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 Jose is a bustling city full of culture, great restaurants, and lively nightlife. A great place to start your vacation! Lodging at the Villa Tournon Hotel in San Jose
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 Sarapiqui
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 Sarapiqui
Day 04 Sarapiqui / Arenal (B)
Today, you'll head towards La Fortuna area, famous for the conical shaped Arenal Volcano. There are many attractions and activities in the area! Lodging at Arenal Volcano Inn in Arenal
Day 05 Arenal hike / Penas Blancas Safari Float (B)
In the morning, enjoy a hike in the Arenal National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a Safari Float by raft on the Penas Blancas River. Animals like sloths, monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, Jesus Christ Lizards and turtles might cross your way, including seeing the colorful world of tropical birds. At Don Pedro's Farm you have an additional tour on a trailer pulled by a tractor where the guide will tell you about the flora & founa of the area. You also visit the cheese factory and the dairy, you will learn the milk process for products such as: cream, cheese, yogurt, etc. Lodging at Arenal Volcano Inn in Arenal
Day 06 Arenal / San Ramon (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 Ramon
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.
