Costa Rica - Birdwatching in Paradise - 7 Days

La Fortuna is home to the greater Arenal recreation area, the entire region is paradise on Earth for outdoor adventurers. Volcanic views grace the landscape and heat several geothermal hot springs. A lake and rivers beckon you toward aquatic adventure. Refreshing waterfalls reward you after hikes, offering crisp pools and spectacular views. 

Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most notable natural features. Standing at 5,437 feet (1,657 meters), this volcano has been resting (i.e. not active) since 2010. However, it is no less majestic to behold, as it’s practically a behemoth against the region’s perfect skies. Rising above the rainforest that surrounds its base, Arenal Volcano frames the skyline with near-perfect symmetry.

Los Lagos Resort & Spa or similar / Breakfast included

The Arenal Volcano area is the habitat of a variety of birds that make their permanent or temporary home near Lake Arenal. Enjoy a half-day birdwatching tour with a naturalist guide. Expect to see toucans, parrots, oropendolas, colorful tanagers, and parakeets. With more experienced birdwatchers, the naturalist guide will focus on spotting Royal Flycatchers, White-fronted Nunbird, Cinnamon Woodpeckers, and other less commonly seen species.

With the Sky Tram and Sky Walk, you will experience a different way to admire the forest. Once you arrive at the park, you will start with the first Sky Walk. Which consists of walking through the primary rainforest and includes suspension bridges, observation points, and waterfalls. Walking across the suspension bridges will provide you with a new perspective on the complexity of the rainforest.

The next activity is the Sky Tram, during which you'll board a gondola and ascend through the rainforest. This tram goes slow and provides you with ample opportunities to engage in the forest and search for animals. The ride ends at an observation deck, where you'll enjoy views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal perfect place to the perfect picture.

Los Lagos Resort & Spa or similar / Breakfast included

The trip combines comfortable door to door minivan transfers with a fun and scenic cruise across the tranquil Lake Arenal, where you will experience beautiful views of the majestic volcano and the forested Tilaran Mountain Range. You will also have the chance to see a variety of wetland birds such as kingfishers, flycatchers, waders and other exotic species that abound on the lakeshore.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Arenal and be driven to the Lake Arenal dam, where you will board a covered boat. This is where the scenic 45-minute cruise across the lake begins. Next, you will begin the impressive 1.5-hour journey up the mountainside on a steep road offering stunning views of the lush, green valley. You will be driven directly to your Monteverde area hotel.

IMPORTANT: Passengers should expect to carry their bags/luggage to and from the boat. Drivers will do their best to help if you have any problems with carrying heavy bags. Just let them know in advance.

Home to cool, misty cloud forests, and deep green foliage almost everywhere you look, there’s no mistaking that you’ve stepped away from everyday life. If spending time in nature is at the top of your travel to-do list, then you’ll get your fill of adventure in this part of Costa Rica’s Central Highlands. From zip-lining across a canopy to tours of coffee plantations, there are plenty of activities to keep you moving in the fresh air.  Monteverde is translated as “green mountain”, and once you’ve reached the mountaintop, you’ll first come upon the quaint town of Santa Elena. Here you’ll find gift stores, accommodations, a bus stop, restaurants, cafes, a supermarket, banks and much more. Though Monteverde proper does not have a town center, it is comprised of a dirt road that leads to the Cloud Forest Reserve. Spread out along this walkable road are hotels, cafes, restaurants, galleries, and excellent views

Hotel Poco a Poco & Spa or similar / Breakfast included

Anyone who has birded Costa Rica has heard of Monteverde, the famous cloud forest. One of the legendary and classic bird watching spots where 350+bird species have been identified. Located at an altitude ranging from 1400 to1700 meters above sea level, this cool retreat is home to hundreds of tropical birds. 

Apart from the popular quetzals and toucans, other species commonly see include wood creepers, flycatchers and migratory species like orioles and grosbeaks; although not often se but frequently herd, the three-wattle bellbird also resides here.

Hotel Poco a Poco & Spa or similar / Breakfast included

Tarcoles River is located in the Central Pacific on the way to Jaco beach and Manuel Antonio National Park. The river is 111 kilometers long and its watershed covers an area of 2,121 square kilometers, which encompasses around 50% of the country’s population. The river’s upper reaches form the northern border of the Carara Biological Reserve. It is a habitat for American crocodiles, while the marshes located at the river’s mouth have many waterfowl and wading birds. Among the many herons and egrets are the boatbill and Bare-throated tiger heron, and other birds found here include double-striped thick-knee, mangrove warbler, and American pygmy kingfisher. Reptiles, such as the American crocodile, common basilisk and large iguanas, are also easily seen.

Hotel Cerro Lodge or similar / Breakfast included

Carara National Park, just north of Jaco, not only has impressive jungle and easy trails, but this park is considered one of the country’s best birding destinations. Even if you aren’t a serious birder, it’s hard not to appreciate that over 400 species have been identified here. From the ranger station, one main trail, the Universal Loop (1.2 km/0.75 miles), circles through shaded forest with shrubby undergrowth. This short trail is flat, paved with concrete, and has resting benches. About halfway through the Universal Loop, the Quebrada Bonita Trail (1.5 km/1 mile) branches off. This trail is much more rustic and what you would typically think of as a hiking trail. A third trail, the Araceas, branches off the Quebrada Bonita and makes another 1.2 km (0.75 mile) loop. This trail is even more rustic and has lots of steps. 

A separate trail, the Meandrica or Riverside Trail, is located about 2 km (1.2 miles) north of the main ranger station. This is the place to go if you’re serious about birding.

Hotel Cerro Lodge or similar / Breakfast included

It's time to say goodbye!