Birding Northern Costa Rica

8-Nights · 9-Days Trip

About This Birdwatching Group Tour

Focus: Birdwatching

Scheduled Dates

May 13 - May 21, 2027

Maximum number of guests

10 Guests

Pace

Intermediate

Tour Highlights

Tropical dry forest, wetlands, foothills, and Caribbean lowland habitats
Birding along country roads, rice fields, ponds, and marshes
Palo Verde area
Cano Negro and Medio Queso by boat
Full-time expert birdwatching guide
All meals, transportation, and scheduled admissions included

Trip Overview

Day 1:

Arrive in San José

Days 2-3:

Cañas – Tropical Dry Forest and Wetlands

Days 4-5:

Cañas – Tropical Dry Forest and Wetlands

Days 6-7:

Caño Negro – Northern Wetlands

Day 8:

San Luis and the Central Valley

Day 9:

Return to SJO Airport

Birding Northern Birds and Backroads

Northern Birds and Backroads is an 8-night birdwatching tour for travelers who want to experience several of Costa Rica’s northern habitats in a shorter amount of time. The route includes tropical dry forest, seasonal wetlands, rice fields, forested foothills, and the waterways of Caño Negro and Medio Queso. Cano Negro, a RAMSAR site recognized as a wetlands of international importance, is a crucial stop over for migratory birds. This tour gives visitors a chance to experience many unique habitats and see a wide array of species.
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What's Included in Your 8-Nights · 9-Days Birding Northern Costa Rica Tour?

  • Small Group Tour – Birdwatching

    On a group tour with a private guide, the guide is with you from your arrival to your departure. You not only bird at the hotels, parks, and reserves on your itinerary, you also have the flexibility to stop with the guide at local spots, and places that only the guides know. You have an expert with you every step of the way. Guests with a Private Guide can expect to see at least 50% more species than guests using local guides.

    Pros and Cons of a Scheduled Group Trip

    Continuous expert guidance throughout the entire trip

    50% more species typically observed

    Access to off-the-beaten-track locations

    Flexibility for impromptu stops

    Daily species recap with guide

    Species identification from your guide during and after your trip.

    Fixed travel dates

    Less individual flexibility

      Ideal for

    • Serious birders aiming to maximize species sightings

    • First-time visitors wanting constant expert guidance

    • Birders interested in off-the-beaten-path locations

    • Travelers who value having all meals and services included

    • Birders who enjoy shared experiences with like-minded travelers

    • Travelers looking for easy, seamless experience

    • Birding Northern Costa Rica Itinerary Details

      Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica.

      Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport, where your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the afternoon birding in the gardens with your guide, followed by a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.

      Day 2: Pacific Dry Forest and Wetlands

      Travel west with your guide, stopping to bird along La Ensenada Road and at the Chomes Salt Ponds. The mix of dry forest, salt ponds, mudflats, and seasonal wetlands provides opportunities for shorebirds, waterbirds, raptors, and dry forest species. Continue to Hacienda La Pacífica for afternoon birding around the property. 

      Day 3: Palo Verde and the Backroads

      Spend the day exploring Palo Verde and the surrounding rice fields, ponds, marshes, and country roads. Each habitat brings different possibilities, from herons, storks, spoonbills, and Jabirus to motmots, parrots, caracaras, and other tropical dry forest species.

      Day 4: Tenorio Volcano Foothills

      Travel to Bijagua, located in the foothills of Tenorio Volcano. After checking in, spend the afternoon birding around the gardens and forest edges of Celeste Mountain Lodge with your guide.

       

      Day 5: Tapir Valley Nature Reserve

      Visit Tapir Valley Nature Reserve for a day of birding through forest, wetland, and open habitat. Your guide will help the group explore the reserve’s different areas and look for the top species. With some luck, the elusive Baird’s Tapir may arrive too!

      Day 6: Caño Negro

      Continue north to Caño Negro, one of Costa Rica’s most productive wetland regions. Spend the afternoon birding around the lodge and nearby habitat, looking for waterbirds, raptors, kingfishers, and other northern lowland species.

      Day 7: Caño Negro and Medio Queso

      Spend the day exploring Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the Medio Queso Wetlands. These waterways, marshes, lagoons, and flooded fields support an excellent variety of birds and other wildlife.

      Day 8: San Luis and the Central Valley

      Return to the Central Valley with a stop at San Luis Tanager Watch, where feeders and gardens attract tanagers, hummingbirds, toucans, and other foothill species. Continue to Hotel Bougainvillea for afternoon birding in the gardens, followed by a farewell dinner.

      Day 9: Departure

      Your journey comes to an end today with a private transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your flight home.

        "Unforgettable 10 Day Costa Rica Birding Trip"

        I chose Costa Rica Focus for a 10 day birding adventure around Costa Rica and I had the most amazing, unforgettable experience. Everything was so well planned and organized I always knew I was in good hands. I really enjoyed how each place we stayed at was a perfect spot for birding and each birding guide was very professional and so knowledgeable of the area we were birding in. I left this trip with 196 lifers! Thank you Costa Rica Focus for curating this unique experience.

        Miranda K

        Irving, TX

        "Wonderful trip, all we had to do was show up!"

        After our trip in April, we couldn’t wait to go back. The accommodations, the guides, the drivers everybody was wonderful, and the schedule was perfectly coordinated. We’ve never had trips that went as smoothly as the one arranged by Costa Rica focus. I could I could tell you all the details but honestly, you just need to call Costa Rica Focus because they have got it down. The nicest part of Costa Rica are the people, but I really love the birds and the plants and the ocean and the mountains….. really it’s an experience you can’t miss.

        Kathryn V

        Ivins, UT

        "Simply the best!"

        We can’t say enough about how pleased we were that we went with Costa Rica Focus, and thoroughly recommend them in every respect … As for our guide and driver Andres, what can we say? If a review sheet had a plus and minus column, we would request a third plus-plus column. He was absolutely amazing in every respect.  We arrived to meet Andres as a stranger only to leave two weeks later feeling like we just left our best friend behind. He was the most knowledgeable guide, an extremely careful and diligent driver, plus a delightfully thoughtful fellow in every respect. Nothing was too much trouble and any questions or requests were answered or taken care of immediately.  …

        Richard B

        San Diego, CA

      Additional Tour Info


      This itinerary requires an intermediate level of physical activity. Guests will traverse a variety of environments, including well-established trails, narrow forest paths, gardens, feeders, and observation platforms. Participants should be comfortable walking at least two miles at a steady, relaxed pace without the need for frequent stops or rest. While the tour’s pace is intermediate, participants should be prepared for Guanacaste’s warm climate, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C), and be comfortable walking and birding in these conditions.


      Weather

      Weather in Costa Rica varies significantly by region and elevation. Expect different temperatures and rainfall patterns as you travel through the country. While some areas experience brief morning mist or afternoon showers, others may have longer periods of rain. These patterns shift throughout the year and create the perfect conditions for Costa Rica’s rich wildlife. While we plan activities around typical weather patterns, we recommend packing for both sun and rain to ensure your comfort throughout your journey. The temperatures listed below represent typical averages for each region, though daily conditions may vary.

      • Caribbean Lowlands: Daytime temperatures will range from the high 80s to low 90s °F. Evening temperatures will be in the high 70s – low 80s °F. Expect high humidity.
      • Pacific Lowlands: Daytime temperatures will range from the high 80s to low 90s °F. Evening temperatures will be in the high 70s – low 80s °F.
      • Mid-Elevation Locations (Foothills): Enjoy temperate weather with daytime highs in the low to mid-80s °F and evenings and early mornings in the low to mid 60s
      • Mid-Elevation Locations: Enjoy temperate weather with daytime highs in the low to mid-80s °F.

      On the Trail

      Please note that some parks and reserves lack seating or designated rest areas once inside the forest. While most trails are relatively flat, certain locations may involve inclines, steps, or uneven terrain with minor elevation changes.

      Trail conditions will vary, and guests should be prepared to navigate narrow forest paths with natural debris such as sticks, leaves, rocks, and roots. In the event of rain, trails may become muddy and slippery, adding to the challenge.This itinerary is designed for participants with an intermediate level of fitness and mobility, ensuring a rewarding experience for those prepared for the natural demands of these environments.

      All guests should be comfortable carrying their own equipment and personal items in the field. We understand that everyone’s pace and energy levels are different. If you ever feel the need for a shorter day, a morning to rest, or time to recharge, please let your guide know. This is your trip, and we’re here to ensure you enjoy it to the fullest.

      This trip would not be recommended for a person with mobility issues.

      Accommodations

      For our group trips, we select hotels based on their prime locations for birding opportunities. Accommodations will range from basic, rustic lodges to mid-range hotels with additional amenities, always with the goal of prioritizing excellent access to birding hotspots.

      It’s important to note that not all hotels will have air conditioning, but all will feature private bathrooms, hot or warm running showers, fans, and Wi-Fi (available at least in reception or dining areas, though signal strength may vary). The level of comfort will align with the descriptions provided in the itinerary.

      In some locations, rooms may be a 5–15 minute walk from the reception or dining areas. If you have physical needs and would prefer a room closer to these facilities, please inform us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

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