Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point – a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our Costa Rica experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect Costa Rica holiday to match.
Despite its small size, Costa Rica is one of the best destinations in the world for a birdwatching holiday. Home to more than 850 recorded species, this tiny country boasts a greater variety of birds than all of North America and Canada put together. That’s quite the claim to fame! We’ve designed this itinerary with bird lovers in mind, combining a range of natural habitats, some world-renowned reserves and expert-run lodges and excursions.
In Turrialba, where more than half the country’s bird species have been recorded, you’ll stay in an acclaimed birding lodge where truly passionate guides will do all possible to get you glimpses of more unusual species such as the snowy cotinga hummingbird. Next up are the winding rainforest trails of La Selva Tropical Research Station. Researchers travel from all over the world to study the conditions here and spot some of the 448 recorded species of bird seen fluttering amidst the trees. We’ve also included the activity capital of Arenal on this itinerary. It might be a busier place to visit, but it’s also the most convenient base for a day trip to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a seasonally-flooded reserve where an astonishing number of migratory and endemic birds can be spotted. You’ll continue onto the cool and misty cloud forest climate of San Gerardo de Dota, home to hundreds of species of highland birds. The prize on offer here is a glimpse of the iconic resplendent quetzal in its natural habitat. Your final stop is the pristine and wild Osa Peninsula – the diversity of flora and fauna here is staggering, and bird watchers can take advantage of tours led by some of the country’s very best guides. Here you’ll have the chance to spot endemic species that can only be found in some remarkably small areas. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for you and your binoculars!
Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this Costa Rica holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your holiday will be tailored to suit you.
You’ll fly into San Jose today, where our team will meet you with a warm Pura Vida welcome and whisk you off to your hotel for the night to recover from the long flight. There’s lots to see in Costa Rica’s bustling capital, so head out for a little explore once you feel rejuvenated. There are plenty of options for a relaxing dinner or a stroll, we’d be happy to recommend some spots, just ask.
Today your adventure really begins with a journey to the iconic Arenal region, known for its imposing volcano, rich ecosystems and countless opportunities for adventure. You’ll check into your lodge and take the afternoon to unwind or, if you fancy, head to one of the beautiful nearby hot springs for a long soak. Early tomorrow, your bird spotting will kick up a notch, so get ready for some spectacular sightings!
We’ve included a superb full-day tour to the Caño Negro Wildlife refuge today. Nestled right up close to the Nicaragua border, the flooded forests and mangroves provide ideal habitats for migratory birds, including black-bellied whistling ducks, roseate spoonbills, and the striking northern jacana. Keep an eye out for the elusive Nicaraguan grackle and, with a bit of luck, the graceful jabiru stork – the tallest flying bird in all of Latin America.
You’ll journey on to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui today, a region of lush lowland rainforests. Your eco-lodge is surrounded by tropical vegetation with plenty of nearby trails to explore, making it a fantastic base for birdwatching. Spend the evening unwinding in your peaceful rainforest surroundings, ready to explore more tomorrow.
Wake up to the very best alarm clock there is today – the sound of bird song. You’ll grab a quick Costa Rican breakfast and head out bright and early for your birding tour along the rainforest trails of the renowned OTS La Selva tropical research station. More than 448 species of birds have been recorded here, so your binoculars will be busy. Spot keel-billed toucans, great green macaws, and the vibrant white-collared manakin as you wander through primary rainforest. In the afternoon, relax at your lodge or head off on another wildlife spotting adventure.
Say goodbye to Sarapiqui today as you head to Turrialba, a prime birdwatching region in Costa Rica. You’ll check into Rancho Naturalista, a birding lodge with a balcony that boasts more than 200 species swooping in regularly. You don’t need to go far for exceptional sightings here. Keep an eye out for hummingbirds like the black-crested coquette! This really is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Take it easy this evening with a delicious dinner as the sun sets over the jungle. Perhaps share some stories of bird sightings with fellow birdwatchers as it goes.
We’ve kept today free for bird watching at Rancho Naturalista until your heart’s content. More than 450 species have been recorded in the forests here, and you can hire one of the lodge's specialist guides to help you locate some of the prize spots. With their expert guidance, you might just be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of rare birds like the white-crowned manakin or the stunning rufous-tailed hummingbird.
You’ll head south today, heading for the tranquil cloud forest of San Gerardo de Dota. This idyllic highland region is renowned for its impressive population of rare birds. Your lodge here is surrounded by dense forest trails with plenty of notable sightings possible in the grounds alone. Highland gems such as the sulphur-winged parakeet and the long-tailed silky-flycatcher might just flutter right by your window.
Today is a special day. We’ve included a guided morning bird watching tour today, where you’ll head off in search of the iconic resplendent quetzal. One of Costa Rica’s most celebrated birds, it’s known for its radiant green plumage, bright crimson chest, and long, iridescent tail feathers. The Quetzal is a worthy bucket-list bird for lots of twitchers. Today isn’t just about the quetzal, though. You’ll also have the chance to spot other highland species like the flame-throated warbler, Collared Redstart, and golden-browed chlorophonia. After a morning filled with birdwatching, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy the cloud forest, take a hike or relax at your lodge.
You’ll travel overland today to one of our favourite spots in the whole of Costa Rica. The remote and magnificent Osa Peninsula, where you’ll spend the next three nights immersed in wildlife and nature, accompanied by a constant soundtrack of birdsong. The thick rainforests here are absolutely teeming with birdlife – making this one of the best birdwatching spots in the world. Settle into your rustic lodge, nestled amongst the trees, where you’ll have the chance to spot yellow-billed cotingas and Baird’s trogons – two of the regions’ unique birds – without even leaving the comfort of your hammock.
The lodges here are all brilliant, with some fantastic bird watching tours on offer. Whether trekking into Corcovado National Park or exploring coastal trails, you might just spot scarlet macaws, black-cheeked ant tanagers, and fiery-billed aracaris as you go. Every time you leave your lodge, it brings new opportunities to add rare species to your list. Beyond the birds, you could take a surfing lesson, head off on a horse ride or spend a few hours exploring the coastline in your very own kayak. Chat to your specialist about what you’d most want to get from your time here, and we’ll make sure we find the perfect slice of paradise for you.
It’s time to head back to San Jose via light aircraft in time for your flight home today. Our hope is that your birdwatching book will be bursting at the seams with ticks, and your binoculars will have never been so busy.
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our experts Dawn and Louise are dedicated to all things Costa Rica and are here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Costa Rica’s wildlife, landscapes and sense of adventure are what keep Dawn coming back. With a conservation-focused background and years of hands-on travel experience, she’s packed with ideas for making every trip feel special.
Our Lou’s been exploring Latin America for nearly 20 years, and Costa Rica is a firm favourite. She’s drawn to its wildlife, volcanoes and cloud forests – and knows how to shape a trip full of adventure that takes in all the best bits.
Speak to one of our travel specialists today.
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