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Birdwatching in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the world's premier bird watching destination and one of the most bio-diverse locations in the world, with over 870 bird species recorded here, including roughly 600 species of permanent residents. Costa Rica acts as a continuous corridor for migration between from North and South America and is a meeting ground for seemingly unimaginable bio diversity. Costa Rica’s geography is dominated by two coasts and by mountains that cover more than half the land, greatly influencing the climate. Variations in temperature and rainfall and a wide range of elevations combine to produce the rich and varied vegetation that support the country’s wealth of birds.
Due to Costa Rica’s small size, range of elevation and twelve distinct ecological zones I can offer tours that encompass a wide variety of habitats and astonishingly abundant wildlife diversity, while maintaining a comfortable pace.
"Ferrugineus Pygmy Owl"
Electronic map of Costa Rica
Save money with our 2012 fixed date birdwatching tours to Costa Rica
Tour I
8 day birdwatching tour to Costa Rica
CENTRAL MOUNTAIN RANGE, BRAULIO CARRILLO
WET OR RAIN FOREST CARIBBEAN LOWLANDS, LA SELVA, ARENAL, UPALA
LOWER MOUNTANE RAIN AND CLOUD FOREST, MONTEVERDE CORDILLERA DE TILARAN
Itinerary
Day 1.
Stay overnight in San Jose – at the Airport Hotel.
Day 2.- Braulio Carrillo National Park and arrival at Heliconia Island Hotel.
Our first birding day will start with a early breakfast. We will head east from San Jose on the Guápiles Highway the Zurquí tunnel transports you from the modern world into the rainforest and cloud forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park, as we drive the views are breathtaking. The park is 117,300 acres (47,500 hectares, 183 square miles, 140 times the size of central park NYC, 4/10ths the size of Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado) and range from 118 feet (36 meters) 9,500 feet (2900 meters). Because of the park's large size and its varied climate it is home to several distinct life zones. Ranging from high-altitude cloud forest to tropical lowlands rainforest, it boast one of the highest levels of biodiversity in Costa Rica. More than 90% of the park is covered in primary forest, providing a unique snapshot of ancient ecological conditions.
"Green-backedHeron"
More than 500 species of birds including Resplendent Quetzals, Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Snowcap, Brown-billed Scythebill, Black-crowned Antpitta, Golden-browed Chlorophonia, Flame-throated Warblers, Long-tailed Silky-flycatchers, Yellow-eared Toucanet, and Latticed-tailed Trogon.
After birding the morning we will have lunch in a Restaurant near Braulio Carrillo and return to Braulio Carrillo for a couple
of hour birding in the afternoon.
We will then drive to Heliconia Island in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight at Heliconia Island Hotel.
Day 3 - Full day birding La Selva Biological Station.
This day we will start with a great breakfast at 6:00a.m. And then we will go to our next excellent birding destination for a full day, La Selva Biological Station. Dr. Leslie Holdridge could be considered the father of rain forest science in Costa Rica. He established La Selva as a study site on mixed plantations for the improvement of natural resources management in 1954. Since its purchase in 1968 by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) it’s been declared a private Biological Reserve and grown into one of the premier sites in the world for research on tropical rain forest.
"Black-headed Trogon"
La Selva is covered with what is technically known as tropical pre-montane wet forest and more commonly referred to as rainforest. There is no better place in Costa Rica to learn about this ever more endangered ecosystem. "Torquoise Motmot"
Day 5 - Full day birding at Arenal Observatory.
"Green-crowned Hummingbird"
Overlooking the active Arenal Volcano the Arenal Observatory Lodge is an extraordinary location for birding and wildlife observation. Located within the Arenal Conservation Area it offers the chance to explore a the Caribbean Slope's. Its strategic location and elevation of 2,400 feet produces a combination of lowland and middle elevation species. The clouds move through the area quite constantly producing intermittent rain showers pretty much any time of the year. Birding around Arenal Observatory can produce a great variety of birds, just at the feeders you could watch Green Honeycreepers, Shinning Honeycreepers, Crimson-collared Tanagers, Passerine's Tanager. On the forest edge as well as garden areas you could easily find Hepatic Tanager, Orange-bellied Trogon, Black-crested Coquette, Green Thorntail, Violet-headed Hummingbird, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Golden-olive Woodpecker, Gray-headed Kite, White Hawk, Crested Guan, Great Curassow, Gray-headed Chachalacas, and tons of Montezuma Oropendolas. "Red-headed Barbet"
Day 6 - Morning birding at Hanging Bridges and departure to Monte Verde.
"Lesser Nighthawk"
Day 7 - Full day birding at San Luis de Monteverde. "Long-billed Hermit"
La Selva is a fabulous birding destination with over 400 species recorded in the area. Terrific birding opportunities are available in the more open areas both outside and inside the entrance gate. It's perhaps the best place in Costa Rica to see tinamous, which are normally very secretive but have become accustomed to the presence of humans. The highly endangered Great Green Macaw regularly puts in an appearance at La Selva, La Selva is a great place to see many species of hummingbirds and tanagers, including the beautiful Passerini's Tanager; Snowy Cotinga, Long-tailed Tyrant, Semiplumbus Hawk, Broad-billed Motmot, Rofous Motmot, just to mention a few.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight at Heliconia Island Hotel.
Day 4 - Morning Birding at Heliconia Island and departure to Arenal Spring.
This day after breakfast we will bird watch all morning at Heliconia Island, and then departure to La Fortuna de Arenal where we will stay at The Observatory Lodge.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight The Observatory Lodge.
Positioned within Costa Rica’s fertile northern lowlands, the Arenal Volcano is an unavoidable presence while traveling within this part of the country. It is tall and imposing and has a reputation that precedes itself. Arenal’s perfectly symmetrical shape makes it a sightseer’s dream, while its abundance wildlife including lot of birds. Until 2010, it was Costa Rica’s most active volcano. Much to the enjoyment of its visitors, Arenal spewed enormous amounts of lava, gas and ash on a regular basis. That eruptive cycle – which began with the infamous eruption of 1968 – ended recently. In October 2010, Arenal entered into an indeterminate resting phase. For the time being, visitors will be unable to watch the much-loved explosions, although that could change within a matter of months or years. Travelers to Arenal will still enjoy its bountiful sights, sounds and activities.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight at El Pauji.
Regularly one can count between 50 and 60 species of birds during this walk, what makes it, one of the most productive bird watching walks of the region and the country.
Arenal Hanging Bridges is an eco-touristic project of trails and bridges where the main target is the observation and protection of nature. Their private natural reserve, with almost 250 hectares of Tropical Rain Forest, has a vast variety of species from the location.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight at Monte Verde.
San Luis is a key area for the conservation of local biodiversity, harboring a wide range of flora and fauna and a significant number of migratory species. The upper part of San Luis is surrounded by Bosque Eterno de los Niños (Children’s Eternal Forest) belonging to the Asociación Conservacionista de Monteverde (Monteverde Conservation League) and Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde (Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve), owned by the Centro Científico Tropical (Tropical Science Center) which also owns an important protected area in lower San Luis. Surrounded by mountains, San Luis’ unique environment and spectacular vistas make this an attractive area for rural ecological tourism.
We will be birding in a section of rainforest located in a section of rainforest surrounding Santa Elena, where there is an emerging a 100 meters (330 ft) impressive waterfall, we will be in a area where we will have the chance to see species of birds from both the Caribbean and the Pacific side overlapping, including Rufous-browed Peppershrike, American Dipper, the endemic Golden-bellied Flycatcher and Golden-browed Chlorophonia.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight at San Luis de Monteverde.
Day 8 - Morning birding at Monteverde Reserve and departure to San Jose (or if you are doing the tour extension; departure to Villas Lapas).
After breakfast we will birdwatch Monteverde Reserve. The Monteverde Region with the Santa Elena town as the center is situated in the Cordillera of Tilaran at an altitude of between 1200 and 1500 meters above sea level. This Preserve extends down to both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes. The resultant combination of climatic and geographic factors creates temperature and humidity gradients, which change dramatically over relatively short distances. Wind sculptured elfin woodlands on the exposed ridges, whereas protected cove forests have majestically tall trees festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses. Poorly drained areas support swamp forest, while parts of the Preserve, dissected by deep gorges, have numerous crystal clear streams tumbling over rapids and waterfalls. The variable climate and large altitudinal gradient has helped to produce an extremely high biodiversity.
"Emerald Toucanet"
The Preserve supports four different bioclimatic communities (Life Zones). There are over 100 species of mammals, more than 400 species of birds, including Three-wattled Bellbird, Bare-necked Umbrellabird and Resplendent Quetzal.
"Limpkin"
After the mourning birding we will eat lunch and then birdwatch on the road as we head back to San Jose. For more tours around the world visit Last update 27/10/2011
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight at San Jose.
Day 9 - Return to the Airport.
After breakfast I will take you back to the Airport.
8 Days tour price is: 2 pax US$1700 per person double room. 4 pax US$1325 per person double room.
US$300 single supplement.
Due to currency fluctuations and fuel cost we reserve the right to adjust any pricing prior to departure.
Convert your tour cost into your currency of choice.
6 day extention
Itinerary
Day 9 - Full day birding Carara National Park..
Carara is the northernmost limit for the humid forest of the Pacific coast in Costa Rica, and is the beginning of the transition zone into the tropical dry forests of the northwest. Carara is a favorite site for bird watchers for several reasons besides its ease of access. First, its position in a transition zone means that residents of both habitats are likely to appear. Second, the Río Grande de Tárcoles has free flowing sections and its waters seep into seasonal marshlands and a shallow oxbow lake covered with hyacinths further expanding number of local habitats. Finally, because it is slightly dryer, and not all of the trees are evergreen, Carara is more open than the rainforests further south making wildlife spotting easier.
It is always hot and humid in the forests of Carara. Even during the drier season from late December through April when there is significantly less rain, transpiration keeps the humidity under the canopy near saturation. The wettest months are August to October when the trails near the river may at times be impassable because of flooding. The size of the park is 11,600 acres (4,700 hectares, 18 square miles, 14 times the size of central park NYC), and its elevation ranges from 330 feet (100 meters) to 1,640 feet (500 meters).
I have always had a lot of good sightings in Carara (one of my favorite parks for birding), expect from 60 to 100 species in a full day birding. Including 5 species of trogons, such the Baird’s Trogon and Black-headed Trogon, the endemics, Orange-collared Manakin, Black-hooded Antstrike, Fiery-billed Aracari, Golden-napped Woodpecker, and Riverside Wren.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight Villa Lapas.
Day 10 - Morning birding at Carara National Park and departure to Bosque del Tolo muco..
After breakfast we will go to Tarcoles River to bird from a boat from where, we will be looking for Black Hawks, Crested Caracara, Yellow-headed Carara, a great variety of Egrets and Herons including the Boat-billed and the Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Limpkin, kingfishers, and much more. We will also see lots of crocodiles some up to 17 feet long. After we will have lunch and then departure to Bosque del Tolomuco to spend the night.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight Bosque del Tolomuco.
Day 11 - Full day birding Los Cusingos Bird Santuary.
This is one of my favorite birding destinations in Costa Rica, It boast a great amount of species, including a bunch of colorful and stunning Tanagers, The Alexander Skutch "Los Cusingos" Bird Sanctuary is located in the community of Quizarrá, in San Isidro of Perez Zeledón, south east of Quepos about an hour and thirty minutes driving, on the slopes of the Bi-national La Amistad Park.
This 78-hectare farm was purchased in 1941 by botanist and ornithologist Alexander F. Skutch, who named it "Los Cusingos" after the endemic tucancillo piquianaranjado (Pteroglossus frantzii).
Tropical Science Center purchased Dr. Skutch's farm in 1993, thereby assuming the responsibility of passing on and conserving the legacy of Dr. Skutch, by protecting this magical and unique place. TSC implemented a plan for the improvement of the infrastructure and services of the farm, making it possible for visitors to enjoy what is today known as the Alexander Skutch "Los Cusingos" Bird Sanctuary.
Dr. Skutch's house, which he built himself, was restored by TSC, following the original design and using the same materials used by Dr. Skutch, such as "bahareque", or plaited cane and mud [combined with wood] (or, on a wood framework). This provides a sample of one of the construction techniques used in Costa Rica at the beginning of the 20th century. The house, now a museum, is open to the public. It provides visitors with an image and understanding of Dr. Skutch's philosophy of life.
According to the Leslie R. Holdridge Life Zone System the forest here is classified as very moist premontane (bmh-p). However it is also noted that according to the Luis Diego Gomez classification system it is seasonal evergreen forest, the last of such remaining in Costa Rica. Some of the birds found here are White-crested Coquette, Long-billed Starthroat, Silver-throated Tanager, Green-legged Honeycreeper, Shining Honeycreeper, and the endemics Orange-collared Manaking, Turquoise Cotinga,
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight Bosque del Tolomuco.
Day 12 - Morning Birding Bosque del Tolomuco and Departure to Tapanti media..
Tolomuco is a peaceful retreat located in the heart of the Talamanca Mountains in the Southern Pacific of Costa Rica. Surrounded by gardens and natural habitat where birds can be seen all day long, this lodge is a peaceful spot to spend a few days, a week
or your entire vacation. With access to National Parks, hiking trails, and tours, Bosque del Tolomuco is a great choice.
Their Bosque (forest) offers a quiet environment for bird watching. They have numerous well maintained trails for easy hiking and birding along the way. Black Guans, Blue-crowned Motmots, Slate-throated Redstarts, Silver-throated Tanagers, and even the uncommon Red-fronted Parrotlet fly over the property almost every day! After birding the morning in Bosque del Tolomuco we will hit the road pass scenic landscape to reach our next birding destination, Tapanti Nationa Park.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight Tapanti Media.
Day 13 - Full day birding Tapanti National Park.
The Tapanti National Park, Macizo Cerro La Muerte protects forested areas in the northern Talamanca Mountain region, north of Chirripo National Park. The park is traversed by the Rio Grande de Orosi, with many other rivers and creeks joining the main river.
The upper Orosi River Valley watershed is one of the rainiest areas of Costa Rica, receiving up to 280 inches of rain annually. It eventually drains into Lake Cachi, the site of the Cachi Dam and Angostura hydroelectric project.
Here the birding is easy and excited. The amazing number of epiphytic growth (including many orchids), the general appearance of the forest, the scented air, and certain species such as Chesnut-headed Oropendola, Collared Trogon, Streaked Xenops, a few foliage-gleaners, and other birds being easier to find here than other sites in Costa Rica, turn Tapanti a great birding locality. Another great thing about it is that one can easily bird from the main road and see just about everything. For the adventurous, there are a few steep, difficult trails that access the forest interior while those who need an easier trail can bird along a short loop that parallels the river. Another great bird that is almost always found here is the American Dipper.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight Tapanti Media.
Day 14 - Morning birding Tapanti Media and departure to San Jose.
We will birdwatch all morning at Tapandi Media gardens and after lunch we will return to Airport Hotel, as we birdwatch along the road.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight Airport Hotel.
Day 15.
After breakfast I will take you back to the Airport.
Breakfast.
6 Days extension tour price is: 2 pax US$1180 per person double room. 4 pax US$995 per person double room.
US$270 single supplement.
Due to currency fluctuations and fuel cost we reserve the right to adjust any pricing prior to departure.
Convert your tour cost into your currency of choice.
Included:
English/Spanish bird guide with field scope and field guide, pick up and drop off from airport, hotels, transportation, lodging, meals and park entrance fees.
Excluded:
Gratuities, alcoholic beverages, items of personal nature, airport departure tax, or international and local airfare.
Notes:
Expect between 350 to 400 species during the 14 days tour (8 day + 6 days extension).
Birding season: Fortunately, Costa Rica's birds are not shy. Seeing them is relatively easy, you can expect to see many dozens of species on any one day of the year.
Although in addition to around 600 residents, there are more than 200 migrants. So one will say the best time for birding in Costa Rica is when the migrants are here, the most spectacular long distance migrants to Costa Rica come from temperature and boreal north America. Among migratory land birds, warblers predominate in numbers of species and probably also in number of individuals, but flycatchers, swallows, thrushes, vireos, orioles, tanagers and finches, with a few pigeons, cuckoos and kingfishers and a number of raptors swell the multitude. Appearing first along the Caribbean coast in August, migrants arrive in larger numbers in September and October. Many continue onward to winter in South America, but countless more remain in Costa Rica, spreading over the whole country, in both humid and semiarid regions, and extending in the mountaintops
All the date of itineraries include arrival and departure dates.
All trips are available year round, but prices may be adjusted around special holidays.
Minimum lead time six (6)weeks.
To check availability for tours on short notice, fill out “Request for Quote” form with desirable dates.
Fitness:
Easy to moderate hiking is required. For birders with moderate limitations I am able to make a special itinerary. Either way, birders will have a fantastic opportunity to views an impressive number of bird species, and the experience will be an enjoyable one.
Clothing:
Dress for hot and humid tropical weather and be prepare for rain. Light clothing is recommended: cotton shirts and t-shirts (earth colors preferable), long and short pants, poncho, hiking shoes, an extra pair or sandals, hat, insect repellent and sun block.
Equipment:
Binoculars, scope, field guide, notebook and camera.
Should you only need a guide for a day please send a message to Roy. 
Roy Orozco, your local Birdingpal guide
Roy is an artist and certified nature guide with twelve years of experience working in Costa Rica. He is passionate about painting, birding, conservation and sharing Costa Rica’s rich wild life and habitats with others. He will be pleased to offer you a warm welcome to a country of peace and friendship.
His adventurist spirit and interest for nature has led him to most areas of my country, thanks to that he has learn where to find some the rarest animals, birds and plants and hiding paradisiacal nature attractions as well as which are the best accommodations such hotels and restaurants. The accommodations, meals, and transportation he has for you have been carefully selected to maximize your comfort and peace of mind, while enabling you to bask in Costa Rica’s rich natural beauty. Lodging has been carefully chosen to provide proximity to national parks and reserves so you can enjoy Costa Rica´s rich birdlife.
Leonardo Carrigues, your local Birdingpal guide
A birder since the age of six, Leonardo Garrigues has been accumulating natural history experience all his life. In addition to
studying Biology and Forest Engineering at the Universidad Nacional in Costa Rica, he has been involved in various projects on the Osa Peninsula, where he has helped monitor Jaguars, White-lipped Peccaries, and Harpy Eagles. He is also part of a team of recordists who are recording bird calls and other animal vocalizations in the Osa Peninsula.
His guiding experience likewise began on the Osa Peninsula, where he led trips to Corcovado National Park. He has worked as local guide at Rancho Naturalista in Costa Rica, as well as Tandayapa Birding Lodge and Wild Sumaco in Ecuador. Leo now leads birding and natural history tours all over Costa Rica for several agencies.
Testimonials.
If you're traveling to Costa Rica, you NEED to hire Roy to show you around Manuel Antonio/Quepos and the surrounding environment. Roy took my wife and I on a birding journey that was like nothing I've ever seen. What began as a birding trip quickly turned into seeing all manner of wildlife within Manuel Antonio. It was the most thrilling hike I've ever been on - and I've been on some great hikes. After, Roy took us to a remote mountain region, just the two of us, where we were able to pick up even more bird species. He's a professional. He knows his information and he'll give you the time of your life in Costa Rica! Adam DeWitte - Customer & Birder.
Some facts about Costa Rica.
Official Name: Republic of Costa Rica.
Geography: Area: 51,100 sq. km (19,730 sq. mi.) about the size of the states of Vermont and New Hampshire combined.
Terrain: A rugged, central range separates the eastern and western coastal plains.
Climate: Mild in the central highlands, tropical and subtropical in coastal areas.
Population (2010): 4.516 million.
Ethnic groups: European and some mestizo 94%, African origin 3%, Chinese 1%, Amerindian 1%, other 1%.
Religion: Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical Protestant 13.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%.
Languages: Spanish, with a southwestern Caribbean Creole dialect of English spoken around the Limon area.
Education: Years compulsory--9. Attendance--99% grades 1-6; 71% grades 7-9. Literacy--96%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--9.45/1,000. Life expectancy--men 74.61 yrs., women 79.94 yrs.
Type: Democratic republic.
Independence: September 15, 1821.
Constitution: November 7, 1949.
Branches: Executive--president (head of government and chief of state) elected for one 4-year term, two vice presidents, Cabinet (22 ministers, two of whom are also vice presidents). Legislative--57-deputy unicameral Legislative Assembly elected at 4-year intervals. Judicial--Supreme Court of Justice (22 magistrates elected by Legislative Assembly for renewable 8-year terms). The offices of the Ombudsman, Comptroller General, and Procurator General assert autonomous oversight of the government.
Subdivisions: Seven provinces, divided into 81 cantons, subdivided into 421 districts.
Political parties: National Liberation Party (PLN), Citizen's Action Party (PAC), Libertarian Movement Party (PML), Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC), and other smaller parties.
Suffrage: Universal and compulsory at age 18.
Unemployment (2010 est.): 6.7%.
Currency: Costa Rica Colon (CRC).
Natural resources: Hydroelectric power, forest products, fisheries products.
Agriculture (6.5% of GDP): Products--bananas, pineapples, coffee, beef, sugar, rice, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, ornamental plants, corn, beans, potatoes, timber.
More facts about Costa Rica.
Guide books and CD’s recommended:
A guide to the Birds of Costa Rica by Gary Stiles and Alexander F. Skutch
2. The birds of Costa Rica a field guide by Richard Carrigues and Roberth Dean.
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