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.