9-Nights Birdwatching in Costa Rica from $3,115

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica

Transfer: San Jose CR to Chayote Lodge

Hotel: Chayote Lodge (4 Star Rating)

Chayote Lodge lays in the outskirts of the mountainous central valley, located only 50 minutes away from San Jose Airport in Llano Bonito de Naranjo, and 1500 meters above sea level in the cloud forest. It boasts 12 spacious bungalows, most of which include a private terrace with a breathtaking view of Poas, Barva, and Irazu Volcanos, as well as the Central Valley and the Nicoya Gulf in the Pacific Ocean seen on clear days. Its strategic location right in the middle of Costa Rica is a perfect gateway to discover different national parks, waterfalls, coffee fields, rural villages, local artisans, as well as enjoy the local lifestyle by visiting homes, gardens and city parks within the vicinity.

Day 2: Chayote Lodge to Boca Tapada

Transfer: Chayote Lodge to Boca Tapada

Hotel: Maquenque Eco-Lodge & Tree Houses (3 Star Rating)

Maquenque Eco-Lodge & Tree Houses is the ideal place for nature lovers and those who wish to explore their senses. The Eco-lodge is strategically located inside the Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge, bordering the San Carlos River. The property has 15 Bungalows and 10 tree houses, each equipped with hot water (through solar panels), a private bathroom, a ceiling fan, closet, balcony with a beautiful view to a natural lagoon or to the tropical forest. They have 68 acres of rainforest, within which they have trails for you to enjoy independently or alongside a local guide. There is a great variety of flora and fauna, making this the perfect place for bird lovers. Currently, they have identified more than 592 species of birds.

Day 3: Exploring Boca Tapada



Day 4: Boca Tapada to Sarapiqui

Transfer: Boca Tapada to Sarapiqui

Hotel: Selva Verde Lodge (3 Star Rating)

Selva Verde is a rainforest lodge, which is dedicated to educating its guests on the wonders and natural beauty of Costa Rica's tropical rainforest. It is adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park and La Selva Organization for Tropical Studies. The hotel features 45 well-maintained double rooms, a restaurant with a splendid view of the Sarapiqui River.

Day 5: Half Day Private Birdwatching Tour at Selva Verde Eco-Lodge & Rainforest Reserve

You will join a local naturalist guide for an early morning bird walk on the grounds of Selva Verde Lodge. The morning is a great time to spot birds since they are particularly active, so you can count on sighting several of the stunning tropical species that inhabit this beautiful property. Every day is different, but exciting. Your guide's expert knowledge of the area and its species, keen eye and a high-powered scope, is certain to afford you exceptional views of birds you might not otherwise spot.

Day 6: Chilamate de Sarapiqui to Turrialba

Transfer: Sarapiqui to Turrialba

Hotel: Rancho Naturalista (3 Star Rating)

Rancho Naturalista is famous for its warm, relaxed, friendly atmosphere, brilliant birding, good company, and delicious food served with the best fresh local ingredients. Meals are served family-style where guests share stories of their day on the trail. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded in their private forest reserve and within the local area. Hike the trails on your own, or alongside the excellent guides available on-site. The weather is almost perfect year-round, not too hot and not too cold. Make Rancho Naturalista the highlight of your trip to Costa Rica!

Day 7: Afternoon Birdwatching Tour at Rancho Naturalista

Today, you will enjoy an afternoon bird watching tour at Rancho Naturalista. The forest surrounding Rancho Naturalista is home to a wealth of bird species; from tanagers to toucans and manakins to antbirds and woodcreepers. The lodge garden has fruit feeders which attract a variety of bird species including Lesson's Motmots, Montezuma, Chestnut-headed Oropendolas, Grey-headed Chachalacas, Baltimore Orioles, several kinds of euphonias, and tanagers. The feeders also create great opportunities for bird photography. Besides birds, several mammals also visit the feeders and provide great close-up views. On the balcony at Rancho Naturalista, the hummingbird feeders are renowned for attracting many species. Some of the species possible are Violet-crowned Woodnymphs, White-necked Jacobins, Green Hermits, Green Thorntails, Violet Sabrewings, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteers, and Green-crowned Brilliants. On the Verbena Hedges at Rancho Naturalista, the Snowcap is a frequent visitor along with the Black-crested Coquette, the Violet-headed hummingbird, and the Garden Emerald. A unique feature offered at Rancho is the hummingbird pools where a variety of hummingbird species (including Snowcap and Purple-crowned Fairy) come to bathe. Also, other species besides Hummingbirds visit this area including the Tawny-throated Leaftosser, Dull-mantled Antbird, Great Tinamou, and many more.

Day 8: Turrialba to San Gerardo de Dota

Transfer: Turrialba to San Gerardo de Dota

Hotel: Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa (4 Star Rating)

Savegre Hotel & Natural Reserve is a beautiful, 400 hectare Private Natural Reserve, found just a short distance from Los Quetzales National Park. This is an idea spot to explore the imposing Tropical Cloud Forest and those who love nature. The hotel offers twenty standard rooms (four units are connecting) and thirty-two junior suites including two rooms suitable for disabled guests. Savegre Hotel also offer different services to make the guest stay more pleasant: Los Robles Bar, Las Bromelias Restaurant, Del Rio Spa, all on-site to ensure an enjoyable and relaxing stay. Additionally, guests are welcome to participate in different activities accompanied by naturalist guides, including walks through the private nature reserve trails, and will also have access to Wi-Fi on the premises.

Day 9: Private Birdwatching Tour at Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa

From your base of operations at Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve and Spa, you will set out with a local guide to explore the incredible private reserve. The region is host to the largest population of Resplendent Quetzal's on the planet, though seeing one is not guaranteed. You will explore some of the reserves outstanding trails and private gardens in search of rare and elusive species. With the list of winged creatures spotted here often growing, the only question that remains is: what will you see on your exploration? After touring the reserve, you will be escorted back to the lodge.

Day 10: Depart from Costa Rica

Transfer: San Gerardo de Dota to San Jose CR