More About Our Birding Travel Agency
At Costa Rica Focus, we design custom bird-watching and bird-photography tours across Costa Rica and throughout Central and South America. We’re avid birders ourselves, and we tailor every itinerary to your targets, pace, and style so you see more birds with less hassle.
We’ve lived in Costa Rica for 16+ years, scouting the country coast to coast. That on-the-ground knowledge (where to find your targets, seasons, microclimates, migration timing, and trusted local guides), puts you in the right place at the right time.We care about customer service as much as species lists. Expect fast, clear communication, transparent pricing, vetted guides and lodges, and end-to-end logistics handled for you. We set up in-country support, monitor changes, and solve problems before they reach you, so your trip runs smoothly.
Travel that protects what you came to see.
Every trip booked with us helps give back. A portion of your package supports Costas Verdes and Finca Cántaros, funding forest restoration, habitat protection, and local environmental education. It’s a way to make sure your journey not only inspires you but also benefits birds and the communities working to protect them.
Ready to build a trip plan around your life-list or a photography itinerary with the best light and access? We’ll tailor it and handle the details.
Costa Rica Focus Founders
Whether you’re looking for an intense birding adventure, life list in hand, or just want to be immersed in the sites and sounds of Costa Rica (or Central America), Costa Rica Focus is here to help.
Wanda de Vries
wanda@costaricafocus.com
Wanda de Vries, co-founder of Costa Rica Focus, was born and raised in the Netherlands. After earning a degree in international business and tourism, she set out to live and work in as many countries as possible, building experience with travel companies in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Suriname, and Panama. Costa Rica stole her heart, and in March 2006 she moved there and made it her home base.
Wanda is an avid traveler who loves sharing that excitement with others. She’s equally passionate about Latin America’s nature and wildlife and feels fortunate to have woven travel, conservation, and animals into her professional life.
Joan Borreli
joan@costaricafocus.com
Joan Borreli, co-founder of Costa Rica Focus, was born and raised in South Central Pennsylvania and has lived in Costa Rica for nearly 20 years. She now splits her time between both countries, balancing time with her family and her passion for Costa Rica’s incredible birds, and wildlife. A lifelong traveler, Joan enjoys exploring the world through scuba diving and bird watching in exotic locations. She treasures time with her dogs and granddaughters, and also enjoys The Beatles, reading, cooking and of course the extraordinary birds of Central and South America.
Protecting Bird Habitat Through Education, Restoration & Community Action
Finca Cántaros Environmental Association
Costa Rica Focus proudly supports the work of Finca Cántaros Environmental Association, a grassroots organization based in southern Costa Rica dedicated to the conservation of bird habitats and biodiversity. Their work aligns with our commitment to sustainable birding tourism and habitat protection.
Through their flagship programs, Finca Cántaros advances meaningful conservation in the region:
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Forest Restoration: Revitalizing degraded lands to establish biological corridors that support native bird species and broader biodiversity.
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BirdSleuth: Introducing young students to birds and conservation concepts through hands-on, science-based learning—nurturing the next generation of stewards.
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Women Committed to the Earth: Empowering women with opportunities in ecological restoration and environmental education, fostering both equity and conservation impact.
By supporting Finca Cántaros, our travelers and partners directly contribute to long-term environmental solutions rooted in science, education, and community.
📍 Located in Coto Brus, Puntarenas Province
Costas Verdes
A non-profit organization dedicated to restoring coastal ecosystems through native tree reforestation.
Since 2009, Costas Verdes has planted over 250,000 trees, helping to bring back the forests that protect Costa Rica’s beaches, wildlife, and coastal communities. By supporting their work, we’re helping ensure that the natural beauty you come to experience will thrive for generations to come.
If you’ve traveled with us and fallen in love with Costa Rica’s wild places, we invite you to join us in supporting this incredible cause. Every donation, no matter the size, helps plant trees and restore life along our coasts.