Costa Rica is a premier destination for birding and wildlife enthusiasts, offering a rich diversity of habitats that support an incredible array of species. This trip will take you to some of the country’s most celebrated wildlife areas—an ideal introduction to tropical America.

From lush lowland rainforests to misty mountain cloud forests, this journey showcases the full range of Costa Rica’s natural wonders. Beginning near San José, we’ll head down to the wildlife-rich coastal lowlands, where colorful birds, monkeys, sloths, and other tropical species thrive. As we travel through the country’s vibrant ecosystems, each day will offer new encounters and surprises.

Our final days are spent in the cool highlands of the Talamanca Mountains, surrounded by ancient oak forests and breathtaking views. This region offers a completely different perspective on tropical birding—quiet trails, cooler air, and a chance to see iconic species like the resplendent quetzal. Throughout the week, your expert guides will help you spot, identify, and appreciate the incredible biodiversity all around you.

Whether you're an experienced birder or new to tropical nature travel, this trip is designed to delight. With carefully selected lodges, small-group camaraderie, and access to some of Costa Rica’s best wildlife locations, it’s an adventure not to miss.

Join Wild Birds Unlimited and Reefs to Rockies on this fun, weeklong adventure through the wildest parts of beautiful Costa Rica!

Arlet Quirós Calvo is a biologist and naturalist with a deep passion for wildlife, storytelling, and guiding. Born and raised in Los Santos, Costa Rica, and now based on the Osa Peninsula, she weaves together science, nature, and human connection to create unforgettable experiences for travelers. Arlet holds a master’s degree in natural resources management with a focus on biodiversity and is dedicated to helping others foster a deeper connection to the natural world. She’s thrilled to co-lead this expedition and share some of the most remarkable places in her home country.

Kyle Carlsen from Reefs to Rockies is excited to co-lead this expedition alongside our local Costa Rican naturalist guide. With a strong background in avian research and conservation, Kyle brings extensive field experience and a track record of published work in journals, books, and magazines. His travels have taken him across North America, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia, deepening his expertise in diverse ecosystems. Kyle ensures that every journey he leads is not only educational but also inspiring.

Afternoon or evening arrival in San José, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel for the first night of our Costa Rican adventure. The hotel is nestled within an award-winning, 10-acre tropical botanical garden—widely recognized as one of the most beautiful in the country.

Accommodations: Hotel Bougainvillea

Meals: None

Trip starts and ends at the San José International Airport (SJO).

Not only are the hotel gardens stunning, but they also attract a variety of birds, making for a perfect introduction to Costa Rica’s avifauna. We’ll enjoy a morning of birding right outside our door, followed by a brief orientation over breakfast. Then we’ll begin our journey down to the Pacific coast. Along the way, we’ll stop at Carara National Park, home to one of the country’s largest populations of scarlet macaws. A walk through the coastal rainforest may reveal parrots, hummingbirds, trogons, antbirds, frogs, iguanas, monkeys, and more. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Dominical, a relaxed coastal town that will be our home base for the next few nights.

Accommodations: Villas Río Mar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today we visit Manuel Antonio National Park, famed for its mix of tropical beauty and abundant wildlife. Expect encounters with both two-toed and three-toed sloths, several monkey species, toucans, parrots, and a wide range of other birds and mammals. We’ll return to our hotel for a relaxing dinner and time to share highlights from the day.

Accommodations: Villas Río Mar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Another immersive day in the coastal rainforest awaits. Today’s destination is Hacienda Barú, a private wildlife refuge with a well-maintained trail system that offers easy access to the area’s rich flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, and of course, more tropical birds. This afternoon, we’ll enjoy some downtime at the hotel, followed by an early dinner at one of our favorite venues in the region. In the evening, we return to Hacienda Barú for a guided night tour—an exciting opportunity to experience the rainforest after dark and encounter a different cast of creatures. Don’t worry, we won’t stay out too late—rest is important!

Accommodations: Villas Río Mar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After exploring the lowlands, it’s time to head into the mountains. As we ascend into the cloud forest, you’ll notice a dramatic change in climate and scenery. While the humidity persists, the air cools noticeably—pack warm clothes; you’ll be glad you did! At Paraíso Quetzal Lodge, we’ll be immersed in pristine cloud forest, home to a fascinating array of species, including the iconic resplendent quetzal. Hummingbird activity here is spectacular, both in diversity and sheer numbers. The contrast with the lowlands may have you wondering if we’re still in the same country!

Accommodations: Paraíso Quetzal Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We’ll begin the day with a gentle walk through the cloud forest in search of quetzals and other highland species. Later, we’ll visit several hotspots in the area, including the renowned Batsù Garden—famous among birders and photographers for its feeding station that attracts colorful tanagers, thrushes, woodpeckers, and a dazzling variety of hummingbirds. We’ll return to the lodge for a cozy final evening together and our farewell dinner.

Accommodations: Paraíso Quetzal Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, we will travel back to San José to connect with our flights home.

Meals: Breakfast

Plan your departure flight from SJO Airport at 1 pm or later.