Costa Rica – Birds & Beyond

11-Night, 12-Day Trip

About This Birdwatching Group Tour

Focus: Birdwatching

Tour Highlights

Privately guided small-group tour tailored for birders and nature lovers
Visit Poás Volcano National Park for breathtaking crater views
Relax in the natural Eco Termales Hot Springs
Glide through the rainforest canopy on the Sky Adventure Tram & Walk
Cruise through the Tárcoles River Estuary, home to crocodiles and wading birds
Embark on a whale and dolphin watching tour in the Southern Pacific
Unwind with a beach day at Marino Ballena National Park
Visit the Villa Vanilla Spice Farm for an immersive sensory experience

Trip Overview

Day 1:

Arrive San Jose

Days 2-3:

Braulio Carillo & Caribbean Lowlands

Days 4-5-6:

Arenal Volcano region - Mid-Elevation

Day 7:

Central Pacific

Days 8-9-10:

Southern Pacific

Day 11:

San Jose

Day 12:

Return to SJO Airport

This privately guided 12-day adventure is designed for birdwatchers and their nature-loving travel companions. Experience Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity as you explore tropical forests, lush lowlands, volcanic landscapes, and coastal ecosystems. While birders seek out tropical specialties, non-birding companions will enjoy a variety of immersive nature experiences, from scenic walks and hot springs to a river safari and a whale-watching excursion. With a small group setting, expert guidance, and carefully selected lodges, this tour offers the perfect balance of birdwatching and broader exploration of Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
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What's Included in Your 11-Night, 12-Day Costa Rica – Birds & Beyond 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

    • Costa Rica – Birds & Beyond Itinerary Details

      Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica

      Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival, your private driver will transfer you to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the lush gardens, where your guide will introduce you to the first birds of the trip. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner, getting to know your fellow travelers and private guide and discuss the amazing journey ahead of you.

      Day 2: Poás Volcano & Sarapiquí

      Start the day with a visit to Poás Volcano National Park, where you’ll take in breathtaking views of the crater and surrounding cloud forest. Stop at the Cinchona Feeders, a fantastic spot to observe hummingbirds and tanagers up close. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon and enjoy birding and wildlife viewing along the hotel trails. If weather permits, your guide will take you for a night walk. 

      Day 3: La Selva & Cope’s Gardens

      Explore La Selva Biological Station, one of Costa Rica’s premier birding and wildlife locations, home to diverse lowland bird species, mammals and much more. In the afternoon, visit Cope’s Gardens, a fantastic site for birding and spotting sought-after species in a beautiful setting. You’ll be looking for Owls and the White Tent Making Bats to name a few.

      Day 4: Safari Float and on to Arenal

      Enjoy a  calm rafting adventure on the Sarapiquí River looking for birds and wildlife as you float down a lazy river.  Later, travel to the Arenal region and settle into your lodge, where you’ll enjoy afternoon birdwatching and volcano viewing with your guide.

      Day 5: Arenal Observatory Lodge & Hot Springs

      Spend the morning exploring the trails, gardens, and lookout points of Arenal Observatory Lodge, an excellent site for birds, insects, reptiles and more. In the evening, unwind at EcoTermales Hot Springs, a natural oasis of hot pools, fed by the Arenal volcano,  surrounded by rainforest.

      Day 6:

      Experience the Sky Tram & Sky Walk, where you’ll glide over the rainforest canopy and walk on suspension bridges with spectacular views of Arenal Volcano. The afternoon is free to relax at the lodge or explore the trails with your private guide.

      Day 7: Tarcoles River & Central Pacific

      Travel to the Central Pacific and embark on a Tarcoles River boat tour, an excellent opportunity to spot the Central American crocodiles (2nd largest in the world), lizards, and many species of birds.  In the late afternoon, watch the skies for Scarlet Macaws.

      Day 8: Carara National Park & Uvita

      Explore Carara National Park, a unique transition zone forest with both dry and humid forest species. You never know what you might see in Carara. Birds, monkeys, snakes and more.  After exploring the park, continue to the Southern Pacific coast, where you’ll settle into your scenic ocean-view hotel.

      Day 9: Whale & Dolphin Watching

      Enjoy a marine wildlife tour at Marino Ballena National Park. You’ll board your boat and head into the Pacific Ocean where you’ll search for humpback whales, dolphins, and seabirds while taking in the stunning coastal scenery. The afternoon is free to enjoy the pool and views or explore the lodge trails with your guide.

      Day 10: Birding & Leisure

      Spend the morning birdwatching with your guide in the hotel’s gardens and trails. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views and tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon you have the option to visit the beach at Marino Ballena National Park.

      Day 11: Spice Tour & Return to San José

      Travel back to San José with a stop at Villa Vanilla Spice Farm, where you’ll learn about sustainable spice production and enjoy a wonderful tasting experience. This farm is famous for its amazing natural vanilla, organic chocolate and much more. Enjoy some final birding in the hotel gardens in the afternoon.

      Day 12: Departure

      Your private driver will take you to the airport for your flight home, marking the end of an incredible Costa Rican nature and birding journey.

        "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

        "Costa Rica Focus made our first Costa Rica experience perfect."

        What a vacation this turned out to be. I’ve had the best vacation of my life, and a big part of this is down to Costa Rica Focus. Thanks a lot, and I want to recommend this company to everyone with a wish to visit Costa Rica. A thoroughly professional company, which gave my first-time birding experience with the American continent another dimension.

        The drivers brought us safely between the sites. The local birding guides did an excellent job, and I were satisfied to discover the guides were equally nerdy as me. The guides knew bird-ID, song/calls and sites very well. I ended up with a species list of nearly 300, but would certainly have struggled reaching 220-230 without the help by the local birders from Costa Rica Focus. They also included my not-so-nerdy wife in a brilliant way, which made her happy as well.

        I can’t praise the company enough, and the money was well spent. The standards of our hotels were around 3 (4) stars, and all breakfast included. About two weeks before our tour started, Costa Rica gave us a must-do-list, which included connecting to a Whatsapp-group, to download an app (Axis) which kept an overview of our schedule and name of the guides for the trip, and a list to remind us of what to pack. These were all useful to us. The contact with Costa Rica Focus during our trip was quick and easy, and through the WhatsApp-group the company always responded quickly to our questions. …

        Jørn Helge M

        Norway

        "Another home run by Costa Rica Focus"

        A 10-day birding trip with a photography focus. Great birding and photography with our fabulous guide Sr. Minor H. despite occasionally iffy weather. Locations were great, accomodations ranged from luxurious to very basic, food from merely very good to excellent, including some pleasant surprises like Pizzeria Los Colibries, on the road to Savegre where we ended up when our destination restaurant turned out to be closed due to a medical emergency in the owner’s family – really good pizza with near-perfect crust and hyper-local ingredients like local mushrooms, herbs from their own gardens, lettuce from their hydroponic gardens, etc. It’s the first pizza place on the right on the road down to San Gerardo de Dota from National Route 2. You can’t miss it:). Logistics were perfect, including arrival and departure.

        Not a lot ot add to the overwhelmingly positive reviews of Costa Rica Focus. This is the fifth trip I’ve taken with them in four years, including one to Ecuador in collaboration with Ecuador Birds Tours, and if I go again to a destination they offer, I can’t think why I would look elsewhere.

        rfichera

        Boston, MA

      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 2 miles at a steady, relaxed pace without the need for frequent stops or rest. Walks to the Agami nesting site are approximately 2 miles (each direction). Conditions are hot, humid, and often wet and marshy. 

      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.

      • Central Valley: Warm daytime temperatures from the high 70s °F to low 80s °F. Evenings pleasant in the high 60s °F to low 70s °F.
      • 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.
      • 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.
      • 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.

      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.