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Five Costa Rica Bird Watching Trips You Must Take

Costa Rica’s bird watching trips are one of many reasons why foreigners choose this amazing green country to visit. While this country is a small place, it is home to over 5% of earth’s biodiversity. With the same size as Lake Michigan in North America United States, this country owns some outstanding Reserves and National Parks.

Costa Rica has an amazing count of species of birds every 10,000 sq km. No other country on the planet has achieved this potential. It is a heaven for adventurers and globetrotters. With 870 bird species in the country, bird watching has gained immense popularity. It is the best tourist destination for bird watchers.

Here are some great paradises for birders. You can explore several rare bird species in these locations. We also have a multi day tour you won’t soon forget!

1- Wilson Botanical Garden

This botanical garden occupies the 12-hectare land. The natural forest spread in 255 hectares encloses this area.

Wilson Botanical Garden is an excellent tourist attraction and birding destination. It was established in 1963. Tourists around the globe recognize this park for its world-class collection of exotic birds and wildlife species.

This forest has some incredible array of rare birds, therapeutic plants, and wondrous animals. Millions of tourists explore the opportunity to visit the area at least once in a lifetime.

2- Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge

Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge and forest reserve, located in the Caribbean lowlands, is the nesting and resting site for migratory bird species. Its swamplands and rainforests serve as an ideal place for birds to take refuge, and for tourists to enjoy this place rainforest ecology.

The Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, part of the country’s Caribbean lowlands, is one of the best spots for watching birds in Costa Rica. It is a must visit place for bird lovers and wildlife explorers.

Cano Negro Lake is spread over 2,000 acres and plays a critical role to save the environment. The primary water source of the lake is Rio Frio (or Cold River).

Some of the species you can see in Caño Negro forest reserve includes the colorful Keel-billed toucan, Glossy Ibis, Anhinga, Wood Stork, Ibis Blanco, Gavilan Caracolero, Jaribu, Whistling Ducks, among others.

3- Cerro de la Muerte Cloud Forest

Home of the Resplendent Quetzal, this cloud forest place is full of spectacular birds that one can see flying in the sky. Ancient Mayas and Aztecs admired the brilliantly bright feathers of these amazing flying creatures.

Cerro de la Muerte is a mountain in the cloud forest and is the highest point of the country’s Inter American highway. Cerro de la Muerte means “the mountain of death.” It is a perfect place for a Sunday trip in search of the famous Quetzal.

Cerro de la Muerte’s cloud forest offers a picturesque view along with bird watching (check out our tour that includes Cerro de la Muerte). It has some exclusive bird species including famous Resplendent Quetzal which can also be seen in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, unique hummingbird breeds such as Mountain-gem, volcano, and black – bellied.

Horseback riding and trout fishing are a couple of other things to do in the highlands area that tourists can look forward to.

Some of the birds you can find in the mountains of this cloud forest include Volcano Hummingbird, Black-and-Yellow Silky Flycatcher, Dusky Nightjar, Black-capped Flycatcher, Sooty Thrush, Resplendent Quetzal, Fiery-Throated Hummingbird and more.

Photo: Mountains at Cerro de la Muerte

4- Río Tempisque

River Tempisque is another tourist destination for adventurers. Whether a boat tour in the Bebedero River or hiking along the Palo Verde National Park forest (home of the Roseate Spoonbills), it is the perfect station for an enthralling birding experience.

It is a known place for watching forest birds in this beautiful country. The forest around the river offers a distinctive breeding ground for many birds. These include jacanas, limpkins, gallinules, kingfishers, the heron and many more.

5- Parque Nacional Carara (Carara National Park)

A favorite among the country’s bird watching destinations is the Carara National Park. It is one of the most famous National parks in Costa Rica. Its proximity to San Jose makes it an easily reachable national park for fun-filled odyssey.

This national park is the home for the colorful scarlet macaw. Scarlet Macaws are considered as one of the most fascinating birds of Costa Rica. The place also offers a glimpse of tropical miracles.

The wildlife in Carara National Park forest is unnerving. The huge crocodile lounge has monster reptiles just below the National Park.

Some of the birds you can see at Carara’s forest are: Scarlet Macaws, The Violaceous (Gartered) Trogon, the Turquoise-Browed Motmot, the Great Tinamou, the Slaty-Tailed Trogon, Bare-throated Tiger Heron among others.

With all the splendid bird destinations and locations, Costa Rica is an impressive tropical country for birdwatchers. It is a dream place for every Ornithologist.

The above locations are just a small sample of all the destinations this beautiful country offers to bird lovers, other locations include, the Monteverde Cloud Forest, La Selva Biological Station in Sarapiquí (home of the Rufous Motmot), Palo Verde National Park, La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano and much more.