An unparalleled 12-day journey through Costa Rica's southern zone, guided by a professional birding guide. This meticulously crafted expedition traverses 6 distinct ecosystems, offering an immersive experience into one of the planet's most biologically diverse regions, including the legendary Osa Peninsula—a biodiversity hotspot renowned as one of the most ecologically rich places on Earth.
What's Included in Your 11-Night, 12-Day Searching the Southern Zone Tour?
Privately Guided Small Group Tour
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
Birding Flexibility: Flexible, including impromptu stops
Transportation: Private transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle throughout your journey.
Meals: All meals included, beginning with welcome dinner on the first day of the tour and ending with breakfast on your final day.
Admission Fees: Admission to all national parks, reserves, gardens, and sites listed in your itinerary.
Official Checklist: Included
Daily Species Recap: Included
24/7 In-country Assistance: Included
Searching the Southern Zone Itinearary Details
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Dinner
Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, you will be greeted by your private driver and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the hotel gardens and later this evening meet your fellow travelers and your private guide for a welcome dinner and introduction to your tour. This evening, your guide will provide an overview of the exciting journey ahead. Overnight in San José.
Travel with your professional private birding guide to Turrialba, with birding stops along the way to start building your species list. Arrive at Rancho Naturalista, one of Costa Rica’s premier birding lodges, where you can immerse yourself in its renowned birding opportunities on the terrace, trails, and gardens.
Spend the day exploring the trails and feeders of Rancho Naturalista and its surrounding area. This lodge is famous for its hummingbird pools, mixed flocks, and a chance to spot some iconic species like the Snowcap and Tawny-chested Flycatcher.
Venture to La Mina and Cerro El Silencio for morning birding, where you’ll encounter mid-elevation specialties. Continue to the highlands of the Talamanca Mountains, stopping in the Páramo to search for high-altitude endemics such as the Volcano Junco and Timberline Wren.
Start your day with a visit to Batsu Gardens, a perfect spot for observing highland species, especially Hummingbirds. In the afternoon, explore the Savegre Private Reserve, where Resplendent Quetzals are often seen.
Day 6: Highlands to the Mid-elevation Southern Zone
Depart early, stopping at Miriam’s Hummingbirds for breakfast and excellent birding opportunities. Head to Pindeco, home to elusive species like the Rosy Thrush-Tanager. Arrive in the late afternoon at Las Cruces Biological Station, a hub for Southern Pacific endemics.
Explore the trails of Las Cruces Biological Station and the vibrant Wilson Botanical Gardens. These areas offer a mix of forest and ornamental gardens that attract a variety of bird species, including tanagers and trogons.
Begin your day with an early departure to the port of Sierpe. Board a boat for a scenic 90-minute ride through mangroves and across the Pacific Ocean to the Osa Peninsula. Keep an eye out for seabirds, whales, and dolphins. Arrive at Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, your gateway to one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Spend the day birding in Corcovado National Park, home to Scarlet Macaws, Baird’s Tapir, and countless other species. Known as one of the most bio-diverse locations on the planet, this pristine rainforest offers unforgettable birding experiences in one of Costa Rica’s most remote areas.
Take a break from birding and explore the marine biodiversity of Caño Island National Park. Snorkel among volcanic rocks and reefs looking for tropical fish, turtles, sharks and much more. The boat ride often offers views of seabirds along the coast, dolphins, and whales.
Transfer to Drake Bay Airport for your domestic flight back to San José. Check into Villas San Ignacio and enjoy birding on the lodge’s grounds with your private guide, where you can spot species like the Blue-crowned Motmot and Fiery-billed Aracari.
Enjoy a private transfer to SJO Airport for your flight home, taking with you incredible memories of Costa Rica’s birdlife and landscapes.
"Amazing, could not have been better!"
When we booked this we knew nothing about the company and we were a little nervous about what we would be getting. We put some preliminary questions, like “will meals be a fixed menu, or free choice a la carte”. We also worried about whether the guide would be personable, knowledgeable, and with good language ability, etc.
It turned out that not only were these worries unfounded, but we had lucked into a far more generous, efficient, knowledgeable, and exciting company than we could have possibly imagined.
Every last part of this tour was super, and we don’t say that lightly. To begin, of course, the locations were mind blowing, and the birding was great. But then there was the personality, knowledge, and language ability of our guide and of the driver – both great people, and we fell in love with them immediately. And they and the company behind them had really thought of everything. There was never the slightest glitch or problem. To boot, the accommodations were to us first rate, and the food wonderful, and basically unlimited. …
Now, as we are going through our photos, we are impressed over again with every single last bit of this experience. It’s a cliché to say we could not recommend Costa Rica Focus highly enough, but that is exactly the case.
A special parting word about our guide, Alex C. Costa Rica Focus has many guides, but of course we only know about Alex. If in life you can meet a kung fu master or a violin master, or someone who has mastered any field, then it is inspiring. Alex is one of these. He could look in a forest and identify birds we could not even see, often even when he indicated them with his laser pointer. In addition he had a great knowledge of Costa Rican history, geography, culture, and politics, that he shared with great clarity. If Alex is any indication, then the guide you get with Costa Rica Focus is going to be good.
"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.
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.
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.
