Birdwatching Tours in Costa Rica

Looking for paradise? With over 850 bird species flying around the tiny country of Costa Rica, birders will likely be mesmerized by the abundance and

Birdwatching

in Costa Rica

Welcome to a birder’s paradise! With six forests types, from wet Mangrove swamps to elevated cloud forests, this diversity of microclimates creates ideal conditions for over 850 species of birds to call Costa Rica their home. The recorded species of birds in Costa Rica out-number the United States and Canada combined. Nesting and roosting birds such as Roseate Spoonbills and Wood Storks prefer living in the Mangroves that provide protection from climbing predators. The rare and exquisite Resplendent Quetzals live in the cloud forest where wild avocado trees grow, its primary food source. Over 400 species, including many migratory birds, have been verified at the Osa Peninsula. Scarlet and Green Macaws are slowing making a comeback. Monteverde’s hanging bridges and gardens offer a spectacular setting for spotting over 14 species of Hummingbirds. Toucans, MotMots, and Antbirds can be found in the rainforest surrounding Arenal Volcano. Paradise found!

Birdwatching Tour - Esteban Daily Guided Tours

Monteverde

Today you will go on a 5 hour guided bird watching tour at either the Curi Cancha Reserve or the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Both are great places to observe highland bird species. Your professional bilingual guide will recommend the best place based on current conditions and recent sightings and will bring high tech spotting equipment. This tour includes guide, reserve entrance fees and round trip transportation to your hotel or lodging. GPS coordinates are approximate as it depends on which reserve you visit.

Sky Tram, Trek, and Walk - Sky Adventures Monteverde

Monteverde

Today you will go on a great combination tour including zip ling and walking through the canopy of the cloud forest! This adventure starts by taking a gondola style cable car some 1600 meters up through the clouds until you’re high up on the Continental Divide. Next you go through a safety course before zipping down 8 cables with platforms placed at various vantage points within the forest canopy. The longest cable is 770 meters and the highest is 130 meters from the ground. You will then go on a moderate level guided hike over trails and hanging bridges that will give you a bird’s eye view from up in the cloud forest canopy. This 5 hour tour includes transportation entrance and guide. Note: the order of activities is subject to change. Please note that from October 11 to 18, 2024, the Sky Tram segment of the tour will be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance procedures. Your understanding and patience are appreciated as they diligently work to enhance their offerings, striving to provide you with an exceptional experience.

Tortuguero Canal Tour - Laguna Lodge

Laguna Lodge

This is a morning boat tour following canals carved through the dense rainforest within Tortuguero National Park, one of the best places in Costa Rica to go birding and see a diversity of wildlife. You will go on a 2 - 3-hour riverboat ride through the jungle-lined canals, which are located within the national park. Your boat captain and bilingual guide will point out all the visible forest-dwelling animals, plants and birdlife that live within this unique water and woodland eco-system including, but not limited to: monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, various species of amphibians and reptiles, plus many bird species.

Tortuguero Canal Tour - Mawamba Lodge

Mawamba Lodge

This is boat tour following canals carved through the dense rainforest within Tortuguero National Park, one of the best places in Costa Rica to go birding and see a diversity of wildlife. You will go on a 2 - 3-hour riverboat ride by covered pontoon boat through the jungle-lined canals, which are located within the national park. Your boat captain and bilingual guide will point out all the visible forest-dwelling animals, plants and birdlife that live within this unique water and woodland eco-system including, but not limited to: monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, various species of amphibians and reptiles, plus many bird species.Tour time will be coordinated upon arrival to the lodge according with the activities program of the Hotel

Treetopia Hanging Bridges and Cableway

Monteverde

This adventure starts off by taking a gondola style cable car some 1600 meters up through the cloud forest canopy to a hilltop near the Continental Divide. You will then go on a moderate level guided hike over trails and bridges that will give you a birds eye view of the cloud forest canopy. This 3 hour tour includes transportation and guide.

Corcovado National Park Tour Sirena Station

Poor Mans Paradise Lodge ・ Drake Bay ・ Copa de Arbol Resort

Today you will go by boat from Drake Bay to the Sirena Ranger Station located at the heart of Corcovado National Park to go on a guided nature hike through several different eco-systems. On the one-hour boat ride, you may see interesting marine and bird life. Once onshore you’ll have lunch at the ranger station then go with your naturalist guide into the jungle to explore the various habitats and their inhabitants! This tour is an adventure for the more experienced hiker who dreams of exploring the protected wilderness regions of Costa Rica. The total time for your adventure hike including lunch and round-trip boat transportation can be between 6 and 8 hours depending on the size and speed of your group. Note: The $15 per person park admission fee and $11 for lunch cannot be refunded in the event of cancellation. This tour includes boat transport, a certified bilingual nature guide, park admission fees, and lunch. The national park admission fee of $15 per person is non-refundable. Please bring your non-skid, completely enclosed hiking shoes and wear lightweight protective clothing. You will also want to have sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, binoculars, and your camera. This is a moderately difficult hike and parts of the hike can be very damp, so you may want to consider protection for your camera and binoculars. Have Fun!

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike

Monteverde

Today you will visit the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This is one of the most unique and endangered habitats in the world, located along the Continental Divide. Common bird sightings include Trogons, Resplendent Quetzals, Emerald Toucanettes and sometimes Bell Birds. There are also mammals including sloths, anteaters and two species of monkeys. The cloud forest itself is very interesting as the trees are covered with bromeliads, epiphytes and orchids. This enlightening half day nature hike includes transportation, park entrance, and guide.

Arenal ・ Arenal Zone 2 ・ Arenal Zone 3

Today you will go on a birdwatching tour at the Arenal Hanging Bridges with a bilingual naturalist guide. There are over 200 species of birds in the Arenal Volcano region. The hanging bridges allow you a birds eye view of the rainforest canopy. This half day tour includes transportation, guide, and trail entrances.

Birdwatching Tour Quality Trails

Monteverde

Costa Rica is an amazing place for bird watching! You’ll begin this medium level hike early in the morning when the birds are most likely to be spotted. Depending on the location of your lodging, you’ll be picked up between 5:30 and 6:00am. Your guide will discuss breakfast options with you based on the latest bird sighting information. A typical hot breakfast is included and you may be eating during or after your hike. Your experienced guide will be on the lookout for both endemic and endangered species such as the Resplendent Quetzal, 3 Wattled Bell Bird, Emerald Toucanette and Great Curassow that nest in several different regions you might be exploring. This half day tour includes round trip transportation, park entrance, breakfast and a professional guide with spotting scope.

Lowland Bird Watching Hike

Dominical

Today you will go on the Lowland Bird Watching Hike. The Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge is home of more then 350 species of birds. With a little luck and cooperation from Mother Nature, your bilingual guide will take you to a tower located on top of a knoll. The upper deck puts you in the tree tops at eye level with the birds. This is an ideal location for spotting tanagers, honeycreepers, toucans, saltators, vireos and others. This tour includes bilingual guide. No transportation is needed from Hacienda Baru. Transportation is not included from other area hotels. It is not suggested for children under 8 years of age. This activity is not available on Sundays.

Cloud Forest Bird Watching

Villa Blanca

Cloud forests offer the best birding opportunities to search for some of the rarest birds found in Costa Rica. This tour, only for guest staying at the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Private Reserve, is led by certified Greentique birding guides who have local knowledge of the birds living within this 2000 acre protected area. This is a mild to moderate 2-hour hike led by a professional guide with a high-powered spotting scope. Stopping to follow the sound of a specific bird call, your guide will help you find and identify several birds that you can check off your list. There are over 250 species of birdlife recorded at this high elevation. This tour leaves from the hotel reception area and includes a certified Greentique birding specialist guide. Please wear fully enclosed hiking shoes, and bring rain gear, insect repellent, bottled water, binoculars, and your camera. Since this is for hotel guests only, there is NO TRANSPORTATION needed. Perfect for families with children age 6 and up. Even if you have never considered birdwatching before, you may be surprised at the excitement sighting these exquisite birds can bring.

Early Bird Watching Tour

Central Guanacaste ・ Playa Hermosa, Coco, Southern Papagayo ・ Papagayo Peninsula ・ Tamarindo

Today you will go on a guided early morning birdwatching tour. Your hike will begin in a dry tropical forest at a private farm. From there you will walk and observe on back roads until you reach the beach area, home to an abundance of shore birds. Along the way you’ll stop for breakfast. This half day tour includes transportation, bilingual naturalist guide, breakfast and drinks.

Highland Birdwatching and Paramo

San Gerardo de Dota

Today you’ll explore the unique cloud forested highlands of Costa Rica up to the tundra line, searching for the elusive Resplendent Quetzal and other endemic birdlife. Hiking along the Continental Divide you’ll have access to spectacular views of mountain ranges, the Pacific Ocean, and a line of volcanoes running across the country. You may encounter other interesting wildlife that your guide will help you identify. During the tour, you’ll be transported to different areas to seek out specific habitats. This rare birdwatching opportunity includes a bilingual naturalist guide and on-site transportation from one birdwatching area to another. This tour is only for those staying at the Savegre Hotel so outside transportation is NOT provided. Total time of the guided hike is approximately six hours and starts at 7 am. Please wear enclosed hiking shoes and layered clothing for changes in temperature. Bring along rain gear, insect repellent, camera, binoculars, and spotting scope if you like. No transportation is needed from Savegre Mountain Hotel. Transportation is not included from other area hotels.

Guests staying at the Selva Verde Lodge may choose to take a guided tour of the private rainforest reserve consisting of 570 acres along the Sarapiqui River. With comfortable trails, some accommodating guests in wheelchairs, this easy-going hike and knowledgeable naturalist guide will bring you up close and personal with many jungle inhabitants. Be sure to have your camera with you to capture the often colorful, always interesting wildlife. This tour includes a professional, bilingual guide and park entrance fee. Coffee, tea, and snacks are available in the lodge at all times during the day. There is no transportation provided as the approximate 2 hour guided nature walk is only available to guests already staying at the Selva Verde Lodge. Please wear enclosed hiking shoes and bring along binoculars, your camera, bottled water, insect repellent and rain gear.

Tortuguero Canal Boat Tour - Valverde

Valverde Glamping and Ecolodge

Embark on a captivating boat tour that winds through the dense rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, an unparalleled destination for birdwatching and wildlife encounters in Costa Rica. Set out on a 2 - 3-hour riverboat adventure aboard a covered boat, gliding along the enchanting canals nestled within the heart of the national park. Guided by an experienced boat captain and bilingual naturalist guide, you'll be treated to an extraordinary display of forest-dwelling creatures, vibrant flora, and diverse birdlife that call this unique water and woodland ecosystem their home. Keep your eyes peeled for playful monkeys, leisurely sloths, elusive crocodiles, and a rich variety of amphibians, reptiles, and numerous bird species. This unforgettable journey promises an immersive experience in the wonders of nature, capturing the essence of Tortuguero's abundant wildlife and lush biodiversity.Tour time will be coordinated upon arrival to the lodge according to the activities program of the hotel.

Quetzal Quest - Trogon Lodge

San Gerardo de Dota

In the morning you will go with a guide on a birdwatching tour on the Trogon Lodge property. This tour is great for any birdwatcher and particulary those seeking Resplendent Quetzals as this is one of the few areas in the world that has the right features to harbor Quetzals year round. With a little luck and cooperation from Mother Nature, we should be able to spot many species of birds. The tour lasts 2 hours and includes guide. No transportation is needed from Trogon Lodge. Transportation is not included from other area hotels.

Tortuguero Canal Tour - Turtle Beach Lodge

Turtle Beach Lodge

This is a morning boat tour following canals carved through the dense rainforest within Tortuguero National Park, one of the best places in Costa Rica to go birding and see a diversity of wildlife. You will go on a 2 - 3-hour riverboat ride by covered pontoon boat through the jungle-lined canals, which are located within the national park. Your boat captain and bilingual guide will point out all the visible forest-dwelling animals, plants and birdlife that live within this unique water and woodland eco-system including, but not limited to: monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, various species of amphibians and reptiles, plus many bird species.

Tarcoles ・ Herradura ・ Jaco ・ Manuel Antonio

Today you will go on a guided tour to Carara National Park, which is home to a wide variety of endangered species, making it an important and vital eco system. Carara is a favorite with bird watchers with approximately 150 scarlet macaws that nest and feed throughout the reserve and can usually be seen around dusk flying west down the Rio Tarcoles towards the coastal mangroves where they roost for the night. This full day tour includes transportation, bilingual guide, and lunch.

Rainmaker Rain Forest Hiking

Manuel Antonio

Experience the captivating beauty of Rainmaker Conservation Park in Costa Rica as you go on a guided hike through its lush rainforest and at times along the canopy-hanging bridges in the rainforest treetops. Immerse yourself in the vibrant greenery, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife that inhabit this pristine natural landscape. Follow the well-maintained trail, listening to the symphony of tropical sounds and admiring ancient trees draped in moss. Discover crystal-clear streams, encounter colorful birds and monkeys, and enjoy breathtaking views from higher elevations. With knowledgeable guides to enrich your journey, this hike offers a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of Costa Rica's rainforest.

Birdwatching Tours in Costa Rica: A Paradise for Bird Enthusiasts

Costa Rica's extraordinary biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes make it a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts from around the world. With over 900 bird species, including numerous endemics and migratory birds, this Central American gem offers an unparalleled birdwatching experience. In this article, we'll take you on a virtual tour of Costa Rica's birdwatching paradise, highlighting some of the best birdwatching destinations and the incredible avian species you can encounter.

The Allure of Birdwatching in Costa Rica

Costa Rica's exceptional birdwatching appeal lies in its remarkable diversity of ecosystems, from lush rainforests to misty cloud forests, coastal wetlands, and towering volcanoes. Here's why Costa Rica is a birdwatcher's dream:

1. Rich Birdlife:

Costa Rica is home to approximately 10% of the world's bird species, making it a prime destination for birdwatching.

2. Accessibility:

Many of the best birdwatching locations are easily accessible, allowing both novice and experienced birders to explore diverse habitats.

3. Unique Endemics:

Costa Rica boasts several endemic bird species, including the resplendent quetzal, one of the most sought-after birds by birdwatchers.

4. Migratory Birds:

During migration seasons, Costa Rica welcomes numerous North American and South American migratory birds.

Top Birdwatching Destinations

Costa Rica offers a multitude of birdwatching hotspots, each with its unique charm and bird species. Here are some must-visit destinations:

1. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Bird Highlights: Resplendent quetzal, three-wattled bellbird, hummingbirds, toucans, and the orange-bellied trogon.
Why Visit: Explore misty cloud forests and elevated walkways while seeking out elusive and vibrant bird species.

2. Corcovado National Park

Bird Highlights: Scarlet macaws, harpy eagles, crested caracara, and an array of parrots.
Why Visit: As one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse regions, Corcovado is a birding paradise within a pristine rainforest.

3. La Selva Biological Station

Bird Highlights: Sungrebe, Agami heron, Amazon kingfisher, and various antbirds.
Why Visit: Located in the Caribbean lowlands, La Selva offers accessible trails and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

4. Tortuguero National Park

Bird Highlights: Keel-billed toucans, anhingas, boat-billed herons, and toucanets.
Why Visit: Navigate through scenic waterways while spotting birds in this unique coastal rainforest.

5. Palo Verde National Park

Bird Highlights: Jabiru stork, northern jacana, purple gallinule, and white ibis.
Why Visit: Explore extensive wetlands and dry tropical forests, home to an abundance of waterbirds.

6. Carara National Park

Bird Highlights: Scarlet macaws, trogons, antbirds, and herons.
Why Visit: Situated between the dry and wet regions, Carara is a birdwatcher's paradise with diverse avian species.

7. Los Quetzales National Park

Bird Highlights: Resplendent quetzal, black guan, hummingbirds, and tanagers.
Why Visit: Named after the iconic quetzal, this park offers a chance to spot this elusive bird in its natural habitat.

Essential Tips for Birdwatchers

Binoculars: Invest in quality binoculars to enhance your birdwatching experience.

Field Guide: Carry a field guidebook or use birding apps to help with species identification.

Local Guides: Consider hiring a local birdwatching guide who knows the area and can spot elusive species.

Timing: Early mornings and late afternoons are prime birdwatching times when birds are most active.

Respect Nature: Maintain a respectful distance from birds and their habitats to minimize disturbance.

Conclusion

Costa Rica's birdwatching tours offer an unrivaled opportunity to connect with nature and witness the astounding beauty of its avian inhabitants. Whether you're a dedicated birder or a nature enthusiast seeking a memorable experience, the country's lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems provide an ideal setting for birdwatching. With its remarkable birdlife, accessibility, and knowledgeable guides, Costa Rica promises a birdwatching adventure that will leave you in awe of the avian wonders that call this paradise home. So, pack your binoculars, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to embark on a birdwatching journey of a lifetime in Costa Rica.