Bird photography in Esquipulas: Hummingbirds and forest trails

Spot and photograph birds you won't see anywhere else

A four-hour bird photography activity in Esquipulas, a rural community 40 minutes from Quepos, where you photograph forest species with a certified guide and high-quality telescope. You'll explore gardens designed for observation, forest trails and streams, then eat a typical breakfast surrounded by birds at the family farm's restaurant.

The experience

Esquipulas sits in the foothills of the Los Santos Zone, a location considered one of the best for bird watching and photography in the Manuel Antonio and Quepos area. The morning starts with stops along the way to explore pastures, gardens, gallery forests and forest edges before you reach the family farm itself. Your certified guide carries a high-quality telescope to help you frame shots and identify species as you move through the property.

The farm's gardens are designed specifically for observation and photography, so birds come close and stay visible. You'll also walk trails through the forest and along streams where species like the white-crested coquette, turquoise cotinga, king vulture, little oz hummingbird, warblers, euphonias and tanagers move through the canopy and lower growth. A typical breakfast with fresh products from the farm is served in a cozy restaurant on the property, surrounded by plants and birds, so you eat while watching.

The guide speaks English or Spanish and the air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your hotel. The activity runs four hours, leaving the rest of your day open for other plans in the Quepos area.

What’s included

• A delicious typical breakfast with fresh farm products served in the restaurant surrounded by plants and birds.
• all fees and taxes.
• air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from your hotel.
• a certified guide equipped with a high-quality telescope to assist with photography and species identification.
• coffee and tea.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 17 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Quepos Info Center

Is this one for you?Four hours leaves the rest of your day free for other activities in the Quepos area, so you can combine this with a beach visit or another excursion without overcommitting your morning.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What birds will I actually see in Esquipulas?

The target species include the white-crested coquette, turquoise cotinga, king vulture, little oz hummingbird, warblers, euphonias and tanagers. Your guide will use the telescope to help you locate and photograph them as they move through the gardens and forest.

How far is Esquipulas from Quepos and Manuel Antonio?

Esquipulas is 40 minutes from Manuel Antonio by vehicle. The route includes several stops to explore different habitats (pastures, gardens, gallery forests and forest edges) before you arrive at the family farm.

Will I need my own camera and photography equipment?

You bring your own camera. The guide carries a high-quality telescope to help you frame shots and identify species, so you don't need telephoto gear to see and photograph the birds clearly.

What happens if I'm not very fit or have mobility concerns?

The activity requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. You'll walk trails through the forest and along streams, so some hiking ability is needed. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available in the vehicle.