Best Birdwatching in Costa Rica

From the high peaks of the Cerro de la Muerte to the beaches and mangroves of the Golfo Dulce and the unspoiled rain forest bordering Corcovado National Park, this tour offers some of the best birdwatching in Costa Rica. Hike the unspoiled forests of the Osa Peninsula with one of Costa Rica's best birding guides.

Day 1 Arrive San Jose. Airport welcome and transfer to hotel.

Day 2 Pick up after lunch and transfer to Mirador de Quetzales near the summit of the Interamerican Highway as it winds southward over Costa Rica’s highest mountain range. Acclimatize and enjoy birdwatching near the lodge. You may see quetzals in the evening. Dinner. Option: Morning departure with visit to Cartago Basilica and Lankester Botanical Gardens

Day 3 Early morning guided hike to find the quetzals that give this place its name. A driver will pick you up at mid-day to continue the trip to the Osa. Destination is the Pearl of the Osa hotel on the beach south of Puerto Jimenez. Breakfast

Day 4 It has been a long trip. Relax on the beach. Option: Kayaking tour of the mangroves.

Day 5 Taxi will pick you up after breakfast to take you to Bosque del Rio Tigre. Ask your driver to drive past the almendra trees on the Puerto Jimenez waterfront to look for macaws. Your hosts Abraham Gallo and Liz Jones wait to greet you. Birdwatching begins immediately with views of hummingbirds, tanagers, motmots, and aracaries common from the lodge. Night hike tonight or tomorrow. Lunch, dinner.

Day 6 Early birder’s coffee, then set off for a morning bird walk. Return for a hearty breakfast in mid morning. Relax, lunch, then prepare for a late afternoon forest or river hike. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 7 Long rain forest hike (5-7 hours) with master birding guide Abraham Gallo. Watch for manakins, trogons, hawks, cotinga, and other forest species. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 8 Flight back to San Jose on local airlines. Overnight hotel in San Jose.

Day 9 Return transfer to the airport is on your own for efficiency and economy. Have your hotel arrange a transfer. Report to airport three hours before departure time.