Costa Rica | Birding the Northwest with Mario Córdoba

About this trip

Embark on a birding adventure in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region! Under the expert guidance of Mario Córdoba, you’ll seek out an impressive array of migrant and resident birds amid the northwest province’s tropical dry forests, mangroves, wetlands, volcanoes, and rainforests. The region’s distinct habitats provide an opportunity to observe species not often found in other parts of the country.

This trip can be paired with Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, March 19-26, 2024

Highlights

Look for Plain-capped Starthroat, Elegant Trogon, Thicket Tinamou, parrots, and parakeets in Santa Rosa National Park, the country’s largest remaining tract of tropical dry forest.
Take a mangrove boat tour for the chance to spot the Jabiru and other water birds.
Explore the volcanic landscapes, bubbling mud pools, rivers, and waterfalls of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, home to more than 250 avian species.
Visit a private rainforest reserve where targets include the Ornate Hawk-Eagle, King Vulture, Lovely Cotinga, Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Three-wattled Bellbird, Black-crested Coquette, and Snowcap, among others.

Meet your leaders

Mario Córdoba

Mario Córdoba Hidalgo has been a nature guide in Costa Rica for more than two decades. During all these years he has expanded his knowledge and appreciation for the country’s unique features and introduced many visitors to its beauty and biodiversity. Born in 1973 in Quesada, San Carlos, he spent his early years exploring nature with his local Boy Scout troop. This was the onset of his lifelong passion for the natural world. After completing primary and secondary school, he went on to attend the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica for his professional training in ecotourism. He learned the trade as a tour guide at places like Arenal Volcano and Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. He has been leading tours for Holbrook Travel since 1996.

Debbie Sturdivant Jordan

Debbie's 30-year career with Holbrook Travel began in 1986 with company founder Giovanna Holbrook. Debbie rejoined Holbrook in 1996, and her passion for birding and nature travel has led her to organize group expeditions that directly support habitat conservation in Central and South America. Now working part-time, she enjoys the duties of Holbrook Ambassador and helps non-profit and specialty group clientele with all aspects of program development and marketing. A lifelong traveler, Debbie arrived in Florida with her family aboard their 36-foot sailboat in 1972, after cruising from California to Florida via the Galápagos Islands and the Panama Canal. When not traveling for work or pleasure, she is appreciating grandchildren in her Melrose, Florida home.

Guanacaste

Mar 26, 2024

Upon arrival at the Liberia International Airport in northwestern Costa Rica, the group will meet and travel together to Hacienda Guachipelin. Please ensure incoming flights arrive by 3 pm. Dinner and orientation tonight at the hotel restaurant. Check-in starts at 3 pm.

Dinner included

Overnight at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin

Guanacaste

Mar 27, 2024

Start the day with birding around the lodge grounds, where you may see Turquoise-browed Motmot, Crested Caracara, Red-lored and White-fronted Parrots, toucans, guans, and woodpeckers. After breakfast, spend the day in Rincón de la Vieja National Park. More than 250 avian species have been recorded in the area, which is characterized by rivers and waterfalls, tropical dry forest, bubbling mud pools, and several volcanos, including the one for which the park is named. Elevations range from 2,000 feet to over 6,300 feet. Watch for Northern Emerald-Toucanet, Lesser Ground-Cuckoo, Black-faced Solitaire, Long-tailed Manakin, Orange-chinned Parakeet, and Three-wattled Bellbird, among others. Return to the lodge this afternoon and review the daily bird checklist before dinner.