Volcanos, Beaches, & National Parks: Birdwatching in Costa Rica

A representative will meet you at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose and transfer you to your first hotel in La Fortuna. The hotel for tonight is close to Arenal Volcano. During the drive, you will receive a brief introduction to Costa Rica and some recommendations for your trip.

La Fortuna is home to the greater Arenal Recreation Area, the entire region is paradise on Earth for outdoor adventurers. Volcanic views grace the landscape and heat several geothermal hot springs. A lake and rivers beckon you toward aquatic adventure. Refreshing waterfalls reward you after hikes, offering crisp pools and spectacular views.

Accommodation: Hotel San Bosco Inn, standard double room
Transfer time: 3 hours, 15 minutes

The Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most notable natural features. Standing at 5,437 feet (1,657 meters), this volcano has been resting (i.e. not active) since 2010. However, it is no less majestic to behold, as it’s practically a behemoth against the region’s perfect skies. Rising above the rainforest that surrounds its base, Arenal Volcano frames the skyline with near-perfect symmetry.

The Arenal Volcano area is the habitat of a variety of birds that make their permanent or temporary home near Lake Arenal. Enjoy a half-day birdwatching tour with a naturalist guide. Expect to see toucans, parrots, oropendolas, colorful tanagers, and parakeets. With more experienced birdwatchers, the naturalist guide will focus on spotting Royal Flycatchers, White-fronted Nunbird, Cinnamon Woodpeckers, and other less commonly seen species.

In the afternoon, you will take a shared transfer from Arenal to Monteverde. The trip combines comfortable door-to-door minivan transfers with a fun and scenic cruise across the tranquil Lake Arenal, where you will experience beautiful views of the majestic volcano and the forested Tilaran Mountain Range. You will also have the chance to see a variety of wetland birds such as kingfishers, flycatchers, waders, and other exotic species that abound on the lakeshore.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Arenal and be driven to the Lake Arenal dam, where you will board a covered boat. This is where the scenic 45-minute cruise across the lake begins. Next, you will begin the impressive 1.5-hour journey up the mountainside on a steep road offering stunning views of the lush, green valley. You will be driven directly to your Monteverde area hotel.

Important: Passengers should expect to carry their bags/luggage to and from the boat. Drivers will do their best to help if you have any problems with carrying heavy bags. Just let them know in advance.

Accommodation: Monteverde Villa Lodge, standard double room
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, beverages
Transfer Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Monteverde is translated as “green mountain”, and once you’ve reached the mountaintop, you’ll first come upon the quaint town of Santa Elena. Here you’ll find gift stores, accommodations, a bus stop, restaurants, cafes, a supermarket, banks, and much more. Though Monteverde proper does not have a town center, it is comprised of a dirt road that leads to the Cloud Forest Reserve. Spread out along this walkable road are hotels, cafes, restaurants, galleries, and excellent views!

From start to finish, today's goal is to identify as many birds as possible. Monteverde is home to some 400 species of birds, which are scattered among the forests and mountains of the region. During this guided birding tour, you will spend the morning hiking the Curi-Cancha trails and searching for our feathered friends. The tour lasts 5 to 6 hours depending on the endurance of the group.

The Curi-Cancha Reserve extends across 237 acres (96 ha) and protects both primary and secondary forests. It is one of the area’s best birding sites, offering visitors the opportunity to see birds like the Orange-bellied Trogon, Keel-billed Toucan, Blue-crowned Motmot, Resplendent Quetzal, and Blue-throated Golden Tail. The trails are well maintained (although sometimes a bit muddy) and extend for several kilometers.

Accommodation: Monteverde Villa Lodge, standard double room
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, beverages

Tárcoles River is located in the Central Pacific on the way to Jacó beach and Manuel Antonio National Park. The river is 111 kilometers long and its watershed covers an area of 2,121 square kilometers, which encompasses around 50% of the country’s population. The river’s upper reaches form the northern border of the Carara Biological Reserve. It is a habitat for American crocodiles, while the marshes located at the river’s mouth have many waterfowl and wading birds. Among the many herons and egrets are the Boatbill and Bare-throated tiger heron, and other birds found here include Double-striped Thick-knee, Mangrove Warbler, and American Pygmy Kingfisher. Reptiles, such as the American crocodile, common basilisk, and large iguanas, are also easily seen.

Accommodation: Hotel Villa Lapas, standard double room
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, beverages

Carara National Park, just north of Jacó, not only has an impressive jungle and easy trails, but this park is considered one of the country’s best birding destinations. Even if you aren’t a serious birder, it’s hard not to appreciate that over 400 species have been identified here.

From the ranger station, one main trail, the Universal Loop (1.2 km/0.75 miles), circles through shaded forest with shrubby undergrowth. This short trail is flat, paved with concrete, and has resting benches. About halfway through the Universal Loop, the Quebrada Bonita Trail (1.5 km/1 mile) branches off. This trail is much more rustic and what you would typically think of as a hiking trail. A third trail, the Araceas, branches off the Quebrada Bonita and makes another 1.2 km (0.75 mile) loop. This trail is even more rustic and has lots of steps.

A separate trail, the Meandrica or Riverside Trail, is located about 2 km (1.2 miles) north of the main ranger station. This is the place to go if you’re serious about birding.

Accommodation: Hotel Villa Lapas, standard double room
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, beverages

All the good things come to an end. Say good-bye to beautiful Costa Rica and its people! One driver will pick you up at the hotel and take you straight to the International Airport. In Costa Rica, you must be at the airport 3 hours before the departure time.