Details
Costa Rica Women’s Wellness & Wildlife Photography Retreat
Step into a more intentional way of traveling—one that nourishes your creativity, restores your energy, and connects you with like-minded women who share your passion for wildlife photography.
This retreat is designed for those who want more than a traditional photography tour. It’s an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Costa Rica, all while refining your photographic eye.
We’ll be based in a luxurious private home in Manuel Antonio, perched above the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by lush rainforest. This region is known for its extraordinary biodiversity—where monkeys move through the trees, scarlet macaws glide overhead, and toucans call at sunset.
Each day is thoughtfully balanced between:
- Guided wildlife photography excursions
- Restorative wellness experiences, including yoga and spa treatments
- Unstructured time to relax, reflect, and simply enjoy your surroundings
Unlike traditional “go, go, go” itineraries, this retreat offers a more spacious and gentle pace, allowing you to fully absorb the experience rather than rush through it.
From our home base, we’ll venture out to photograph the rich wildlife Costa Rica is known for:
- Scarlet macaws, toucans, and other tropical birdlife
- Capuchin, squirrel, and howler monkeys
- Lush rainforest landscapes and coastal scenes
Mornings will often begin with the sounds of the jungle just outside your door—howler monkeys in the distance, macaws overhead—offering incredible opportunities even before we leave the house.
Afternoons are intentionally slower:
- Relax by the pool with ocean views
- Enjoy a massage or wellness treatment
- Take a quiet walk into the nearby village
- Or simply rest in your private room
Every guest will have their own private space—your personal retreat within the retreat—complete with a private bath for unwinding at the end of the day.
We’ll conclude our journey with two nights in a cooler, high-elevation location, where we’ll focus on:
- Resplendent quetzals
- Hummingbirds in stunning natural settings
This final chapter adds a completely different photographic experience and brings a beautiful sense of completion to the retreat.
About your tour leader…
ITINERARY
MAY 15th - 24th, 2027
Day 1 (May 15) – Arrival in Costa Rica
Arrive at San José International Airport (SJO) by noon, where we’ll meet as a group and begin our scenic transfer to our private home in Manuel Antonio.
After settling in, we’ll gather for a relaxed welcome dinner, where begin to unwind into the rhythm of the retreat.
Day 2 (May 16)– Arrival, Rest & Renewal
Today is dedicated to slowing down and settling in.
Spa therapists will come directly to the house to offer a selection of treatments, including:
- Full body massage
- Body wrap
- Manicure or pedicure
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace—relax by the pool, take in the ocean views, or begin photographing the abundant wildlife right on the property.
Day 3 (May 17) – Esquipulas Birding Reserve
We begin the day with a short drive to the beautiful private reserve of Esquipulas, a haven for birdlife and one of the highlights of the trip.
The morning starts with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast alongside the feeders, where you’ll photograph:
- Crowned woodnymph hummingbirds
- Chestnut-billed toucans
- Fiery-billed aracaris
- Red-capped manakins performing their signature “moonwalk”
We’ll then explore the property further, seeking out species such as king vultures, bats, reptiles, and other forest inhabitants.
Day 4 (May 18) – Mangroves & Coastal Wildlife
Enjoy a relaxed morning at the house—perfect for photographing wildlife in the surrounding forest or simply easing into the day.
Later, we’ll head out on a guided boat excursion through the mangrove forest, where you’ll have opportunities to photograph:
- Herons, egrets, and kingfishers
- White-faced capuchin monkeys
- Crocodiles and other wetland species
We’ll return to the house for dinner, followed by an optional image review session.
Optional evening yoga.
Days 5 & 6 (May 19 & 20)– Manuel Antonio National Park
These two days are dedicated to exploring Manuel Antonio National Park with a knowledgeable local guide.
This compact yet incredibly biodiverse park offers exceptional photography opportunities, including:
- Sloths and multiple monkey species
- Scarlet macaws and a wide variety of tropical birds
- Coastal landscapes, forest trails, and ocean vistas
We’ll spend our mornings in the park, returning to the house midday for lunch and rest, with optional yoga in the afternoons.
One evening will include a night macro photography session, where you’ll learn techniques for photographing frogs, insects, and other nocturnal subjects.
Day 7 (May 21) – Rest & Spa Day
A second dedicated day to rest, restore, and enjoy the property.
Spa therapists will again visit the house, offering treatments of your choice.
This is also a wonderful opportunity to:
- Photograph wildlife around the home
- Relax by the pool
- Reflect on your experience so far
Day 8 (May 22) – Journey to the Cloud Forest
Today we leave the coast and travel inland (approximately 3 hours) to San Gerardo de Dota, a peaceful mountain valley known for its cool climate and extraordinary birdlife.
As we ascend into the cloud forest, the landscape shifts dramatically—dense oak forests, misty light, and a completely different photographic environment await.
Day 9 (May 23) – Quetzals & Hummingbirds
Our final full day focuses on one of Costa Rica’s most iconic species: the resplendent quetzal.
We’ll head out early and again in the afternoon to maximize our chances of photographing:
- Resplendent quetzals
- Fiery-throated hummingbirds
- Volcano hummingbirds
- Purple-throated mountain-gems
The combination of misty forest, vibrant birdlife, and soft mountain light creates a beautiful and fitting conclusion to the retreat.
Day 10 (May 24) – Departure
After breakfast, we’ll depart for San José (approximately 2.5 hours), arriving at the airport around midday for return flights home.
RESERVE SPACE
INCLUDED
- 9 nights accommodations (Days 1–10), including a private room in our luxury home in Manuel Antonio and additional accommodations in San Gerardo de Dota
- Two meals per day (Days 1–10), plus light snacks and refreshments
- All ground transportation throughout the itinerary, including airport transfers and all scheduled excursions
- Guided wildlife photography excursions with your tour leader
- Local naturalist guide for select outings
- Access to Manuel Antonio National Park
- Mangrove boat excursion
- Esquipulas birding reserve experience
- Two spa treatments at the private residence
- Yoga sessions throughout the retreat (optional)
- Night macro photography session and instruction
- Pre-trip group call to prepare for the experience
EXCLUDED
- International airfare to/from San José (SJO)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Additional spa treatments beyond those included
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and staff
- Personal expenses
Photography Guidance
Moderate
This tour offers a balance of wildlife experience and photography support. Your leader will provide ongoing help in the field, including assistance with camera settings, composition, and technique, but there are no formal classroom sessions. All skill levels are welcome.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate
This retreat is designed to balance meaningful wildlife photography experiences with time to rest and recharge. Most days include morning photography outings and afternoon downtime, creating a rhythm that feels both engaging and restorative.
Guests should be comfortable with:
- Walking on uneven terrain, including forest trails and natural paths
- Spending time outdoors in warm, humid conditions
- Early morning starts on some days to take advantage of optimal light and wildlife activity
- Getting in and out of vehicles and small boats (for the mangrove excursion)