See how Andres Ramirez—Trip Experience Leader for O.A.T.'s Costa Rica: Pura Vida & Rainforest Discoveries adventure—spends his time when he’s not leading travelers, as he takes you on a photographic journey through his home town of Cervantes.
For Andres Ramirez—a Trip Experience Leader for O.A.T.'s Costa Rica: Pura Vida & Rainforest Discoveries adventure—photography began as a practical tool for documenting biodiversity during his university studies. "After that," he told us, "It became a real hobby—documenting birds mostly, mammals, frogs and landscapes."
Andres Ramirez—a Trip Experience Leader for O.A.T.'s Costa Rica: Pura Vida & Rainforest Discoveries adventure—behind his camera lens.
Initially a personal passion, photography soon blossomed into a professional asset for Andres—helping him provide travelers with an even better experience as he guides them through Costa Rica's photogenic nature. "As a Trip Experience Leader, photography has been an invaluable tool. It allows me to tell a visual story of each journey, capturing the essence of the destinations and the unique experiences of my travelers. It also helps in engaging with travelers, offering them photography tips, and creating lasting memories for them through well-composed shots."
During the pandemic, Andres decided to deepen his expertise by completing a Digital Photography Technician program. This formal training opened his eyes to new possibilities: "It made me explore different fields of photography and discover that there are an infinite amount of details and scenes that can be captured through my lens."
Costa Rica's natural splendor provides endless opportunities for capturing memorable images. "The country's lush rainforests, dramatic volcanoes, and stunning coastlines provide breathtaking landscapes, while its diverse wildlife—like toucans, macaws, sloths, and colorful frogs—offers endless opportunities for unique shots," Andres explained.
Andres cherishes the diverse Costa Rican wildlife that offer "endless opportunities for unique shots."
But beyond nature, Andres finds inspiration in the country's unique culture and daily life. "I enjoy photographing the warmth and energy of Costa Rican culture," he said. "From open markets filled with fresh vegetables and fruits to the rich traditions of festivals and dance, there's always something visually compelling. I also love capturing the 'Pura Vida' lifestyle: locals enjoying a cup of coffee on a tranquil morning, farmers bringing their crops, or a group of boys playing soccer. These moments reflect the essence of Costa Rica and its deep connection to nature, simplicity, and joy."
From farmers bringing in their crops to boys playing soccer, Andres loves to capture the "Pura Vida" lifestyle that Costa Rica is known for.
One of his most meaningful projects has been documenting the farming communities in his hometown. "Through my lens, I've documented their dedication, resilience, and deep connection to the land," he reflected. "Whether it's the early morning light casting golden hues over the fields or the weathered hands of a farmer tending to their crops, these images tell the story of a way of life that sustains communities and preserves traditions."
Costa Rican farmers working in the field.
However, he says his most memorable wildlife photograph came during an unexpected encounter in Tortuguero National Park. "We were exploring the waterways, surrounded by dense rainforest, when we had the rare and breathtaking encounter of a Jaguar resting along the riverbank," he recalled. "The moment was pure magic, this elusive and powerful creature, perfectly camouflaged in its natural habitat, embodying the wild and untamed beauty of Costa Rica."
Andres appreciated this jaguar for giving him his most "memorable" wildlife photograph.
When asked about his favorite location for photography, Andres pointed to Cerro de la Muerte, a high-altitude region known for its misty forests and pristine rivers. "It's one of the best places to spot and photograph the Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most iconic and stunning birds in the world," he said. "The interplay of clouds rolling over the peaks, the golden light at sunrise, and the deep green forests make this location truly magical."
Andres cited Cerro de la Muerte as his favorite location for photography.
However, capturing Costa Rica's beauty comes with its challenges. The country's tropical climate presents photographers with unique obstacles, from sudden rain showers to challenging lighting conditions. "The rainforest's dense canopy creates low-light situations, requiring adjustments in camera settings to avoid motion blur," Andres explained. "The sun is intense in Costa Rica, especially at midday, creating harsh shadows and overexposed highlights."
It might look black-and-white thanks to Andres’ artistry, but you can bet that the Costa Rican sun is actually quite intense in this photo.
The varied topography adds another layer of complexity. "From one location to another, reaching the perfect vantage point can be physically demanding," he said. "Hiking steep trails, navigating dense forest, or shooting from a moving boat requires adaptability and careful handling of camera gear. Despite these challenges, they are what make photography in Costa Rica so exciting."
Andres urges travelers to interact with locals and capture candid moments with them instead of staged poses.
As both a photographer and guide, Andres has mastered the art of balancing his dual roles. "My main focus is always on my travelers, ensuring they are engaged, informed, and immersed in the experience," he said. "I've learned to anticipate key moments and be ready with my camera without letting it take away from my leading responsibilities."
Andres offered several essential tips for travelers photographing Costa Rican wildlife.
He also takes pride in helping travelers capture their own memorable shots. "I encourage travelers to go beyond just taking photos and instead focus on telling a story with their images," he said. For wildlife photography, he emphasizes patience and understanding of animal behavior. For cultural shots, he stresses the importance of genuine connection: "I encourage travelers to interact with locals, learn their stories, and capture candid moments that reflect genuine emotions rather than staged poses."
"Enjoy the experience, observe your surroundings, and be ready to capture unique moments," Andres told us.
For photographers planning to visit Costa Rica, Andres offered several essential tips. He emphasized the importance of knowing your camera well before arriving, as the country's fast-moving wildlife and changing light conditions require quick adjustments. He also recommended protecting equipment from the high humidity with dry bags and silica packs, and suggested practicing wildlife photography at home before the trip.
Beyond the technical aspects, Andres's most important advice centered on mindset: "Be patient and present," he advised. "Some of the best shots come when you least expect them. Enjoy the experience, observe your surroundings, and be ready to capture unique moments."
Embark on O.A.T.’s Costa Rica: Pura Vida & Rainforest Discoveries adventure to take your own photographs of Costa Rican wildlife.
