Volcanos, Beaches, & National Parks: Birdwatching in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Birding + Bird Watching Tours
A GUIDED BIRDING TOUR FOR BEGINNERS & EXPERTS ALIKE
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length6 days
- Prices from$1244 Rates
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Overview
Home to cool, misty cloud forests, and deep green foliage almost everywhere you look, there’s no mistaking that you’ve stepped away from everyday life. If spending time in nature is at the top of your travel to-do list, then this guided birding tour in Costa Rica is for you!
Costa Rica is home to a striking variety of bird species, over 850 have been identified – more than the United States and Canada combined! Keep in mind, this is all in an area roughly the size of West Virginia.
On this birdwatching tour, you'll visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest which is one of the seven natural wonders of this country. The incredible Resplendent Quetzal calls this place home. In addition to the possibility of spotting a Bare-throated Tiger Heron, the Mangrove Warbler, or the American Pygmy Kingfisher, you will probably see an American Crocodile or two which are abundant on the Tárcoles River.
Moving along to the Carara National Park, you will hopefully spot the colorful Scarlet Macaw, which is the largest member of the parrot family. The park contains one of the largest remaining wild populations of this delightful bird. You are guaranteed to add some great finds to your birding journal!
Highlights
The Arenal Volcano, with lovely geothermal hot springs
Lake Arenal where you may spot Royal Flycatchers, White-fronted Nunbird, and Cinnamon Woodpeckers
The forested Tilaran Mountain Range
Monteverde, home to some 400 species of birds
The Curi-Cancha Reserve, where you may be able to see the Orange-bellied Trogon, Keel-billed Toucan, Blue-crowned Motmot, Resplendent Quetzal, and Blue-throated Golden Tail
Tons of other toucans, parrots, oropendolas, colorful tanagers, and parakeets
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in San Jose, transfer to La Fortuna
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 minutesDay 2: Arenal Recreation Area, transfer to Monteverde, Lake Crossing (elevation 258 m / 845 f)
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 minutesDay 3: Birding in Monteverde (elevation 1,543 m / 5,060 f)
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, beveragesDay 4: Monteverde - Tárcoles area (elevation 97 m / 318 f)
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, beveragesDay 5: Birding in Carara National Park
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, beveragesDay 6: Transfer from Jacó to Juan Santamaria Airport
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.
Looking for more? Check out our other birding tours, hiking tours, & bike tours!
Map
Accommodation
Hotel San Bosco Inn
Standard Room with breakfast included
Located in La Fortuna town, San Bosco Inn offers an outdoor pool and lush gardens, free Wi-Fi in public areas and rooms with garden views. Rooms at the San Bosco Inn feature bright functional décor and cable TV. All rooms have a private bathroom with free towels. Local restaurants and shops can be found within a 2-minute walk. If you stay at Hotel San Bosco Inn, you have free access to the hot springs of the Arenal Volcano Lodge & Springs.
Monteverde Villa Lodge
Standard Room with breakfast included
Monteverde Villa Lodge nestled in the heart of Santa Elena Monteverde steps away from adventure tours, banks, restaurants, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This hotel is perfect for families looking for local experiences, and nature-lover travelers. This is a small hotel, run by a local rural family. Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee at the end of your day while you talk with the owners of the hotel.
Hotel Villa Lapas
Standard Room with breakfast included
Hotel Villa Lapas is an eco-resort, located in the Pacific rainforest of Costa Rica near the bustling town of Jacó. You will be so close to the Carara National Reserve, the Tárcoles River, and the hotel has a private reserve that allows you the singular luxury of the unique comparison of two different ecosystems and two different climates. Villa Lapas offers some unique on grounds amenities surrounded by lush tropical gardens sitting in the midst of a private 500-acre jungle reserve. Experience the raw power of the rainforest through walking or simply lounge by the pool or Jacuazzi. Every night, you can enjoy entertainment shows that are fun for all ages. The colonial-style Santa Lucía town that is located at Villa Lapas offers restaurant, church, souvenir shop, and a local cantina. Villa Lapas is perfect for birdwatching, all the property is surronded by forest and beautiful wildlife.Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 5 nights in private rooms with bathroom
- All breakfasts
- Local tour guides
- Birding tours as mentioned in the daily itinerary
- Entrance fees into the parks
- Private Transfer from San Jose to Arenal Volcano
- Van-Boat-Van Shared Transfer from Arenal Volcano to Monteverde, Lake Crossing Shuttle Transfer from Monteverde to Tárcoles
- Private Transfer from Tárcoles to Juan Santamaria Airport
- VAT (taxes)
What’s Not Included
- Optional tours/excursions
- Departure taxes ($29 per person)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Airfare
- Tips
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2021
Daily departures are possible.
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Twin/double: $ 1646 £ 917 $ 1,586 € 1057 NZ$ 1772 kr 10709 $ 1,244
Single supplement: Please ask
These rates apply from December 15th, 2020 to December 15th, 2021
Peak Season: December 20th, 2020 to January 5th, 2021 & from March 28th to April 3rd, 2021 (supplement will apply).
A discount may be available for larger groups. A new valid quotation will be provided upon request.
Rates are subject to change without notice.
Extra Info
Airport Info
Fly into and out of the capital of Costa Rica: San José (Juan Santamaria International Airport).
Local Travel
From the Juan Santamaria International Airport, you will be transferred to and from your hotel by our local driver.
Recommended
While birding and bird watching does not require a huge investment or much equipment, we absolutely recommended a good pair of binoculars and comfortable boots or walking shoes. A field guide and note book are also a helpful addition, although your English speaking guide would be happy to identify the birds you see along the way. An extensive packing list will be sent approx. 1 month before your tour.
Remarks
An extensive packing list will be sent to you approx. 1 month before your departure.
Important to know
Please check the entry requirements prior to your arrival!
US nationals do not require an entry visa to Costa Rica. However, they must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica within 90 days. US passports must be valid for a minimum of one day from the day you enter Costa Rica. As a tourist, US nationals cannot stay more than 90 days. For a stay longer than 90 days a residence permit must be established.
Other nationals might not require an entry visa to Costa Rica. To verify all entry requirements according to your nationality, please see the following link nationalities.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Green World Adventures.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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