The 10 Best Places to Photograph Wildlife in Costa Rica in 2026

Dominating the skyline of the northern highlands, Arenal Volcano is Costa Rica’s most iconic landmark. The town of La Fortuna offers endless adventures. See also our How to Photograph American Crocodiles in Costa Rica: A Field Guide guide for more on this topic. See also our Sierpe and Drake Bay, Costa Rica: Complete Photography Guide…

Costa Rica offers world-class whale watching and dolphin encounters on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. This guide covers the best seasons, locations, photography tips, and ethical guidelines for 2026.

The first two hours after sunrise are the most productive for wildlife photography in Costa Rica. This guide covers why morning light is superior and how to structure your day to take maximum advantage of it.

The Central American paca is one of Costa Rica’s most elusive nocturnal mammals. This photography guide covers where to find them, how to photograph them ethically, and the best locations from the Osa Peninsula to Tortuguero.

Corcovado is the most biodiverse place in Costa Rica — possibly in all of Central America. Here’s how to approach it as a wildlife photographer.

Monteverde is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. This mist-shrouded cloud forest harbors wildlife found nowhere else. See also our 3-Day Monteverde Birding Quick Guide guide. See also our Monteverde Cloud Forest – Birding Guide guide. See also our Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata) in Costa Rica: The Complete Photography Guide guide for more…