Costa Rica Birding
Costa Rica: Exploring the Heart of Central American birding
Costa Rica is a dream destination for birdwatchers, offering myriad birding hotspots amidst breathtaking natural beauty. With 939 recorded species, Costa Rica hosts one of the highest avian diversities per square mile of any country. This impressive bird list includes 4 endemic species found nowhere else in the world and close to 100 species that can only be found in Costa Rica and its neighboring countries. Join us on our Costa Rica Birding Tour as we immerse ourselves in the wonders of birdwatching in this Central American gem.
This easy-going, 12-day birding tour will take us through the phenomenal birdlife and diverse tropical habitats of beautiful Costa Rica. It’s the perfect introduction for first-time visitors to Central America or for those eager to revisit and further explore Costa Rica’s magnificent avian diversity. We will begin in the capital city of San José and journey through stunning tropical landscapes, including the towering Arenal Volcano, the verdant Pacific coast, the dry forests of Guanacaste, lush tropical rainforests, and the enchanting cloud forests of Monteverde—all teeming with birdlife.
Highlight and Target Birds
- Emblematic macaws, parrots, and toucans
- More than a dozen hummingbird species, including stunners like Snowcap and Violet Sabrewing
- Iconic denizens of Costa Rican rainforests such as Resplendent Quetzal and Three-wattled Bellbird
- Costa Rican endemic species found nowhere else in the world, including Coppery-headed Emerald and Mangrove Hummingbird
- The elusive Agami Heron and the rare Green-and-Rufous Kingfisher
KEY LOCATIONS
Arenal Volcano National Park, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, Tenorio Volcano National Park, Palo Verde National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Carara National Park
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
- We will bird the pre-montane forest in the shadow of the towering Arenal Volcano.
- We will travel by boat through the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge near the Nicaraguan border in search of elusive and rare birds in lowland rainforest and lagoon habitats.
- Our group will visit the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, a globally recognized site of remarkable biodiversity for birds, plants, insects, and amphibians. Monteverde is home to the highest diversity of orchids in the world.
- We will visit the unique tropical dry forests of the country’s Guanacaste province, home to a wide range of bird species that we will not find anywhere else.
More Details
Accommodations
Hotel Bougainvillea, Arenal Observatory Lodge (2 nights), Caño Negro Natural Lodge (2 nights), Hacienda La Pacifica, Ficus Sunset Hotel (2 nights), Hotel Punta Leona (2 nights), Hotel Robledal
Weather and climate
In February, Guatemala’s climate varies by region. The highlands, including areas like Verapaz, are cool with daytime temperatures ranging from 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C), and nights dropping to around 45°F (7°C). In the lowland and tropical regions, such as Los Tarrales, expect warm, dry conditions with temperatures between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C). February is part of the dry season, so rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for birdwatching across the country.
Tour Details
Price: $4,965 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,085
Included: Lodging, all tours, meals, in-country transportation, guide, entrance fees.
Not Included: Passport Fees, international airfare, alcoholic beverages, additional soft drinks, personal items, tips, travel insurance.
From: San Jose (SJO)
Minimum Participants: 6
Participant Limit: 10
Activity Level: Easy
Deposit: 30% per-person deposit is required to reserve your spot on this tour (with your registration form)
Tour Leader: Diego Quesada
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Natural Selections Tours thanks Zeiss Optics in partnering with us to advance birding, ecotourism, and conservation. Zeiss Optics is a world leader in quality optics products and service, and we are proud to work together making our world a better place by seeing beyond, together!