Birdwatching Tours 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!
Aninga Lodge
Adventure, Nature, Zipline, Birding
Looking for an intense Nature encounter? These rustic bungalows built on stilts with connecting above ground pathways at Aninga Lodge are sure to deliver. Set in the wilds of Tortuguero, a remote region only accessible by boat or plane, the Lodge and its included tours will ensure you encounter an abundance of jungle wildlife. As you settle in, you’re likely to appreciate the minimum 2-ni ...
$215
Per person cost
Suggested age range: 1+
Birdwatching Tour
Birding, Canopy Bridges
While the Arenal Volcano area is better known for the iconic volcano, hot springs and adventure, this is an amazing birdwatching destination if you know where and when to look. Not only do we know where and when to look, but we will also set you up with a professional birdwatching guide for this morning excursion. The tour takes place early in the morning at the Mistico Arenal Han ...
$123
Per person cost
Suggested age range: 3+
Birdwatching Tour - Esteban Daily Guided Tours
Birding
Over 850 species of birds have been recorded in Costa Rica and half of them can be found in the cloud forests of Monteverde. Because of the rich diversity of birds and other forms of wildlife, sanctuaries were established here starting in the 1970s to protect the virgin forest environment and its inhabitants. Your professional bilingual guide, whose vast knowledge and daily observations of the ...
$195
Per person cost
Suggested age range: 1+
Birdwatching Tour Private - Full Day - Savegre Moutain Hotel
Birding
Guests of the Savegre Mountain Hotel are invited on a private guided full-day tour within the pristine and wild cloud forest surrounding the hotel to look for the Resplendent Quetzel as well over 200 other birds species living there. The Severge hotel is located on a mountain in the middle of a lush native rainforest and sits on the Severge River. You’ll meet with the resident natu ...
$199
Per person cost
Suggested age range: 1+
Carara National Park
Nature, Birding, Wildlife Hike
Looking for the best chance to see beautiful Scarlett Macaws and giant crocodiles? If so, look no further as the Carara National Park tour provides your best odds of seeing both. The tour starts when you are picked up from your local hotel. If you are staying in Manuel Antonio, the drive will take about 1.5 hours to reach the park. If you are staying Jaco or Esterrillos, the drive wi ...
$119
Per person cost
Suggested age range: 7+
Corcovado National Park Tour Sirena Station
Nature, Learning Family, Hiking, Birding, Wildlife Hike
This expedition to the Sirena Ranger Station inside Corcovado National Park is an adventure for the more experienced hiker who dreams of exploring the thickest jungles of Costa Rica and viewing some of the rarest wildlife in Central America. The park is a protected conservation area an ...
$152
Per person cost
Suggested age range: 5+
Curi Cancha Reserve Guided Hike
Nature, Learning Family, Birding, Wildlife Hike
The Curi-Cancha Reserve is a birdwatching paradise for those interested in highland and cloud forest species! Located near the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, this independently owned reserve is quite similar but is not as well known. This means fewer people and more animals! Birdwatchers will be delighted as over 200 species of birds have been observed within the reserve! Resplen ...
$98
Per person cost
Suggested age range: 1+
Early Bird Watching Tour
Nature, Learning Family, Birding, Wildlife Hike
With over 850 species of birds identified in Costa Rica, this is the place to do some serious bird watching! In a small group you will be led on an easy hike through a forest at a private farm early in the morning, then walk down to the beach areas to spot the many varieties of shorebirds. Along the way you will stop for breakfast. Your experienced guide with lots of local knowledge will be car ...
$170
Per person cost
Suggested age range: 5+
Highland Birdwatching and Paramo
Birding, Wildlife Hike
A chance of a lifetime for serious birders, this adventure will have you exploring the subalpine and alpine zones along the Continental Divide for beautiful tropical cloud forest birdlife. You’ll travel with a professional guide taking you into areas where the Resplendent Quetzal and other exotic birds make their home. This amazing 6-hour outing, designed only for guests staying at th ...
$153
Per person cost
Suggested age range: 1+
Jungle Vista Boutique Hotel
Nature, Birding
Welcome to the Jungle Vista Boutique Hotel, Manuel Antonio's newest gem that seamlessly combines style, comfort, and practicality. Nestled amidst the lush hillside of Manuel Antonio, our hotel's three towers offer a tranquil retreat, surrounded by the vibrant jungle, yet just a short drive from the pristine beaches. Our thoughtfully designed studio rooms and apartments provide the perfect home ...
$145
Per person cost
Suggested age range: 1+
Lowland Bird Watching Hike
Nature, Learning Family, Birding
Birdwatching in the Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge is a must-do tour for avid birdwatchers or those who like to explore and learn about nature. Your guide, a fellow knowledgeable bird lover, will take you on a quiet early morning hike to witness the beautiful forest and point out different kinds of bird species or other wildlife you may find along the way. Your guide will bring along binocular ...
$69
Per person cost
Suggested age range: 8+
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike
Nature, Learning Family, Hiking, Birding, Wildlife Hike
This amazing old growth cloud forest, rescued from the threat of mining during the 1970s by a visiting scientist and resident Quakers, retains a unique ecosystem found nowhere else in the world. This region, believed to have the highest density of orchids on earth, with over 500 species of exotic birdlife, over 100 species of reptiles, and hosting animal life from both North and South America, ...
$98
Per person cost
Suggested age range: 1+
Quetzal Quest - Trogon Lodge
Birding
This private Quetzal Quest birdwatching tour for the Lodge guest explores the surrounding cloud forest, home of the rare Resplendent Quetzel as well as many other interesting tropical birds. You will be sure to check a few birds off your list as well as have the opportunity to see other rare birds, orchids and animal life. ...
$65
Per person cost
Suggested age range: 1+
Santa Juana Birdwatching Tour
Nature, Birding, Wildlife Hike
Experience the enchanting world of Costa Rican birds like never before on the Santa Juana Birding Tour, led by one of our Greentique Certified Guide Birding Specialists. Nestled within the Cloudmaker region, this tour is a haven for birding enthusiasts worldwide. Santa Juana Pueblo and its picturesque surroundings offer a biodiverse paradise, with a remarkable mix of bird species endemic to the ...
$142
Per person cost
Suggested age range: 18+
Treetopia Hanging Bridges and Cableway
Adventure, Nature, Learning Family, Birding, Canopy Bridges, Wildlife Hike
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.
$131
Per person cost
Suggested age range: 1+
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.
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