Wings of Northern Costa Rica

13-Night, 14-Day Trip

About This Birdwatching Group Tour

Focus: Birdwatching

Tour Highlights

Private expert birding guide
Comprehensive multi-habitat exploration
Diverse ecosystems and bird species
Specialized viewing opportunities
Comfortable lodging in prime birding locations

Trip Overview

Day 1:

Arrive Liberia Airport

Days 2-3:

Pacific Lowlands - Palo Verde

Days 4-5:

Pacific Lowlands - La Ensenada

Days 6-7-8:

Pacific Foothills - Mid-Elevation

Days 9-10:

Caribbean Lowlands

Days 11-12-13:

Pacific Foothills & Lowlands

Day 14:

Return to the Liberia Airport

Discover the diverse birding opportunities of Guanacaste, the Tenorio foothills, and the Caribbean Lowlands. Guanacaste is a province of remarkable ecological importance, characterized by its unique dry tropical forests and volcanic landscapes. This northwestern region of Costa Rica is the southernmost limit of the tropical dry forest of Meso-America and the largest remaining dry forest in Central America. This 14-day adventure explores Guanacaste and extends to the internationally recognized Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a Ramsar site recognized as a wetlands of international importance. As a crucial stopover for migratory birds and home to numerous resident species, Caño Negro provides an unparalleled opportunity to observe waterbirds, waterfowl, and a diverse range of tropical species in their natural habitat. This tour covers a range of life zones—from dry tropical forests to marshlands and lush primary rainforest.
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What's Included in Your 13-Night, 14-Day Wings of 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

    • Wings of Northern Costa Rica Itinerary Details

      Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica.

      Transfer from Liberia Airport to your hotel and meet your guide. This evening enjoy a group welcome dinner  with an overview of the upcoming birdwatching adventure and introductions to your fellow travelers.

      Day 2: Bagaces for Pacific lowland birding.

      Today you’ll explore the grounds of your lodge and different habitats of the area. Your guide will show you several “off the beaten path” locations. You’ll be focusing on local bird species of Guanacaste.  

      Day 3: Palo Verde National Park

      Today you navigate through diverse ecosystems including dry tropical forest, wetlands, and riverside habitats. The National Park and the surrounding area provides for a full day of birding with your private guide.

      Day 4: La Ensenada

      The reserve at La Ensenada Lodge provides several diverse habitats including dry forest, wetlands, open pastures and gardens.  You’ll spend the day exploring each life zone with your private guide. 

       

      Day 5: La Ensenada Mangrove

      Search the La Ensenada mangrove by boat, focusing on unique bird species that inhabit this intricate coastal ecosystem. Your guide will help you spot the top birds of the area.

      Day 6: Rio Celeste

      A change of habitat today as you arrive at the mid-elevation Tenorio foothills. Enjoy birdwatching around Celeste Mountain Lodge, discovering the area’s distinctive bird populations in a stunning mountain landscape. 

      Day 7: Tenorio National Park

      Explore varied habitats ranging from rainforest to cloud forest, seeking out unique and rare bird species native to the region at Tenorio National Park. 

      Day 8: Tapir Valley Nature Reserve

      Focus on capturing morning bird activity and exploring the reserve’s unique ecological zones with your private guide.  You’ll visit the wetland platform, forest platform, and hummingbird platform as well as the forest paths.  With some luck, you might even spot the Tapir. 

      Day 9: Cano Negro

      It’s a change of habitat today as you move on to the Caribbean lowlands and Cano Negro. You’ll get introduced to this wonderful location by birding the lodge trails and gardens with your private guide.  

      Day 10: Caño Negro and Medio Queso by boat

      Navigate the waterways with your expert local captain and private guide to observe aquatic and shore birds and many other  species unique to this pristine environment

      Day 11: Guanacaste Dry Forest

      Today you depart Cano Negro for the Tropical Dry forest of Guanacaste.  You’ll spend the afternoon birding the grounds and gardens of your lodge. 

      Day 12: Borinquen Lodge and surrounding area

      Explore the property’s diverse landscapes, focusing on local bird species and their unique behaviors and habitats. Your private guide will also take you to some “local hidden gems” to seek out the top birds of the area.

      Day 13: Rincón de la Vieja National Park

      Spanning over 34,000 acres, Rincon de la Vieja National Park is home to more than 300 species of birds.  The park’s terrain is a mixture of open savannas, dense forest, and rivers. You’ll have a chance to explore and spot many new species.

      Day 14: Departure

      Final transfer from Rincon de la Vieja to Liberia International Airport, concluding the birdwatching journey through Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes.

        "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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