Best of Birding

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Day By Day Itinerary 

If you are an avid birder or just getting started you’ll love our Costa Rica birding vacation! This vacation package has you going to some of the best locations to see birds in Costa Rica, including a chance to see the beautiful Quetzal! From the rainforest to the cloud forest you will have the opportunity to see many different species and habitats on your Costa Rica bird birding vacation! This vacation package has you going to some of the best locations to see birds in Costa Rica, including a chance to see the beautiful Quetzal! From the rainforest to the cloud forest you will have the opportunity to see many different species and habitats on your Costa Rica bird watching vacation!

Day 1:

Fly into San José, the capital of Costa Rica, where you will be welcomed by a My Costa Rica representative upon arrival. From the airport, you will be taken to the Hotel Aurola Holiday Inn, which is a perfect spot to begin your Costa Rica Bird Watching Vacation!

Day 2:

Your vacation starts with a private transfer to San Gerardo de Dota; only 90 minutes from San Jose! Tonight you’ll stay at Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge. This upscale eco-lodge borders the Los Quetzales National Park and the mountain region of Cerro de la Muerte. It is here where you will have the best chance of seeing the amazing Quetzal!

Day 3:

After an early breakfast, your birding adventure begins with your first bird watching tour through the stunning valley of San Gerardo. This truly exceptional region for birding is cataloged in the famous book, “Fifty places to go birding before you die.” More than 150 species are found in this valley, of which 30% are endemic. You will arrive back at the Dantica Lodge around lunchtime, giving you the rest of the afternoon to organize another tour, such as horseback riding, or time to relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Day 4:

Today you have your next birding tour to see the Resplendent Quetzal! San Gerardo de Dota has a yearly successful spotting rate of over 95% with the experienced guides. Shortly after the conclusion of this tour, you will travel onwards by private transfer to Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge & Lodge, located on Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Coast.

Day 5:

Your following tour on your Costa Rica birding vacation is a Lowland Birding hike; here you have the chance to see various habitats. On tour, you have the opportunity to climb a watch tower and walk through the secondary forest. After this tour, you’ll have another transfer on to Jaco. At Jaco, you will stay at the luxurious Club del Mar, a beach resort with a prime location being mere steps from the beach.

Day 6:

Next, take a Transfer to the north on the way you can tour through La Paz gardens and see the wonderful waterfalls. To conclude this tour, you’ll have a transfer to the northern region to stay at the Selva Verde lodge. While here you may see spectacular views.

Day 7:

Today you will set off to the nearby Caño Negro for an all day tour of the areas’ Wildlife Refugio. This area has impressive biodiversity; while here you can expect to see more than 40 species of birds! While at Caño Negro you also have the chance to see caimans, sloths, turtles, lizards, monkeys, and so much more! 

Day 8:

Your Costa Rica bird watching vacation is almost over, today you will have a shuttle transfer from Arenal to San Jose. This night you will stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Airport, which is located only 5 minutes from San Jose’s international airport giving you the chance to rest before your departure flight.

Day 9:

From your hotel, you will have a shuttle to the airport where you can catch your international flight back home. You’ll have seen lots of birds on your Costa Rica bird watching vacation and will be ready to return to Costa Rica for your next trip!

Costa Rica Vacations Signature Collection

8
SJO
Interests
Ideal for

Destinations Visited

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Vacation At a Glance

 

Hotel accommodation

  • 1-night at Hotel Aurola Holiday Inn
  • 3-nights at Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge
  • 1-night at Hacienda Baru
  • 1-night at Club del mar
  • 1-night at Selva Verde Lodge
  • 1-night at Courtyard by Marriott

Tour packages

  • San Gerardo de Dota Birding Tour
  • Quetzal Quest Birding Tour
  • Lowland Birding Tour
  • la Paz Waterfall Gardens
  • Caño Negro Wildlife Refugio Tour

Domestic transportation

  • Private Transfer
  • Shuttle transfers

All applicable taxes included, perks noted where applicable

 

Hotels Included

Holiday Inn San Jose Aurola

Holiday Inn Aurola

San Jose. Pool, Jacuzzi, Restaurant. TV, Internet access / Wi Fi, Phone, Safe Box, Private Jacuzzi, Mini Bar / Fridge, Coffee Maker, Hair Dryer. Concierge.
4
4
From: $125 - $200
Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge King Size Bed

Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge

San Gerardo. Boutique, Nature Restaurant. TV, Safe Box, Private Jacuzzi, Hair Dryer. Concierge.
3
5
From: Under $125
Hacienda Baru Aerial View

Hacienda Barú Lodge

Dominical. Favorite. Birding, Nature, Sustainable Ecolodge Pool, Restaurant, Shop. TV, Safe Box. .
3
5
From: Under $125
Club del Mar Grounds

Club del Mar

Jaco. Favorite. Beachfront Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Bar / Lounge. TV, Phone, Safe Box, Hair Dryer. Concierge, Room Service.
4
2
From: $200 - $300
Arenal Springs Aerial View

Arenal Springs Resort

Arenal. Favorite. Family Friendly, Adventure, Volcano, Hot Springs Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Shop. TV, Phone, Safe Box, Hair Dryer. Laundry Service, Concierge.
4
5
From: $200 - $300
Courtyard Marriott Escazu Two Bed Bedroom

Courtyard Marriott

Escazu, San Jose. Pool, Restaurant. TV, Phone, Safe Box, Private Jacuzzi, Hair Dryer. Laundry Service, Concierge.
3
4
From: $125 - $200

Tour Options

Best of birding

Best of Birding

Arenal, Cano Negro, Dominical, Jaco, San Gerardo, San Jose. . .
8
SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Can Negro sight seeing

Cano Negro Wildlife Tour

Cano Negro. Nature Guide, Drinks, Transfer, Equipment.
From: $50 - $75
Best of birding

Best of Birding

Arenal, Cano Negro, Dominical, Jaco, San Gerardo, San Jose. . .
8
SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.

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* The prices listed are subject to change at any time, you will receive a 100% exact price at the time of the quote. The rates listed here are per person of double occupancy and include taxes, domestic transportation, tours and hotels as described. The price DOES NOT include international air tickets or any other service not mentioned, includes the optional travel insurance.
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