Costa Rica Birds and Beyond Trip Report | January 19–30, 2026

Quick Facts

• Trip Name: Costa Rica Birds and Beyond
• Dates: Jan 19 – Jan 30, 2026
• Focus: Birdwatching and wildlife experiences
• Group Size: 10 guests from the United States and Canada
• Guide: Alex Castro
• Route Highlights: Central Valley, Braulio Carrillo National Park, La Selva Biological Station, Sarapiquí River, Arenal Volcano region, Central Pacific coast, Southern Zone
• Species Observed: 206 bird species, plus mammals, reptiles, marine life

A Trip With Depth and Variety

Our January 2026 Costa Rica Birds and Beyond tour brought together 10 guests from the United States and Canada for a 12-day journey designed to balance excellent birding with a wide range of experiences that both birdwatchers and their non-birding partners could enjoy. Led by birding guide Alex Castro, the group traveled across several regions of Costa Rica and finished the trip with an impressive total of 206 bird species, along with a long list of memorable wildlife encounters.

Early Days: Central Valley to Caribbean Lowlands

The trip began in the Central Valley before heading into the forests of Braulio Carrillo National Park and the Caribbean lowlands. From the outset, bird activity was strong, and the group quickly settled into a rhythm of shared discoveries, photo exchanges, and lively identification discussions. Time at La Selva Biological Station delivered classic lowland rainforest birding, while a relaxed rafting experience on the Sarapiquí River offered a quiet, scenic way to observe birds and other wildlife along the riverbanks.

An Unexpected Encounter

During their stay near Braulio Carrillo at Tapirus Lodge, the group was treated to one of the most extraordinary wildlife moments of the entire trip. On more than one occasion, guests enjoyed extended views of a Baird’s Tapir and her calf moving calmly through the forest near the lodge. Seeing a tapir is always special; observing a mother with her young is exceptionally rare and something few visitors to Costa Rica ever experience. It was a remarkable and unexpected gift early in the journey, and one that set the tone for what would become a trip full of surprises.

Arenal Volcano Region: Birds and Leisure

From the Caribbean lowlands, the group continued to the Arenal Volcano region, where the pace balanced focused morning birding with time to enjoy hanging bridges, forest walks, and thermal hot springs. Afternoons often brought well-earned downtime, including the occasional excellent nap, while evenings were filled with photo sharing, bird identification help, and plenty of good humor. One guest summed it up perfectly:

“Every day I think it can’t get any better and yet, it always does.”

Birding Highlights

Bird highlights accumulated steadily throughout the trip. The group recorded more than 20 species of hummingbirds, prompting playful commentary about tails and “hummer feetsies,” along with a growing appreciation for just how cooperative many of these species were. Forest birding produced an impressive range of species, including four species of motmots, numerous flycatchers and sparrows, and challenging but rewarding sightings such as Reddish Egret, which required patience and persistence to observe well.

Central Pacific Coast: New Habitat, New Birds

As the itinerary shifted to the Central Pacific coast, the change in habitat brought a fresh set of birds and experiences. Scarlet Macaws became a daily highlight, often flying overhead or calling from nearby trees. A boat excursion on the Tárcoles River added waterbirds and crocodiles to the list, while lodge birding produced everything from Magpie-Jays at breakfast to Pauraques calling after dark.

Southern Zone: When the List Expands Beyond Birds

The journey then continued south into the Southern Zone, where wildlife encounters expanded beyond birds. Along forest trails, agoutis were frequent companions, and offshore, a whale-watching excursion delivered excellent views of Humpback Whales, adding a marine dimension to an already diverse itinerary.

When the Owl Joins You for Dinner

One of the most talked-about moments of the trip, however, came completely unplanned. While the group was enjoying dinner one evening, a Tropical Screech-Owl quietly emerged from the forest, flew into the dining area, and landed on a chair, calmly perching there as if it belonged. Phones came out, laughter followed, and disbelief quickly turned into delight. It was a perfect reminder that in Costa Rica, wildlife encounters don’t always happen in the field. Sometimes, they come to you.

Owls became a recurring theme as the trip progressed, with the group ultimately recording seven species of owls, including several exceptional encounters that sparked admiration and more than a few jokes about Alex being the group’s “owl whisperer.” Add in standout sightings such as Great Green Macaw, Great Potoo, and countless other highlights, and it became clear just how broad the experience had been.

Throughout the journey, the group’s chat group reflected the spirit of the trip, filled with shared photos, identification questions, encouragement, humor, and appreciation for great meals almost as much as great birds. Guests supported one another, celebrated discoveries big and small, and consistently expressed how well looked after they felt by Alex, driver Chicho, and the entire Costa Rica Focus team.

As the tour concluded back in the Central Valley, there was a shared sense that the time had passed far too quickly. The combination of locations, species, wildlife encounters, and group camaraderie came together into an experience that felt both full and well paced. Costa Rica Birds and Beyond lived up to its name, not just for the number of birds seen, but for the unexpected moments that reminded everyone why Costa Rica is such a special place to explore.

Ebird report can be found here.