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TROPICAL FORESTS, QUETZALS & COLORFUL LOWLANDS
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a jewel of the Neotropics—lush, friendly, and brimming with life. This relaxed-paced tour highlights two of its most celebrated birding regions: the cool highland forests of Cerro de la Muerte and the vibrant Caribbean lowlands of Sarapiquí. Amid misty cloud forest and lowland rainforest alive with toucans, trogons, and hummingbirds, we’ll enjoy leisurely mornings, scenic drives, and plenty of time to appreciate the country’s natural beauty. Excellent accommodations, delicious food, and accessible birding make this the perfect introduction to tropical birdlife for both new and seasoned travelers.
Tour Overview
Costa Rica’s beauty is legendary, and nowhere is it more fully revealed than in its blend of mountain forests and lowland jungle. This easygoing journey offers the best of both worlds—from the high, cool air of Cerro de la Muerte, where quetzals shimmer among the oaks, to the lush Caribbean lowlands alive with the sounds of toucans, parrots, and jacamars.
We begin in the Talamanca Mountains, exploring temperate cloud forests filled with hummingbirds and regional endemics. Here, the magnificent Resplendent Quetzal reigns supreme, joined by Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Collared Redstart, and Flame-throated Warbler. Amid mossy trees and mountain vistas, the days unfold at a gentle pace, with time to linger in gardens and along quiet trails.
Descending to the lowlands, the landscape shifts dramatically to a world of towering rainforest, flowing rivers, and brilliant tropical light. At the world-famous La Selva Biological Station, we’ll encounter a dazzling variety of birds—Great Green Macaw, Snowy Cotinga, and Bare-throated Tiger-Heron among them—alongside monkeys, iguanas, and dart frogs. A leisurely boat trip along the Sarapiquí River offers unforgettable views of riverine forest life, where kingfishers flash past and anhingas sun themselves on open branches.
Comfortable lodges, delicious local meals, and easy-to-moderate walking make this a wonderful introduction to tropical birding. Designed for a slower pace and shorter field days, this tour provides all the rewards of Neotropical discovery—without the rush.
Ecosystems Experienced
A diverse mosaic of temperate cloud forest, tropical lowland rainforest, and riverine habitats—each alive with Central American endemics and vibrant tropical species.
Expected Climate
Temperature
Cool mornings and evenings in the highlands (45–65°F / 7–18°C); warm to hot in the lowlands (75–90°F / 24–32°C).
Rainfall
Light rain and mist are common in the highlands; short tropical showers possible in the lowlands, usually followed by clear skies.
Seasons
November marks the transition into the dry season—lush landscapes, active birds, and comfortable weather.
Key Species
Sulphur-winged Parakeet
Flame-throated Warbler
Resplendent Quetzal
Bare-necked Umbrellabird
Snowy Cotinga
Emerald Toucanet
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
Day 1
Evening arrival in Costa Rica’s capital, San José, and transfer to the Hotel Bougainvillea, surrounded by lush tropical gardens perfect for an easy stroll.
Enjoy optional birding in the gardens for Lesson’s Motmot, Clay-colored Thrush, and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird.
Day 2
Wake up to early birding in the hotel gardens before ascending through forested slopes toward the Talamanca Mountains.
Stops en route for Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Volcano Hummingbird, and Slaty Flowerpiercer in Cerro de la Muerte.
Afternoon arrival at our cozy mountain lodge with sweeping views and hummingbird-filled gardens.
Day 3
A full day exploring high-elevation forest and valleys near San Gerardo de Dota.
Search for the Resplendent Quetzal and a host of montane species—Collared Redstart, Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, and Black-cheeked Warbler among them.
Make an afternoon visit to scenic ridgelines for Black Guan and Sooty Thrush before a relaxed evening checklist session.
Day 4
Take a morning visit to hummingbird gardens alive with Lesser Violetear and Talamanca Hummingbird.
Descend through lush foothills to Sarapiquí, stopping en route to look for the striking Snowcap hummingbird in the Caribbean Lowlands.
Settle in at La Quinta de Sarapiquí Lodge, surrounded by tropical gardens and forest trails.
Day 5
Early visit to La Selva Biological Statio, one of the most famous birding sites in the Neotropics.
Walk easy forest trails for trogons, tanagers, manakins, and antbirds.
Take an afternoon boat excursion on the Sarapiquí River, where herons, kingfishers, and Sunbittern may appear along the banks.
Day 6
Morning exploration of Braulio Carrillo National Park’s magnificent foothill rainforest.
Experience the forest canopy from an open-air rainforest aerial tram, offering superb views of toucans, parrots, and raptors.
Afternoon birding in lush secondary forest for Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Great Antshrike, and honeycreepers.
Day 7
Explore a lowland forested reserve and rural roads for Spectacled Owl, Mealy Parrot, and Great Green Macaw.
Visit a local naturalist’s property—an oasis of feeders alive with hummingbirds, tanagers, and honeycreepers.
Rest in the afternoon and enjoy relaxed birding around the lodge grounds.
Day 8
Partake in optional early morning birding before traveling back toward San José via the scenic La Virgen route.
Stop at Cinchona’s famous feeders for Violet Sabrewing, Coppery-headed Emerald, and Silver-throated Tanager.
Afternoon arrival at our farewell lodge, the beautiful Hotel Xandari, overlooking the Central Valley.
Day 9
Take morning transfers to the airport for homeward flights.
An optional extra night is available for those wishing to enjoy the hotel gardens and trails.
What’s Included
Accomodations & 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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