Costa Rica Focus designs Costa Rica birding tours and bird photography tours to all the top birding destinations in Costa Rica as well as throughout Central and South America. We offer custom tours as well as guided group tours (see the differences).
We work with the best bird watching lodges and hotels in the country, provide all your transportation to the different locations, and arrange fully guided or unguided birding tours. If you are interested in joining a scheduled group birding trip, click here to see our group options.
Our expert knowledge and local experience will help create the perfect Costa Rica bird watching tour for you. Explore our sample birding & bird photography tours below or contact us if you would like assistance in customizing your upcoming birding or bird photography tour.
Choosing your bird watching trip to Costa Rica can be as tough as counting species in a mixed flock. Lots of companies, lots of choices. We want you to travel the way you want to. It’s your adventure and we’re your personal Costa Rica bird guides, helping you maneuver through all the information and choices that will come your way as you begin researching your bird watching or bird photography vacation to Costa Rica.
It is easy for us to relate to your travel needs because we’ve traveled just like you have. We have carried binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras. We have stayed in simple birding lodges, with no electricity, and lumpy pillows and we’ve pampered ourselves in deluxe ecolodges, overlooking lush gardens. Regardless of the type of trip you’re looking for, we’ll make sure of one thing; the BIRDS. As we live here in Costa Rica, THE bird watchers and photographers paradise, and as we are avid bird watchers ourselves, we will make sure you visit the best photography and birding spots in Costa Rica.
Whether you are looking for an intense bird watching adventure, life list in hand, want an easy-paced exploration of the top species of Costa Rica, or want to photograph the birds of Costa Rica, we’ll help you plan by providing friendly, professional service. If you are interested in other destinations, let us know, we offer birding and photography vacations throughout Latin America.
When we booked this we knew nothing about the company and we were a little nervous about what we would be getting. We put some preliminary questions, like “will meals be a fixed menu, or free choice a la carte”. We also worried about whether the guide would be personable, knowledgeable, and with good language ability, etc.
It turned out that not only were these worries unfounded, but we had lucked into a far more generous, efficient, knowledgeable, and exciting company than we could have possibly imagined.
Every last part of this tour was super, and we don’t say that lightly. To begin, of course, the locations were mind blowing, and the birding was great. But then there was the personality, knowledge, and language ability of our guide and of the driver – both great people, and we fell in love with them immediately. And they and the company behind them had really thought of everything. There was never the slightest glitch or problem. To boot, the accommodations were to us first rate, and the food wonderful, and basically unlimited. …
Now, as we are going through our photos, we are impressed over again with every single last bit of this experience. It’s a cliché to say we could not recommend Costa Rica Focus highly enough, but that is exactly the case.
A special parting word about our guide, Alex C. Costa Rica Focus has many guides, but of course we only know about Alex. If in life you can meet a kung fu master or a violin master, or someone who has mastered any field, then it is inspiring. Alex is one of these. He could look in a forest and identify birds we could not even see, often even when he indicated them with his laser pointer. In addition he had a great knowledge of Costa Rican history, geography, culture, and politics, that he shared with great clarity. If Alex is any indication, then the guide you get with Costa Rica Focus is going to be good.
I would recommend this company to all
This company designed a fabulous Costa Rica bird trip. There were a variety of habitats to maximize the types of birds we saw. The accommodations were first rate. The hired drivers and bird guides were dependable and first rate. We enjoyed the food everywhere we went. The company stayed in touch and were able to make minor adjustments if necessary. We were very pleased with the trip.
An amazing birding experience in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Focus went above & beyond in every way. From the very beginning when I had a few questions before I made my decision to book this trip to the end in traveling home. I felt very safe because we had the ability to be in constant contact with the team if we needed them.
The trip itself was just amazing! I added over 200 new life birds to my list! The scenery was spectacular! Our guide was so helpful, knowledgeable & personable. Each lodge was unique in it’s own way; from larger to quite small. The staff at each place were super. Food was plentiful & tasty. Different birds and experiences at each location. I don’t think a single thing could be improved upon. Thanks again for a most memorable experience!
Amazing Experience
My wife and I joined a small group, we were 5 in total. Everything was perfectly well organized. Our guide, Minor, was fantastic. He was always ready to help and accomodate us. He also has a fantastic knowledge of wildlife and where to find it. We went to the mountains, Tortuguero in the rain forest and to the slopes of the Arenal volcano. Exotic places, fantastic views and hundreds of species of birds. I would recommend Costa Rica focus without hesitation.
Knowledgeable and great local connections
Joan and company were excellent by being so responsive, attentive, cooperative with making adjustments and extremely helpful at navigating our way around the country of Costa Rica. They had great connections with the locals and we got to know the people as well as the wildlife and the countryside. Our nature guides were top notch as well as our drivers. Very knowledgeable and patient (traffic and roads can be crazy at times). We always felt remembered each day as they checked in with us and them with us. The app is fantastic for knowing what was up each day. Highly recommend!
A Quest for the Agami Heron
I went on the A Quest for the Agami Heron in June of 2023 and have meant to write a review since then. I am going with better late than never. My cousin talked me into going with her and insisted I take her camera. I could not get a picture for three days that I could even see but on the third day magic happened and my life changed. From the moment I walked out of the airport to the moment they dropped me back off everything was taken care of. Our guide, Minor, and our driver, Victor, took care of us and were an amazing team to get us to very unique hotels, wonderful restaurants and to birds I never knew existed. Resplendent Quetzels, Sunbitterns, and Agami Herons were some of my favorites. We saw baby turtles released into the sea and all cried together when they made it. We built friendships through our experiences that were real and lead to another one this summer and a reserved one for next year. I highly recommend Costa Rica Focus. 5+ out of 5 stars.
A fantastic trip to Ecuador
I’ve just returned from a fantastic 11 days’ birding in Ecuador organised by Costa Rica Focus and I couldn’t be happier. Having used them last year, I knew what to expect and they didn’t let me down. Their attention to detail is incredible and everything went exactly to plan from the moment I was greeted at Quito airport.
But what makes them special is their careful choice of guides. Both Daniel and Ivan were outstanding and helped me to see and photograph more than 300 birds, most of them lifers. Their incredible knowledge, professionalism and enthusiasm made all the difference. Toucans, hawks, cock of the rock, umbrella bird, oilbird and loads of hummingbirds – they got me up close and personal to them all.
I have no hesitation in recommending Costa Rica Focus and I look forward to my next adventure with this great company.
“Off the beaten track” excellent trip that lived up to its name.
3rd trip with this company. Alex was an excellent guide/driver and the itinerary well organized and unique. Some locations family owned with breathtaking views, wonderful accommodation and home cooked meals. Saw 214 species of birds with 90 % “lifers”. Was a fusion of photography and forest birding. Have to admit that as a prairie person my body ached after hiking up and down slippery paths and staircases. CR is beautiful with waterfalls, lush vegetation and mountains!
We crossed the country from SanJose to the Pacific Ocean, over the highest peaks and to the southern tropical areas with stops at local restaurants and locations where we saw species rarely seen. The meals were healthy and typically CR. Given that this is nesting season without the migrant birds, Alex and the experienced birders in our small group found many unique species. It was a good learning experience for myself as I’m more of a photographer. Would highly recommend this tour and I will certainly continue to travel with Costa Rica focus.
Birding Costa Rica Tours: Privately Guided vs Scheduled Group vs Independent… Differences?
When booking your tour, it’s important to know the different options available to you. Based on the experience you are looking for, the intensity of birding, and budget, Costa Rica Focus will help you choose the best option for you.
Feature
Privately Guided Tour
Scheduled Group Tour
Independent Tour
Tour Type
Custom
Pre-scheduled
Custom
Guide Availability
Dedicated Guide from arrival to departure
Dedicated Guide from arrival to departure
Local guides for specific excursions only
Transportation
Guide as driver (small groups) or separate driver (larger groups)
Costa Rica’s bird watching trips are one of many reasons why foreigners choose this amazing green country to visit. While this country is a small place, it is home to over 5% of earth’s biodiversity. With the same size as Lake Michigan in North America United States, this country owns some outstanding Reserves and National Parks.
Costa Rica has an amazing count of species of birds every 10,000 sq km. No other country on the planet has achieved this potential. It is a heaven for adventurers and globetrotters. With 870 bird species in the country, bird watching has gained immense popularity. It is the best tourist destination for bird watchers.
Here are some great paradises for birders. You can explore several rare bird species in these locations. We also have a multi day tour you won’t soon forget!
1- Wilson Botanical Garden
This botanical garden occupies the 12-hectare land. The natural forest spread in 255 hectares encloses this area.
Wilson Botanical Garden is an excellent tourist attraction and birding destination. It was established in 1963. Tourists around the globe recognize this park for its world-class collection of exotic birds and wildlife species.
This forest has some incredible array of rare birds, therapeutic plants, and wondrous animals. Millions of tourists explore the opportunity to visit the area at least once in a lifetime.
2- Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge
Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge and forest reserve, located in the Caribbean lowlands, is the nesting and resting site for migratory bird species. Its swamplands and rainforests serve as an ideal place for birds to take refuge, and for tourists to enjoy this place rainforest ecology.
The Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, part of the country’s Caribbean lowlands, is one of the best spots for watching birds in Costa Rica. It is a must visit place for bird lovers and wildlife explorers.
Cano Negro Lake is spread over 2,000 acres and plays a critical role to save the environment. The primary water source of the lake is Rio Frio (or Cold River).
Some of the species you can see in Caño Negro forest reserve includes the colorful Keel-billed toucan, Glossy Ibis, Anhinga, Wood Stork, Ibis Blanco, Gavilan Caracolero, Jaribu, Whistling Ducks, among others.
3- Cerro de la Muerte Cloud Forest
Home of the Resplendent Quetzal, this cloud forest place is full of spectacular birds that one can see flying in the sky. Ancient Mayas and Aztecs admired the brilliantly bright feathers of these amazing flying creatures.
Cerro de la Muerte is a mountain in the cloud forest and is the highest point of the country’s Inter American highway. Cerro de la Muerte means “the mountain of death.” It is a perfect place for a Sunday trip in search of the famous Quetzal.
Cerro de la Muerte’s cloud forest offers a picturesque view along with bird watching (check out our tour that includes Cerro de la Muerte). It has some exclusive bird species including famous Resplendent Quetzal which can also be seen in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, unique hummingbird breeds such as Mountain-gem, volcano, and black – bellied.
Horseback riding and trout fishing are a couple of other things to do in the highlands area that tourists can look forward to.
Some of the birds you can find in the mountains of this cloud forest include Volcano Hummingbird, Black-and-Yellow Silky Flycatcher, Dusky Nightjar, Black-capped Flycatcher, Sooty Thrush, Resplendent Quetzal, Fiery-Throated Hummingbird and more.
Photo: Mountains at Cerro de la Muerte
4- Río Tempisque
River Tempisque is another tourist destination for adventurers. Whether a boat tour in the Bebedero River or hiking along the Palo Verde National Park forest (home of the Roseate Spoonbills), it is the perfect station for an enthralling birding experience.
It is a known place for watching forest birds in this beautiful country. The forest around the river offers a distinctive breeding ground for many birds. These include jacanas, limpkins, gallinules, kingfishers, the heron and many more.
5- Parque Nacional Carara (Carara National Park)
A favorite among the country’s bird watching destinations is the Carara National Park. It is one of the most famous National parks in Costa Rica. Its proximity to San Jose makes it an easily reachable national park for fun-filled odyssey.
This national park is the home for the colorful scarlet macaw. Scarlet Macaws are considered as one of the most fascinating birds of Costa Rica. The place also offers a glimpse of tropical miracles.
The wildlife in Carara National Park forest is unnerving. The huge crocodile lounge has monster reptiles just below the National Park.
Some of the birds you can see at Carara’s forest are: Scarlet Macaws, The Violaceous (Gartered) Trogon, the Turquoise-Browed Motmot, the Great Tinamou, the Slaty-Tailed Trogon, Bare-throated Tiger Heron among others.
With all the splendid bird destinations and locations, Costa Rica is an impressive tropical country for birdwatchers. It is a dream place for every Ornithologist.
The above locations are just a small sample of all the destinations this beautiful country offers to bird lovers, other locations include, the Monteverde Cloud Forest, La Selva Biological Station in Sarapiquí (home of the Rufous Motmot), Palo Verde National Park, La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano and much more.
