Costa Rica | Introduction to Neotropical Birding

Upon arrival in San José, you will be met and taken to the hotel. Check-in begins at 3 pm. Elevation is 3,100 feet.

This morning, meet for breakfast and program orientation followed by an introduction to tropical birding from a local expert. Depart for Arenal, en route stop at a café in Cinchona known for its many hummingbird feeders. Continue on, stopping en route at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you will have lunch and then visit the hummingbird gardens and butterfly farm. The highest point visited today at 6,200 feet at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Dinner at local restaurant.

This morning take an exciting zipline adventure at nearby SkyTrek before lunch then visit Arenal Observatory to for some afternoon birding. Arrive at the hotel for check in and have dinner. Take an optional walk this evening to discover nocturnal frogs and insects. Elevation: approximately 225 feet in Sarapiquí.

Begin the day with early morning birding. After breakfast, explore Tirimbina Biological Reserve on a guided hike. The trails at Tirimbina are designed to afford excellent opportunities for viewing rainforest biodiversity. As a large proportion of life in the rainforest thrives in the canopy layer, visitors can experience the richness of treetop flora and fauna from a 328-foot suspended canopy walkway spanning one of the many stream valleys in the reserve. Return to the lodge for lunch. The SCLC is a not for profit organization founded to preserve the cultural integrity of the rural community of Chilamate and aid in sustainable community development projects. Return to Tirimbina for a short hike before dinner then enjoy an informative talk on the lives of bats.

Depart early this morning for the Organization for Tropical Studies La Selva Biological Station. Established in 1968, La Selva is world-renowned for scientific research on rainforest ecosystems. Be on the lookout for the Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Crested Guan, Great Tinamou, Pied Puffbird, and Spectacled Owl as possible sightings. Return to the lodge for lunch. This afternoon take an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip on the Río Sarapiquí. A professional river guide escorts all trips, and all necessary safety equipment (helmet, life jackets, etc.) will be provided. Following a thorough safety orientation and basic rafting lesson, enjoy both Class II and Class III rapids.

Early morning birding in the gardens at the hotel before departing for San Gerardo de Dota. En route, visit Nectar and Pollen Reserve where some interesting possibilities include the Snowcap, Long tailed Tyrant, Cinnamon Woodpecker, White Hawk and others. Have lunch then continue to San Gerardo de Dota, a small community in the Talamanca Mountains that sits at an elevation of about 7,220 feet. The forest surrounding the hotel is home to massive oaks, colorful plants, and an incredible variety of animal life: birds, insects, mammals, and amphibians. The famous valley is a paradise for birdwatchers, with more than 170 species recorded here. The crown jewel is the magnificent Resplendent Quetzal, which lives in the region year round.

Spend the morning exploring the upper trails at Savegre Reserve in search of Resplendent Quetzal and some of the other species present here. Board 4x4 vehicles to travel up to the beginning of the trail system. The large centennial oaks of the forest are laden with lichens and mosses that contrast with the colorful bromeliads, adding to the striking atmosphere of this forest. Explore the trails in search of such specialties as Spotted Wood-Quail, Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl, Resplendent Quetzal, Collared Trogon, Buffy Tuftedcheek, Ruddy Treerunner, Ochraceous Pewee, Barred Becard, Wrenthrush, and Golden-browed Chlorophonia, just to name a few. After lunch, continue birding at Miriam's Quetzals, a local gem for birding. Dinner is at the lodge this evening.

Check out of the hotel return to San Jose. En route, visit Cerro Buena Vista in Los Quetzales National Park to look for Volcano Junco, among other high elevation (10,400 feet) species then stop at Paraíso del Quetzal for lunch. Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and take some time to freshen up and relax. Attend a farewell dinner this evening.

Transfer to the airport in time to catch your flight home.