Enchanting Birds
8 Days / 7 Nights

Costa Rica is a Paradise for bird watchers and together we can visit extraordinary places outside of the conventional routes where you will find gems of the forest in a completely natural environment to see some of the more allusive species of Costa Rica and learn from the wisdom of the locals who will accompany you in the search.

Lodging: 2 nights in San Gerardo de Dota, 2 nights in Posada Rural El Copal, 2 nights in Posada Rural Los Campesinos and 1 night in San José.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica

A TRC Viajes guide, an expert in birds, will meet you at Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría in San José to transfer you to Hotel Paraíso de Quetzales. It is located in the region of Los Santos, surrounded by a cloud forest and old giant oak trees making it a perfect place to see the resplendent Quetzal with its green feathered wings and red chest. Lodging in Paraíso de Quetzal (C)

 Day 2: Quetzal sighting

Very early in the morning we leave in search of the beautiful Quetzal that is considered to be one of the most beautiful birds in the world. They make their nest in the cloud forest and can be seen flying in the surrounding areas but more frequently in April and May. You can also see humming birds, woodpeckers, among others. In the afternoon we will bird watch in the oak tree forest of Parque Nacional Los Quetzales. Lodging in Paraíso de Quetzal (D/A/C)

 Day 3: Rinconcito Verde

Today we will travel to Rinconcito Verde, near the Parque Nacional Tapantí and Turrialba. According to the Ornithological Association, it is one of the best places to observe birds. More than 380 species of birds have been identified in the forest making this a paradise. It is part of the biological corridor of Parque Nacional Tapantí-Macizo de la Muerte and Parque Internacional La Amistad. The community will share with you their traditional activities such as the cultivation of sugar cane, cattle, sugar mill, where they will prepare the famous “tapa de dulce”. Later we will have a typical lunch and then leave to observe birds in the Reserve. There, incredible and rare beauty is combined in the area and the birds such as Colibrí Copete de Nieve, Cotinga Linda, Tororoi dorsiescamado, Saltarín Cuelliblanco. During dinner you will learn the history and the conservation efforts of the Association. Lodging in Posada Rural Rinconcito Verde (D/A/C).

 Day 4: Rinconcito Verde

Sunrise is around 5 in the morning and some birds are active before this hour. Take a hike through the forest accompanied by your guide and then return to the hostel where a delicious breakfast will be waiting so that later you can continue your bird watching in the areas near the restaurant. Lunch will be served at noon so that you can return to the forest. Lodging in Posada Rural Rinconcito Verde (D/A/C).

An optional activity: in the afternoon you can visit Monumento Nacional Guayabo, a place where you can find pre-Columbian ruins (entrance not included)

Day 5: Travel to the south Caribbean

After breakfast we will leave for Laguna Madre de Dios, one of the only places in Costa Rica where you can find the Garza Pechicastaña. The trip will continue along the Caribbean coast to Casa Calateas, where you can see the migration of Raptor birds. The best time for sightings is in the months of October to December. Lodging in Posada Rural Casa Calateas (D/A/C).

Day 6: The birds of Talamanca

Observation of birds and wildlife in the Parque Nacional Cahuita. This trip will also give you the opportunity to see the favorite birds of Talamanca such as toucans, parrots, falcons, mannequins, humming birds, wood peckers, magpies and other endemic of the zone, You can also enjoy the beach and if you want take a snorkel tour (additional cost). Lodging in Posada Rural Casa Calateas (D/A/C).

Day 7: Travel to the south Caribbean

In the morning we will leave to observe birds in the Reserve Casa Calateas and later leave for San José where you can walk around the capital. For a farewell dinner we will have typical Costa Rican dishes from the region (the regional dinner will be subject to availability) Lodging in Hotel Villa Tournon or similar (D/C).

Day 8: Return home

At an accorded hour you will be transported to Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José to take flights home hoping that you had good experiences on this trip and that you enjoyed the enchanting birds of our country. (D)

****End of our services****

Includes: 7 nights of lodging, private microbus transport, alimentation, described activities, entrance tickets to national parks, and an English bilingual guide.

Does not include: alcoholic beverages, optional activities, transfers not mentioned nor public buses, tips, departure taxes (presently $29 per person)

Type of alimentation:

D: Breakfast / A: Lunch / C: Dinner