Costa Rica bird watching holidays is known for its biodiversity, and its birdlife epitomises this: a country far smaller than Scotland has more bird species than those of the USA and Canada combined. Part of the reason is historical: the thin bridge that is Central America was formed when the twin land masses of North and South America split, and attracted species from both continents. Other reasons include the range of habitats, year-round availability of fruit and large tracts of protected parks and reserves, all of which play their part in maintaining the thriving bird population.
On this holiday you travel across the country, taking in cloudforest at over 2,200 metres above sea level, Caribbean rainforest, lowland rainforest, vast wetlands, dry tropical forest and Pacific coastal rainforest. Each region puts on an impressive ornithological display. Wake to the sound of birdsong, venture out before breakfast to watch birds feasting, follow trails deep into the rainforest, through fertile valleys, explore waterways by boat, cross hanging bridges high in the forest canopy – no two days are the same. You have the services of a specialist bird watching guide who accompanies you for the duration of the tour.
Hotels and lodges have been chosen largely for their locations. All allow easy access to birding locations, and have gardens where between tours you can sit back and watch the birds come to you!
The sheer variety and abundance of the avian display is overwhelming. It’s not just the usual scene stealers – quetzals, macaws, hummingbirds, toucans – but others that may take centre stage. If you’re lucky you may see the ornate hawk-eagle, great antshrike, white-throated magpie-jay and Nicaraguan grackle, as well as many species of tanager, warbler, wren, ibis and woodpecker. And you’re certain to become familiar with Costa Rica’s national bird, the clay-coloured thrush, found throughout the country and lauded in many folk songs.
Costa Rica Bird Watching Holiday Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive at San José international airport where a representative is waiting to meet you and drive you the 25 minutes to your first accommodation, Bougainvillea Hotel. The hotel has 4 hectares of landscaped gardens with a wide variety of plants including, of course, bougainvillea! This richness attracts numerous birds including tanagers, flycatchers, kingbirds, wrens, doves, woodpeckers and hummingbirds, to whet your appetite for the next few days. After a walk in the grounds you might like to relax with a drink in the bar or sample some Costa Rican cuisine in the restaurant.
Day 2:
You have the chance for some early bird watching before the drive to San Gerardo de Dota, a journey of about 2 hours. This is a mountainous area covered in cloudforest with abundant birdlife including several species of hummingbirds, collared trogon, acorn woodpecker, yellow-thighed finch, emerald toucanet, ornate hawk-eagle and the dazzling quetzal. You reach your hotel before lunchtime and have the afternoon to enjoy the birds of the cloudforest on a walk with your expert guide.
Day 3:
After breakfast set out with your guide to Quetzales National Park. Your main purpose is to spot the bird after which the park is named, the unmistakable quetzal, also known as the resplendent quetzal, with its brilliant green and red plumage. Your tour takes in different areas of the park where you can expect to see yellow-bellied siskin, flame-throated warbler, barred becard and torrent tyrannulet among others.
Summary
- San José 1 night
- Quetzales National park 2 nights
- Turrialba Valley 1 night
- Sarapiquí Rainforest 2 nights
- Caño Negro Wetlands 2 nights
- Nicoya Gulf 2 nights
- Carara National Park 2 nights
