Costa Rica Birdwatching Tour

Arrive in Heredia and settle into your surroundings, taking time to unwind after the journey. Enjoy a relaxed start as you get familiar with this charming Costa Rican city.

Begin the scenic drive to San Gerardo de Dota, surrounded by Costa Rica’s beautiful mountain landscapes.

Meet your specialist guide at the hotel and head into the forests of San Gerardo de Dota for an early-morning birdwatching adventure. This beautiful mountain region is home to more than 170 recorded bird species, including several found only in the surrounding area. Follow gentle trails near the hotel or through its private reserve, keeping your eyes and ears alert for movement among the trees and vegetation.

The quiet conditions after sunrise offer excellent opportunities to observe active birdlife before the forest becomes busier. Your guide will help identify different species and point out those that can be particularly challenging to spot, making the outing rewarding for both keen birdwatchers and anyone interested in Costa Rica’s remarkable wildlife.

Set off towards Turrialba, following a scenic route through Costa Rica’s countryside. Take in the changing landscapes along the way as you travel towards this picturesque mountain destination.

Spend time exploring the rich birdlife around Rancho Naturalista, where the surrounding rainforest provides an exceptional setting for birdwatching. A wide variety of species can be spotted among the trees and vegetation, while the lodge gardens provide particularly rewarding viewing opportunities. Fruit feeders bring colourful visitors close to the property, including Lesson’s Motmots, Montezuma Oropendolas, Chestnut-headed Oropendolas, Grey-headed Chachalacas, Baltimore Orioles, euphonias and several species of tanagers.

The hummingbird feeders on the balcony are another highlight, attracting a remarkable selection of tiny, fast-moving birds. Keep an eye on the Verbena hedges, where Snowcaps are regularly seen alongside Black-crested Coquettes, Violet-headed Hummingbirds and Garden Emeralds. With so much activity around the lodge, even a short walk or quiet moment in the garden can become an exciting wildlife encounter.

Make your way towards Selva Bananito, enjoying the changing scenery as you leave the main roads behind. Park your vehicle at the designated meeting point, then continue into the rainforest by arranged coach transfer to reach the lodge.

Begin your day with an early outing around the lodge grounds, where the surrounding forest and open areas provide an excellent setting for birdwatching. More than 300 species have been recorded across the property, creating plenty of opportunities to encounter both familiar and less-common birds. Accompany experienced bird specialists who will guide you through the landscape and help identify different species as you explore.

Keep your attention focused on the treetops, branches and grassy areas, where colourful plumage and distinctive calls can reveal hidden visitors. Look out for toucans, orioles, trogons, and kingfishers among the many other species inhabiting this biodiverse environment. The peaceful morning conditions make the experience particularly rewarding, combining close observation with the chance to appreciate the surrounding rainforest and wildlife at an unhurried pace.

Take the shared transfer to Salón Delia and begin the next part of your journey. From there, drive towards Sarapiquí, travelling through Costa Rica’s scenic countryside as you make your way to the region.

Set out around sunrise for a guided wildlife walk through the lush surroundings of Selva Verde Lodge. Accompanied by a knowledgeable naturalist, you will explore the property while keeping watch for colourful and unusual birdlife among the trees, gardens and forest edges. The early hours are particularly rewarding, as many species are feeding, calling and moving through the vegetation before the day becomes warmer.

Each outing brings its own surprises, with sightings varying according to weather, season and bird activity. Your guide will help you recognise different calls, identify species and locate birds that may be difficult to spot with the naked eye. A powerful viewing scope also allows you to observe feather details and natural behaviour from a comfortable distance. This relaxed morning experience offers an enjoyable introduction to the remarkable biodiversity found around the lodge.

Make your way towards Boca Tapada, travelling through quieter parts of northern Costa Rica as the landscape gradually becomes more rural. Enjoy the changing scenery along the route before reaching this remote destination, known for its lush surroundings and abundant wildlife.

Explore the remarkable wildlife of Costa Rica’s Northern Plains on a peaceful outing through rainforest and wetland habitats near Maquenque. This region is recognised for its exceptional bird diversity, with more than 410 species recorded across its forests and waterways. Keep watch for striking birds such as Great Green Macaws and Scarlet Macaws, alongside toucans, oropendolas, honeycreepers, tanagers, herons, Muscovy Ducks, Great Curassows, Jabirus, Roseate Spoonbills, Green Ibis and Sunbitterns.

The adventure continues along the Tres Amigos River, where a quiet boat journey provides an unhurried way to appreciate the surrounding environment. Before setting off, your guide will explain how to paddle and handle the boat, ensuring you feel prepared for the experience. Once on the water, glide gently along the river and take in the peaceful atmosphere. With minimal noise and little disturbance, you can concentrate on the sights and sounds of nature while looking for wildlife and admiring the diverse vegetation along the riverbanks.

Make your way back towards Heredia, following the route through Costa Rica’s changing scenery. Once you arrive, make sure to take some rest before heading home.

Travel by private vehicle to Juan Santamaría International Airport, allowing plenty of time for your departure. Your arranged transfer provides a comfortable and convenient journey from your accommodation to the airport.