Costa Rica has quickly become a popular birding destination. The abundance of birds and other wildlife due to the incredible habitat diversity, and its location as part of the land-bridge between North and South America, is astounding. Over 800 species of birds have been recorded within its borders.
From the mangroves, marshes, rivers and dry forest of the Pacific coast to the mid-elevation rainforest of the Caribbean foothills and high into the elfin cloud forests and paramo of Cerro de la Muerte, our search for new species will be fun and exciting. Visiting these three diverse habitats we hope to find, among others: Streaked Antpitta, Bay-headed Tanager, Snowcap, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Motmot, and of course, the revered Resplendent Quetzal.
Itinerary
March 1 - Arrival San Jose / Hotel Bougainvillea
Participants may be arriving in Costa Rica at varying times throughout the day. After a relaxing dinner we will have a brief orientation to Costa Rica and the tour. Then have a good night’s rest and prepare for an early rise to begin our amazing journey!
March 2, 3, 4 - Pacific Coast / Hotel Villa Lapas
Villa Lapas Hotel was designed with eco-tourism in mind—very comfortable, and placed where the birds are. This unique area will afford many surprises!
The Hotel lies near the Pacific coast, along the Rio Tarcoles Here we will explore Carara National Park. This area is a confluence of several habitats—tropical dry forest, coastal marsh and southern rainforest.
As we walk the trails we will look for Scarlet Macaw, Blue-crowned Manakin, Black-faced Antthrush, and the elusive Streaked Antpitta. Nearby we have also found Pacific Screech Owl, Striped Owl, Olivaceous Piculet, Scrub Greenlet and the endemic Mangrove Hummingbird.
March 5, 6, 7 - Cerro de la Muerte / Savegre Mountain Lodge
Set at 7,200 feet above sea level on a family farm with a clear trout stream running through it, Savegre Mountain Lodge is surrounded by one of the finest examples of highland pine-oak (elfin) cloud forest on the planet. The exhilarating ride into the valley is spectacular as the road winds along high cliffs and through the forest!
The surrounding private nature reserve is the best place in the world to see the Resplendent Quetzal—one of the most beautiful birds in the Americas. Other “hot” finds here may include Flame-colored Tanager, Volcano Junco, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, and Flame-throated Warbler.
Our lodge, set into the hillside, offers comfortable rooms—with heaters—as it gets very cool at night at this elevation. The restaurant offers buffet dining that always includes fresh trout and wonderful desserts.
March 8, 9, 10 - Caribbean Foothills / Rancho Naturalista
“The best place to see the Snowcap Hummingbird” is a quote heard often when people speak of Rancho Naturalista. This privately owned reserve is set at around 3000 ft. in the foothills of the Caribbean slope. The many trails on the property will keep us occupied searching for the 400 or so species found here. Even a lazy afternoon on the balcony can offer magnificent birding! This 125 acre ranch lies in pre-mountain rain forest in the Caribbean zone at 3000’. Over 400 species of birds have been record-
ed by guests locally. over 200 of them from the balcony alone!
Hummingbirds such as the Snowcap and Violet-crowned Woodnymph, as w ell as many passerines are regular visitors to the baths.
The flower-surrounded lodge and two cottages look 22 miles across the valley to Volcanoes Irazu and Turrialba. Delicious meals are served family style in the dining room, which has a view of the valley. A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables are provided year-round.
March 11 - San Jose / Hotel Bougainvillaea
Today’s drive will offer more spectacular views and some good birding stops as we return to San Jose for a good night’s sleep before returning to the USA.
March 12 - Return to USA
Departure to USA
