Costa Rica is a photographer’s paradise. With its dramatic volcanoes, lush rainforests, pristine beaches, colorful wildlife, and vibrant culture, this small Central American country offers endless opportunities for capturing stunning images. Whether you are a professional photographer or an enthusiastic amateur, Costa Rica has diverse locations that cater to all kinds of photography—from landscape and wildlife to cultural and architectural photography.
As a photographer myself, and with my husband being a professional videographer, we’ve explored some of the most photogenic spots in Costa Rica. Based on our experiences, here’s a detailed guide for photographers on where to go and what to photograph in this spectacular country.
1. Central Valley: Poás Volcano
The Poás Volcano, located about an hour northeast of Alajuela in the central valley, is an iconic subject for landscape photography. With a massive crater almost one mile wide and a vibrant turquoise acid lake at its base, the volcano provides striking colors and textures.
- Best time to photograph: Early in the morning. Cloud cover often moves in after 10:00 a.m., obscuring the crater.
- What to capture: Wide-angle shots of the crater, macro shots of mineral formations along the crater rim, and misty shots with fog rolling over the volcano.
- Tips: Wear a rain jacket because weather conditions can change quickly, and be prepared for strong winds near the crater. Bring a tripod if you want to shoot long exposure images of the steam and volcanic activity.
Nearby trails, such as the Sendero del Lago, allow you to photograph the surrounding rainforest and native plants. During the dry season, you may even catch glimpses of hummingbirds, toucans, and other wildlife.
2. Northern Zone: Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal
The Arenal Volcano is another essential destination for photographers. This volcano has many moods: sometimes shrouded in clouds, other times erupting with molten lava and glowing red boulders.
- Best time to photograph: Early morning for clear skies or during sunset for dramatic lighting.
- What to capture: Volcano eruptions, reflection shots of Arenal in Lake Arenal, sunrise over the lake, and waterbirds gliding across the calm water.
- Tips: Use a telephoto lens to capture volcanic activity safely from a distance. Patience is key, as eruptions are unpredictable.
Lake Arenal, at the base of the volcano, offers additional photographic opportunities. The calm waters in the morning reflect the volcano perfectly, creating stunning symmetry in landscape shots. Waterbirds such as herons and egrets are plentiful, so photographers can combine wildlife with scenic landscapes.
Nearby adventure tours like ziplining, canopy walks, and hot springs also provide unique angles for aerial and close-up photography of the rainforest and volcano.
3. Northern Zone: The Blue River at Tenorio Volcano
For photographers willing to hike, the Blue River near Tenorio Volcano is a true dream. Its sky-blue waters, created by natural mineral deposits, contrast dramatically with the surrounding jungle greenery.
- Best time to photograph: Morning light enhances the blue tones of the river.
- Hike: Requires a more than two-hour trek, so bring plenty of water, snacks, and comfortable shoes.
- Tips: Use a polarizing filter to reduce reflections and capture the vibrant blue hues. Drone photography can provide unique perspectives of the river winding through dense rainforest.
This location is less accessible, but the effort is rewarded with spectacular landscapes and relatively undisturbed nature.
4. Northeastern Caribbean: Canals and Rainforest
The Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica, including canals near Tortuguero, provide opportunities for wildlife and jungle photography. These waterways are perfect for capturing:
- Monkeys swinging in the trees
- Crocodiles basking on riverbanks
- Exotic birds, including toucans, parrots, and kingfishers
- Tropical flowering plants in vivid reds, yellows, and purples
Sunlight filtering through the dense jungle canopy creates dramatic lighting conditions, ideal for capturing moody, atmospheric shots. Boat tours along the canals are highly recommended to access areas where wildlife is abundant.
- Tips: Bring a zoom lens for wildlife, and consider using a fast shutter speed to capture motion in low light. Early morning is best for wildlife activity and softer lighting.
5. Southern Caribbean Beaches: Culture, Wildlife, and Color
Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast is another gem for photographers. Areas like Puerto Viejo and Cahuita are rich in culture, wildlife, and vibrant colors:
- Beaches: Rocky and dramatic, with waves crashing on the shore, offering excellent long exposure photography opportunities.
- Sloths and monkeys: The rainforest often extends right to the beaches, providing unique opportunities to capture wildlife in natural habitats.
- Iguanas and reptiles: Many species can be found along the trails and beaches.
- Colorful buildings and boats: The Afro-Caribbean culture is reflected in houses painted bright yellow, blue, and green, as well as fishing boats decorated in vivid hues.
- Tips: Capture early morning or late afternoon for soft, golden light. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the landscape, while macro lenses work well for flora and insects.
6. Central and Southern Pacific Beaches: Sunsets and Surf
The northwestern Pacific beaches, including Tamarindo, Playa Hermosa, and Nosara, are ideal for sunset photography and surf action shots.
- Sunsets: The west-facing beaches provide dramatic skies and warm golden tones perfect for silhouettes and seascapes.
- Surfing: Surfers create dynamic compositions, especially with long exposure or fast shutter shots.
- Wildlife: Coastal birds and iguanas often appear in foregrounds for interesting compositions.
- Tips: Use a tripod for sunset and long exposure photography. Capture the surf using high shutter speeds or panning techniques for movement blur.
7. Cloud Forests: Monteverde and Beyond
For photographers who love misty, ethereal landscapes, Monteverde Cloud Forest is a must. The constant fog, towering trees, and dense moss create a magical atmosphere for photography.
- Best time to photograph: Morning, when the mist and low clouds create a mystical backdrop.
- Subjects:
- Epiphytic plants draping over tree branches
- Hummingbirds and other exotic birds
- Frogs, insects, and other small wildlife
- Tips: Use a macro lens for small creatures and flowers. Wide-angle lenses work well for forest landscapes. Patience is required, as wildlife may be hidden in dense foliage.
8. National Parks: Combining Nature and Wildlife Photography
Costa Rica has many national parks perfect for photography:
- Corcovado National Park (Osa Peninsula): Dense rainforest, waterfalls, wildlife, and remote beaches.
- Tortuguero National Park: Sea turtles, canals, monkeys, and tropical birds.
- Manuel Antonio National Park: Stunning beaches with wildlife like sloths, monkeys, and birds.
Each park offers unique photographic opportunities depending on the season and time of day.
9. Tips for Photographers Traveling in Costa Rica
- Timing: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for light and wildlife activity.
- Lenses: Bring a combination of wide-angle, zoom, and macro lenses to cover landscapes, wildlife, and close-up shots.
- Tripod: Essential for long exposures, waterfall photography, and sunset shots.
- Weather Protection: Lightweight rain jackets and camera covers protect gear from sudden tropical rain.
- Power and Storage: Bring extra batteries and memory cards, as you’ll likely take hundreds of photos daily.
- Local Guides: Hiring guides for wildlife tours or remote locations increases your chances of seeing rare species.
Conclusion
Costa Rica is an incredible country for photography. From volcanoes like Poás and Arenal to the sky-blue rivers, rainforests, Caribbean canals, and Pacific beaches, every corner offers unique photo opportunities. Wildlife, cultural experiences, colorful architecture, and dramatic landscapes make it a destination that satisfies every type of photographer.
Whether you are drawn to action photography, wildlife, landscapes, or cultural imagery, Costa Rica has it all. By planning carefully, going during the best light conditions, and exploring both popular and off-the-beaten-path locations, photographers can capture unforgettable images and come home with a portfolio full of stunning Costa Rican moments.
Costa Rica truly is a photographer’s paradise, offering vibrant colors, unique wildlife, and landscapes that inspire creativity and adventure at every turn.