January 18 - Turrialba
Upon arrival in San José you will be met and transferred to Rancho Naturalista, one of the finest birding lodges in Costa Rica. At an elevation of 3,000 feet, more than 200 bird species have been sighted from the balcony. More than 400 have been spotted within the 125-acre Rancho Naturalista Reserve. If time permits, enjoy a late afternoon birding adventure for a chance to observe some of the birds attracted to the exotic fruits, flora, and hummingbird feeders surrounding the area. Some of the highlights include species such as the Hook-billed Kite, Ruddy Quail Dove, Grey-headed Chachalaca, Short-tailed Nighthawk, Lineated Woodpecker, Cocoa Woodcreeper, Great Tinamou, Barred Forest Falcon, Sulphur-winged Parakeet, Yellow-eared Toucanet, Immaculate Antbird, White-ruffed Manakin, Purple-crowned Fairy, Scarlet-rumped Cacique, and the beautiful Garden Emerald. Overnight Rancho Naturalista (D)
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January 19 - Turrialba
The next few days will be dedicated to photography and birding around the reserve. One hummingbird that is especially prolific in the forest surrounding Rancho Naturalista is the Snowcap Hummingbird. This dark red-bodied bird is most notable for the bold, white patch that extends from the top of its dark bill to its crown. All birds residing in the cloud forest have a special symbiotic relationship with the trees of their habitat. About half of the trees in the Talamanca forest depend on the birds for seed dispersal, while little less than half of the birds depend on those same trees for fruit. Specifically, the Band-tailed Pigeon can be spotted dispersing the seeds of the Wax Myrtle, a tree that many birds of the cloud forest depend on for the wax-covered berries it produces. Overnight Rancho Naturalista (BLD)
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January 20 - Turrialba
After a morning of birding and photography around the reserve, drive 25 minutes to Silent Mountain, which lies at a slightly higher elevation than Rancho Naturalista. A local guide will lead you on the difficult, potentially muddy trek up the mountain. Regularly spotted rarities of the mountain include the Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, the aptly named Lovely Cotinga, Rufous-browed and Zeledon’s Tyrannulet, Black-and-white Becard, and Sharpbill. Overnight Rancho Naturalista (BLD)
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January 21 - Turrialba
Enjoy another day of exploration followed by a visit to CATIE, the Tropical Agriculture Research and Higher Education Center. At this fascinating center you can explore the botanical garden and arboretum and view bizarre species such as the Chinese Box-Orange and the Pili nut. Overnight Rancho Naturalista (BLD)
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January 22 - Sarapiquí
Last minute birding and photography, breakfast, and depart for the Sarapiquí region. Check in and orientation upon arrival at Selva Verde. Protecting 500 acres of rainforest, Selva Verde offers many covered walks, birding trails, and lookout points. There are great photo opportunities for species such as Keel-billed Toucan, Great Green Macaw, White-winged Becard, Sunbittern, Acadian Flycatcher, and Wood Thrush. Enjoy a short hike around the area if time permits. Dinner at the lodge. Overnight Selva Verde Lodge (BLD)
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January 23 - Sarapiquí
This morning we start early with a local guide on the grounds of the Organization for Tropical Studies, La Selva Biological Station. La Selva is world-renowned for scientific research on rainforest ecosystems and has been studying this forest for 50 years. Be on the lookout for the Ornate Hawk Eagle, Crested Guan, Great Tinamou, Pied Puffbird and Spectacled Owl as possible sightings. The afternoon will be at your leisure before an early evening guided birdwatching hike. After dinner there is an optional night hike to discover nocturnal animals and insects. Overnight Selva Verde Lodge (BLD)
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January 24 - Sarapiquí
After early morning birding around the lodge, enjoy breakfast and then set out to explore the reserve. Boots are available for use if the trails are muddy. Selva Verde’s rainforest reserve is home to one of the largest almond trees in all of Central America, which provide habitat for the endangered Great Green Macaw. Return in time for lunch and afterwards, have some time to relax in your hammock outside your room or enjoy optional activities. In the late afternoon, spot birds and wildlife on a two-hour boat ride on the Sarapiquí River. Return to the lodge for evening refreshment at the Selvita Bar overlooking the Sarapiquí River before dinner. Overnight Selva Verde Lodge (BLD)
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January 25 - Sarapiquí
Bird the entry road into La Selva Biological Station early this morning. Lunch at La Selva then spend the remainder of the day birding inside La Selva Biological Station’s reserve. Overnight Selva Verde Lodge (BLD)
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January 26 - Sarapiquí
Depart this morning for San José for your flight back to the United States. (B)
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