Join Cole Keister, a San Francisco-based photographer and designer with a passion for travel, on an unforgettable week-long photography adventure in Costa Rica. With work featured on platforms like Buzzfeed, HuffPost, Popular Science, and Adobe, Cole brings a wealth of experience and creativity to every project. His photography has reached over 250 million views and 1.5 million downloads, contributing to 100,000+ non-profits and emerging artists worldwide. Named one of the “Top 10 Portrait Photographers in San Francisco” by Giggster in 2023, Cole has photographed everything from Instagram-famous dogs to viral street artist BLCKSMTH.
On this trip, Cole will not only be your photography mentor, but also your host, guiding you through the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of Costa Rica. With a portfolio that spans from Vietnam to the West Bank, collaborations with brands like Microsoft, Uniqlo, and Adobe, and a knack for storytelling, Cole brings both his expertise and passion to this unique travel experience. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, Cole’s hands-on workshops, coupled with his warm, approachable style, ensure you’ll leave with both breathtaking photos and unforgettable memories.
-Cole's Website
-Cole’s Instagram
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Jun 12 - 18, 2025
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 8
Transportation
Group transfers, boat
Age range
21+
Travel interest
Photography, nature, exploration, culture
Costa Rica is a famously captivating and picture-perfect nation, and this trip offers the unique opportunity to capture it alongside a prolific and talented photographer. Join Cole on this total immersion in Central America, with 7 days of activities across three locations that put you in locations like the bustling streets of San José and the silent streams of the remote jungle. Along the way, curated experiences alongside travelers with the same travel goals make this trip one you will remember for a lifetime.
There are limited spots available – secure yours today!
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Mar 7, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -6), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.
If you cancel your trip from Mar 8, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT -6) onwards, no refunds will be issued.
You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.
Trip disclaimer
To offer you the best deals and group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers to book this trip. If this number is not met, or an act of force majeure occurs, TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may make the call to cancel or reschedule. If the departure is canceled or rescheduled out of your control, you will be alerted by March 7, 2025 and will receive a full refund.
We recommend booking refundable flights/accommodations just in case. This protects you from losing your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, or any other cost associated with planning your trip.
You may transfer your spot
At any point until Mar 7, 2025, you may choose to transfer your spot to another traveler. The price will reflect the current selling price of the trip at the time of transfer. Once the new traveler has been introduced and books their spot, we will refund you for your payments. You can initiate a transfer in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.
Note: If there is a waitlist, you may not be able to choose who you transfer your spot to. We will contact the next person on the waitlist for this trip and transfer your spot to them.
Join Cole Keister, a San Francisco-based photographer and designer with a passion for travel, on an unforgettable week-long photography adventure in Costa Rica. With work featured on platforms like Buzzfeed, HuffPost, Popular Science, and Adobe, Cole brings a wealth of experience and creativity to every project. His photography has reached over 250 million views and 1.5 million downloads, contributing to 100,000+ non-profits and emerging artists worldwide. Named one of the “Top 10 Portrait Photographers in San Francisco” by Giggster in 2023, Cole has photographed everything from Instagram-famous dogs to viral street artist BLCKSMTH.
On this trip, Cole will not only be your photography mentor, but also your host, guiding you through the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of Costa Rica. With a portfolio that spans from Vietnam to the West Bank, collaborations with brands like Microsoft, Uniqlo, and Adobe, and a knack for storytelling, Cole brings both his expertise and passion to this unique travel experience. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, Cole’s hands-on workshops, coupled with his warm, approachable style, ensure you’ll leave with both breathtaking photos and unforgettable memories.
-Cole's Website
-Cole’s Instagram
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Jun 12 - 18, 2025
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 8
Transportation
Group transfers, boat
Costa Rica is a famously captivating and picture-perfect nation, and this trip offers the unique opportunity to capture it alongside a prolific and talented photographer. Join Cole on this total immersion in Central America, with 7 days of activities across three locations that put you in locations like the bustling streets of San José and the silent streams of the remote jungle. Along the way, curated experiences alongside travelers with the same travel goals make this trip one you will remember for a lifetime.
There are limited spots available – secure yours today!
-Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica. You will touch down at Juan Santamaría Airport, the warm sun of Central America welcoming you. Meet up with the group and take the group transfer to the hotel.
-Check in at the hotel and take some time to settle in.
-Enjoy a delicious dinner as we celebrate the beginning of our adventure. Then, tonight is totally free for you to explore San José on your own, taking the time to visit some of the landmarks that make the city famous, like one of the many museums, markets, and theaters. Have fun!
-Begin your day with a scenic boat ride through the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park, immersing yourself in the heart of Costa Rica's biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for exotic wildlife, such as monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds, as you glide through the tranquil waters.
-Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the charming town of Guapiles before continuing onwards.
-Arrive in Tortuguero and head to our accommodations, checking in and settling down before enjoying lunch.
-Afterwards, we’ll embark on a guided tour of this charming town, seeing the highlights and learning of its history.
-Return to the resort for dinner, then the rest of the night is ours to enjoy on our own.
-We wake up today in the lush jungles of Costa Rica ready to explore. Grab breakfast and gear up for our day in Tortuguero National Park!
-In the morning, it’s free time to venture out on our own before lunch. Then, the afternoon brings a guided tour of the park’s trails, gardens, and beaches.
-Tonight, we will enjoy dinner before a night excursion or free time to finish up our findings here. Retire to the resort once more and rest up after a day of discovery. Sweet dreams!
-Rise and shine, travelers, because we are heading to our third and final locale today. Enjoy a final meal at our resort before packing up and checking out.
-A familiar boat transfer through Braulio Carrillo National Park and stop in Guapiles for lunch make up our afternoon. Then it’s on to La Fortuna!
-Once we arrive, check in at our accommodations and settle into our base for the next three nights.
-We will enjoy dinner together at the resort before free time in the evening to take on your way.
-Our adventures continue in the Costa Rican jungles today, so make sure you have a great breakfast to fuel up for what’s to come (don’t worry – our hotel makes that really easy to do).
-First, we’re hiking down to La Fortuna waterfall, a towering force of nature. After a challenging yet charming hike, we will take a dip in the crystal clear waters, sure to be refreshing after the trek.
-Then, we are heading to Vida Campesina to participate in an array of traditional activities and a tasty lunch, learning about the culture of this place from true locals.
-A full day of fun concludes with dinner and unscheduled time to continue exploration or get some extra rest.
-It is our final day in Costa Rica, and you can’t leave without seeing a sloth…so let’s go! But first, breakfast.
-We are visiting one of the best sloth observation centers in the nation, its natural habitat meticulously maintained and protected by dedicated staff. Through stealthy methods, you will see these sloths without disturbing them at all, offering the most authentic experience with these smiling, sweet-faced creatures.
-Return to the hotel and grab some lunch before indulging in a premium massage at the on-site spa. Relax, loosen up your muscles, and indulge in the peaceful ambiance.
-Tonight, we will share our final dinner, exchanging stories and experiences through our time together in this beautiful country. Make sure to exchange numbers and Instagram handles, too – we have a feeling you’re already ready to plan your next trip.
-It’s time for us to pack up and head home today. Grab your final breakfast and pack up your things, savoring your final moments in this tranquil place.
-Take the group transfer to the airport to catch your flight back. As you take off, reflect on all we did during our week in this paradise, and remember – Costa Rica is here waiting when you’re ready to come back!
A modern and comfortable accommodation, Hotel Presidente is your homebase for explorations in San José and beyond. It is located in the heart of the city, with countless attractions nearby including museums, parks, shops and eateries. To experience Costa Rican culture, all you need to do is step out the door. Amenities like free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant will help make Hotel Presidente feel like home. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: 2 twin beds.
Pachira Lodge is nestled in the heart of Tortuguero National Park, offering a serene escape into the Costa Rican jungle. This eco-friendly lodge is just a short boat ride away from the park's entrance, providing easy access to its pristine beaches and diverse wildlife. Guests can enjoy comfortable accommodations, a refreshing outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: 2 twin beds.
Arenal Paraíso Resort is a luxurious retreat nestled at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. Surrounded by lush rainforest and offering breathtaking views of the volcano, the resort provides a tranquil escape for nature lovers. Guests can enjoy spacious accommodations, a refreshing outdoor pool, a spa offering rejuvenating treatments, and a gourmet restaurant serving delicious local and international cuisine. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: 2 twin beds.
1 night accommodations in San José
2 nights accommodation nearby Tortuguero National Park
3 nights accommodation in La Fortuna
Shared double occupancy in accommodation
All breakfasts
Lunch on days 3 and 5
Dinner on days 1, 2, and 3
One group airport arrival transfer
One group airport departure transfer
All activities described in the itinerary
Local guides during activities
Entrance fees where applicable with included activities
Flights
International airport departure tax
Visas
All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions
Personal expenses
Optional add-ons
Travel insurance
Gratuities
What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
Please check the cancellation policy section on this itinerary page for specific details.
Will TourHero or the operator take care of my visa (if applicable)?
Travelers are responsible for researching visa requirements and obtaining a visa if needed. Please check government websites to ensure you have the necessary documents, along with passport requirements, before your departure date. This includes necessary transit visas, permits, and vaccinations required prior to travel and any required reciprocity fees for the destination. TourHero will provide a booking confirmation document after purchase, which may be needed to obtain a visa.
If your visa is denied for any reason, TourHero will issue a refund based on the cancellation policy. However, we are unable to provide a refund after the cancellation due date has passed.
Do I need a passport for this trip?
A full and valid passport is required for all persons traveling to any destination outside of one’s home country. Most international tours require a passport that's valid for at least six (6) months beyond the scheduled end of your Itinerary. TourHero will not issue refunds based on passport issues such as renewals or lost passports.
What's included in the price?
Please check the inclusion and exclusion sections above. You'll find information about included meals, transfers, flights, and activities. If you have any questions or need support, please contact: hello@tourhero.com.
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Mar 7, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -6), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.
If you cancel your trip from Mar 8, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT -6) onwards, no refunds will be issued.
You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.
Trip disclaimer
To offer you the best deals and group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers to book this trip. If this number is not met, or an act of force majeure occurs, TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may make the call to cancel or reschedule. If the departure is canceled or rescheduled out of your control, you will be alerted by March 7, 2025 and will receive a full refund.
We recommend booking refundable flights/accommodations just in case. This protects you from losing your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, or any other cost associated with planning your trip.
You may transfer your spot
At any point until Mar 7, 2025, you may choose to transfer your spot to another traveler. The price will reflect the current selling price of the trip at the time of transfer. Once the new traveler has been introduced and books their spot, we will refund you for your payments. You can initiate a transfer in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.
Note: If there is a waitlist, you may not be able to choose who you transfer your spot to. We will contact the next person on the waitlist for this trip and transfer your spot to them.