Where else can you see so many beautiful and exotic birds surrounded by the most beautiful landscapes but Costa Rica? Birding in Costa Rica is an extraordinary experience. With 878 species recorded to date, Costa Rica offers birders great bird watching opportunities within relatively short distances, involving very diverse habitats from sea level to high mountains above 12000 feet.
Day 01 Arrival-San Jose
Upon arrival you will be met by a representative who will provide transfer to the Hotel. Overnight at the El Rodeo (std. superior room)
Day 02 Bosque de Paz (B, L, D)
Today the day starts with a scenic drive to Bosque de Paz, the Peace Forest. This 988 acre private reserve serves as a corridor between two National Parks: Poas and Juan Castro Blanco. This rain and cloud forest is a bird life sanctuary where the Resplendent Quetzal and the emerald toucanet are frequently seen. Bosque de Paz is where you will home for two nights. Overnight at Bosque de Paz, standard rooms. All meals included.
Day 03 Hiking and Bird Watching (B, L, D)
This morning explore the flora and fauna that surrounds the area with your local guide. You will admire wonders of nature, outstanding birds, and wildlife at BOSQUE DE PAZ using the trails through the forest. At our preserve we count with different trails ranging from 1 kilometer to 7.5 kilometers, adding up to 22 kilometers through old growth and second growth forest. They have recorded more than 331 species of birds at our preserve since July, 1997, including Resplendent Quetzal, Scaled Antpitta, Black Guan, Emerald Toucanet, Three Wattled Bellbird, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Zeledonia, and Silvery-fronted, Tapaculo, Black--faced Solitaire, American Dipper, Golden-browed Chlorophonia, among many others, and abundant hummingbirds.. Overnight at Bosque de Paz, standard rooms. All meals included.
Day 04 & 05 Rancho Naturalista, Turrialba (B, L, D)
Conveniently located between San Jose and the Caribbean Coast, this lively region is distinguished for its green rolling hills and fertile volcanic farmland. Conveniently located between San Jose and the Caribbean Coast, this lively region is distinguished for its green rolling hills and fertile volcanic farmland. Rancho Naturalista is among the finest in Central America. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded in the area. These birds may be sampled from this comfortable lodge famous for its excellent food, welcoming hospitality and stunning volcano views. Provisions are also made for non-birding companions who will find Rancho Naturalista a relaxing holiday retreat. While enjoying your coffee or tea in the early morning on the balcony you will be amazed at the variety of tropical birds coming to the feeders. Groups of Gray-headed Chachalacas, Collared Aracaris, Passerini's Tanagers, and the impressive Montezuma Oropendolas will all provide quite a show. Other likely possibilities include Blue-crowned Motmot, Lineated and Black-cheeked Woodpeckers, Golden-hooded and White-lined Tanagers, and Scarlet-rumped Cacique. Hummingbird feeders only a few feet away are usually buzzing with Green Thorntails, White-necked Jacobins, Green-crowned Brilliants, Green-breasted Mangos, and Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds. Two nights at the Rancho Naturalista, standard room. All meals included.
Day 06 San Gerardo de Dota (B)
San Gerardo de Dota is a tiny community in the Talamanca Mountains settled in the fresh mist of a mountain valley surrounded by deep cloud forests and filled with massive tropical trees. Is also a paradise for birdwatchers as it has more than 170 bird species, including some of the rarest and endangered bird species. It is a special place for watching the resplendent quetzal bird, one of the most ornate creatures of the wild which belongs to the family of Trogonidae. Various migratory species arrive throughout the different seasons of the year, joining the native species to add still more colorful views for birdwatchers. Among the visitors are the Orioles, Warblers, Tennessees and Raptors - while their native hosts include Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher, Yellow-winged Vireo, the Flame-throated Warbler, Black-cheeked Warbler, Yellowish Flycatcher, Barred Becard, Tufted Flycatcher, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Zeledonia, Torrent Tyrannulet, Collared Trogon, Scintillant Hummingbird, Volcano Hummingbird, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Spotted Wood-Quail, and of course the most wanted Resplendent Quetzal. In the highlands of the Paramo one can find the Volcano Junco and Timberline Wren. Overnight at the Savegre Lodge, junior suite room. Breakfast included.
Day 07 Waterfall Tour (B)
One of the most impressive sceneries in the area is with not doubt the Savegre River Waterfall. Just within an hour walk you will have the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful waterfall surrounded by a dense cloud forest. Your guide will take you through the forest and show you the gorgeous flora and fauna the spreads alongside the crystal waters of the Savegre River, until the point where it turns into an amazing white veil, the Savegre River Waterfall, one more reason to fall in love with San Gerardo de Dota. Overnight at the Savegre Lodge, junior suite room. Breakfast included.
Day 08 San Gerardo de Dota - San José (B)
Return to San Jose. Overnight at the El Rodeo (std. superior room)
Day 09 Departure (B)
Transfer to the international airport
