Captivating Costa Rica birdwatching tour

Juan Santamaría International Airport - San Jose

Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica!

Welcome to Costa Rica! Your journey will start in San José, where you will stay in a charming hotel in the heart of Costa Rica's vibrant capital. San José offers a unique blend of modern urban life and rich cultural heritage.

Explore the bustling streets filled with local markets, museums, and historic architecture. Enjoy the city's eclectic dining scene, which offers everything from traditional Costa Rican dishes to international cuisine. Stroll through the beautiful parks and green spaces, or visit the renowned National Theatre and the Gold Museum to immerse yourself in the local culture.

San José serves as a perfect starting point for your Costa Rican adventure, providing both convenience and a glimpse into the country's diverse offerings. Relax in your hotel and take in the city views, all while preparing for the exciting experiences that await you.

San Jose - Arenal

Day 2: Into the heart of Arenal

Leaving the city behind, it's time for you to travel into the heart of Arenal, home to the mighty volcano of the same name. This morning, a three-hour private transfer to La Fortuna will await you.

La Fortuna is home to the greater Arenal recreation area, a paradise on Earth for outdoor adventurers. Volcanic features grace the landscape and heat several geothermal hot springs. A lake and rivers beckon you toward aquatic adventure, while refreshing waterfalls, crisp pools and spectacular views reward you after hikes.

The Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most notable natural features: standing at 5,437ft (1,657m), this volcano has been inactive and resting since 2010, and offers a spectacular backdrop against the region’s perfect skies. Rising above the rainforest that surrounds its base, Arenal frames the skyline with near-perfect symmetry.

Arenal

Day 3: A birdwatcher’s paradise

Much to the delight of birdwatchers, the Arenal Volcano area is home to a wide variety of birds that make their permanent or temporary home near Lake Arenal. Today you'll enjoy a half-day birdwatching tour with a naturalist guide - expect to see toucans, parrots, oropendolas, colourful tanagers, and parakeets. You'll then have the rest of the day to unwind and enjoy the surrounding landscape at your own pace.

Arenal - Monteverde

Day 4: A scenic journey to Monteverde

Soak up the last of Arenal before transferring on to your next destination, Monteverde. Today's trip combines minivan transfers with a scenic 45-minute cruise across the tranquil Lake Arenal, where you will enjoy views of the majestic volcano and forested Tilarán mountains, as well as sightings of wetland birds such as kingfishers, flycatchers, waders, and other exotic species. You'll also take a 1.5-hour hike up the mountainside with stunning views of the lush, green valley all around you.

Monteverde itself is home to cool, misty cloud forests and deep green foliage. Activities are plentiful here, from zip-lining across the canopy to tours of coffee plantations! As you arrive, check into your lodge-style accommodation to relax and unwind.

Monteverde

Day 5: The birds of the cloud forest

Your aim for today's tour is to identify as many birds as possible, as you experience the sheer variety of birdlife in Monteverde: here you'll find some 400 species, scattered among the forests and mountains of the region. You'll spend the morning hiking the Curi-Cancha Reserve trails, on a tour of up to six hours (depending on your group's endurance level).

The reserve extends across 237 acres (96 ha) and protects both primary and secondary forests. It is one of the area’s best birding sites, offering visitors the opportunity to see birds such as the orange-bellied trogon, keel-billed toucan, blue-crowned motmot, resplendent quetzal, and blue-throated goldentail. The trails here are well-maintained (although sometimes a bit muddy), and extend for several kilometres.

Monteverde - Tarcoles River

Day 6: Journey to the Pacific

Your next destination is the Tarcoles River, located in the Central Pacific area on the way to Jaco Beach and Manuel Antonio National Park. This is a prime habitat for American crocodiles, while the marshes at the river’s mouth are home to many waterfowl and wading birds: the boat-billed and bare-throated tiger heron, the double-striped thick-knee, the mangrove warbler, and the American pygmy kingfisher, to name a few. You might also spot other reptiles during your time here, from common basilisks to colourful iguanas.

Tarcoles River - Carara National Park - Tarcoles River

Day 7: The colourful birdlife of Carara National Park

Just north of Jaco, Carara National Park lures visitors with its dense jungle and trails for every level. This park is considered one of the country’s best birding destinations, and even if you aren’t a serious birder, it is hard not to be impressed by over 400 avian species here. This is your final full day in Costa Rica, so be sure to go all-out and make the most of your time here.

The Universal Access trail (1.2 km/0.75 miles) loops through the shaded forest with shrubby undergrowth. Alternatively, follow the Quebrada Bonita trail (1.5 km/1 mile) for a more rustic and natural experience. A third step-filled trail, the Araceas, branches off the Quebrada Bonita and makes another 1.2 km (0.75 mile) loop - follow it for an even bigger challenge.

Tarcoles River - Jaco Beach - Juan Santamaría International Airport

Day 8: Return to the airport

Today, it's time to bid farewell to Costa Rica. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodation to take the one-hour, 45-minute drive from Jaco to Juan Santamaría International Airport, where your onward flight awaits.