The Southern Highlands & Pacific Day by Day Itinerary
Calling all bird watchers! This enchanting package will introduce you to Costa Rica’s birding destinations of San Gerardo de Dota and Uvita. Get a chance to spot a wide variety of birds and immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s natural beauty. Have a look!
Day 1:
You will fly into San José International Airport where a representative from our company waits for you. There, you will be picked up by one of our drivers and have a comfortable ride to Hotel Bougainvillea. At the Hotel Bougainvillea, you will easily forget that you are just 15 minutes from downtown San José. The hotel has extensive gardens with mature trees and wonderful tropical flowers. It offers a picturesque outdoor pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, an epicurean restaurant and a bar for you to enjoy.
Day 2:
Enjoy the drive through Costa Rica’s Highlands to the tranquil village San Gerardo de Dota. The beautiful Trogon Lodge is THE place in Costa Rica to view the beautiful quetzal. This cloud forest lodge offers a relaxing refuge for those looking for some great nature hiking, birdwatching, and beautiful scenery! Beautiful mountain cabins, home cooked food, a great new spa and remodeled bar complete this charming lodge.
Day 3:
The Birdwatching Tour in San Gerardo de Dota is featured in the classic guide “Fifty Places to go Birding Before You Die.” The valley of San Gerardo is a wonderful place where you can observe more than 150 species which are found in the valley.
Day 4:
Birdwatching is the main attraction of this region so you will definitely enjoy the Quetzal Bird Tour. The beautiful environment of biological corridors with more than 170 species of birds make this a birder’s paradise. Various migratory species arrive throughout the year and join the native species which creates a colorful view for birdwatchers.
Day 5:
Your private transfer will take you to Uvita. You will check in to Cristal Ballena which is located on a hillside between the Pacific Ocean and rainforest-covered mountains. The hotel has a big
garden area and offers a 180-degree view of Bahia Ballena. Furthermore, it features rooms with private balconies and stunning ocean views. You will have the chance to enjoy amazing sunsets.
Day 6:
The Birding Tour arranged by Cristal Ballena is perfect for exploring the impressive and versatile bird and plant life in the nearby area – even in the resort’s personal gardens. You can hike on your own or book a bird watching tour with the experienced guides for an unforgettable experience. Hotel Cristal Ballena is a popular destination for many bird and nature lovers. More than 200 bird species have been recorded on the property.
Day 7:
On the seventh day of your vacation, our driver will pick you up to ride along the Pacific Coast to Jacó. You will check in to Cerro Lodge which offers comfortable and luxurious rooms. Enjoy the wonderful views on the ocean or take a swim in the pool after spending the day birding in the Tarcoles River.
Day 8:
On this day, you will go on the Tarcoles Mangrove Birding Tour. The Tarcoles River and its mangroves are an extraordinary birding area. Carara and Tarcoles contain a wonderful sample of species of wet tropical pacific habitats and species that would be common in the drier areas of the northwest of Costa Rica. Over 400 species of birds have been registered in the area. The best way to explore this is by boat.
Day 9:
The Carara National Park is home to approximately 48% of Costa Rica’s aviary species. A driver will pick you up from your lodge and drive to the National Park in about 20 minutes. This tour will show you the importance of the region which is situated in a transitional region between tropical dry forest and humid Pacific rainforest. You will be able to see the flora and fauna of this varied ecosystem as well as many colorful species of bird, such as the Scarlet Macaw and the Collared Aracari.
Day 10:
On the last day of your Costa Rica vacation, you will go back to San José Airport to board your flight back home. Have a great journey!
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