Difficulty
Four Realms, One Remarkable Country
Best of Costa Rica
Discover why Costa Rica remains one of the world’s premier destinations for Neotropical birding. In a country smaller than West Virginia, we traverse mist-laden highland forests, lush Caribbean lowlands, Pacific slope rainforest, and volcanic cordilleras alive with regional endemics. With comfortable lodges, excellent cuisine, and superb birding right on the grounds of each property, this thoughtfully designed itinerary offers both an inspiring introduction to tropical diversity and a deeply rewarding experience for seasoned birders. From Resplendent Quetzal in cool mountain forests to Scarlet Macaws along the Pacific, the variety is simply astonishing.
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Tour Overview
Feb 28–Mar 12, 2027
Feb 26–Mar 8, 2028
Costa Rica’s extraordinary diversity is shaped by elevation, rainfall, and geography. Our journey begins in the high Talamanca Mountains at Cerro de la Muerte, where cool temperate forests and páramo edges host many of the country’s most celebrated endemics. Here, hummingbirds glitter at garden feeders, mixed flocks move through moss-draped trees, and the magnificent Resplendent Quetzal remains one of the great prizes of Neotropical birding.
Descending toward the Pacific slope, we explore Carara National Park, a fascinating transition zone between dry and moist forest. This protected remnant of tall lowland rainforest shelters Scarlet Macaw, Baird’s Trogon, Riverside Wren, and a remarkable blend of northern and southern avifauna. A relaxed boat excursion along the Tarcoles River adds herons, kingfishers, shorebirds, and raptors to our growing list.
We then return to the cooler elevations of Bosque de Paz, where cloud forest specialties abound. Prong-billed Barbet, Spangle-cheeked Tanager, Black-faced Solitaire, and Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher typify these lush montane forests. Flowering shrubs attract hummingbirds in dazzling variety, and feeding flocks offer some of the most colorful encounters in Central America.
Our exploration concludes in the rich Caribbean lowlands of Sarapiquí and La Selva. Tall rainforest, riverine habitats, and forest edge create ideal conditions for trogons, toucans, manakins, antbirds, honeycreepers, and caciques. A boat trip along the Sarapiquí River reveals waterbirds, kingfishers, and possibly the extraordinary Sunbittern. With more than 900 species recorded in Costa Rica, this compact yet comprehensive tour offers an unforgettable cross-section of the country’s birds, mammals, and habitats.
Ecosystems Experienced
Humid Caribbean lowland rainforest, Pacific slope moist forest, high-elevation cloud forest, volcanic cordilleras, and limited páramo. Elevational gradients and rainfall contrasts create distinct bird communities within short driving distances.
Expected Climate
Temperature
Generally 65–85°F (18–29°C). Cooler in highland forests, warmer and more humid in the Caribbean and Pacific lowlands.
Rainfall
Showers are possible throughout the year, with the Caribbean slope typically wetter. Brief afternoon rain or mist is common in montane areas.
Seasons
Late winter and early spring bring active birdlife and generally favorable weather. Elevation and slope exposure strongly influence local conditions.
Previous Field Reports
Key Species
Scarlet Macaw
Great Green Macaw
Resplendent Quetzal
Volcano Junco
Fiery-throated Hummingbird
Prong-billed Barbet
Leader
+ Local Leader
David Ascanio
Primary Leader
Veteran Venezuelan birder and field guide author celebrated for his bird vocalization expertise and decades of leadership throughout the Neotropics.
Read MoreItinerary
Click here to download the 2027 itinerary PDF
Day 1
Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport, where our local representative will meet you for the transfer to Hotel Bougainvillea.
Settle in for the evening. No group activities are scheduled today, and dinner is on your own.
Day 2
Travel into the Talamanca Mountains to explore the high-elevation forests of Cerro de la Muerte, home to many birds found only in Costa Rica and neighboring Panama.
Weather permitting, visit the open habitat above the treeline to search for Volcano Junco and the elusive Peg-billed Finch.
Watch for Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Collared Redstart, and Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher as we begin our search for Resplendent Quetzal.
Settle into Hotel Savegre, where flowering gardens attract hummingbirds and the nearby stream offers possibilities for American Dipper and Torrent Tyrannulet.
Day 3
Spend a full day exploring the San Gerardo de Dota area, drawing on recent local sightings to guide our search for Resplendent Quetzal.
Look for Collared Trogon, Black-capped Flycatcher, and mixed flocks that may include Flame-throated and Black-cheeked warblers.
Conditions permitting, explore higher elevations for Black Guan and Sooty Thrush, with time to enjoy the hummingbirds around Hotel Savegre.
Day 4
Return to the upper montane forest, searching native bamboo for Silvery-fronted Tapaculo and watching for Ruddy Treerunner and Sooty-capped Chlorospingus along the road to Providencia.
Descend toward the Pacific lowlands, stopping for lunch along the way as we leave the cool mountain forests behind.
Arrive at Tarcoles Birding Lodge, our base for three nights beside Carara National Park, with views toward the Gulf of Nicoya.
Day 5
Begin exploring Carara, where the dry forests of northwestern Costa Rica meet the wetter forests of the southern Pacific lowlands.
Watch for Scarlet Macaws leaving their roosts, with opportunities to study perched birds through the scopes.
Walk forest trails in search of regional specialties such as Baird’s Trogon, Black-hooded Antshrike, Orange-collared Manakin, and Riverside Wren.
Day 6
Continue birding Carara’s forest and edges, looking for trogons, woodcreepers, manakins, and the secretive Streak-chested Antpitta.
Take an afternoon boat excursion along the Tárcoles River and estuary to explore a different side of the Pacific lowlands.
Search the banks and waterways for Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Wood Stork, Common Black-Hawk, kingfishers, and shorebirds before returning to Tarcoles Birding Lodge.
Day 7
Depart early for the San Ramón region, where recent reports and suitable conditions may offer an opportunity to search for Three-wattled Bellbird.
Look for Sunbittern and visit feeding stations along the route, with possibilities for close views of Silver-throated and other colorful tanagers.
Continue toward Fortuna and settle into Arenal Observatory Lodge, our base for exploring the forests around Arenal Volcano.
Day 8
Explore forest trails around the lodge for Nightingale Wren and Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush, watching for understory flocks that may hold antwrens and woodcreepers.
Scan openings for White Hawk, Broad-billed Motmot, and Keel-billed Toucan, and visit the feeding station for honeycreepers and Orange-billed Sparrow.
After lunch and a rest, we may explore forest edges for Great Curassow, Crested Guan, and Collared Aracari.
Day 9
Travel into the Caribbean lowlands, choosing birding stops according to recent sightings shared by local birders.
Visit The Nest Nature Center, where a local farming family has restored habitat that attracts wood-rails, tanagers, sparrows, and hummingbirds.
Arrive at La Quinta de Sarapiquí, our home for the next three nights.
Day 10
Begin along La Selva’s entrance road, where flycatchers, tanagers, and seedeaters are often conspicuous in the early morning.
Explore rainforest trails for birds such as White-collared Manakin, Chestnut-colored Woodpecker, and White-whiskered Puffbird, keeping an eye out for poison dart frogs.
Return to La Quinta for lunch and a midday break. Later, we may revisit La Selva’s edges to look for Great Green Macaw and Snowy Cotinga.
Day 11
Day 12
Explore the Caribbean foothill forests of the Braulio Carrillo area and an adjoining private reserve.
Take a 90-minute aerial tram ride through different levels of the rainforest, watching for toucans, parrots, guans, and other canopy birds.
Walk forest trails and bird the surrounding edges for jacamars, antshrikes, hummingbirds, and a rich variety of tanagers.
Visit Cope’s Art in the afternoon before returning to La Quinta de Sarapiquí.
Day 13
Enjoy an early morning walk around the lodge grounds, looking for species such as Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher and Bronzy Hermit.
Ascend the Caribbean slope along the scenic La Virgen route, passing forested valleys and rushing streams.
Stop at Cinchona’s family-maintained feeders for hummingbirds that may include Green-crowned Brilliant, Violet Sabrewing, and Coppery-headed Emerald, along with barbets and tanagers.
Continue to Hotel Xandari near San José and gather for our farewell dinner.
Day 14
Transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport for flights departing before noon.
Transfers for later departures can be arranged in advance at an additional charge.
What’s Included
Accommodations & Dining
Settle into comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Enjoy freshly prepared meals that highlight local flavors and international favorites, with consideration for any dietary needs.
Guided Services & Gratuities
Experience each destination with the help of Leaders who share history, culture, and wildlife insights. Gratuities for crew and local guides are included, ensuring seamless service without extra concerns; tipping for your Leaders is discretionary and not included.
Active Essentials
Every tour includes the core elements that make our field experiences possible so you can stay engaged with a range of activities. All outings include the necessary equipment and full safety support, making it easy to join at your own pace.
Transportation & Logistics
We coordinate every transfer, from airport pickup to port boarding. Whether traveling by bus, boat, or charter, our team ensures smooth connections and stress-free travel.
FAQs
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