A small hummingbird with iridescent purple and blue feathers on its throat, perched on a branch with pinkish-purple stems and leaves in the background.

Pura Vida

Costa Rica

2027

Join me, hummingbird photographer Anthony Lujan, and fellow photographer Agustín Murillo Víquez, who is also our country guide and organizer, for an immersive photographic journey across Costa Rica — one of the most celebrated birding destinations in the world.

Two men smiling and taking a selfie in a lush, green outdoor setting during rain, wearing waterproof jackets with hoods.

Anthony’s photographs from Costa Rica

Tour Dates: TBD

💰 Trip Cost:
$4,000 per person in shared accommodations
and $4,500 for a single supplement.

🔒 Deposit:
$1,000 due at time of booking to secure your spot

Spanning 8 days and 7 nights, this expedition is crafted for passionate bird and nature photographers seeking the best of Costa Rica. We’ll explore handpicked lodges and reserves that showcase the country’s incredible diversity of hummingbirds and tropical species — from cloud forests to lush lowlands.

  • Activities: Arrive in Costa Rica and settle into your hotel just minutes from the airport. If you're eager, stretch your legs with a bit of garden birding right on the grounds.

    Meals: Dinner at the hotel or a nearby local spot (depending on your arrival time).

    Hummingbirds to look for: Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Blue-vented Hummingbird.

    Bonus birds: Clay-colored Thrush (Costa Rica’s national bird), Inca Dove, Great Kiskadee

  • Vara Blanca – Cinchona

    Activities: Wind through the misty highlands on a scenic drive to Cinchona. Spend the day birding at famous feeders and nearby forest trails with jaw-dropping views.

    Meals: All meals included.

    Hummingbird highlights: Coppery-headed Emerald (endemic), Green Thorntail, Violet Sabrewing, Purple-throated Mountain-gem, Talamanca Hummingbird.

    Also around: Resplendent Quetzal, Red-headed Barbet, Northern Emerald-Toucanet.

  • Caribbean Lowlands – Guápiles

    Activities: Head into the lush Caribbean lowlands to explore tropical forests bursting with life.

    Meals: All meals included.

    Hummingbird highlights: White-necked Jacobin, Green-breasted Mango, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer, Purple-crowned Fairy, White-tipped Sicklebill.

    Also keep an eye out for: Scarlet Macaw, Rufous Motmot, Agami Heron.

  • Rancho Naturalista – Turrialba

    Activities: Wake up surrounded by birds at one of Central America’s top birding lodges. Spend the day exploring private trails, garden feeders, and hidden forest gems.

    Meals: All meals included.

    Hummingbird highlights: Snowcap, Black-crested Coquette, Violet-headed Hummingbird, Garden Emerald, White-necked Jacobin.

    Other stars: Lovely Cotinga, Montezuma Oropendola, Bay-headed Tanager.

  • Quelitales Lodge – Cartago Highlands

    Activities: Bird the high-elevation trails of Cartago’s cloud forests and scenic waterfalls. The views are stunning — and so are the birds.

    Meals: All meals included.

    Hummingbird highlights: Scintillant Hummingbird, White-bellied Mountain-gem, Black-bellied Hummingbird.

    Also watch for: Silvery-throated Tanager, Ruddy Treerunner, Buffy Tuftedcheek.

  • Cerro de la Muerte

    Activities: Explore cool, high-altitude habitats with a local guide and search for the iconic Resplendent Quetzal in its natural home.

    Meals: All meals included.

    Hummingbird highlights: Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Volcano Hummingbird, White-throated Mountain-gem, Lesser Violetear.

    Also on the radar: Resplendent Quetzal, Black-and-yellow Silky-Flycatcher, Volcano Junco.

  • Esquipulas – Manuel Antonio region

    Activities: Descend into the lush Pacific lowlands for a final burst of biodiversity. Rainforest trails and foothill habitats deliver nonstop birding action.

    Meals: Breakfast & lunch included.

    Hummingbird highlights: White-crested Coquette, Long-billed Hermit, Charming Hummingbird, Stripe-throated Hermit.

    Bonus birds: Turquoise-browed Motmot, Baird’s Trogon, Scarlet Macaw.

  • Activities: Enjoy breakfast and bid farewell to Costa Rica as we transfer to San José Airport for your flight home.

    Optional: Spot a few last-minute birds during the morning, depending on flight times.

📷 What You’ll Experience:

  • 🕊️ Close-up encounters with dazzling hummingbird species and tropical birds

  • 🌳 Diverse ecosystems — cloud forests, rainforests, and gardens rich with birdlife

  • 📸 Field instruction and guidance from two photographers: my focus on hummingbirds, and Agustín’s deep expertise in Costa Rica’s avifauna

  • 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Small group size 5 to 8 for maximum shooting time, flexibility, and creative space

Detailed Itinerary

We will attempt to stay true to this itinerary. However, certain unforeseeable conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or wildlife migrations) may require changes to the itinerary. We reserve the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will do our absolute best to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible.

    • Expert local guides and drivers throughout the trip

    • All entrance fees to parks and natural areas listed in the itinerary

    • Comfortable accommodations (double occupancy; single rooms available for a supplement)

    • All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the final day, with restaurant staff tips included

    • Land transportation during the tour

    • Airport transfers at designated arrival and depature times

    • International flights to and from the tour start location

    • Extra hotel nights before or after the scheduled tour dates

    • Additional gratuities for guides, drivers, or lodge staff (optional but appreciated)

    • Personal expenses such as bar tabs, laundry, phone calls, or souvenirs

    • Passport, visa, vaccination, and travel insurance costs (travel insurance is strongly recommended)

    • Medical expenses, including hospitalization or evacuation if necessary

Cancellation & Refund Policy

To confirm your spot, we require a USD $1,000 deposit. This deposit is non-refundable but can be transferred once to another tour within 12 months.

The remaining balance is due 90 days before departure. Flexible installment plans are available—just ask.

Refunds for cancellations are as follows:

  • More than 60 days before departure: Full refund of payments made (minus deposit).

  • 31–60 days before departure: 50% refund of payments made (minus deposit).

  • 30 days or fewer before departure: No refund.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unexpected cancellations or emergencies (see: www.insuremytrip.com).

If a tour is cancelled by us, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to transfer your payment to another tour within one year.

If you are interested in Costa Rica, please take a moment to complete the form provided below.