Daily Itinerary by destination:

Bosque de Paz – Bosque de Paz Lodge

Check Route Map

Day 1: Breakfast at the lodge, followed by a departure to Bajos del Toro town and the “Forest of Peace”, a fantastic destination for Hummingbird lovers and Quetzal seekers. The lodge has an extensive trail system for exploring its avian diversity, and we will spend the rest of the day on the lodge grounds. Bosque de Paz is an amazing place to find highland endemics such as the Azure-hooded Jay, Prong-billed Barbet and Gray-breasted Woodwren.

Day 2: We will begin early on the forest trails around the lodge looking for Resplendent Quetzals, Red-headed Barbet, Leaftossers, Woodhunters, Woodcreepers, Highland Tinamous, and more. After a well-deserved breakfast we will travel a few minutes down the road to another great Hummingbird garden at the Bajos del Toro waterfall. Many other beautiful species are found here as well, such as Prevost’s Ground Sparrow, Purplish-backed Quaildove, Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher, etc. After exploring the forest trails and hummingbird gardens we will return to the lodge for lunch and more forest birds.

Day 3: We will explore the nearby forest trails where Highland Tinamous, Purplish-backed Quail Dove, Spotted Barbtail, Streak Woodhunter and many other Understory and Canopy species thrive. After breakfast we will take a short drive to the upper valley to see the beautiful views of the Poas and Barva volcanoes, and to target raptors such as Great Black Hawk and Solitary Eagles. After lunch we will birdwatch in the surrounding forest edges for Gray-breasted Wood Wren, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Redstars and more. Leaving before lunch.

Sarapiqui.

Check Route Map

Day 3: Sarapiqui: La Selva Biological Station Day 1: Travelling to the breathtaking Braulio Carrillo National Park you will see dozens of small waterfalls, evergreen vegetation, and virgin forest, 95% of which has never been altered by human hands. More than 350 species have been recorded within the park and adjacent villages, making it one of the best places in Costa Rica to visit. Our first stop will be a local farm in search of the Spectacle Owl, Long-tailed Tyrant, Great Potoo, White-throated Crake and many more! We will stop for lunch at a local restaurant and then visit the national park to find Sharpbills, Aracaries, mixed flocks of Tanagers, Orioles, Woodpeckers, Barbets, Woodquails, rare Wrens, etc.

Day 4: The lodge and nearby riparian forest hold a vast biodiversity of birds, such as Sunbittern, Green Ibis, Bright-rumped Atila, Fasciated Antshrike, and Rufous-tailed Jacamar, and we will spend the day exploring these grounds. We will also visit a couple other local spots to search for Guans, Toucans and more.

Day 5: A visit to the world of La Selva Biological Station for some of the best birding in the area, combining large forested areas with secondary vegetation and gardens. Dozens of birds are found upon arrival, including Guans, Tanagers, Motmots, Toucans, Becards, and Euphonias, and we will explore the nearby grounds in search of the Great Green Macaw, Bat Falcon, etc. Leaving before lunch.

Tortuguero National Park

Check Route Map

Day 5: Upon arrival we will explore local canals for Rufescent Tiger Heron, Harpy Eagle, Sungrebe, Gray-headed Piprites, Black-headed Today Flycatcher, Cinnamon Woodpecker, Agami Heron, and Great Green Macaw.

Day 6: Beginning early, we will head back to the canals before breakfast. We will embark upon a three hours boat ride and explore the local gardens for open field birds such as Trogons, Flycatchers, Woodpeckers, Hummingbirds, Parakeets, etc. In the afternoon we will continue searching for our targets, and for the biggest hope of the tour, the Harpy Eagle.

Day 7: We will again begin before sunrise in search of the Harpy Eagle. Via boat we will immerse ourselves into the jungles of Tortuguero. The vast forest and calm waters make this destination a breath-taking one, and as the sunlight shines and casts its golden glow across the beautiful greens of the forest, we will be there to see the birds arising for first light at the river’s edge. The day will be a combination of boat rides and hikes in the nearby jungle.