Costa Rica
The Colourful Caribbean of
TBC for September 13 -22, 2026
From the mystical Central Valley to the colourful Caribbean lowlands
Join us on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant Costa Rica.
On this incredible expedition we will take you across multiple unique and highly biodiverse regions, each offering its own rare and colourful species and wild beauty. From searching for elusive vipers hidden in volcanic cloud-forests to exploring the life-filled lowland jungles of the Caribbean coast, this trip is a deep dive into the heart of tropical herpetology.
Added to the amazing herpetological treasures, the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is known for its beautiful beaches, kind people and laid-back culture.
Some of this trip’s targets include the Black-speckled Pit Viper (Bothriechis nigroviridis), Central-American Bushmaster (Lachesis stenophrys), The Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis nigroadspersus), Annulated Tree boa (Corallus annulatus), several species of coral snakes and a plethora of rare and colourful amphibians like the Crowned Tree Frog (Triprion spinosus), The Ghost Glass Frog (Sachatamia ilex) and the rarely seen Shaman Fringe-limbed Tree Frog (Ecnomiohyla sukia).
Beyond the thrill of herping in some of Costa Rica’s most remote and species-rich hotspots, this experience is also about immersion, into the rhythm, culture, and warmth of the Caribbean lifestyle. Spend your days not only uncovering snakes, frogs, and lizards but also relaxing on golden beaches, kayaking through serene forest rivers, and soaking up the music, food, and laid-back spirit of Afro-Caribbean culture. It’s an expedition for adventurers, naturalists, and anyone eager to see the wild world. Up close, unfiltered, and unbound.
Meet your Tour Leader
Steijn Pulles
Wildlife Guide | Photographer | Conservationist
Itinerary
DAY 1-2 : we will spend the morning gathering the group to depart on a roughly 3 hour drive into the cloud-forests around 14:00pm. Here we will be searching for some iconic montane species like the Side-striped Pit-viper and the Golden-eyed Tree Frog as well as having a chance for the ghost of the cloudforest; the Black-Speckled Pit Viper.
DAY 3-4: Before heading into the hot and lush Caribbean, we drive into the cloud-forests a bit further. This time to the popular, volcanic, mountain town of La Fortuna. Another habitat that is teeming with life, including some high elevation specialists. Here we have a chance to encounter Eyelash vipers, some spectacular species of coral snakes but the main target for this place will be the Mexican Jumping Pitviper.
During the Day we can enjoy the beautiful town of La Fortuna, hike up the volcano and in the evening we can enjoy some well-earned natural hot springs before we head back into the forest.
DAY 5-6: Transfer to Horquetas, the gateway to the Caribbean lowlands. Next to being filled with the more common Caribbean reptile species, like the Eyelash Viper, Fer-de-Lance, Keelbacks and some rare colubrids like the Red-eyed Snail-eater, these ancient forests are home to some of Costa Rica’s rarest and most colourful amphibians. We will be looking for Crowned Tree Frogs, Sylvia’s Tree Frogs, Shaman Fringe-Limbed Tree Frogs, and six species of Glass Frogs including some of the countries rarest.
During the day there is the option to get your daily dose of adrenaline while white water rafting or hangout by the pool, have a drink and go through your photos from the first leg of the trip.
DAY: 7-10: Transfer to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Here we are truly in the Caribbean, where the most common morph of Eyelash Viper will be as yellow as the Piña Coladas you will find on the beach.
From this beach town we will venture into the Kéköldi indigenous reserve. An ancient, truly wild forest and a hotspot for Annulated Tree Boas, Fer-de-Lances, Hognosed Pit Vipers, the False Tree Coral Snake and several species of true coral snakes. This place will also be our best shot at the amazing Central American Bushmaster. A difficult target, but there is no better place to look for them, and no better guides!
We will enjoy the days hiking in Cahuita national park and kayaking through coastal forests teeming with caiman, iguanas, mammals and beautiful birds. The area knows three species of monkeys, sloths, and coati’s, the raccoon’s tropical cousin.
Day 10: After an intense 10 days, it is time to say goodbye to our new friends. we take off early, for a 4/5 hour drive back to San Jose. It is advised to book your flights out for either late in the evening or the next day.
What is included.
Domestic Travel and private transfers
Expert guiding throughout the whole tour
Accomodation
Park entrance fees
Three meals per day (excluding breakfast on day 1, and lunch and dinner on day 10)
Expert photography guidance
What is not included.
Expedition gear (rubber boots, mosquito repellent etc.)
Flights to and from the destination
Travel insurance
Any extra hotels or transport
Potential visa costs
Snacks and alcoholic beverages
Tips
Limited spaces available
To ensure a high-quality, personalized experience, our herping trips are limited to small groups of 5–8 participants. This allows for better wildlife viewing opportunities, more direct interaction with guides, and a lower impact on the environment. Whether you're a photographer, researcher, or passionate nature enthusiast, the small group size ensures you get the most out of every moment in the field.