Central and South America

Costa Rica | Birding Central, South Pacific and Highland Regions with Jerry Davis

Date:
Apr 2 - Apr 12, 2017
Duration:
11 Days
Price:
From $1,925
Interests:
Birding
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Agami Heron
Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan
Costa Rican Mountains
Red Poison Dart Frog
Resplendent Quetzal
Costa Rican waterfall
Green Honeycreeper
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Beehive Ginger at Selva Verde
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About this trip

Join Jerry Davis for an 11-day birding adventure in the central, south Pacific, and highland regions of Costa Rica. Set your sights on a host of birds, including target species like the Scarlet Macaw and Resplendent Quetzal, plus White-throated Mountain-gem, Wrenthrush, Buffy Tufted-cheek, Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl and hundreds more. Spend some time in the coastal mountain region of San Vito at elevations of 3,280 to 4,592 feet, the cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota in the Talamanca Mountains, and Carara National Park in the central Pacific for the chance to see a variety of birds inhabiting different elevations and habitats.

Highlights

  • View the amazing flight of the Scarlet Macaw near the Tárcoles River.
  • Stay at the renowned Savegre Lodge, whose private reserve is one of the best places in Costa Rica to see the elusive Resplendent Quetzal. 
  • Visit Cerro de la Muerte, an area with temperate forest and páramo habitats known to attract species such as the Red-fronted Parrotlet, Dusky Nightjar, Fiery-Throated Hummingbird and many more. 
  • Take guided hikes at night to look for nocturnal species. 
  • Spend a full day at Los Cusingos Wildlife Refuge in hopes of seeing Turquoise Cotinga, Speckled Tanager, Red-legged Honeycreeper and more. 
  • Take a boat ride along the Tárcoles River to see water and shore birds. 
Land Cost

$1,925

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $195

What makes us different

Scopes

All of our birding guides carry scopes to improve your chances of spotting even the most hard to find species

Rich content

All of our programs include experiences that are enriching and engaging to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations

Custom-tailored Trips

At Holbrook Travel we can customize any itinerary to meet the needs and goals of your group.

Worry-free Planning & Travel

Enjoy peace of mind with a dedicated educational travel consultant taking care of the logistics and our 24/7/365 support team ready to assist should any problems arise while your group is traveling.

Top birding guides

Our in-country birding guides are experts in bird identification and behavior, providing rewarding experiences for everyone from novice birders to ornithologists

Value for your money

Travel should be for everyone, that’s why we work hard to provide the highest quality content, itineraries and guides at affordable prices

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
San Jose
Upon arrival in Costa Rica, transfer to your hotel. Dinner is included if your arrival is before 7 p.m.
Dinner included
Rincón del Valle
San Gerardo De Dota
This morning after breakfast and orientation, transfer to Cerro de la Muerte, an area located at the top of the Cordillera de Talamanca that is famous for its diversity of endemic wildlife. Consisting of temperate forest and páramo habitats, the natural vegetation attracts species such as the rare Red-fronted Parrotlet, Costa Rican Pygmy-owl, Dusky Nightjar, Fiery-throated, Volcano, and Scintillant Hummingbirds, White-throated Mountain-gem, Ruddy Treerunner, Buffy Tuftedcheek, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Ochraceous Pewee, Silvery-throated Jay, Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatcher, Volcano Junco, Timberline Wren, Wrenthrush, and Resplendent Quetzal. Look for these species and others at Cerro de la Muerte and La Georgina en route to Savegre. Afternoon birding at the lodge before dinner. Take some time to visit the hummingbird feeders in front of reception and off the balcony of the lounge. The feeders are often active with resident Magnificent Hummingbird, Green Violetear, White-throated Mountain-gem, Volcano Hummingbird, and tiny Scintillant Hummingbird.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa
San Gerardo De Dota
Savegre is located in a small community in the Talamanca Mountains and houses its own private biological reserve. The high elevation habitat of mostly oak forest and highland cloud forest attracts a huge variety of avifauna. The large centennial oaks that cover the forest are laden with lichens and mosses that contrast with the colorful bromeliads. The forest is rich with insects, mammals, and amphibians, and 170+ bird species. Spend the morning birding in search of Spotted Wood-Quail, Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl, Collared Trogon, Buffy Tufted-cheek, Ruddy Treerunner, Ochraceous Pewee, Barred Becard, Zeledonia and Golden-browed Chlorophonia. Head to Los Lagos in the afternoon in search of the Resplendent Quetzal. Dinner is followed by a guided night walk.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa
San Isidro
This morning transfer to San Isidro. Visit Los Cusingos Wildlife Refuge for a full day of bird watching activities. Target species include Turquoise Cotinga, Speckled Tanager, Slaty Spinetail, Red legged Honeycreeper, Rufous browed Peppershrike, and Fork tailed Flycatcher. Los Cusingos Bird Refuge is part of the Don Alexander Biological Corridor which reaches as far as the Chirripo National Park. The 192 acres of protected lands were once part of the farm owned by Dr. Alexander Skutch, a respected naturalist and prolific writer (co author of "A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica"). The small and simple house where Dr. Skutch lived and worked for more than 60 years is now the Skutch Lankester House Museum. A system of trails that weave through the reserve's pre montane wet forest is home to tanagers, honeycreepers, parrots, falcons, hummingbirds, and woodpeckers and a number of mammals including agoutis, sloths, tayras, and monkeys. This afternoon includes birding on Talari's trails and an evening birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Talari Mountain Lodge
San Vito
Begin with an early bird walk and breakfast before departing for the coastal mountain region of San Vito. Visit Las Cruces Biological Station, a tropical research facility and a center for environmental education run by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS). This mid-elevation site is responsible for protecting more than 740 acres of premontane wet forest habitat and was declared part of La Amistad Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1983. Elevations ranging from 3,280 to 4,592 ft contribute to the station's rich diversity of flora and fauna including more than 400 birds, 113 mammals, and 2,000 plant species. Las Cruces is also home to the world-famous Wilson Botanical Gardens. The garden displays tropical and subtropical ornamentals including a number of rare and endangered plants from Costa Rica and other parts of the world. Spend the afternoon birding in the gardens. Dinner at the station, then take a night walk to look for nocturnal birds and mammals.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Las Cruces Biological Station
San Vito
After morning birding at Las Cruces, spend the afternoon at a nearby property in San Vito. The city is surrounded by mountains and has a cool climate with marshes that are home to the Masked Duck and Masked Yellowthroat (Chiriquí). The wetlands of San Vito attract many species of water birds, including wild ducks, gallinules, and White-throated Crake. Return to the station for dinner, then enjoy another guided night walk.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Las Cruces Biological Station
Dominical
After a final early bird walk at Las Cruces, depart for Dominical. Full day of exploring the trails of Hacienda Baru and see birds such as honeycreepers, toucans, petrels, jaegers, egrets, herons, whimbrels, sandpipers, plovers, and many more. Hacienda Baru consists of 815 acres of varied habitats, from wetlands and secondary rainforest in the lowlands to primary rainforest on the highland coastal ridge, attracting over 350 species of birds including Golden-naped Woodpecker, Fiery-billed Aracari, Black-hooded Antshrike, Baird's Trogon, Riverside Wren, and Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager. This afternoon check-in at Villas Rio Mar and take a guided bird walk in the rainforest.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Villas Rio Mar
Carara
After breakfast, depart for Hotel Villa Lapas, located in the Central Pacific area. Lunch is followed by a leisurely afternoon boat ride along the Tárcoles River to watch for both water and shore birds like Double-striped Thick-knee, Roseate Spoonbill, jacanas, and ducks. The Tárcoles River basin is one of the most important in the Pacific coastal region, virtually draining the entire western side of the Central Valley. Tárcoles hosts an amazing diversity of wildlife along its banks the river is a perfect spot to catch a glimpse of mangrove specialties such as the rare Rufous-necked Wood-rail, Mangrove Hummingbird, Pygmy Kingfisher, Panama Flycatcher, Mangrove Vireo, Mangrove (yellow) Warbler and Scrub Greenlet. Perhaps the most famous of all its inhabitants are the enormous crocodiles that live on its banks. Later take a guided night walk to observe owls.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Villa Lapas
Carara
Take an early morning bird walk before breakfast. Later visit Carara National Park for the day, one of the birding hotspots of Costa Rica. The park is located in Costa Rica's Central Pacific region, which is one the most ecologically diverse areas of the country. The intersection of the northwestern tropical dry forest habitats with the humid rainforests of the South Pacific region in a relatively small area produces a very interesting combination of species from both ecosystems. Keep your eyes peeled for Golden-naped Woodpecker, Baird's Trogon, Orange-collared Manakin, Riverside Wren, Black-hooded Antshrike, Dot-winged Antwren, Long-billed Gnatwren and Chestnut-backed Antbird. Before dinner at the lodge, watch for Scarlet Macaws from a nearby bridge.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Villa Lapas
San Jose
Begin the day with early morning birding before breakfast. Depart the lodge for San José, with lunch during the transfer. The afternoon is free to relax or explore. Tonight enjoy a special farewell dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Wyndham Herradura
San Jose
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Breakfast- included
Land Cost

$1,925

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $195

What's Included
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Departure tax
  • Full time expert birding guide for duration of program
What's Not Included
  • Carbon Offset
  • Gratuities
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 12 participants in triple occupancy.

A $200 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. The deposit is refundable less $100 cancellation fee until 95 days prior to departure. Cancellations after this date will result in loss of full deposit.

Cancellations after this date will result in loss of full deposit.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $195


Final payment due date: December 28, 2016

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry.

A visa is not re­quired for visits up to 30 days.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Costa Rican Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality. 

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Costa Rica, unless you are traveling from an endemic yellow fever area within six weeks prior to entry.

Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Costa Rica.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers to Central America may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.

CHIKUNGUNYA

In June 2014, El Salvador reported locally transmitted cases of chikungunya in Central America. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with chikungunya and are spreading it to people. Local transmission of chikungunya is now being reported in other countries in Central America. CDC recommends that travelers to the Central America area protect themselves from mosquito bites.

ZIKA VIRUS

Locally transmitted cases of Zika virus have been reported in Costa Rica. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with Zika and are spreading it to people. The CDC recommends that travelers to Costa Rica protect themselves from mosquito bites. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Resources

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Suggested Packing List

To help you get ready for your expedition, below is a suggested packing list. You may find many of these items in our Gear Store, plus many clothing and accessory items.

CLOTHING

  • T-shirts and one long-sleeved shirt for sun and mosquito protection
  • Shorts for the field and in towns
  • Pants (lightweight cotton), for protection against mosquitoes
  • Lightweight jacket/poncho or sweater/sweatshirt
  • Underwear
  • Bathing suit
  • Socks
  • Shoes
  • Hat or sun visor
  • Waterproof gear -- coat, hat, shoes/boots

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Camera and extra batteries
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with currency exchange
  • A small backpack for day walks
  • Photocopies of all documentation, passport, and tickets
  • Prescription drugs and a copy of the prescription
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks

In addition to your toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items include bandages, mosquito repellant, antihistamine, a pain-reliever, individually wrapped moist towlettes, anti-diarrhea medicine, anti-fungal cream, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

The areas we were taken to for birding were wonderful. Enjoyed all of the different lodges and the schedule was thoughtful.
- Linda F.
Costa Rica , 2016
Our guide was phenomenal in helping is find the elusive and not so elusive birds and as a result we saw close to 200 species.
- Mary H.
Costa Rica , 2016
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