Bird Watching Bliss
10 days/9 nights
$2479
P/P Double Occupancy
With more than 850 species of birds in such a small territory, Costa Rica is without a doubt a bird watchers paradise! This itinerary will allow you to see as many ecosystems as possible: Caribbean lowlands, wetlands, highland Cloud Forest and transitional dry and wet forest in the Pacific.
Day 01 Arrival / San Jose
Upon arrival to San Jose, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Located in the center of the country, San José is a bustling city full of culture, great restaurants, and lively nightlife. A great place to start your vacation! Lodging at the Bougainvillea in San José
Day 02 San Jose / Sarapiqui (B)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Sarapiqui, in the Caribbean lowlands. Along the way you’ll make a stop in Braulio Carrillo National Park, which will give you a perfect opportunity to start seeing some birds! Then continue to Sarapiqui, a lush and beautiful area still not over flown by tourists. Be sure to keep an eye out for the many groups of monkeys, exotic bird species, and the breathtaking tropical vegetation. In the afternoon feel free to relax in the pool or do some hiking in the hotel’s surroundings. Lodging at La Quinta in Sarapiquí
Day 03 La Selva (B, L)
Today you’ll enjoy a full day hiking tour in the Organization for Tropical Studies “La Selva”, a famous research center and protected reserve that borders Braulio Carrillo National Park. The place is packed with hundreds of multicolored birds and other wildlife! Lunch will be served in La Selva’s cafeteria. Lodging at La Quinta in Sarapiquí
Day 04 Sarapiqui / Caño Negro (B, D)
Today, you’ll head towards Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge in the North Central part of the country. Its main attraction is its Lagoon, which is home to numerous aquatic birds. The place is especially attractive from November to April, when the migratory birds come to feed. Upon arrival to the hotel in the afternoon you’ll have time to spend at your leisure. Lodging at the Caño Negro Natural Lodge in Caño Negro
Day 05 Caño Negro Wetlands Tour (B, L, D)
In the morning you’ll take a boat tour around the channels and lagoons in Caño Negro. You’ll be fascinated by the beauty of the surroundings and wildlife that abounds in this protected reserve. With some luck, you’ll see the Jabiru, the largest bird in the country. This migrating stork is almost disappeared from the country, and Caño Negro is the only place where it’s still possible to see. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Feel free to explore the surroundings with your guide Lodging at the Caño Negro Natural Lodge in Caño Negro
Day 06 Caño Negro / San Ramón (B)
Today, you’ll head south to San Ramon, to the well known Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve. Here in the highlands you’ll see a totally different habitat and ecosystem, which will allow you to spot totally different species than in the past days! Lodging at Villa Blanca in San Ramón
Day 07 San Ramón / Jaco area (B)
In the early morning, you’ll enjoy a hike in Los Angeles Cloud forest Reserve. Perfect time for excellent bird watching! Then, you’ll continue towards the drier Central Pacific, where you’ll be able to see yet another type of ecosystem. The Central Pacific offers an interesting array of birds, being a transition area between the dry North and the humid South. The most interesting spot is Carara National Park, which protects this unique an important type of forest. Lodging at Punta Leona Hotel in Jacó area
Day 08 Carara National Park (B)
Today you’ll visit Carara, which features one of the few remaining populations of Scarlet Macaws in the country. Some of the species you might be able to see are: Boat-billed Heron, Laughing Falcon, Long-tailed Hermit, Baird's and Black-headed Trogons, Yellow-headed Caracara and Royal Flycatcher. Lodging at Punta Leona Hotel in Jacó area
Day 09 Jaco area / San Jose (B)
In the morning, you can do some more hikes, relax or visit the beach before returning to San Jose in the afternoon. Lodging at El Rodeo Hotel in San José
Day 10 Departure (B)
You’ll be transferred to the airport for your international flight.
Prices Include
- Airport transfers
- English speaking driver/guide in an A/C motor coach throughout the whole itinerary
- Accommodations as described above (or similar), including taxes
- Meals as mentioned
- Excursions and entrance fees as mentioned Wetland Boat Tour in Caño Negro Los Angeles Cloud forest Reserve Carara National Park
Prices Do Not Include
- International air tickets
- Extras and personal expenses
- Tips
- Additional meals or alcoholic beverages
- Country Departure Tax ($26 per person)
- Services not mentioned
Notes
- Rates are per person - double occupancy
- This rate is valid in low season: May-October 2010
- Prices are per person in double occupancy and in US$
- For larger parties please ask for discounts!
- This trip can depart daily, in a private basis
