Intro to Costa Rica Birdwatching Tour

‘Intro to Costa Rica Birdwatching Tour’  Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrive San Jose | Welcome to Costa Rica

Welcome to Costa Rica! We will meet you at the San Jose International Airport. Your private transfer will take you North (3.5 hours) to the spectacular Arenal Volcano area. You will leave the city behind and find yourselves traveling through small towns and rolling green hills, through the cloud forest of San Ramon, to the Caribbean Foothills of the Arenal Volcano region.

Hotel: Arenal Observatory Lodge

Day 2: Arenal Volcano Area | Arenal Observatory Lodge Private Reserve

The Arenal Observatory Lodge has a huge observation deck overlooking the Arenal Volcano and its expansive garden. There are a total of 870 acres of forest and an excellent trail system at the property. This is the premier birdwatching location in the Arenal area.

Today you will spend the full day around the trails at the Observatory Lodge. More than 500 species have been registered on the grounds and forest of the lodge. Keep watch for the black-crested coquette, yellow-eared toucanet, great curassow and many more. The diverse habitat provides a true paradise for bird watchers.

Hotel: Arenal Observatory Lodge

Day 3: Arenal Volcano Area | Hanging Bridges

After breakfast at the Observatory Lodge you will spend the morning at the Arenal Hanging bridges this gives you a unique chance to see the canopy at eye level. The reserve is an ideal place for combining bird watching and a fun hike over a series of hanging bridges. Bird watching at the hanging bridges allows visitors to bird watch from the forest floor, to mid canopy and at times above the canopy. It’s interesting to have different views and observe birds from different vantage points.
The hanging bridges are interspersed among 3 kilometers of trails. There are 8 stationary bridges and 6 suspended bridges ranging from 8-98 meters in length and the highest bridge at 60 meters. The views of the Arenal Volcano are spectacular and the flora and fauna is rich and diverse.

Hotel: Arenal Observatory Lodge

Day 4: Guanacaste | Tamarindo Beaches

Today after breakfast, it’s time to move on to the incredible beaches of Guanacaste. You will have time for a leisurely breakfast and then your driver will arrive to transfer you (about 4 hours) to Tamarindo for check-in at your hotel. Tamarindo is well known for its gorgeous beaches, and fabulous sunsets. Guests can also enjoy many great dining options, shopping, and nightlife.

Hotel: Capitan Suizo

Day 5: Guanacaste | Day at Leisure for the Beach

Enjoy a day at leisure or plan for an optional tour. Be sure to explore the local restaurants. This area is well known for great food.

Hotel: Capitan Suizo

Day 6: Guanacaste | Morning Bird Watching Excursion

Today you will head out before sunrise to a private reserve to spot some of the area’s most prized species. In the early morning light, you will spend over 2 hours in the forests of Cartagena or Camaronal. Keep your eyes peeled and binoculars ready: you might be able to spot the Jabiru, a giant bird family of endangered storks with Guanacaste as only one of their remaining homes; the Elegant Trogon, Laughing Falcon; Squirrel Cuckoo, White-Throated Magpie Jay or the Cattle Egret. The cool temperatures of the morning will maximize your chances to view these species as this is when they are most active. Your experienced guide will lead you to ideal locations and use a guidebook to help you identify the many species that surround you.

Hotel: Capitan Suizo

Day 7: Guanacaste | Sunset Snorkel Sail

Enjoy your morning at leisure then plan for a sunset sailing tour. You can experience the best sunset on board a small catamaran sailing through the Pacific, around the small islands that dot the coast. You’ll stop at a quiet cove to enjoy snorkeling too. Enjoy the incredible views of Costa Rica’s golden sand beaches. With a tropical cocktail in hand just relax, but do keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea turtles, birds, and depending on the month, Whales!

Hotel: Capitan Suizo

Day 8: Liberia International Airport | Time to Return Home

Today it’s time to bid farewell to Paradise. Your driver will arrive to transfer you to the Liberia International Airport (1 hr. 15 mins.) for your flight home.