Costa Rica Birdwatching & Wildlife

Transfer from airport to Hotel Bougainvillea set in tropical gardens in Heredia. Spot your first birds, such as hummingbirds, tanagers, kingbirds and flycatchers in the grounds and walk amongst the lush tropical vegetation or just relax and enjoy the hotel’s varied facilities.

Transfer by boat and road to Sarapiqui. Stay two nights at the Selva Verde Lodge, located in tropical gardens, deep in the rainforest. Rooms here are on elevated platforms linked by wooden walkways. Lots of walking trails for birdwatching and to see native flora.

Guided birdwatching tour in Sapapiqui, one of the few habitats of the endangered green macaw.

Transfer to Cano Negro in the northern wetlands area to stay at Natural Lodge for two nights. The reserve  is home to 150 species of birds as well as the emerald basilisk lizard, iguanas, river turtles and other wildlife.

After breakfast, take a wetlands boat tour along the many waterways and lagoons, home to colourful flora, countless bird species and many mammals including howler, white-faced and spider monkeys. Later, take a guided walk with a hotel naturalist to a location where many birds and animals congregate to feed.

Breakfast at Cano Negro and then drive to the Arenal region to stay at the Hotel Casa Luna, set in lush tropical gardens, 2 km outside  La Fortuna, with views of the currently inactive volcano and the surrounding rainforest. Lots of birds and native plants to be seen right in the hotel’s own environs.

Early start this morning to drive to the base of the Arenal volcano. Here can be seen lots of species of birds, some through scopes. Look out for all sorts of Caribbean lowland species, including great blue herons and various hummingbirds. Relax in the afternoon or walk the hanging bridges of the Arenal rainforests.

Transfer this morning to Puntarenas on the Gulf of Nicoya to stay at Ensenada Lodge on a full board basis. This is a National Wildlife Refuge on the Pacific coast, with all rooms facing the sea. This is also a working farm with horse riding and other activities available.

Spend time around the lodge and within the reserve birdwatching. Look out for the many birds in the mangroves and around, including Montezuma oropendula, bellbird, white iris, great egret and the many parrots, herons and pelicans.

Drive today to Quepos with a stop at Carara National Park. This is home to the largest population of scarlet macaws in the country along with many other birds. Continue on to Santa Juana lodge for two nights on full board basis. Enjoy spectacular views from the terrace of your casita.

After breakfast, travel into the Manuel Antonio National Park for a guided, three-hour walk in the rainforest. Your guide, with his spotting scope, will point out the massive variety of flora and fauna. If you wish, go on to the Punta Catedral peninsula and maybe take a swim off one of the finest beaches in the Americas.

This morning, transfer to Sierpe and then by boat to Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula, described by National Geographic as the most biologically intense place on earth. Here, you will stay for three nights full board at the ocean view Aguila de Osa Inn, your base for activities and relaxation.

Take a guided tour today by boat into the heart of the Corcovado National Park. From the ranger station take any of a number of trails to view many species of plants, insects, animals and birds such as scarlet macaws, Baiurd’s tapir, peccaries, sloths, iguanas and monkeys.

Make your own choices today. From the hotel you can go kayaking, sport fishing, diving, snorkelling, riding, etc., or do more birdwatching on rainforest and mangrove walks. Alternatively, on your last full day in Costa Rica, simply relax and enjoy the pristine surroundings.

After breakfast, transfer to the airfield for your local flight back to San Jose International Airport for onward or return travel.