This region of Costa Rica encompasses a high diversity of landforms and habitats, that host a great variety of species of birds, within a small geographic territory, making it easy to drive from one destination to the next.
- Duration: 8 Days
Early arrival to Costa Rica and drive over the mountains to Sarapiqui area. Stop on the way at Cinchona feeders and go on to our destination in the Northern Plains of Costa Rica.
Target birds: Emerald Toucanet, Silver-throated Tanager, Coppery-headed Emerald
Lodging at: La Selva Biological Station or similar. Meals: Dinner.
Full day birding at La Selva Biological Station and surroundings. La Selva is one of the best known research stations for Tropical Studies and the habitat that protects is home to hundreds of resident and migratory species of birds.
Target birds: Broad-billed Motmot, Gartered Trogon, Great Green Macaw.
Lodging at: La Selva Biological Station or similar / Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Early birding at the lodge grounds and drive to the area of Arenal, one of the hotspots for birding in Costa Rica, with the perfect combination of Caribbean foothills and lowland habitats. En route visit to Bogarin trails and bird feeders.
Target birds: Crimson-collared Tanager, White-throated Crake, Rufous-tailed Jacamar
Lodging at: Arenal Observatory Lodge or similar / Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
This is the most popular birding lodge in the area due to the diversity of habitats. Open areas, hummingbird gardens, a fruit station, pine tree plantations and trails in the rainforest provide exceptional opportunities for successful birding. Afternoon drive along the Peninsula road to look for more specialties.
Target birds: Great Curassow, Keel-billed Motmot, White-fronted Nunbird
Lodging at: Arenal Observatory Lodge or similar / Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
Morning birding at lodge grounds, then drive to Caño Negro area. En route boat ride at Medio Queso Wetland and birding along San Emilio grass fields.
Target birds: Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Nicaraguan Seed-finch, Nicaraguan Grackle
Lodging at: Natural Lodge Caño Negro or similar / Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
Early morning boat ride at the Caño Negro Wetlands. Return to the lodge for breakfast and bird the surroundings for some of the area’s specialties. In the afternoon drive to our next destination on the slopes of Tenorio Volcano.
Target birds: Agami Heron, Green-and-Rufous Kingfisher, Spot-breasted Wren
Lodging at Las Heliconias Lodge or similar / Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
Birding at Heliconia Lodge trails and hanging bridges, after lunch birding the surroundings of Bijagua area, a very rich habitat on the slopes of Tenorio Volcano National Park.
Target birds: Tody Motmot, Ocellated Antbird, Ornate Hawk-eagle
Lodging at: Heliconia Lodge or similar / Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
Early birding at the grounds of the lodge and drive to international airport for afternoon flight. (Flight out from Liberia Airport is suggested, also overnight in San Jose can be added upon request).
- Private transportation.
- Private birding guide.
- 7 nights of accommodation in comfortable lodge.
- Entrance fees to all parks and reserves mentioned in itinerary.
- 1 Private boat ride in Medio Queso Wetlands.
- 1 Private boat rides in Caño Negro Wetlands.
- Meals listed.
- Travel insurance.
- International flight tickets and departure tax.
- Medical expenses.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Tips and gratuities.