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.
A dream come true … Saw and photo memory of A Resplendent Quetzal
In pursuit of the Resplendent Quetzal, snow capped hummingbird, sunbittern, and turquoise browed motmot and many other endemics. By luck I had connected with Costa Rica focus and together with our representative Sven Watson he formulated a 12 day independent tour catering to our wishes and my friends walking limitations. I desired to spend time at Hotel Bougainvillea, Rancho Naturalista, Trogan Lodge, Cerro lodge, and Villa San Ignacio. It was a seamless well organized itinerary. We explored each lodge and were captivated by all its beauty not to mention the magnitude of birds we stumbled across. We had no worries. We were communicating via WhatsApp and had a new representative Adriana, who ensured we were completely satisfied with our lodging and tour at all times.
It was incredible to have a wonderful contact available 24/7. A testament to the company’s customer service. Navigating the country was all pre-arranged with drivers scheduled to pick us up and transport us to the next lodge. All drivers were early friendly and most accommodating. We had scheduled guides special mention to Mercedes, Raul and Wilky who were personable and a wealth of knowledge and each found us our target birds. It was a most memorable trip, I was able to share with my friend Marilyn on her very first trip to Costa Rica my third. Costa Rica’s focus exceeded our expectations and we felt completely well taken care of. Costa Rica is a bird watcher’s dream destination. In future I wouldn’t hesitate to schedule a tour with this company they excel in delivering an amazing itinerary
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. One of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, Costa Rica is home to more than 900 bird species within a relatively compact area roughly the size of Lake Michigan. Its rich ecosystems and well-protected reserves make it one of the world’s premier destinations for birdwatching.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, Costa Rica offers incredible opportunities to observe both iconic and rare species in stunning natural settings. From cloud forests and coastal wetlands to tropical lowland rainforests, the diversity of habitats supports an unmatched concentration of birdlife. It one of the best tourist destination for bird watchers.
Below we highlight five must-visit birding hotspots that showcase the best of what Costa Rica has to offer. You’ll also find details about our expertly guided multi-day tours designed to take you deep into the country’s top birding regions.
Get ready to explore some of the most vibrant and rewarding birding experiences in Central America.
Located near San Vito in southern Costa Rica, Wilson Botanical Garden is part of the Las Cruces Biological Station, one of the country’s premier centers for tropical research and biodiversity. The garden spans 12 hectares and is surrounded by over 250 hectares of protected forest, creating a rich environment for birdlife.
With one of the most extensive collections of tropical plants in Central America—including palms, bromeliads, and heliconias—the garden attracts a wide range of species such as hummingbirds, flycatchers, and tanagers. Visitors can enjoy scenic trails and birding right from the garden paths, making it an excellent destination for birders and nature lovers alike.
2. Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge
Tucked away in the Caribbean lowlands near the Nicaraguan border, Caño Negro is one of Costa Rica’s top birding destinations, especially for wetland and migratory species. The refuge protects a seasonal floodplain, including swamps, lagoons, and the Río Frío, providing critical habitat for nesting and resting birds.
Species highlights include Snail Kites, Glossy Ibis, Anhinga, Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, and various kingfishers, herons, and ducks. Boat tours through the wetlands are the best way to explore the area and observe its remarkable biodiversity up close.
3. Talamanca Highlands
The Talamanca Highlands is one of the best places to encounter Costa Rica’s highland / cloud forest endemics. Sitting at elevations over 3,000 meters (nearly 10,000 feet), this cloud forest ecosystem is cool, misty, and filled with spectacular birdlife.
It’s one of the most reliable places to see the Resplendent Quetzal, as well as hummingbird species like the Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Volcano Hummingbird, and Talamanca Hummingbird. Other highlights include Black-and-Yellow Silky-Flycatcher, Sooty Thrush, and Flame-Throated Warbler. This region, with San Gerardo de Dota being the top area, is paradise for bird watchers and bird photographers
Photo: Talamanca Mountains
4. Río Tempisque and Palo Verde National Park
The Río Tempisque, running through Palo Verde National Park, is a haven for wetland and aquatic bird species. This region offers some of the best boat-based birding in Costa Rica, particularly along the Bebedero River, where expansive marshes and gallery forests attract hundreds of species. Several mangrove sites, salt ponds and coastal habitats round out this productive region.
Birders can expect to see Roseate Spoonbills, Jabiru Storks, Jacanas, Limpkins, Gallinules, and multiple species of herons, egrets, and kingfishers. The park is also an important habitat for migratory waterbirds and waders during the dry season.
5. Carara National Park
Located on the Central Pacific coast just a short drive from San José, Carara National Park is one of the most accessible and ecologically diverse parks in Costa Rica, and often a A favorite among the country’s bird watching destinations. Positioned at the intersection of tropical dry forest and humid rainforest, Carara is a transitional zone that supports a rich mix of wildlife.
It’s one of the best places to see Scarlet Macaws in the wild, along with species like the Gartered Trogon, Turquoise-browed Motmot, Great Tinamou, Slaty-tailed Trogon, and Bare-throated Tiger-Heron. The park’s well-maintained trails and boardwalks make it a favorite for birders and photographers.
These five locations represent just a sample of world-class birding Costa Rica sites.
Other top destinations include Monteverde Cloud Forest, La Selva Biological Stationin Sarapiquí, The Osa Peninsula, and the Arenal region, each offering its own unique habitats and iconic species. With more than 900 bird species across the country, Costa Rica remains a dream destination for birders and nature travelers from around the world.
