A Journey Across Costa Rica’s Caribbean Life Zones

Our annual Search for the Elusive Birds trip once again lived up to its name this October. Led by expert birding guide Minor Hidalgo and supported by the always dependable driver Victor “Chicho” Gon, this small international group of five birders and photographers (from the U.S., Great Britain, Germany, and the Philippines) experienced nine unforgettable days exploring five distinct life zones across Costa Rica.

Guide: Minor Hidalgo
Driver: Victor “Chicho” Gon
Group Size: five birders and photographers
Locations: Central Valley, Cartago Highlands, Tortuguero, Sarapiquí Foothills, Arenal Volcano

October is traditionally part of the rainy season on the Pacific side, so this itinerary is strategically designed to focus on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, where conditions are typically productive and bird activity remains outstanding. From the landscaped gardens of Hotel Bougainvillea to the rolling foothills of Cartago, the Amazon-like canals of Tortuguero, and the lush forests surrounding Arenal Volcano, the group encountered Costa Rica’s astonishing diversity of habitats and wildlife.

Highlights from Our October 2025 Costa Rica Birding Itinerary

Days 1–2: Central Valley & Cartago Highlands

Highlights: Hotel Bougainvillea, La Marta Reserve, CATIE Botanical Garden

The Costa Rica birding adventure began in the Central Valley with garden birding at Hotel Bougainvillea, where tanagers, honeycreepers, and motmots offered a colorful welcome. From there, the group continued to the Cachi area and visited the La Marta Reserve, a beautiful “off the beaten track” reserve near Cartago known for forest trails and mixed flocks of warblers, antbirds, and flycatchers. A visit to the renowned CATIE Botanical Center gave guests an opportunity for good birding and a chance to experience the extraordinary flora of Costa Rica.

Key species: White-bellied Mountain-gem, Collared Trogon, Silver-throated Tanager.

Days 3–4 – Tortuguero National Park Birding Tour

In Tortuguero National Park, often called “The Little Amazon”, the group explored the winding canals by private boat, spotting Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Sungrebe, American Pygmy Kingfisher, and three species of monkeys among the lush vegetation. The group’s passionate photographer, Mark, was thrilled by a close encounter with a Dickcissel, while others enjoyed excellent views of Bare-throated Tiger-Heron and Boat-billed Flycatcher.

Tortuguero highlight: Spectacled Owl and Mottled Owl, part of the tour’s remarkable six-owl total.

Days 5–7 – Sarapiquí Foothills: Lowland Forest Birding

The Sarapiquí region is a must on any serious Costa Rica birding itinerary. Our visit to Cope’s Gardens brought success with both Dull-mantled and Spotted Antbirds, and hummingbird feeders drew 15 species — including the Snowcap and Blue-throated Goldentail.

Days 8–9 – Arenal Volcano Region Birding

The trip concluded at the iconic Arenal Observatory Reserve, offering a mix of forest, open areas, and volcano views. Notable sightings included White-throated Shrike-Tanager, Great Curassow, and a magical final sighting of a Squirrel Cuckoo in the last hour of the trip, a perfect farewell to the week.

Beyond the Birds

While the focus was bird watching, the group also encountered a wealth of Costa Rican wildlife: three species of monkeys, sloths, frogs, boa constrictors, and countless butterflies and reptiles. The evenings offered a relaxing contrast, with time at the EcoTermales Hot Springs in La Fortuna, hearty meals, and warm hospitality at each lodge.

What Our Guests Said

“Minor took every extra effort to search, spot, identify, and describe the birds at every stop. It was a true learning experience with so many lifers—especially the antbirds and manakins.”
– Liz P.

“What a great trip—no glitches! Six owls were the highlight for me. Minor’s lightning-fast ID skills are unbelievable.”
– Mark M.

“Minor is an excellent guide who knows where to look and how to help us see the birds. I’ll always treasure our frog pond adventure and the red-eyed tree frog!”
– Judy B.

“The hot springs were glorious, the food and hospitality wonderful, and even the earthquake at the end gave us a story to tell! Costa Rica Focus always delivers.”
– Ulrike H.

This year’s Search for the Elusive Birds tour once again proved why it remains one of Costa Rica Focus’s most loved itineraries. With seamless logistics, excellent company, and superb guiding, the group experienced the best of Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands and foothill regions. From Roseate Spoonbills to White-ruffed Manakins, from hidden antbirds to the ever-curious Squirrel Cuckoo, every day brought new discoveries.