Backcountry Journeys Presents
April 5 - 14, 2026
April 19 - 28, 2026
December 8 - 17, 2026
April 19 - 28, 2026
December 8 - 17, 2026
10+ Years of Expertise, One Ultimate Itinerary
Blending the Best of Costa Rica’s Greatest Wildlife Destinations
10+ Years of Expertise, One Ultimate Itinerary
Blending the Best of Costa Rica’s Greatest Wildlife Destinations
Blending the Best of Costa Rica’s Greatest Wildlife Destinations
Reservations Open In:
Reservations Open In:
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DAYS - -
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SECONDS
We connect passionate people to
exceptional experiences.
We connect passionate people to
exceptional experiences.
exceptional experiences.
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Cloud Forest Icons: The Quetzal Experience
Cloud Forest Icons: The Quetzal Experience
Enter the mystical cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota, perched high in Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains—one of the only places on Earth where you can photograph the Resplendent Quetzal in its natural breeding habitat. Revered in Mesoamerican culture and known for its emerald plumage and flowing three-foot tail, this elusive bird is one of the most beautiful.
With two guided Quetzal tours and access to the Batsú Garden bird blind, you’ll photograph these iconic birds alongside hummingbirds, tanagers, woodpeckers, and the occasional Emerald Toucanet.
Stay at the Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa, where the forest is at your doorstep and expert guides lead you to the best photography opportunities in one of Costa Rica’s premier birding destinations.
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The Osa Peninsula: A Biodiversity Powerhouse
The Osa Peninsula: A Biodiversity Powerhouse
Prepare for an extraordinary transition from the cloud forest to the vibrant, untamed jungles of the Osa Peninsula—a place National Geographic calls “the most biologically intense on Earth.” Though it covers just 3% of Costa Rica’s land, the Osa hosts over 50% of its species, and an astonishing 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity.
This is Costa Rica’s last true frontier—a haven for wildlife photographers. You’ll have the chance to photograph:
All four native monkey species—including the rare Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey
Flocks of Scarlet Macaws soaring overhead
Sloths, Toucans, and elusive jungle creatures like Tayras, Peccaries, and Kinkajous
Vivid poison dart frogs, coatis, and even nesting sea turtles where the rainforest meets the sea
Add in interactive macro photography sessions and the chance for low-light or nocturnal shooting, and you’ve got a dream destination for creating dynamic, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife images—day and night, canopy to coast.
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Master Your Photography Skills in a Tropical Paradise
Master Your Photography Skills in a Tropical Paradise
This isn’t a sightseeing tour—it’s a purpose-built photography safari, backed by over a decade of experience leading photo workshops in Costa Rica. Every aspect of this trip is designed with photographers in mind: timing, pacing, light, location, and instruction.
With just 8 guests, you'll enjoy an intimate, focused environment where our professional photo guides can tailor each day around wildlife behavior, light conditions, and your individual goals. Whether you're chasing Quetzals in golden morning light or setting up a macro shot of a red-eyed tree frog, you'll be learning and creating every step of the way.
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10+ Years of Expertise, One Ultimate Itinerary
10+ Years of Expertise, One Ultimate Itinerary
After more than 10 years of leading photographers across Costa Rica, we’ve taken everything we've learned—from timing and terrain to species behavior and light—and distilled it into one master itinerary.
This new adventure combines the two crown jewels of Costa Rican wildlife photography: the misty, highland cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota, where the Resplendent Quetzal rules the canopy, and the raw, rainforest wilds of the Osa Peninsula, where life explodes in every direction—from tree frogs to spider monkeys, from Scarlet Macaws to sloths.
Each destination on this itinerary was selected not just for beauty, but for its photographic potential, ideal seasonal timing, and unique access.
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All-Inclusive, So You Can Focus on the Shot
All-Inclusive, So You Can Focus on the Shot
Our all-inclusive workshop covers all in-country flights, ground transfers, park permits, lodging, and delicious meals throughout the trip. You’ll stay in handpicked eco-lodges and boutique hotels, positioned for maximum wildlife access and comfort.
We’ve also built in enriching photographic experiences you won’t find on a typical tour:
Private access to a bird blind at Batsú Garden
Two dedicated Quetzal birding tours
Interactive macro photography sessions
Multiple guided Osa rainforest shoots
Just bring your gear—we’ll handle the rest.
Available Departures
Pre-Booking Available Now! Official Reservations Open April 10th.
APR 5-14, 2026
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Trip Leader(s)
Sam Trull
Sam Trull
Starting From
$8,995.00
$8,995.00
Single Supplement:
+$1,695
+$1,695
Deposit: $4,000
APR 19-28, 2026
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Trip Leader(s)
Sam Trull
Sam Trull
Starting From
$8,995.00
$8,995.00
Single Supplement:
+$1,695
+$1,695
Deposit: $4,000
DEC 8-17, 2026
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Trip Leader(s)
Sam Trull
Sam Trull
Starting From
$8,995.00
$8,995.00
Single Supplement:
+$1,695
+$1,695
Deposit: $4,000
Start/End
Start: San José, Costa Rica (SJO)
End: San José, Costa Rica (SJO)
End: San José, Costa Rica (SJO)
Dates
4/5/26 - 4/14/26
4/19/26 - 4/28/26
12/8/26 - 12/17/26
4/19/26 - 4/28/26
12/8/26 - 12/17/26
Fitness Level
Level 2 - What's This
Group Size
Limited to 8 guests
Highlights
Capture the Resplendent Quetzal and other exotic birds in the misty cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota, with expert guidance and stunning natural backdrops.
Osa Peninsula: Photograph an astonishing variety of wildlife, including all four native monkey species, Scarlet Macaws, Toucans, Sloths, and even elusive jungle cats.
Immersive experiences: Stay at eco-lodges in the heart of nature, offering exceptional photography opportunities right outside your door!
Learn and refine photography techniques, including macro photography, low-light jungle shooting, and astrophotography, under expert guidance during Costa Rica’s optimal dry season.
This Special Trip Departure is valid for new trip reservations only (no transfers, trip credit, or discounts).
Trip Itinerary
The Ultimate Costa Rica Wildlife Adventure
The Ultimate Costa Rica Wildlife Adventure
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Travel Day) (D)
Arrive in San José, Costa Rica. Tonight, we will be staying at the Courtyard by Marriott in Alajuela, Costa Rica (adjacent the San José International Airport – SJO). We will have a welcome dinner and a pre-trip orientation. Please meet in the lobby.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
We’ll rise early for our drive, which will take us high into the Talamanca Mountains, and eventually to the small community of San Gerardo de Dota and the charming Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa. The Savegre, an alluring accommodation setting in the mountain valley right alongside a creek, will be our home for the next few days. After we check-in, we'll spend the afternoon searching for hummingbirds, tangers, or we might visit a bird blind at Batsu Gardens. As the sun sets, we’ll conclude our day with a relaxed dinner and conversation at Las Bromelias, our hotel’s restaurant.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
We will awake early this morning to the sound of birds and a cool mountain breeze. Beginning our day before the sun, we’ll explore the avocado trees and area trails in order to frame the Resplendent Quetzal in the perfect soft light of morning. After breakfast we’ll reconvene to head to Batsu Gardens, a property designed perfectly for us to find several species of hummingbird, woodpecker, and tanager. We’ll photograph here for a few hours before returning to the valley floor, avocado trees, and hopefully additional Quetzal sightings before dinner and bed.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
On our final morning of the Quetzal Extension we’ll again head out early in the morning for more photography prior to packing up, checking out, and heading back down the mountain towards San José.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
Today we will hop on a small plane which will take us down to the remote Osa Peninsula. The plane ride is less than an hour and it will save us seven hours of driving over bumpy, jungle roads! We will spend some time photographing colorful dart frogs, amphibians, reptiles, birds and snakes at a private wildlife refuge, before checking into our Eco-Lodge.
Days 6-8 (B,L,D)
We will explore the rainforests of the Osa Peninsula on foot. Each day we will have an opportunity to photograph different species of wildlife be it monkeys, birds, sloths or maybe doing some interesting night-time photography with Dart Frogs and other nocturnal species. Depending on the tides, we may even be able to take a mangrove tour. In the evening, we will return to the comfort of our beautiful eco-lodge for some excellent local cuisine, cocktails, and some rest and relaxation in our private bungalows!
Day 9 (B,L,D)
We will spend our last morning on the Osa Peninsula looking for more incredible photo opportunities before we check-out of the lodge. This afternoon we’ll board a flight back to San José, enjoy our final night’s accommodation, and celebrate the conclusion of a fantastic journey with dinner at a great local restaurant in town!
Day 10
Enjoy your last morning in Costa Rica with a leisurely breakfast by the pool and some Costa Rican coffee if you want! After all it is vacation. Flights home can be booked for anytime today and there is a complimentary airport shuttle at the hotel (4am - midnight) – make sure you are at the airport three hours prior to your scheduled flight time, unless you are the first flight out in the morning.
Day 1 (Travel Day) (D)
Arrive in San José, Costa Rica. Tonight, we will be staying at the Courtyard by Marriott in Alajuela, Costa Rica (adjacent the San José International Airport – SJO). We will have a welcome dinner and a pre-trip orientation. Please meet in the lobby.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
We’ll rise early for our drive, which will take us high into the Talamanca Mountains, and eventually to the small community of San Gerardo de Dota and the charming Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa. The Savegre, an alluring accommodation setting in the mountain valley right alongside a creek, will be our home for the next few days. After we check-in, we'll spend the afternoon searching for hummingbirds, tangers, or we might visit a bird blind at Batsu Gardens. As the sun sets, we’ll conclude our day with a relaxed dinner and conversation at Las Bromelias, our hotel’s restaurant.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
We will awake early this morning to the sound of birds and a cool mountain breeze. Beginning our day before the sun, we’ll explore the avocado trees and area trails in order to frame the Resplendent Quetzal in the perfect soft light of morning. After breakfast we’ll reconvene to head to Batsu Gardens, a property designed perfectly for us to find several species of hummingbird, woodpecker, and tanager. We’ll photograph here for a few hours before returning to the valley floor, avocado trees, and hopefully additional Quetzal sightings before dinner and bed.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
On our final morning of the Quetzal Extension we’ll again head out early in the morning for more photography prior to packing up, checking out, and heading back down the mountain towards San José.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
Today we will hop on a small plane which will take us down to the remote Osa Peninsula. The plane ride is less than an hour and it will save us seven hours of driving over bumpy, jungle roads! We will spend some time photographing colorful dart frogs, amphibians, reptiles, birds and snakes at a private wildlife refuge, before checking into our Eco-Lodge.
Days 6-8 (B,L,D)
We will explore the rainforests of the Osa Peninsula on foot. Each day we will have an opportunity to photograph different species of wildlife be it monkeys, birds, sloths or maybe doing some interesting night-time photography with Dart Frogs and other nocturnal species. Depending on the tides, we may even be able to take a mangrove tour. In the evening, we will return to the comfort of our beautiful eco-lodge for some excellent local cuisine, cocktails, and some rest and relaxation in our private bungalows!
Day 9 (B,L,D)
We will spend our last morning on the Osa Peninsula looking for more incredible photo opportunities before we check-out of the lodge. This afternoon we’ll board a flight back to San José, enjoy our final night’s accommodation, and celebrate the conclusion of a fantastic journey with dinner at a great local restaurant in town!
Day 10
Enjoy your last morning in Costa Rica with a leisurely breakfast by the pool and some Costa Rican coffee if you want! After all it is vacation. Flights home can be booked for anytime today and there is a complimentary airport shuttle at the hotel (4am - midnight) – make sure you are at the airport three hours prior to your scheduled flight time, unless you are the first flight out in the morning.
What's Included
What's Included
All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
All transportation during the workshop
All lodging during the workshop
All permits and park fees
Professional photography guiding and instruction
- Gratuity for service staff
What's Not Included
What's Not Included
International flights to and from San José, Costa Rica (SJO)
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
- Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
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Meet Your Costa Rica Expert
Meet Your Costa Rica Expert
Sam Trull
Sam’s passion for nature and working with animals started as a teenage volunteer at the Duke Lemur Center, Durham, North Carolina, where she worked for over a decade while completing a degree in Zoology from North Carolina State University (2003) and a Masters of Science in Primate Conservation from Oxford Brookes University (2006) in the UK. In 2009, while working at a primate rehabilitation facility in Nigeria, Sam also discovered her love for working as a professional photographer. After years of juggling both her photography and wildlife conservation career, Sam moved to Costa Rica in 2013. After a year of living and working in Costa Rica, Sam co-founded The Sloth Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the welfare and conservation of sloths: www.theslothinstitute.org
Conservation and Photography expeditions have taken Sam to Madagascar, West Africa, South East Asia, Central America, Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and throughout the Arctic Circle. Sam finds nothing more exciting than capturing beautiful moments from our natural world. Whether it be a sloth as they experience their first moments of freedom, a black bear catching their latest salmon meal, or the way light dances upon a mountain top; there is so much beauty in the world to celebrate. Photography gives us the ability to freeze specific moments in time so that we can enjoy them forever while also highlighting important topics that need our attention.
Sam’s work has been featured in numerous local and international publications but most notably her sloth photos have been featured in BBC Wildlife and National Geographic. She has published two photography books: ”Slothlove" (Inkshares, 2016) and "Destiny Finds Her Way" (National Geographic, 2023). Sam was also a main contributor to the TV series “Nature's Miracle Orphans" which aired on BBC and PBS.
She is currently based in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica where she lives with her husband, Pedro, and their three rescue dogs and cat.
Conservation and Photography expeditions have taken Sam to Madagascar, West Africa, South East Asia, Central America, Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and throughout the Arctic Circle. Sam finds nothing more exciting than capturing beautiful moments from our natural world. Whether it be a sloth as they experience their first moments of freedom, a black bear catching their latest salmon meal, or the way light dances upon a mountain top; there is so much beauty in the world to celebrate. Photography gives us the ability to freeze specific moments in time so that we can enjoy them forever while also highlighting important topics that need our attention.
Sam’s work has been featured in numerous local and international publications but most notably her sloth photos have been featured in BBC Wildlife and National Geographic. She has published two photography books: ”Slothlove" (Inkshares, 2016) and "Destiny Finds Her Way" (National Geographic, 2023). Sam was also a main contributor to the TV series “Nature's Miracle Orphans" which aired on BBC and PBS.
She is currently based in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica where she lives with her husband, Pedro, and their three rescue dogs and cat.
WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS,
WORKSHOPS & SAFARIS
WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS,
WORKSHOPS & SAFARIS
WORKSHOPS & SAFARIS
Backcountry Journeys offers over 100 global photography tours and workshops, spanning iconic U.S. National Parks to the wild savannahs of Africa, catering to all interests and skill levels. As one of the top-rated, all-inclusive providers in the industry, we ensure a highly personalized and memorable experience that's rooted in our deep passion for photography.
UNPARALLELED
PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS
UNPARALLELED
PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS
PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS
Discover over 100 global photography tours and workshops, from U.S. National Parks to Africa's savannahs, designed for all skill levels. Enjoy personalized experiences with our small groups and hands-on guidance from certified photo instructors.
THE BEST TEAM IN THE BUSINESS
THE BEST TEAM IN THE BUSINESS
Our team handles all logistics, ensuring a seamless experience, supported by an on-call support line. World-class Trip Planners meticulously plan every detail, while our exceptional customer service ensures your experience exceeds expectations.
WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY
WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY
Our adventures blend breathtaking locations with lasting connections among like-minded photographers. We foster a warm, inclusive atmosphere that encourages friendships beyond the trip.
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Verified Guest
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
