Unique Costa Rica Birding & Beach Tour

‘Grand Costa Rica Bird Watching Tour’  Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrive San Jose | Welcome to Costa Rica

Arrive in San Jose, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Your tour begins with an afternoon walk through the exquisite gardens of the Hotel Bougainvillea. The gardens stretch over 10-acres with pathways, benches, and viewing areas. There are 50 species of bromeliad, native trees, orchids, herbs, cactus and much more.

The gardens are a haven for several hard to see bird species including the white-eared ground sparrow and the Prevost Ground Sparrow. The hotel is decorated with local pottery and hosts an impressive collection of rocks and minerals found throughout Costa Rica. Dine tonight at the hotel restaurant.

Hotel: Hotel Bougainvillea

Day 2: San Gerardo de Dota | Paramo Species

Depart after breakfast for San Gerardo de Dota. The towering Talamanca Mountains are not only home to the highest peak in Costa Rica (Chirripo) but also unique areas of subalpine paramo and lush white oak forests. Have your binoculars handy as this area is rich with almost 200 bird species.

The Resplendent Quetzal, Flame-throated Warbler, Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher, Volcano Junco and the Silvery-throated Jays are just a few of the many birds that inhabit the area. Enjoy the cool temperatures, clear mountain streams and the magnificent forests of San Gerardo de Dota

Hotel: Savegre Lodge

Day 3: San Gerardo de Dota | Talamanca Highlands, Quetzal Country

A full day of birding at the private reserve of Savegre Lodge. You’ll walk the trails and be entranced by the beautiful white oaks, and golden moss of this stunning forest. The array of bird species is astounding. In the afternoon, stroll along the river looking for dippers and phoebes and relax in the gardens surrounded by hummingbirds as the sunsets.

Hotel: Savegre Lodge

Day 4: Costa Rica Birding Osa Peninsula | Corcovado National Park

Head south today, for the Pacific Coast and the small port town of Sierpe. Board your boat and make your way through the channels and mangroves of the Sierpe River. Be on the lookout for shorebirds and the elusive snowy Cotinga. The river gives way to the grand Pacific Ocean as you maneuver through the river mouth and out to the sea. Travel south along the coastline, watching for pelagic species and then to shore and SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge.

Hotel: SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge

Day 5: Costa Rica Birding Osa Peninsula | Corcovado National Park

2.5% of the world’s biodiversity calls Corcovado home. This pristine, dense, lush jungle exemplifies everything that nature lovers can imagine. Sultry weather brings plants to life, dark shadows hide jaguars and tapirs and over 100,000 acres of primary rainforest creates a paradise for birds (and bird lovers). Scarlet macaws, turquoise cotingas, bicolored hawk, and the blue-headed parrot are just a few of the “must have” birds found in the region.

Hotel: SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge

Day 6: Costa Rica Birding Osa Peninsula| Cano Island & Pelagic Species

Take your private boat from SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge to Cano Island. Cano Island or “Isla del Cano” was an important burial ground for pre-Colombian Indians (1500 years ago) and then a place for pirates to hide and legends say, bury treasure. Today the island and its surrounding waters are a protected biological zone. Enjoy your boat adventure looking for pelagic birds, turtles, dolphins, and whales. There is also time for snorkeling if desired.

Hotel: SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge

Day 7: Manuel Antonio | Beaches & Rainforest

After breakfast, it’s back to the beach to board your boat and make your way back to Sierpe. Head north through the popular towns of Ojochal and Dominical to the Central Pacific. Your private guide will part with you hear so you can enjoy the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio and/ or book an optional tour.

Hotel: Hotel Playa Espadilla

Day 8: Manuel Antonio | Sloths & Monkeys

Enjoy this at leisure or plan for an optional tour. Be sure to explore the local restaurants. This area is well known for great restaurants overlooking the beautiful bay of Manuel Antonio.

Hotel: Hotel Playa Espadilla

Day 9: Manuel Antonio | Manuel Antonio National Park

Today you get to explore Manuel Antonio National Park which is the smallest national park in Costa Rica was listed among the world’s 12 most beautiful national parks by Forbes. Your guide will be on the lookout for the white-faced capuchin monkey, howler monkeys, sloths and much more. This park is where the rainforest meets the ocean and therefore the scenery is just stunning.

Hotel: Hotel Playa Espadilla

Day 10: San Jose | Time to Return Home

Your Costa Rica Birding Osa adventure comes to an end. Return to the San Jose Airport for your flight home.