager at Reserva Biológica Ecocentro Danaus.
Bird Photographer · Workshop Leader · International Experience
Owner of Yehudi Photography Photo Tours. Licensed tour operator with birding experience in Pantanal, Namibia, and Colombia. Master of multi-flash hummingbird setups and birds-in-flight photography.
Expert naturalist guide specializing in bird identification by song and behavior. Deep knowledge of Costa Rica's lowland and mid-elevation species. Known for patient observation and high species counts.
José Sequeira
Tour Guide · Photographer & Videographer · Naturalist · Birder · History Teller
Seasoned naturalist and birding guide with extensive knowledge of tropical bird ecology. Skilled photographer and videographer who captures Costa Rica's wildlife on camera. Known for his engaging storytelling that brings the natural and cultural history of each location to life.
Find the right experience for you
Three different ways to enjoy Costa Rica's wildlife — pick the one that matches your interest.
All tours are private — here is what that means
Private Tour
Just your group
100% flexible schedule
Personalized pace
Ideal for serious photography
Every experience includes a dedicated expert guide and premium routes.
— Pick your style —
Which experience fits you best?
Birdwatching
Guided spotting + scope work to see and identify as many species as possible. Casual pace.
For birders & nature lovers
Bird Photography
Strategic positioning, light & ethics. Time at feeders, blinds and active perches.
For photographers (any level)
Most Booked
Half-Day & Full-Day Birding Tours in Arenal
Join one of our guided birding walks — perfect for a morning or full day in the field without committing to a multi-day package.
Full day at Arenal Observatory Reserve — 500+ recorded species. Trails through primary forest with Arenal Volcano backdrop. Keel-billed Toucan, Collared Aracari, mixed tanager flocks.
Day 3
Bogarín Trails & Photography
Morning at Bogarín Trail feeding stations — Rufous Motmot, Green Honeycreeper, sloths. Afternoon at Danaus for hummingbird photography and forest canopy species.
Day 4
Dawn Birding & Departure
Early morning bird walk at lodge grounds. Final species count review and departure transfer.
All travelers must carry their own travel insurance with trip cancellation and medical coverage while overseas.
6-Day / 5-Night
Birdwatching + Photography
Arenal & Boca Tapada Birding
ArenalBoca Tapada
6-Day / 5-NightArenal · Boca Tapada
Intensive birding combining Arenal lowlands with remote Boca Tapada — King Vultures, Toucans, Great Green Macaws, and 200+ species.
Day 1
Arrival & Danaus Wetlands
Arrive La Fortuna. Afternoon birding at Ecocentro Danaus wetlands — heron rookery, jacanas, kingfishers.
Day 2
Arenal Observatory Reserve
Full day at Arenal Observatory Lodge trails. Primary forest birding — Crested Guan, White Hawk, mixed tanager flocks. Feeders attract 10+ hummingbird species.
Day 3
Transfer to Boca Tapada
Morning at Bogarín Trail. Afternoon transfer to remote Boca Tapada in the northern Caribbean lowlands. Evening birding at lodge feeders.
Day 4
King Vulture Photography Blind
Early morning at the King Vulture blind — one of few consistent sites in Central America. Afternoon canopy observation platform for Great Green Macaw, Keel-billed Toucan.
Day 5
Boca Tapada Forest Trails
Full day deep-forest birding. Target: Black Hawk-Eagle, Semiplumbeous Hawk, Great Curassow, Snowy Cotinga. Photography platforms and fruit feeders.
Day 6
Dawn Session & Departure
Final dawn session at feeders. Species list review and departure transfer to La Fortuna or SJO.
All travelers must carry their own travel insurance with trip cancellation and medical coverage while overseas.
8-Day / 7-Night
Highland Birding + Photography
Highlands & Quetzal Expedition
ArenalTalamancaSan Gerardo de Dota
8-Day / 7-NightArenal · Talamanca · San Gerardo de Dota
From Arenal to the Talamanca Highlands — Resplendent Quetzal, highland hummingbirds, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, and cloud forest endemics.
Day 1
Arrival & Arenal Lowlands
Arrive La Fortuna. Afternoon lowland birding at Ecocentro Danaus — baseline species for comparing highland specialties later.
Day 2
Arenal Observatory & Volcano Trails
Full day at Arenal Observatory Reserve. 500+ species recorded. Target lowland-to-mid-elevation species before ascending to highlands.
Day 3
Bogarín & Caño Negro Option
Morning at Bogarín Trail feeding stations. Optional full-day Caño Negro wetland expedition for Jabiru, Roseate Spoonbill, Snail Kite.
Day 4
Transfer to Highlands
Scenic drive from Arenal to Talamanca Highlands (2,500-3,000m). Stop at mid-elevation sites en route. Arrive San Gerardo de Dota — cloud forest immersion.
Day 5
Resplendent Quetzal Hunt
Dawn expedition for Resplendent Quetzal — wild avocado feeding trees. Cloud forest trails for Collared Redstart, Black Guan, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo.
Day 6
Páramo & Highland Hummingbirds
Cerro de la Muerte páramo birding (3,400m). Volcano Hummingbird, Timberline Wren, Large-footed Finch. Afternoon at Batsu Gardens feeders — Fiery-throated Hummingbird.
Day 7
Cloud Forest & Trogons
Final highland day — deeper forest trails for Prong-billed Barbet, Golden-browed Chlorophonia, Flame-throated Warbler. Afternoon photography at feeding stations.
Day 8
Departure
Optional dawn walk. Transfer to SJO airport with species list review — 250+ species expected.
All travelers must carry their own travel insurance with trip cancellation and medical coverage while overseas.
The ultimate birding photography expedition — multi-flash hummingbird rigs, King Vulture blinds, Quetzal hunts, Caño Negro wetlands, and Boca Tapada. 300+ species potential.
Day 1
Arrival & Arenal
Arrive La Fortuna. Evening birding at lodge gardens — initial species and photography setup review with your guide.
Day 2
Arenal Observatory Lodge
Full day at Arenal Observatory Reserve. Feeders, forest trails, and Arenal Volcano backdrop. Multi-flash hummingbird photography sessions.
Day 3
Danaus & Bogarín Stations
Morning at Ecocentro Danaus wetlands. Afternoon at Bogarín Trail feeders — toucans, motmots, tanagers in controlled photography settings.
Day 4
Transfer to Boca Tapada
Drive to remote northern lowlands. Afternoon session at Boca Tapada photography platforms. Evening fruit feeders for nocturnal species.
Day 5
King Vulture Blind
Pre-dawn positioning at King Vulture photography blind. Afternoon canopy platform — Great Green Macaw, toucans, tanager flocks.
Day 6
Boca Tapada Deep Forest
Forest trails for Black Hawk-Eagle, Semiplumbeous Hawk. Photography platforms and specialized feeders for frame-filling portraits.
Day 7
Caño Negro Wetlands
Full day boat-based photography on Río Frío. Jabiru, Roseate Spoonbill, Anhinga, herons, kingfishers. Wetland landscapes and bird-in-habitat shots.
Day 8
Sarapiquí Lowlands
Transfer to Sarapiquí. Photography at Pierella Gardens and forest trails — Snowy Cotinga, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Black-crowned Antshrike.
Day 9
Transfer to Highlands
Drive to Talamanca Highlands. Afternoon at Batsu Gardens — Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Volcano Hummingbird, highland tanagers.
Day 10
Quetzal & Cloud Forest
Dawn Quetzal photography in wild avocado trees. Cloud forest trails for Collared Redstart, Flame-throated Warbler, Golden-browed Chlorophonia.
Day 11
Final Session & Departure
Optional dawn photography. Species list review — 300+ species expected. Transfer to SJO with edited highlights.
All travelers must carry their own travel insurance with trip cancellation and medical coverage while overseas.
Half-Day Combos — Arenal
Two birding hotspots in one morning
Adults only. Minimum 2 pax for per-person rate; solo travelers pay a flat rate. Private transport optional for an additional fee.
5–6 hours
Transport optional
Half-Day Birding — Bogarín + Danaus
Two top-tier La Fortuna birding hotspots in one morning — forest + wetland diversity.
Includes
Bogarín Trail – Sloths & Wildlife Tour
Ecocentro Danaus – Birdwatching Tour
80–120 species expected
Sloths on most walks
Forest + wetland habitats
Snack included
Physical profile (combined)
Active time
4.5 hrs
Walking
3.5–4 km
Difficulty
Easy–Moderate
Closed walking shoes with grip (some uneven ground)
1 L water per person, light snacks
Suitable if you can walk 2–3 hrs at a relaxed pace
From (2+ adults)
$200/pp +fees
Solo traveler
$280flat +fees
Adults only · Private transport optional (additional cost)
Start: 05:30
6 hours
Transport optional
Half-Day — Arenal Observatory + Hanging Bridges
Primary forest birding at Arenal Observatory then canopy-level views from Mistico bridges.
Includes
Arenal Observatory – Birding & Wildlife Walk
Mistico Hanging Bridges – Wildlife Walk
500+ species territory
Canopy bridges
Volcano views
Mixed flocks
Physical profile (combined)
Active time
5 hrs
Walking
5–6 km
Difficulty
Moderate
Hiking shoes recommended (forest trails, some inclines)
1.5–2 L water + snacks
Suitable if you walk regularly; prolonged standing for photos
From (2+ adults)
$250/pp +fees
Solo traveler
$320flat +fees
Adults only · Private transport optional (additional cost)
Start: 06:00
You focus on the shot — we handle the rest
Choose Your Travel Style
You focus on the shot — we handle the rest. Unlike standard tour operators, we offer custom-designed experiences tailored to your independence, budget, and photographic goals.
What Every Style Includes
Certified Lodges
Selected based on photographic potential, on-site wildlife, and light conditions — not generic hotels.
Nationwide Expert Network
Access to our extensive network of local guides and specialists across Costa Rica.
Full Logistics Management
We handle all reservations, route planning, and timing strategies.
Travel Insurance Required
All travelers must carry their own travel insurance with trip cancellation and medical coverage.
The Expert's Edition
Private Mentorship with Elías Peña
The most exclusive offering. Travel alongside our founder as a fellow creative. Elías anticipates the light, positions you for the best composition, and helps you execute your vision in real-time.
Insider Access — local relationships and a photographer's eye ensure you're in the perfect spot before the action happens.
Ideal For
Professional photographers seeking a peer/fixer
Serious enthusiasts wanting to master their craft
Travelers who want the highest level of service
The Wildlife Expedition
Private Driver + Certified Naturalist Guide
The deep dive into nature. Travel with a dedicated two-person team: a professional driver to handle the road and a certified naturalist guide to scan the canopy.
Two pairs of eyes — while you photograph, your guide is already finding the next subject.
Ideal For
Birdwatchers and wildlife lovers
Photographers who need help spotting cryptic species
Those who want to learn the biology behind the image
The Relaxed Explorer
Private Professional Driver
The stress-free vacation. You manage the camera; we manage the road. No navigating confusing maps, no dealing with Costa Rican traffic, and no parking stress.
We provide the itinerary and certified lodges; the driver executes it safely while you review your images.
Ideal For
Photographers seeking luxury without a full-time guide
Couples or families who want a vacation feel with photo opportunities
Travelers who want to avoid the stress of driving abroad
The Independent Adventure
Curated Self-Drive Tour
The freedom of the open road, with a safety net. We plan the route, book photographer-friendly lodges, and schedule the wildlife hotspots. You get independence without the risk of bad planning.
Access to our nationwide network of local guides and experts — your photography sessions are led by our trusted specialists.
Ideal For
Adventurous spirits who love driving
Photographers on a budget who still want the best locations
Travelers who value total privacy
Not sure which style suits your goals? We can mix and match elements to build your perfect Costa Rica portfolio trip.
Top Birding Regions
Costa Rica's compact size means incredible variety — from Caribbean lowlands to cloud forests in a few hours.
Arenal & La Fortuna
Lowland rainforest birding with 400+ species. Toucans, motmots, tanagers, and hummingbirds. Our base of operations.
Keel-billed Toucan, Rufous Motmot, Green Honeycreeper
Boca Tapada
Remote Caribbean lowlands — King Vulture blinds, Great Green Macaw territory, and specialized feeders.
King Vulture, Great Green Macaw, Black Hawk-Eagle
Caño Negro
Premier wetland birding — boat-based exploration of marshes, lagoons, and the Río Frío.
Jabiru, Roseate Spoonbill, Snail Kite, Anhinga
Talamanca Highlands
Cloud forest at 3,000m+ — highland endemics, Resplendent Quetzal, and volcanic hummingbirds.
Mix and match birding activities across different regions to create your perfect trip.
Birding & Bird Photography
Ready for Your Birding Adventure?
Contact us to check availability, discuss target species, and design your perfect birding trip.
All travelers must carry their own travel insurance with trip cancellation and medical coverage while overseas.
📋 Multi-Day Trip Policies
Payment, Cancellation & Insurance
Payment
•A 50% non-refundable deposit secures your place and lets us begin coordinating logistics with local partners
•The remaining balance is due 60 days (2 months) before departure
•Private or custom departures may carry their own deadline, always stated in your confirmation
•If the balance is not received 30 days before the start date, the service is not confirmed and the deposit may be retained
•We accept credit/debit cards (Stripe) and PayPal
Cancellation
•Cancellation 30 days or more before departure → everything paid above the non-refundable 50% deposit is refunded
•Booked less than 60 days before departure → 100% is paid at booking
•If only the deposit has been paid, there is no cash refund because the deposit itself is non-refundable
•Less than 30 days before departure, or no-show → no refund (local services are already prepaid)
•No automatic travel credit is granted for multi-day workshops and expeditions
•Unused services included in your itinerary cannot be refunded or credited
•If we cancel a trip due to low enrollment, you receive a full refund of all payments made
•The package is governed as a whole: its tours and transfers do not use the day-tour or transfer rules
•All refunds are issued to the original payment method (card, PayPal, or bank transfer used at booking). We do not issue cash refunds under any circumstance.
Travel Insurance
•Every traveler must have their own travel insurance before arriving in Costa Rica
•Your policy should cover medical emergencies, trip interruption, and loss or theft of personal gear
•We cannot cover expenses that arise from traveling without proper insurance
•For the best rates and coverage, we suggest arranging your policy from your home country
Trip Conduct
•We foster a respectful, collaborative atmosphere — please treat guides, drivers, lodge staff, and fellow travelers with courtesy
•Disruptive behavior that impacts the group experience may result in removal from the trip without compensation
