Costa Rica 2027

Birds, Mammals and More!
A Photography/Videography Tour

Maximum 6 photographers

Tour 1: April 12-22, 2027

1 Spots Available

Tour 1-Monteverde Extension:

April 22-25, 2027

1 Spots Available

NEW Tour 2: March 29-April 8, 2027 NEW

4 Spots Available

Leader: Ron R Bielefeld

_______________________________________________________

Main Tours: $6995 USD per person ($850 deposit*)
Monteverde Extension: $1850 USD
Degree of Difficulty: Low to Moderate
Prerequisites: open to photographers of all skill levels
9 days of photography per main tour
2 days of photography Monteverde extension

6 photographers maximum per tour
Includes:
•Lodging - single occupancy no sharing (except travel days)
•Transport to wildlife locations - on tour dates
•Photography/video instruction - on tour dates
•All entrance, guide, and boat tour fees during the tour

Not Included:
•Flights to and from San Jose' Costa Rica
•Tips/gratuities
•Meals/beverages not part of lodging fees
•Any excursions/activities not included in tour
•Lodging and meals during travel days

__________________________________

This isn’t your typical bird photography tour. Over 9 days or more, we’ll explore Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems—from lowland rainforests on both coasts to the high cloud forests—seeking out birds and wildlife most tours never attempt to find.

We won’t stay parked at a single lodge or rely on feeders. Instead, we’ll travel across regions, photographing birds in the wild along with sloths, monkeys, frogs, and snakes. You’ll enjoy a relaxed pace with plenty of time to focus on your craft.

Our macro workshop begins in a controlled setting with frogs and snakes, then moves into the field—where we’ll apply those skills to nighttime photography in natural habitats.

If you crave variety, adventure, and authentic wildlife encounters, this tour offers a photography experience like no other.

Costa Rica 2026 Highlights

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Exceeded Expectations

“2026 Costa Rica Tour” exceeded all expectations and delivered exceptional experience from start to finish. Professionally organized and thoughtfully structured for photographers of varying skill levels. Highlight was apparent exclusive access to remarkable locations I had never previously encountered in Costa Rica. A must do tour and a great value! Goran in AZ

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Delighted with Photos

An exceptional tour! Day and night sessions all great photo ops with great vantage points. Not your typical feeder locations but unique areas and unique subjects. Transportation, lodges, and food were all excellent. I plan to do more of Ron's tours. Charlie

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Amazing Experience

Just a note regarding this amazing experience. 30k images over 10 days! This tour was world-class not just great locations but great help with camera settings to get the best images. Built in flexibility to ensure the best photo opportunities was amazing. Tino

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Tour information or Book the Tour

Costa Rica 2025 Showcase

A look at some videos and images from my 2025 Costa Rica tours.

Join a 2027 Costa Rica Tour

Information or Book the Tour

A Premium Experience for Serious Photographers

A Tour Designed for Photographers Who Want More

Most bird‑photography tours in Costa Rica visit 6–10 locations, rely on shared transportation, and offer limited time with local experts. This tour is different. It’s built from the ground up for photographers who want deeper access, more guided opportunities, and a smoother, more productive experience in the field.

Over 10 days, you’ll photograph birds across an average of 15 hand‑selected locations, each chosen for its unique species, lighting, backgrounds, and photographic potential. From high‑elevation quetzal habitat to lowland rainforest hummingbird gardens, every stop is intentional — and every day offers great opportunities.

What Makes This Photography Tour Exceptional

1. More Guided Photography Locations

This is one of the most comprehensive bird‑photography itineraries offered in Costa Rica. You’ll work with local specialists at every site, giving you access to:

Private hummingbird setups
Manakin leks
King Vulture hides
Tropical lowland feeders
High‑elevation quetzal habitat
Spots only local guides know

Most tours offer 6–10 guided sessions. You get on average 15 and, although not always possible, we work so our group is the only group at most locations.

2. A Dedicated Main Guide for the Entire Tour

Your main guide is with you from start to finish — managing logistics, scouting conditions, coordinating with local experts, and ensuring you’re in the right place at the right time.

This level of continuity is rare. It means:

Better species coverage
Better timing for light and behavior
Better photographic results

3. Local Specialists at Every Location

Most of our sites include a secondary guide — a local expert who knows the birds, the behavior, and the micro‑habitats of their region.

This dual‑guide system gives you:

Faster bird locating
More species per day
Better perches and backgrounds
Access to private or restricted areas

It’s the most effective way to maximize your photographic success.

4. Private Driver for the Full Tour

Forget shuttles, shared vans, and unpredictable transfers. Your group travels with a dedicated private driver for the entire tour.

Benefits include:

Faster transitions between regions
Secure storage for gear
Flexible timing for early departures or extended sessions
No waiting, no crowds, no compromises

This is the smoothest, most efficient way to move photographers and equipment through Costa Rica.

5. Carefully Selected Lodges for Photographers

You’ll stay in a curated mix of mid‑range eco‑lodges known for:

On‑site birding opportunities
Safe, comfortable rooms
Early breakfast options
Proximity to key habitats

Every lodge is chosen to reduce travel time and increase time behind the camera.

6. Small Group Size — Only 6 Photographers

A small group means:

More one‑on‑one instruction
More space at photo sites
More flexibility in the field
A quieter, more immersive experience

This is a boutique‑style tour, not a bus tour.

7. Designed and Led by an Avian Biologist & Professional Photographer

As a avian/wildlife biologist, nature photographer, and field guide, I’ve built this itinerary to deliver:

Authentic wildlife encounters
Ethical photography practices
High‑quality images
A deeper understanding of bird behavior

You’re not just taking photos — you’re learning the story behind the species.

Who This Tour Is For

This tour is ideal for photographers who want:

A premium, high‑touch experience
More guided opportunities than standard tours
A small group with personalized instruction
Access to specialty hides and expert local guides
A smooth, well‑organized itinerary with no wasted time

If you’re serious about bird photography and want the most productive 10 days possible in Costa Rica, this tour is built for you.

Tour Information or Book Tour

**Main Tours: $6995 USD per person ($850 deposit*)**

Monteverde Extension: $1850 USD

Degree of Difficulty: Low to Moderate

Prerequisites: open to photographers of all skill levels

9 days of photography per main tour

2 days of photography Monteverde extension

6 photographers maximum per tour

Includes:

Lodging - single occupancy no sharing (except travel days)
Transport to wildlife locations - on tour dates
Photography/video instruction - on tour dates
All entrance, guide, and boat tour fees during the tour

Not Included:

Flights to and from San Jose' Costa Rica
Tips/gratuities
Meals/beverages not part of lodging fees
Any excursions/activities not included in tour
Lodging and meals during travel days

Arrival and Departure:

San Jose, Costa Rica

Dates: Tour 1 = April 13 -22, 2027

Travel Days Main Tour = 12 and 22 ; Tour days = 13 - 21

Dates: Tour 1 Monteverde Extension = 22-25, 2027

Travel Days Mont. Ext. = 22 and 25; Tour days 23 and 24

Dates: Tour 2 = March 29 - April 8, 2027

Travel Days Tour 2 = March 29 and April 8; Tour days = 30 - 7

General arrival and depart schedule:

Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport

Arrive on the first travel day to avoid any flight delays keeping you from meeting up with transportation on next morning.

Depart on afternoon or evening of end of tour travel day.

If attending extension depart on 25th evening.

Base hotel = Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport. Hotel has a shuttle from the airport. Each person is responsible for making the needed reservations at the hotel for the nights associated with travel days.

To Register or with questions:

email: whistling wings photography

Throughout the tour, you will be guided by our dedicated guide and my good friend. You will be transported in comfort to every location by a dedicated driver. During the tour I will provide instruction as needed while in the field as well as during any off times.

My goal is to get you opportunities to make stunning images of a variety of wildlife and the knowledge to do it. This tour will take you to several different areas where you will have the chance to photograph such species as ...

Quetzels, Toucans, Hummingbirds, Woodpeckers, Tanagers, Herons, Egrets, Kingfishers, Scarlet Macaws, and many other birds

Squirrel Monkey, Spider Monkey, Howler Monkey, Capuchin (white faced) Monkey

Sloths

Red-eyed and other frogs

Several species of snakes, some of which are venomous

Iguanas and Crocodiles

and more!

EQUIPMENT

Clothing

Temperatures can vary on this tour; it can be hot and humid (lowlands) and cool and damp (mountains), so pack accordingly. There is also the chance of rain, so remember to bring clothes that dry fast and/or rain jackets for yourself and camera gear.

Long pants made of light, quick dry material
Long-sleeved shirts made of light, quick dry material
Warm Jacket/clothing for mountains
Bug spray - The bugs are not as bad as you might expect, but better safe than sorry.
Sunscreen - sun can be intense especially in the mountains
Motion Sickness Meds - We will spend a fair amount of time in vehicles on hilly and winding roads, so if you get motion sickness bring medicine.

Camera Equipment

Camera body or two; in case one malfunctions.
Lenses - Fast prime such as a 400mm 2.8 or 500mm or 600mm f/4 for dim light shooting and a zoom such as a 100-500, 200-600, or 200-800mm lens for situations where birds are changing distance fast. Macro lens for the reptiles and amphibians. 100mm macro is highly recommended.
Flash with trigger, and a good diffuser, so you can use the flash off camera.
Tripod and Speed-shooter harness system. Tripods are best for some nest site shooting and the harness system provides the best mobility allowing you to make the shot most often when getting in position quickly is necessary.
Remote shutter release for some nest site shooting scenarios.
Rain cover for your equipment as well as a lens cloth.
Laptop to back up photos and to participate in lightroom and photoshop lessons - not required but beneficial.
Lots of memory cards and batteries!

Important Notes:

*Due to having to book lodgings many months in advance and these costs being non-refundable, your deposit is non-refundable unless we can refill your spot on the tour.

This is likely an international tour for most, so please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months past the last date of the tour.

Laundry service will be available at least a couple times during the tour, so please pack light to keep luggage and weight to a minimum.

Electrical outlets are the same as the USA, so no adapters are needed.

We will have bottled water available, but generally tap water is potable.

Please plan on arriving the afternoon or evening of the first travel date to avoid any flight delays keeping you from meeting up with tour transportation on the morning the tour starts. Base hotel will be the Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport. You are responsible for making your reservations at the hotel. Please plan on flying out late on the ending tour travel day or staying over in San Jose and leaving the next day. If staying in San Jose after the tour you are responsible for making those reservations.

The tour itinerary will be flexible to take advantage of the best photography/videography opportunities available and thus is subject to change without notice.

This photography/videography tour requires a minimum number of participants, if sufficient tour places are not sold the tour may not be run.

Not all mentioned wildlife can always be observed and photographed, thus the aforementioned species should be considered our target species. No guarantee is made of photographing all or any of the mentioned species.

To register for this tour please call 772-713-1216 or email mail ron@whistlingwingsphotography.com.

If you have questions or would like more information please email here.

Information or Book the Tour

Costa Rica 2027

Birds, Mammals and More!A Photography/Videography Tour

Tour 1: April 12-22, 2027

1 Spots Available

Tour 1-Monteverde Extension:

April 22-25, 2027

1 Spots Available

NEW Tour 2: March 29-April 8, 2027 NEW

4 Spots Available

Leader: Ron R Bielefeld

Main Tours: $6995 USD per person ($850 deposit*)Monteverde Extension: $1850 USDDegree of Difficulty: Low to ModeratePrerequisites: open to photographers of all skill levels9 days of photography per main tour2 days of photography Monteverde extension

6 photographers maximum per tour Includes: •Lodging - single occupancy no sharing (except travel days)•Transport to wildlife locations - on tour dates•Photography/video instruction - on tour dates•All entrance, guide, and boat tour fees during the tour

Not Included:•Flights to and from San Jose' Costa Rica•Tips/gratuities•Meals/beverages not part of lodging fees•Any excursions/activities not included in tour•Lodging and meals during travel days

__________________________________

This isn’t your typical bird photography tour. Over 9 days or more, we’ll explore Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems—from lowland rainforests on both coasts to the high cloud forests—seeking out birds and wildlife most tours never attempt to find.

We won’t stay parked at a single lodge or rely on feeders. Instead, we’ll travel across regions, photographing birds in the wild along with sloths, monkeys, frogs, and snakes. You’ll enjoy a relaxed pace with plenty of time to focus on your craft.

Our macro workshop begins in a controlled setting with frogs and snakes, then moves into the field—where we’ll apply those skills to nighttime photography in natural habitats.

If you crave variety, adventure, and authentic wildlife encounters, this tour offers a photography experience like no other.

Costa Rica 2026 Highlights

Exceeded Expectations

Delighted with Photos

Amazing Experience

Costa Rica 2025 Showcase

A Premium Experience for Serious Photographers

A Tour Designed for Photographers Who Want More

What Makes This Photography Tour Exceptional

1. More Guided Photography Locations

This is one of the most comprehensive bird‑photography itineraries offered in Costa Rica. You’ll work with local specialists at every site, giving you access to:

Private hummingbird setups

Manakin leks

King Vulture hides

Tropical lowland feeders

High‑elevation quetzal habitat

Spots only local guides know

Most tours offer 6–10 guided sessions. You get on average 15 and, although not always possible, we work so our group is the only group at most locations.

2. A Dedicated Main Guide for the Entire Tour

Your main guide is with you from start to finish — managing logistics, scouting conditions, coordinating with local experts, and ensuring you’re in the right place at the right time.

This level of continuity is rare. It means:

Better species coverage

Better timing for light and behavior

Better photographic results

3. Local Specialists at Every Location

Most of our sites include a secondary guide — a local expert who knows the birds, the behavior, and the micro‑habitats of their region.

This dual‑guide system gives you:

Faster bird locating

More species per day

Better perches and backgrounds

Access to private or restricted areas

It’s the most effective way to maximize your photographic success.

4. Private Driver for the Full Tour

Forget shuttles, shared vans, and unpredictable transfers. Your group travels with a dedicated private driver for the entire tour.

Benefits include:

Faster transitions between regions

Secure storage for gear

Flexible timing for early departures or extended sessions

No waiting, no crowds, no compromises

This is the smoothest, most efficient way to move photographers and equipment through Costa Rica.

5. Carefully Selected Lodges for Photographers

You’ll stay in a curated mix of mid‑range eco‑lodges known for:

On‑site birding opportunities

Safe, comfortable rooms

Early breakfast options

Proximity to key habitats

Every lodge is chosen to reduce travel time and increase time behind the camera.

6. Small Group Size — Only 6 Photographers

A small group means:

More one‑on‑one instruction

More space at photo sites

More flexibility in the field

A quieter, more immersive experience

This is a boutique‑style tour, not a bus tour.

7. Designed and Led by an Avian Biologist & Professional Photographer

As a avian/wildlife biologist, nature photographer, and field guide, I’ve built this itinerary to deliver:

Authentic wildlife encounters

Ethical photography practices

High‑quality images

A deeper understanding of bird behavior

You’re not just taking photos — you’re learning the story behind the species.

Who This Tour Is For

This tour is ideal for photographers who want:

Birds, Mammals and More!
A Photography/Videography Tour

Main Tours: $6995 USD per person ($850 deposit*)
Monteverde Extension: $1850 USD
Degree of Difficulty: Low to Moderate
Prerequisites: open to photographers of all skill levels
9 days of photography per main tour
2 days of photography Monteverde extension

6 photographers maximum per tour
Includes:
•Lodging - single occupancy no sharing (except travel days)
•Transport to wildlife locations - on tour dates
•Photography/video instruction - on tour dates
•All entrance, guide, and boat tour fees during the tour

Not Included:
•Flights to and from San Jose' Costa Rica
•Tips/gratuities
•Meals/beverages not part of lodging fees
•Any excursions/activities not included in tour
•Lodging and meals during travel days

**Main Tours: $6995 USD per person ($850 deposit*)**

2 days of photography Monteverde extension

6 photographers maximum per tour

Squirrel Monkey, Spider Monkey, Howler Monkey, Capuchin (white faced) Monkey

Sloths

Red-eyed and other frogs

Several species of snakes, some of which are venomous

Iguanas and Crocodiles