A vast array of bird species
As many as 878 bird species exist in Costa Rica, making it one of the countries with the highest bird density in the world. So a "must" for every bird lover, from beginner to expert. During this birding trip, you will look for typical bird species of Costa Rica, such as the quetzal, the endangered Buffalo Macaw(Great Green Macaw), the endemic Mangrove Amazilia, Copperhead Emerald Hummingbird, Manakin and many species of parrots and toucans. Of course there is much more to see and photograph along the way: howler monkeys, the two-toed and three-toed sloth, red-eyed macaque frog, emerald basilisk and many colorful poison dart frogs and iguanas.
TIPS & TOPS BIRDING IN COSTA RICA:
- This birding trip through Costa Rica is conducted with private transfers, making it easy to stop anywhere along the way
- Fina Rosa Blanca is home to a wide range of birds, from pygmy owls to golden chlorophonias. You can also take a coffee tour of the finca's estate or recover from your flight at the delightful swimming pool
- La Selva Biological Station, near Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, is one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. Led by a professional birding guide, you will search for the more than 448 species, including the endangered Buffon's Macaw (Great Green Macaw), Rosy Moth, Brush Parasol Bird, King's Woodpecker, Striped Tiger Bitterns, Zonneral, Brown Hokko, Goulds trogon, Great Macaw, Zebra Macaw and Crested Chickadee
- From the Birdwatching lodge Rancho Naturalista overlooking the distant smoking Turrialba volcano, you can do some birdwatching on your own or with specialized guides; the trails here are famous in the bird world and you can also admire unusual bird species from the observation terrace, including several species of hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans and manakins
- At San Gerardo, join an expert bird guide in search of the region's most famous admirer, the magnificent Quetzal! The trails in the cloud forest provide cover for more than 200 species of upland birds. You can also hike there to the Savegre waterfall, explore on horseback or go trout fishing
- Look for the quetzal bird in Los Quetzales National Park
- A scenic drive of about four hours takes you to Puerto Jimenez, the gateway to the Osa Peninsula
- Osa Peninsula, according to National Geographic "the most biologically intense place on earth" with 140 species of mammals and 500 species of birds, such as Manakin, Red Antarctic Tangare, Red-tailed Thrush, White-throated Clawed Tangare, Bairds trogon (found only on the Osa), Turquoise and Yellow-billed Cotinga (these are on everyone's target list and they are difficult, but we have excellent opportunities in Corcovado), Baird's Trogon and many species of parrots and toucans
- The Gulf Dulce is home to many marine life such as dolphins, sea turtles and whales
- On Osa, you can also arrange horseback riding, surf lessons, sea kayaking or even abseiling from a waterfall through the lodge.
