Question 1

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Accepted Answer

Experience the incredible diversity of Costa Rica’s ecosystems — from humid lowland rainforest to volcanic foothills, coastal mangroves, and high‑elevation oak forest.Discover iconic species such as Resplendent Quetzal, Great Green Macaw, Scarlet Macaw, and a wide variety of hummingbirds, tanagers, and tropical forest specialties.Explore world‑class birding locations including La Selva Biological Station, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Tarcoles River mangroves, Carara National Park, and the Savegre Valley.Enjoy exceptional photographic opportunities at feeder hotspots, river corridors, canopy bridges, and scenic forest trails.Immerse yourself in the culture and landscapes of Costa Rica, traveling through small towns, mountain valleys, and protected reserves.Relax in comfortable lodges chosen for their access to nature, beautiful surroundings, and excellent birding right outside your door.Approximately 300+ species are possible, depending on conditions.

Question 2

TARGET SPECIES

Accepted Answer

While we cannot guarantee sightings of the birds listed below, we believe that encountering these species is quite likely during this tour. Resplendent QuetzalScarlet MacawKeel-billed ToucanYellow-throated ToucanTurquoise-browed MotmotThree-wattled BellbirdGreat Green MacawFiery-throated HummingbirdSnowcapLong-tailed Silky-flycatcherYellow-thighed BrushfinchCollared RedstartFlame-throated WarblerSooty ThrushBlack GuanSpangle-cheeked TanagerBlack-faced SolitaireOrnate Hawk-EagleKing VultureSpeckled TanagerBlack-crested CoquetteVolcano HummingbirdRed-legged HoneycreeperBaird's TrogonWhite-whiskered PuffbirdEmerald TanagerTalamanca HummingbirdSilvery-throated TapaculoBlack-headed TrogonCrimson-collared TanagerBlack-billed Nightingale-ThrushVolcano Juncoand many more!

Question 3

TOUR LEADER

Accepted Answer

OSCAR CARMONA

Question 4

WHAT TO EXPECT

Accepted Answer

Overall Difficulty: Moderate. This itinerary is designed for travelers who enjoy full days in the field, early starts, and walking on forest trails. Most birding locations are easily accessible, and the tour does not require strenuous hiking. However, guests should expect uneven or muddy trails in rainforest and cloud forest; occasional uphill or downhill walking; warm, humid conditions in the lowlands; and cooler temperatures and thinner air at high elevations. The tour is appropriate for most participants with a basic level of fitness and comfort walking at a relaxed pace for extended periods. The pace of the tour is active but not rushed. We take advantage of early mornings — the most productive time for bird activity — and balance these with midday breaks, meals, and time to rest at the lodges. Afternoons typically include optional birding or relaxed exploration of nearby trails. Guests can expect early departures (generally between 6:00-6:30 AM – depending on the day’s destination), full days in the field, with breaks for meals and rest, a mix of slow, observational birding and short walks; comfortable lodging with opportunities to unwind each evening. The tour is structured to maximize birding and photography opportunities while maintaining a comfortable, enjoyable rhythm throughout. Across the itinerary, terrain varies by region:Northern Rainforest: flat or gently rolling trails; humid conditionsArenal Foothills: mixed forest trails, some uneven footingCentral Pacific: dry forest paths, mangrove boat tourTalamanca Highlands: cool temperatures, some higher‑elevation walking

Question 5

FINANCIAL INFORMATION, REGISTRATION & PAYMENTS

Accepted Answer

The tour price is $5,225 USD per person based on double occupancy. The single supplement is $730 USD and will be applied if you request single accommodations, or if you prefer to share a room but no roommate is available and we are unable to pair you with another participant.To register for this tour, please complete an online reservation form. A non‑refundable deposit of $300 USD per person is required to secure your space. All payments—including deposits and final balances—may be made by credit card, check, or bank/wire transfer.Deposits are due within 14 days of submitting your reservation form. The remaining balance is due as soon as the tour is confirmed or 90 days prior to the tour start date, whichever comes first. We will invoice you accordingly.

Question 6

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Accepted Answer

The tour package includes:Expert local guide and tour hostMeals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner - starting with dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 11) Ground transportation during the tour with professional driverEntrance fees to parks/preserves as outlined in the itineraryLodge / accommodations as outlined in the itineraryAirport transfers (Day 1 & Day 11)Tarcoles boat tour The tour package does not include travel and pre-tour expenses including but not limited to:Airfare to and from the tour destinationExtended stays (before and/or after the tour)Travel insuranceTips/Gratuity for guides, driver, and lodge staffAlcoholic beveragesItems/expenses of personal nature

Question 7

TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS

Accepted Answer

International travel includes several important practical considerations that guests should review before registering for this tour. The notes below outline key documentation requirements and general travel expectations to help ensure a smooth, well‑prepared experience. Passport & Visa:  A valid passport is required for entry into Costa Rica. As a general best practice, your passport must have a minimum of six months' validity beyond travel dates. Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and most other Western nations do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days; entry is granted on arrival at no cost. No advance visa application is necessary. Immigration officers may request proof of onward or return travel (a printed or digital copy of your return flight itinerary is sufficient) and, occasionally, proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Costa Rica also requires travelers to show evidence of accommodation details for their visit. Guests are encouraged to confirm current entry requirements with their government's travel portal prior to departure, as policies are subject to change. Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all participants and should include, at minimum: trip cancellation and interruption coverage, emergency medical coverage, medical evacuation coverage (particularly important for remote cloud forest locations where ground transport to major hospitals may take several hours). Guests should verify that their policy covers adventure travel activities including hiking and wildlife excursions in remote locations.

Question 8

CANCELLATION POLICY - International Tours

Accepted Answer

Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following schedule applies:Cancellations made 120 days or more before the tour start date:
Full refund of payments made minus the non-refundable per person deposit and any supplier cancellation penalties. Participants may choose a one-time transfer of payments made beyond the non-refundable per person deposit and any supplier cancellation penalties to another tour within 12 months, subject to availability.
Cancellations made 119–91 days before the tour start date:
50% refund of payments made minus the non-refundable per person deposit and any supplier cancellation penalties.
Cancellations made 90 days or less before the tour start date:
No refund.We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected circumstances.For full details, please review Terms and Conditions before booking any of our tours or services. Our Terms and Conditions include important information about how we operate our tours, including cancellation policy, travel insurance, health and fitness requirements, and other essential guidelines to  ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Question 9

ITINERARY

Accepted Answer

Day 1: Arrival at San José, Costa Rica International Airport (SJO). Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport, where a guide will greet you and transfer you to our hotel. We gather for a brief tour orientation and welcome dinner this evening. Overnight: Hotel Bougainvillea, San José. Days 2–3: Northern Rainforest (Sarapiquí Region). The Northern Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica are one of the country’s most biologically rich regions. This landscape is defined by warm, humid rainforest, braided rivers, lush understory vegetation, and towering canopy trees that support an incredible diversity of wildlife. The Sarapiquí area sits at the meeting point of protected reserves, research stations, and community‑managed forests, creating a mosaic of habitats that make this region one of the most productive birding destinations in Central America. We explore several well‑known birding sites and reserves that showcase the full range of lowland rainforest species. The area is famous for its mix of canopy frugivores, colorful toucans, parrots, and barbets, as well as a wide variety of hummingbirds that gather at feeders and flowering trees. River edges and forest trails provide opportunities for kingfishers, herons, and other riparian species, while the dense understory supports antbirds, manakins, woodcreepers, and other tropical specialists. Overnight: Selva Verde Lodge. Target species here include White-tipped Sicklebill, Red-headed Barbet, Collared Aracari, Crested Guan, White-bellied Mountain-gem, Bat Falcon, Mealy Amazon, Slaty-tailed Trogon, Coppery-headed Emerald, Brown-hooded Parrot, Scaly-breasted Hummingbird, Ocellated Antbird, Long-billed Hermit, Black-crowned Antshrike, Yellow-winged Flatbill, Blue-vented Hummingbird, Prong-billed Barbet, Northern Emerald-Toucanet, Crimson-collared Tanager, White-collared Manakin, Green Shrike-Vireo, Shining Honeycreeper, Great Green Macaw, Pied Puffbird, Snowy Cotinga,  Gray-headed Chachalaca, Russet-naped Wood-Rail, Orange-chinned Parakeet, Keel-billed Toucan, and Black‑crowned Antshrike – among many others. Days 4–5: Arenal Volcano Region. The Arenal region marks a dramatic shift from the humid Caribbean lowlands into the lush foothills surrounding one of Costa Rica’s most iconic volcanoes. Here, the landscape transitions into a mix of mid‑elevation rainforest, volcanic slopes, open gardens, and riverine forest. The result is a rich blend of habitats that support an impressive variety of birds — from canopy species and mixed flocks to forest understory specialists, hummingbirds, and raptors that patrol the ridgelines. Arenal Observatory Lodge sits on the southern flank of the volcano, offering sweeping views, extensive trail networks, and access to mature forest. Birding around the lodge often produces a lively mix of tanagers, honeycreepers, flycatchers, and motmots, while forest trails provide opportunities for wrens, antbirds, woodcreepers, and other tropical specialties. The constant presence of Arenal Volcano adds a dramatic backdrop to the birding experience. During our time here, we also visit a well‑known feeder site in the nearby town of La Fortuna. This location is famous for close views of colorful foothill species and offers excellent photographic opportunities. The surrounding area includes a mosaic of gardens, second‑growth forest, and small wetlands, creating ideal conditions for a wide range of mid‑elevation birds. In the afternoons, we explore nearby reserves such as Peninsula Road or the Sky Walk hanging bridges. These sites offer access to higher canopy levels, river corridors, and transitional forest where foothill and lowland species overlap. The mix of habitats often produces a diverse set of birds, including canopy frugivores, forest raptors, and species associated with mature rainforest. Overnight: Arenal Observatory Lodge. Notable species in this area include Snowcap, Green Thorntail, Yellow-throated Toucan, Stripe-breasted and Song Wrens, Speckled Tanager, Tawny-capped Euphonia, Bare-crowned Antbird, King Vulture, Black-and-white Owl, Scarlet-rumped Tanager, Black-crested Coquette, Rufous Motmot, Buff-throated Saltator, Collared Trogon, Long-tailed Tyrant, Dull-mantled Antbird, Black-and-yellow Tanager, Yellow-eared Toucanet, Gartered Violaceous Trogon, Three-wattled Bellbird, Montezuma Oropendola, Crimson-collared Tanager, Red-legged Honeycreeper, the elusive White-throated Crake, Uniform Crake, White-fronted Nunbird, Keel-billed Motmot, White Hawk, and Ornate Hawk-Eagle – to name a few. Days 6–7: Central Pacific & Mangroves. The Central Pacific region introduces a completely different ecological flavor to the itinerary. As we leave the lush foothills of Arenal and descend toward the coast, the landscape shifts into a mix of tropical dry forest, mangrove estuaries, riverine wetlands, and patches of humid forest influenced by the nearby Carara National Park. This transition zone between dry and wet Pacific forest creates one of the most diverse birding regions in Costa Rica, with species from both ecosystems overlapping in a relatively small area. Our lodge sits near the mouth of the Tarcoles River, where coastal breezes, open woodland, and scattered fruiting trees attract a wide variety of birds.  We explore the Tarcoles River and its extensive mangrove system by boat. Mangroves are among the most productive ecosystems in the tropics, and this area is known for excellent views of wading birds, kingfishers, coastal species, and several mangrove specialists. Later, we visit Carara National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most famous birding destinations. Carara sits at the ecological boundary between dry forest to the north and humid Pacific forest to the south. Shaded trails wind through mature forest, offering opportunities to encounter trogons, manakins, puffbirds, flycatchers, and a wide variety of understory and canopy birds. The park is also known for its healthy population of Scarlet Macaws, which often fly overhead or feed in nearby almond trees. Overnight: Tarcoles Birding Hotel. Target species in this region include Turquoise-browed Motmot, White-throated Magpie-Jay, Cinnamon Hummingbird, Rufous-and-white Wren, Pacific Screech-Owl, Baird’s Trogon, Fiery-billed Aracari, Hoffmann’s Woodpecker, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Graceful Black-throated Trogon, Black-hooded Antshrike, Streak-backed Oriole, Mangrove Hummingbird, Mangrove Vireo, Mangrove Swallow, Crane Hawk, Collared Forest Falcon, Red-capped and Velvety Manakins, Amazon, Green and Ringed Kingfishers, Double-striped Thick-knee, Boat-billed Heron, Muscovy Duck, Magnificent Frigatebird, Northern Jacana, Wood Stork, Orange-collared Manakin, Tropical Royal Flycatcher, White-whiskered Puffbird, and Scarlet Macaw. Days 8–9: Talamanca Highlands. The final leg of the journey takes us into one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated birding regions: the Talamanca Highlands. As we ascend from the Pacific lowlands into the mountains, the landscape transforms dramatically. Warm coastal air gives way to cool, crisp high‑elevation breezes, and the vegetation shifts into dense oak forest, bamboo thickets, and páramo; a unique shrub‑grass ecosystem found only at the highest elevations of Central America. This region is home to some of the country’s most iconic birds, including several high‑elevation endemics found nowhere else in the world. The combination of mature oak forest, moss‑laden branches, and abundant fruiting trees creates ideal habitat for a wide variety of montane species. The scenery alone is spectacular, with sweeping valley views, cloud‑draped ridges, and quiet forest roads that offer peaceful, immersive birding. We begin with a stop at the highest point, where the páramo habitat supports a small suite of restricted‑range species adapted to cold, windswept conditions. From here, we descend into the Savegre Valley; a lush, protected basin known for its pristine forest, clear rivers, and exceptional birding opportunities. Our lodge sits in the heart of this valley, surrounded by trails, gardens, and open roads that provide easy access to a wide range of montane birds. One of the highlights of this region is the opportunity to search for the Resplendent Quetzal. The highlands of Talamanca are considered one of the best places in the world to observe this species, and early morning visits to fruiting trees often offer excellent chances. Beyond quetzals, the valley supports an impressive diversity of high‑elevation birds, including colorful tanagers, unique flycatchers, forest thrushes, and several species of hummingbirds adapted to cooler climates. Overnight: Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa. Notable species include Resplendent Quetzal, Volcano Junco, Volcano, Fiery-throated and Talamanca Hummingbirds, Wrenthrush, Collared Redstart, Timberline Wren, Black-faced Solitaire, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Sulphur-winged Parakeet, Buffy-crowned Wood-Partridge, Black Guan, Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, Buff-fronted Quail-Dove, Ochraceous Wren, Golden-browed Chlorophonia, Black-thighed Grosbeak, Large-footed Finch, Yellow-thighed Brushfinch, Slaty Flowerpiercer, Peg-billed Finch, Spangle-cheeked Tanager, Sooty-capped Chlorospingus, White-throated Mountain-gem, Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, Sooty Thrush, Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl, and Spotted Wood-Quail. Day 10: Return to San José. After several days exploring Costa Rica’s most productive birding regions, we make our way back toward San José for a relaxing final evening. The drive out of the Talamanca Highlands offers beautiful views of forested ridges, small mountain towns, and the winding rivers that feed the Central Valley. As we descend, the cool high‑elevation air gradually gives way to the warmer climate of the valley, and the landscape shifts into a mix of coffee farms, ornamental gardens, and patches of mid‑elevation forest.We break up the journey with a stop at a well‑known feeding station in the foothills. This location provides excellent photographic opportunities and a chance to see species that may not have appeared earlier on the tour. The feeders often attract a lively mix of tanagers, frugivores, and highland birds moving downslope, offering a relaxed and enjoyable final birding session before returning to the city. By mid-afternoon, we arrive at our hotel in San José. Bougainvillea’s extensive gardens are a highlight in themselves, with beautifully landscaped paths, ponds, and flowering trees that support a variety of Central Valley birds. Guests may choose to enjoy a quiet walk through the gardens, relax on the terrace, or simply unwind before dinner. This final evening provides a comfortable transition back to city life and a chance to reflect on the diverse habitats and species encountered throughout the tour. Dinner is enjoyed at the hotel, where we can share highlights, review photos, and celebrate the journey before departing the next morning. Overnight: Hotel Bougainvillea, San José. Day 11: Tour Conclusion & Departures from San José.  Our final morning in Costa Rica begins with a relaxed pace at the hotel. This marks the conclusion of your Costa Rica birding adventure. Over the past days, we explored a remarkable range of ecosystems — from Caribbean lowland rainforest to volcanic foothills, Pacific mangroves, and high‑elevation oak forest — each offering its own unique birdlife and unforgettable experiences. Participants may depart San José at any time today.

Question 10

TRIP REPORTS & INSPIRATION

Accepted Answer

Explore our blog for trip reports, seasonal highlights, destinations, and inspiration for your next birding adventure.Visit our blog →

Grand Birding Circuit

COSTA RICA

Discover the Many Sides of Costa Rica

11 Days / 10 Nights | Maximum 8 participants

Dates & Pricing

Tour Overview