top of page

Central Costa Rica Birding TourA Neotropical Introduction

 

Across Valleys, Volcanoes, and Cloud ForestsJoin Flyway Birding Tours for a carefully designed route through Costa Rica’s Central Highlands, Caribbean foothills, and Pacific lowlands. This 10-night birding tour offers excellent diversity across habitats and elevations, combining accessible trails, high-quality lodging, and a wide range of regional specialties.

 

From endemic sparrows in the Central Valley to cloud forest tanagers and mangrove hummingbirds, each site on this itinerary offers unique species and birding conditions.This itinerary is ideal for birders seeking a solid introduction to Neotropical birdlife. We visit a mix of family-run eco-lodges, community-supported reserves, and protected national parks, with opportunities to observe both resident and migratory species in varied forest types. Local conservation efforts are woven throughout the trip, and we take time to explore both natural and human-influenced landscapes.

Trip Highlights

  • Birding in foothill rainforest, cloud forest, mangroves, and volcanic slopes

  • Visits to Carara National Park, La Marta Wildlife Refuge, and Arenal Observatory

  • Endemic and regional specialties such as Cabanis’s Ground-Sparrow, Snowcap, Mangrove Hummingbird, and Resplendent Quetzal

  • Support for family-owned lodges and local conservation initiatives

Lodging and Locations

  • Hotel Bougainvillea – Garden birding and arrival in the Central Valley

  • Hotel Quelitales – Foothill forest trails and access to La Marta Wildlife Refuge

  • Hotel Robledal – Strategic base near the airport with surprising urban birding

  • Fonda Vela Hotel– Cloud forest access in Monteverde

  • Arenal Area Hotel (TBD) – Rainforest birding near Arenal Volcano

 

Tour DetailsDuration:

  • 11 days / 10 nightsStart/End: San José (SJO)

  • Group Size: 6–10 birders

  • Pace: Moderate walking on trails and roads, with some elevation changes

 

Includes:

  • All lodging

  • All meals (BLD)

  • Private transportation

  • All entrance fees

  • Professional guide services

  • Gratuities

​

Excludes:

  • Airfare

  • Travel insurance

  • Alcoholic drinks

  • Personal expenses

 

​

CENTRAL COSTA RICA TOUR  [Download Full Itinerary (PDF)

The Three-wattled Bellbird (Procnias tricarunculatus) is a standout species in Monteverde, best seen from March to August. Males are known for their loud, bell-like call and striking appearance—white body, chestnut wings, and three hanging wattles. They frequent fruiting trees in mature forest, especially in protected areas like Curi-Cancha and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Scarlet Macaw

Snowcap

Rufous-tailed Jacamar

bottom of page