3 Must-See Locations in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a gorgeous country. Known for its wildlife, its volcanoes, and its beaches, Costa Rica is a haven for photographers, old and new alike. It’s one of the places I’ve been dreaming about ever since I figured out I probably wouldn’t be travelling for quite some time.
But, many photographers fall into a trap on their first visit to Costa Rica. Instead of getting off the beaten path, they strictly visit locations deemed “must-see locations in Costa Rica” by photographers who visited the country years ago.
There are so many new locations to visit now, since the country continues to be such a success story for development.
Here’s a list of the things you absolutely must capture in Costa Rica, just as soon as you are able to travel once more.
Sarapiqui
If you’re wondering what to photograph in Costa Rica, the first answer is: Sarapiqui. Sarapiqui is a lush, green area of Costa Rica known for its outdoor festivals and fairs.
You’ll find the most dense rainforests, the most colorful frogs, and miles of waterfalls, rivers, and wildlife.
It also hosts Pozo Azul, a gorgeous, secluded waterfall that can be difficult to find. That's why I suggest you join one of the many Costa Rica photography trips hosted by ColorTexturePhotoTours. Not only will you visit spots like Pozo Azul, which you never otherwise would find on your own, but you’ll be safe while doing so.
But, unlike other parts of the world, the raw landscape of Sarapiqui doesn’t mean you have to rough it in less-than-ideal hotels. Sarapiqui is close enough to La Fortuna to choose from an abundance of beautiful hotels and resorts. Of course, if you explore this area with a tour like ColorTexturePhotoTours, your accommodations are taken care of for you!
My favorite part about Costa Rica is that it really is whatever you want to make of it, and this is no more apparent than in Sarapiqui. You can chase waterfalls and frogs all day, or you can take a few hours to yourself and go on some of the most intense ziplines you’ll ever experience.
Sarapiqui is also known as one of the most authentic areas of Costa Rica, which brings with it a host of cultural activities (including incredible Costa Rican restaurants, like La Cueva del Marisco, which serves delectable seafood in a very humble environment).
Toro Amarillo
Another one of my favorite areas of Costa Rica is Toro Amarillo.
Toro Amarillo is a tiny pueblo that lies off of the Rio Toro, and like many towns in the area, receives visitors looking to photograph one of the many mighty waterfalls nearby.
One of ColorTexturePhotoTours Costa Rica trips visits Toro Amarillo and a single location with seven stunning waterfalls, several of which drop into the Rio Toro. Since the Rio Toro is lined with incredibly fluorescent, orange boulders, it’s sure to result in gorgeous photos.
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Bajos Del Toro
The last place I recommend you visit on your Costa Rica trip is Bajos Del Toro.
This area encapsulates everything I love about Costa Rica. For instance, one of the largest waterfalls in the whole country can be found in Bajos Del Toro and it drops directly into a mineral-scarred pool at the bottom of an ancient volcano.
Bajos Del Toro is also known as one of the best bird watching areas in the world. While hiking to that waterfall, you will pass through an area ripe with hummingbirds zipping around the flower gardens.
But, the most relieving part of Bajos Del Toro is that it may be the first location in Costa Rica where you aren’t scorched by heat all day.
Bajos Del Toro can be a challenge to shoot because of just how high its elevation is. One moment you can see absolutely everything and the next you’re completely surrounded in misty clouds.
But, as is the case with many challenging areas, it also provides some of the best photography in the world. You can capture a bright, sunny photo, and a dark, moody one all in one day.
You just need to be quick and know what you’re doing, which is why it would be helpful to join a professional Costa Rica photography tour, like ColorTexturePhotoTours, which has 8 different Costa Rican trips coming up in 2021.
ColorTexturePhotoTours not only ensures that you have a professional at your side the entire trip to make sure you don’t accidentally miss the perfect photo opportunity, but all of the tours they do are high-end. You won’t find yourself camping out in a flooded cabin or eating street food that ruins your whole trip with them. Instead, you’ll get to experience an all-inclusive, small-group trip that helps you create memories that last a lifetime.
Start your Costa Rica adventure now by visiting ColorTexturePhotoTours.