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Costa Rica Bird Watching Itinerary

San Jose(2 nights), Tortuguero (3 nights), Sarapiqui (2 nights), Arenal (1 night), La Ensenada (2 nights), San Gerardo de Dota (2 nights), Golfito (Tiskita Jungle Lodge)(3 nights), San Jose (1 night)

Costa Rica is one of the most wonderful countries for bird watching and this itinerary has been put together to give the most comprehensive tour possible. From the Caribbean lowlands of Tortuguero up to the Cloud Forests of Sarapiqui, San Gerardo de Dota, the central highlands of Arenal and La Ensenada and down to the Pacific lowlands of Golfito passing through every major habitat zone found in Central America! What makes Costa Rica so attractive is not simply its astonishingly rich avifauna, but the fact that it is packed into such a small area.

Day 1 - SAN JOSE

On arrival into San Jose International Airport you will be met by our ground agents and have a private transfer to either the Alta Hotel or upgrade to the Xandari Plantation y Spa Hotel for 2 nights BB.

Day 2 - SAN JOSE

Private guided tour to Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens, with lunch included. Going to the Poas Volcano National Park considered the largest geyser in the world frequently displaying at irregular intervals. Then onto La Paz Waterfall Gardens where you can come close up to the beautiful natural wonders of Costa Rica from Jaguars and sloth bears to the hummingbirds and butterflies. Then taking the trail beside the five magnificent waterfalls with nine observation platforms giving you a close up view of the falls and the spectacular La Paz River.

Day 3 - TORTUGUERO

Early morning pick-up to join the group travelling by road through the coffee & banana plantations and then transferring to river boat to arrive in Tortuguero to stay at the Mawamba Lodge or Manatus Lodge for 3 nights. Here you will explore the canals by boat walk on the beach where you might get the opportunity to see turtles hatching.


Day 6 - SARAPIQUI

After breakfast you will be transferred, with the group stopping for lunch & meeting up with your private transfer driver to proceed to Sarapiqui for 2 nights staying at La Quinta de Sarapiqui Inn. BB.

Day 7- SARAPIQUI

Morning Private Guided Tour to La Selva Biological Station with resident naturalist La Selva Biological Station (Estacion Biologica La Selva) where you will get the opportunity to explore some of the most immaculate primary tropical rainforest with well-kept trail system extending over 31 miles. Researchers estimate that they have identified more than there are 400 species of birds in this private reserve

Day 8 - ARENAL

Private transfer to the Arenal Volcano area for 1 night @ the Lost Iguana BB. Arenal Volcano is the most spectacular sight in all of Costa Rica where you can enjoy the pools of naturally heated thermomineral waters and a multitude of other activities.

Day 9 - ARENAL

Morning private tour to the Arenal Hanging Bridges, with a specialist bird watching guide, one of the most beautiful environmental friendly projects in Costa Rica.

ENSENDA WILDLIFE REFUGE

After the tour you will be taken back to the hotel & then have a private transfer to the Ensenada Wildlife Refuge region & 2 nights @ Ensenada Lodge BB.

Day 10 - ENSENDA WILDLIFE REFUGE

Morning group Guided Tour to Palo Verde National Park

Day 11- SAN GERARDO DE DOTA CLOUD FOREST

Private transfer to the San Gerardo de Dota Cloud Forest area for 2 nights @ Savegre Lodge in a junior suite BB. An amazingly stunning habitat for a plethora of bird and flora species, this region is most well known for being the primary habitat for the resplendent Quetzal, Costa Rica's most famous bird.

Day 12 - SAN GERARDO DE DOTA CLOUD FOREST

Morning Private guided Quetzal Tour

Day 13 - GOLFITO

Private transfer to Golfito (approx 3.5 hours) to meet staff from Tiskita Lodge to then be transferred by 4X4 to the lodge. You have 3 nights @ Tiskita Lodge on a full board basis with 2 group guided walks included. This is a wonderful lodge for bird watchers as the owners Peter & Elizabeth are passionate & extremely knowledgeable about the birds & wildlife around their property.

Day 14 - GOLFITO

Morning group guided Wildlife Tour

Day 15 - GOLFITO

Morning group guided Wildlife Tour

Day 16 - SAN JOSE

After breakfast you will have a 4X4 transfer from the lodge to Golfito airport to take a domestic flight to San Jose for the final night in Costa Rica back at either the Alta Hotel or the Xandari Plantation Y Spa Hotel BB

Day 17 - SAN JOSE

Private transfer to the airport to check-in for your return flights back to the UK.

Price start from £2799.00 per person

based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room excluding international flights. For more information please contact Fiona on 01202 232335


I feel extremely passionate about this very special country, it is a hugely diverse little country but its people make it extra special.