Costa Rica Bird Watching Adventure

Day 1: San Jose

Meet and greet at the international airport and transfer to your hotel in San Jose.

Day 2: San Jose / Bosque de Paz

Today starts with a scenic drive to Bosque de Paz, the Peace Forest. This 988 acres private reserve serves as a corridor between two National Parks: Poas and Juan Castro Blanco. This rain and cloud forest is a bird life sanctuary where resplendent quetzals and the emerald toucanets are frequently seen. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Bosque de Paz

This morning with your local guide explore the flora and fauna that surrounds the area. You will have an opportunity to observe wonders of nature, outstanding birds, and wildlife at Bosque de Paz. There are several different trails ranging from half to 4.5 miles, adding up to 14 miles through old growth and second growth forest. At Bosque de Paz, they have recorded more than 331 species of birds at our preserve since July, 1997. Some of the species recordered inclde Resplendent Quetzal, Scaled Antpitta, Black Guan, Emerald Toucanet, Three Wattled Bellbird, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Zeledonia, and Silvery-fronted, Tapaculo, Black--faced Solitaire, American Dipper and Golden-browed Chlorophonia. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon. (B, L, D)

Day 4 and Day 5: Bosque de Paz / Rancho Naturalista, Turrialba

Conveniently located between San Jose and the Caribbean Coast, this lively region is distinguished for its green rolling hills and fertile volcanic farmland. Rancho Naturalista is among the finest in Central America. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded in the area. These birds may be sampled from this comfortable lodge famous for its excellent food, welcoming hospitality and stunning volcano views. Provisions are also made for non-birding companions who will find Rancho Naturalista a relaxing holiday retreat.

While enjoying your coffee or tea in the early morning on the balcony you will be amazed at the variety of tropical birds coming to the feeders. Groups of Gray-headed Chachalacas, Collared Aracaris, Passerini's Tanagers, and the impressive Montezuma Oropendolas will all provide quite a show. Other likely possibilities include Blue-Crowned Motmot, Lineated and Black-cheeked Woodpeckers, Golden-hooded and White-lined Tanagers, and Scarlet-rumped Cacique. Hummingbird feeders only a few feet away are usually buzzing with Green Thorntails, White-necked Jacobins, Green-crowned Brilliants, Green-breasted Mangos and Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Turrialba / San Gerardo de Dota

San Gerardo de Dota is a tiny community in the Talamanca Mountains settled in the fresh mist of a mountain valley surrounded by deep cloud forests and filled with massive tropical trees. Is also a paradise for birdwatchers as it has more than 170 bird species, including some of the rarest and endangered bird species. It is a special place for watching the resplendent Quetzal bird, one of the most ornate creatures of the wild which belongs to the family of Trogonidae.

Various migratory species arrive throughout the different seasons of the year, joining the native species to add still more colorful views for birdwatchers. Among the visitors are the Orioles, Warblers, Tennessees and Raptors - while their native hosts include Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher, Yellow-winged Vireo, the Flame-throated Warbler, Black-cheeked Warbler, Yellowish Flycatcher, Barred Becard, Tufted Flycatcher, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Zeledonia, Torrent Tyrannulet, Collared Trogon, Scintillant Hummingbird, Volcano Hummingbird, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Spotted Wood-Quail, and of course the most wanted Resplendent Quetzal. In the highlands of the Paramo one can find the Volcano Junco and Timberline Wren. (B)

Day 7: San Gerardo de Dota

One of the most impressive sceneries in the area is the Savegre River Waterfall. Just within an hour walk you will have the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful waterfall surrounded by a dense cloud forest. Your guide will take you through the forest and gorgeous flora and fauna that spreads alongside the crystal waters of the Savegre River. The river will then turns into an amazing white veil, the Savegre River Waterfall. (B)

Day 8: San Gerardo de Dota / San José

Enjoy the early part of the morning before your transfer back to San Jose for your last night in Costa Rica. (B)

Day 9: San Jose

Transfer to the international airport for your flight home or continue on one of our many extensions. Bon Voyage!! (B)

End of Service

(B): Breakfast (L): Lunch (D): Dinner

Important Notice Actual day-by-day itineraries may vary from those shown in order to take advantage of local sightseeing options, trains or flight schedules changes, or other unforeseen events.

Price (per person based on double occupancy)

• 8 days from $2,890
• Single Supplement from $2,200
• Price based on check payment (please add 3% if paying via credit card)

What is Included

• All hotel accommodations
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary - B: breakfast, L: lunch and D: dinner
• All sightseeing as shown as part of an open group (private tours available)
• Services of bilingual professional guides
• Airport transfers
• All gratuities except to guides

Items NOT included in the price

• International or Domestic flights unless stated in 'What is Included' section above. We will be happy to help you with your flight arrangements at your request.
• Personal expenses such as beverages; lunch or dinner (unless in the itinerary)
• Laundry services
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended - see our Travel Tips section for details)
• Excess baggage fees
• Communication charges
• Airport departure or arrival taxes
• Cost of obtaining passports or visas
• Gratuities to guides
• Any other expense not mentioned on what is included

Please do not hesitate to call 1-800-667-6134 for additional information.

San Jose, Costa Rica show map

Turrialba, Costa Rica show map

San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica show map