Costa Rica Birdwatching Tour

Embark on a 12-day private guided birdwatching tour in Costa Rica. This itinerary takes you through the country’s most iconic birding hotspots, including lush rainforests, misty cloud forests, and serene wetlands. Visit Monteverde, Boca Tapadao and Sarapiqui. Spot incredible bird species like the resplendent quetzal, keel-billed toucan, scarlet macaw, and an array of colorful hummingbirds, all while enjoying scenic drives through Costa Rica’s stunning natural landscapes. Access remote birdwatching trails, hidden reserves, and off-the-beaten-path birding sites with your guide. Local birding lodges, eco-friendly hotels, and nature reserves along the route provide comfortable stays surrounded by wildlife. With the flexibility to adjust your schedule, you can linger longer at your favorite birding spots or pivot to new areas based on weather conditions or wildlife activity. Perfect for independent travelers, nature photographers, and seasoned birders, this tour offers the ultimate blend of adventure and discovery. The program includes accommodation at small boutique hotels with a lot of comfort and charm. We will adjust the trip depending where you arrive in Costa Rica. We can tailor this itinerary to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities.

12 Days – From £2,500 per person

*equivalent in USD, EUR accepted

Itinerary: Monteverde, Bijagua de Upala, Boca Tapada, Sarapiqui, Turrialba

Included

Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
Mentioned hotels with breakfast
All the excursions mentioned in the itinerary
All transfers by car and boat on a private basis
All entrance & guiding fees
All mandatory local taxes

Excluded

Visa, where applicable
International Flights (See Flights to Costa Rica)
Domestic Flights
Personal Expenses
Insurance
Tips & Gratuities
Meals not mentioned in the description

Flights

International flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. Catch a flight to San Jose (SJO).

How to Book

Send us an email to check availability, discuss your preferences and get a quote.

This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor the trip up to your plans and book other hotels. You can also combine this trip with other regions. For more Costa Rica travel inspiration check these itineraries.

When to Visit

The best time for a birdwatching trip to Costa Rica is during the dry season (December to April). With sunny skies and clear trails, this period offers optimal conditions for spotting a wide variety of stationary bird species. The migratory birds from North America also arrive during this time, enhancing the variety of sightings. Early mornings are especially rewarding for birdwatchers, as many species are most active at dawn, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and up-close encounters.

While the dry season is ideal, birdwatching in Costa Rica can be enjoyed year-round. The green rainy season (May to November) offers fewer crowds and lush, vibrant landscapes, with certain species like hummingbirds and waterfowl being more prominent. This period is also known for bird nesting and breeding activity, offering a chance to witness unique avian behaviors.

To avoid unpleasant weather surprises, we recommend to check our Costa Rica Weather Guide to plan your trip in the right season.

Day 1 - Fly to San Jose

Upon arrival at San Jose Airport, the driver will pick you up on arrivals and take you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure and relax after the long flight. Surrounded by lush mountains, the city offers a dynamic mix of history, art, and local flavors. For the first-time visitors, choose to explore the city’s rich culture and history by visiting the National Theater, a stunning architectural gem, and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. Stroll through Barrio Amón, which has charming colonial buildings and a vibrant art scene. Pass by the bustling Central Market and taste local delicacies like gallo pinto, rondon and chorreadas. Overnight at Studio Hotel.

Day 2 - Monteverde Cloud Forest

After breakfast, you will be taken to the lush Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (3 hours), nested in the misty highlands, perched at an altitude where clouds meet the treetops. This reserve is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic ecotourism destinations and a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Take a guided tour through the misty forest. You will have the chance to spot rare wildlife, including the resplendent quetzal and a variety of hummingbirds. Walk along scenic trails and hanging bridges surrounded by towering trees, vibrant orchids, and cascading waterfalls. Your naturalist guide will provide insight into the region’s unique ecosystems. Overnight at Koora Hotel.

Day 3 - Curicancha Reserve

Start your mornings early for the best birdwatching opportunities, as many species are most active at dawn. Experience the magic of birdwatching at Curicancha Reserve, offering a more tranquil and intimate experience. Take a guided tour through lush trails teeming with wildlife. The reserve features a mix of cloud forest and open pastures, making it easier to spot animals such as monkeys, sloths, and armadillos. Spot iconic species like the resplendent quetzal, three-wattled bellbird, emerald toucanet and a variety of hummingbirds. The paths are well-maintained, providing an intimate birdwatching experience. Immerse yourself in the sounds of natures. Overnight at Koora Hotel.

Day 4 - Bijagua de Upala

After breakfast, take the 4×4 scenic drive from Monteverde to Bijagua de Upala (2,5 hours), through Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes filled with rolling hills, lush forests, and charming rural towns, along the Guanacaste Mountains. Nestled between the Tenorio and Miravalles volcanoes in northern Costa Rica, Bijagua brings you to the doorstep of Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano National Park, which are home to vibrant blue waterfalls and incredible birdwatching opportunities. Discover the vibrant plumage of toucans, trogons, and tanagers, while the melodic calls of bellbirds and wrens echo through the trees. Overnight at Rio Celeste Hideaway.

Day 5 - Tenorio Volcano NP

Today discover the evergreen paradise of Tenorio Volcano National Park, boasting an incredible array of habitats – dense rainforests, volcanic slopes, and riparian zones – that attract a stunning diversity of bird species. Take a guided birdwatching tour to spot exotic species like the keel-billed toucan, rufous-tailed hummingbird, and blue-crowned motmot, along with rare sightings of umbrellabirds and ornate hawk-eagles. Explore scenic trails with your birding expert who will provide insights into avian habitats and behaviors. Overnight at Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel.

Day 6 - Boca Tapada

Today take a 4×4 journey to Boca Tapada (2,5 hours), a tranquil village located near the San Carlos River in northern Costa Rica. You will be passing through the lush Costa Rica’s charming countryside, winding rivers, and remote rainforests. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to spot wildlife like toucans, sloths, and monkeys. Boca Tapada is another birdwatcher’s haven, surrounded by pristine lowland rainforests and wetlands. The serene riverside attract an array of wading birds, such as herons and kingfishers, alongside raptors like hawks and falcons. Take a guided boat tour on San Carlos River, where you can see aquatic birds like anhingas and jacanas alongside riverine wildlife such as caimans and turtles. Overnight at Maquenque Ecolodge.

Day 7 - Boca Tapada

In the morning take a guided birdwatching tour along the jungle trails, enjoy the views from the top of the trees and the hanging bridges, while your naturalist guide will explain to you the laws of the rainforest in depth. Boca Tapada serves as a vital corridor for migratory birds and supports a wide range of ecosystems. This region is remote and less developed, ensuring that birds can thrive without disruption. Keep your eyes peeled for unforgettable sightings of iconic wildlife, such as the majestic great green macaw, the striking king vulture, the colorful keel-billed toucan, and a kaleidoscope of dazzling hummingbirds. Overnight at Maquenque Ecolodge.

Day 8 - Boca Tapada to Sarapiqui

Today take a scenic drive from Boca Tapada to Sarapiquí (1,5 hours), a haven for nature lovers, famous for its birdwatching and adventure tours. As you wind through lush rainforests, charming rural villages, and vibrant agricultural fields, you’ll be immersed in the sights and sounds of the tropics. Along the way, keep an eye out for incredible wildlife, including colorful toucans perched in the treetops, playful monkeys darting through the canopy, or even the occasional sloth lounging lazily on a branch. From the melodic call of the montezuma oropendola to the vibrant flashes of hummingbirds and tanagers, the avian diversity here is astounding. Overnight at La Tirimbina.

Day 9 - Tirimbina Reserve

This morning you will join a captivating walking tour at La Tirimbina Reserve, discovering lush rainforest trails and iconic suspension bridge, offering breathtaking views of the Sarapiquí River and surrounding wildlife. Along the way, spot vibrant bird species like the colorful keel-billed toucan, the charismatic motmot with its distinctive tail, and a myriad of hummingbirds darting through the flowers. The rainforest holds more surprises – watch for camouflaged frogs, playful monkeys, and even a slow-moving sloth tucked among the branches. The knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the region’s rich biodiversity, plant life, and conservation efforts. Overnight at La Tirimbina.

Day 10 - Turrialba

Today continue to Turrialba (2,5 hours), a charming town, nestled in Costa Rica’s scenic Central Valley, known for its lush landscapes, volcanic beauty, and agricultural richness. The area boasts verdant valleys, pristine rivers, and rolling hills blanketed with coffee plantations and sugarcane fields, creating a patchwork of green that’s truly breathtaking. The region is a haven for both resident and migratory birds, like the resplendent quetzal, emerald toucanet, and colorful tanagers, hummingbirds, hawks, and owls, herons, kingfishers, and more. One of Turrialba’s unique birdwatching highlights is the chance to observe rarer species like the bare-necked umbrella bird or black guan. Overnight at Rancho Naturalista.

Day 11 - La Marta Reserve

Today discover the natural beauty of La Marta Wildlife Refuge, located about 40 minutes from Turrialba. Take a guided walking tour through its pristine well-marked trails. Wander through lush rainforests alive with the sounds of howler monkeys, the flutter of vibrant butterflies, and the calls of tropical birds like toucans, motmots, and colorful tanagers. The trails lead to scenic viewpoints, crystal-clear rivers, and archaeological ruins that whisper stories of the past. Stop for a picnic by the river and enjoy the sounds of nature. After the trip, return to your cozy lodge. Overnight at Rancho Naturalista.

Day 12 - Departure

Enjoy a final, leisurely breakfast, absorbing the last tranquil moments surrounded by lush nature. Then, you will be transferred back to the San Jose Airport (2 hours) for your flight, enjoying the picturesque landscapes along the way as a perfect farewell to Costa Rica. If you’re not ready to leave, consider extending your stay to explore the country’s diverse regions. Discover the sun-drenched Pacific Coast, with its pristine beaches, world-class surf spots, and vibrant coastal towns, or venture to the Caribbean Coast for its laid-back vibe, coral reefs, and Afro-Caribbean culture. For more inspiration, explore our Itineraries Page. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we’ll tailor your trip to match your preferences.

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