Join us for a birding tour to Costa Rica from October 12-24, 2025. This extraordinary 11-day tour will take us through some of the unique eco-regions of the country, offering birdwatchers an unparalleled opportunity to observe nearly 400 species of birds in one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, Costa Rica. On this tour, we will also be staying in some of the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica, that offer superb food, accommodation and of course, birding! Our tour begins in San Jose in the Central Valley and takes us to the Southern Pacific Lowlands, Pacific Foothills, Talamanca Highlands, and Caribbean Foothills. Though relatively small, Costa Rica boasts one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. With four birding zones and numerous micro-ecosystems, the country offers abundant opportunities to view birds and wildlife in their natural habitats. Costa Rica is home to over 50 species of hummingbirds, found in environments ranging from cloud forests and humid lowlands to arid mountain peaks, dry forests, and mangroves. This richness in nature is no accident. In the mid-20th century, Costa Rican leaders recognized the importance of conservation, and today, 27% of the country is designated as protected land. Rather than investing in military development, Costa Rica has focused on education and social security programs. Despite the growth of tourism, the country remains peaceful, friendly, and welcoming, with locals who take great joy in sharing the treasures of their homeland.
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Tour Information
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Dates: October 14-24, 2025
Start/End City: San Jose (SJO) Cost: $7695 CAD | $5295 USD per person. The cost is based on double occupancy and includes, accommodation, meals, transport, park entrance fees and professional guiding services. A single supplement is available for $1,100 CAD | $750 USD. Guides: Gavin McKinnon & Fabian Torres
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October 14: Arrive in San Jose
Arrive in Costa Rica, where you will be met by your guide and transferred to a lodge near the airport for the first night.
October 15: Carara National Park and transfer to the Southern Pacific Lowlands
We will start the day with early birding before breakfast, then depart for the Southern Pacific Lowlands with a stop at the renowned Carara National Park. This transitional forest is home to many species unique to southwestern Costa Rica. For example Golden-naped Woodpecker, Baird’s Trogon, Royal Flycatcher, Great Tinamou, White-whiskered Puffbird, and the colourful Scarlet Macaw. After a delicious lunch in the area, we’ll continue our journey to Hotel Cristal Bellena, an excellent lodge for birdwatching in the Southern Pacific Lowlands.
October 16: Southern Pacific Lowlands
Today we will start the morning birding at Cristal Ballena, nestled in a 12-hectare reserve next to Marino Ballena National Park, it offers stunning views of the ocean. In its gardens, we may spot Gray-headed Chachalaca, Cocoa Woodpecker, Black-and-White Owl, Bay-headed Tanager, Long-billed Hermit, and the endemic Fiery-billed Aracari, among others. After early morning birding, we embark on a whale-watching tour in Ballena Marine National Park. The boat trip will search for Humpback Whales and dolphins, and visit nearby islets to look for the Cocos Booby, Magnificent Frigatebirds, Brown Noddy, Galapagos Shearwater, and potentially storm-petrels. Enjoy lunch in the area, then return to the lodge for more birding in the lush gardens and along Cristal Ballena's wooded trails.
October 17-18: Talamanca Reserve
Today we travel to the heart of Valle de El General and the foothills of Costa Rica's tallest mountain. After breakfast, we head to Valle de El General in search of the rare Turquoise Cotinga. After lunch in the area, we continue to Talamanca Nature Reserve. This region is renowned for hiking trips to the country’s summit and, more recently, for its reputation as a birding hotspot, combining middle elevation and highland specialties.
At the reserve, explore we will the gardens and feeding stations, where we may spot Speckled Tanager, Red-headed Barbet, Elegant Euphonia, White-tailed Emerald, White-crested Coquette, Golden-olive Woodpecker, and the Northern Emerald-Toucanet. We will spend the next day birding within the 4,000-acre reserve, exploring the trails and local hotspots. After lunch in town, return to the reserve for more birding in the gardens.
October 19: Talamanca Highlands
After breakfast, we travel to the Talamanca region, stopping at the Paramo (above 3,000 meters) to search for endemic species such as the Volcano Junco and Timberline Wren. Enjoy lunch at a local cafe which is known for attracting hummingbirds. In the afternoon, we will check in at Paraiso Quetzal Lodge, situated 2,700 meters above sea level. This lodge combines highland oak and cloud forests with open grasslands and forest edges, home to a diverse mix of birds, including the striking Resplendent Quetzal, our primary target in the area. Explore the gardens for a chance to encounter the Fiery-throated Hummingbird and Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher. Weather permitting, take an owling walk in search of the Bare-shanked Screech-Owl and possibly Dusky Nightjar.
October 20: Resplendent Quetzal - Casa Dowii - Hotel Quelitales
Before breakfast, we will search for Resplendent Quetzals with the help of local guides who are familiar with he birds movements. After this magical experience, enjoy breakfast in the lodge's gardens and look for birds such as the Talamanca Hummingbird, Volcano Hummingbird, and Black-billed Nightingale Thrush. After checking out, we will drive to the Casa Dowii Reserve, a place built by birders for birders, known for its rare species, including the Buffy-crowned Wood-partridge, Buff-fronted Quail-Dove, Spangle-cheeked Tanager, and Silvery-fronted Tapaculo. After lunch, enjoy the bird feeders which are excellent for photography. Casa Dowii also offers a gourmet coffee experience and locally sourced food. In the afternoon, head we'll to the Cachi Valley to the next lodge, Hotel Quelitales. Located in the mountains of Cartago, this upscale lodge is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. In the gardens, you may see over 30 species of hummingbirds, such as the Black-bellied Hummingbird, Green-fronted Lancebill, White-bellied Mountain-Gem, and Brown Violetear. In the evening, we'll explore the reserve’s trails in search of mixed flocks of tanagers and, if lucky, the Scaled Antpitta will make an appearance.
October 21: Birding Hotel Quelitales and surrounding areas
This morning, explore the gardens and nearby areas for birds like the Costa Rica Warbler, Sooty-faced Finch, White-eared Ground Sparrow, and Scarlet-thighed Dacnis. After lunch, visit the region's coffee plantations and local spots, including the town plaza for Tropical Screech Owl, lake, and farming areas, where you may find the endangered Cabanis's Ground Sparrow. This bird is one of Costa Rica's most iconic species.
October 22: Birding at Rancho Naturalista
After breakfast, depart for a full-day trip to Rancho Naturalista. Spend the day observing birds attracted to the lodge’s tropical fruits, flora, and hummingbird feeders. Highlights include Ruddy Quail-Dove, Grey-headed Chachalaca, Lineated Woodpecker, White-crowned Manakin, Thicket Antpitta, Great Tinamou, Barred Forest-Falcon, and the Snowcap, the region’s star species. Enjoy lunch at the lodge and visit local hotspots in the afternoon before returning to Hotel Quelitales for dinner.
October 23: Birding at Hotel Quelitales and Central Valley
Start the day with birding at the lodge grounds, including a visit to the waterfall and upper trail. After check-out, travel across Cartago City, stopping at local hotspots for more birding. Enjoy lunch en route before arriving at your airport lodge for the final night.
October 24: Depart San Jose
Today we will say our goodbyes and transfer to the airport to catch flights home.
Arrive in Costa Rica, where you will be met by your guide and transferred to a lodge near the airport for the first night.
October 15: Carara National Park and transfer to the Southern Pacific Lowlands
We will start the day with early birding before breakfast, then depart for the Southern Pacific Lowlands with a stop at the renowned Carara National Park. This transitional forest is home to many species unique to southwestern Costa Rica. For example Golden-naped Woodpecker, Baird’s Trogon, Royal Flycatcher, Great Tinamou, White-whiskered Puffbird, and the colourful Scarlet Macaw. After a delicious lunch in the area, we’ll continue our journey to Hotel Cristal Bellena, an excellent lodge for birdwatching in the Southern Pacific Lowlands.
October 16: Southern Pacific Lowlands
Today we will start the morning birding at Cristal Ballena, nestled in a 12-hectare reserve next to Marino Ballena National Park, it offers stunning views of the ocean. In its gardens, we may spot Gray-headed Chachalaca, Cocoa Woodpecker, Black-and-White Owl, Bay-headed Tanager, Long-billed Hermit, and the endemic Fiery-billed Aracari, among others. After early morning birding, we embark on a whale-watching tour in Ballena Marine National Park. The boat trip will search for Humpback Whales and dolphins, and visit nearby islets to look for the Cocos Booby, Magnificent Frigatebirds, Brown Noddy, Galapagos Shearwater, and potentially storm-petrels. Enjoy lunch in the area, then return to the lodge for more birding in the lush gardens and along Cristal Ballena's wooded trails.
October 17-18: Talamanca Reserve
Today we travel to the heart of Valle de El General and the foothills of Costa Rica's tallest mountain. After breakfast, we head to Valle de El General in search of the rare Turquoise Cotinga. After lunch in the area, we continue to Talamanca Nature Reserve. This region is renowned for hiking trips to the country’s summit and, more recently, for its reputation as a birding hotspot, combining middle elevation and highland specialties.
At the reserve, explore we will the gardens and feeding stations, where we may spot Speckled Tanager, Red-headed Barbet, Elegant Euphonia, White-tailed Emerald, White-crested Coquette, Golden-olive Woodpecker, and the Northern Emerald-Toucanet. We will spend the next day birding within the 4,000-acre reserve, exploring the trails and local hotspots. After lunch in town, return to the reserve for more birding in the gardens.
October 19: Talamanca Highlands
After breakfast, we travel to the Talamanca region, stopping at the Paramo (above 3,000 meters) to search for endemic species such as the Volcano Junco and Timberline Wren. Enjoy lunch at a local cafe which is known for attracting hummingbirds. In the afternoon, we will check in at Paraiso Quetzal Lodge, situated 2,700 meters above sea level. This lodge combines highland oak and cloud forests with open grasslands and forest edges, home to a diverse mix of birds, including the striking Resplendent Quetzal, our primary target in the area. Explore the gardens for a chance to encounter the Fiery-throated Hummingbird and Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher. Weather permitting, take an owling walk in search of the Bare-shanked Screech-Owl and possibly Dusky Nightjar.
October 20: Resplendent Quetzal - Casa Dowii - Hotel Quelitales
Before breakfast, we will search for Resplendent Quetzals with the help of local guides who are familiar with he birds movements. After this magical experience, enjoy breakfast in the lodge's gardens and look for birds such as the Talamanca Hummingbird, Volcano Hummingbird, and Black-billed Nightingale Thrush. After checking out, we will drive to the Casa Dowii Reserve, a place built by birders for birders, known for its rare species, including the Buffy-crowned Wood-partridge, Buff-fronted Quail-Dove, Spangle-cheeked Tanager, and Silvery-fronted Tapaculo. After lunch, enjoy the bird feeders which are excellent for photography. Casa Dowii also offers a gourmet coffee experience and locally sourced food. In the afternoon, head we'll to the Cachi Valley to the next lodge, Hotel Quelitales. Located in the mountains of Cartago, this upscale lodge is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. In the gardens, you may see over 30 species of hummingbirds, such as the Black-bellied Hummingbird, Green-fronted Lancebill, White-bellied Mountain-Gem, and Brown Violetear. In the evening, we'll explore the reserve’s trails in search of mixed flocks of tanagers and, if lucky, the Scaled Antpitta will make an appearance.
October 21: Birding Hotel Quelitales and surrounding areas
This morning, explore the gardens and nearby areas for birds like the Costa Rica Warbler, Sooty-faced Finch, White-eared Ground Sparrow, and Scarlet-thighed Dacnis. After lunch, visit the region's coffee plantations and local spots, including the town plaza for Tropical Screech Owl, lake, and farming areas, where you may find the endangered Cabanis's Ground Sparrow. This bird is one of Costa Rica's most iconic species.
October 22: Birding at Rancho Naturalista
After breakfast, depart for a full-day trip to Rancho Naturalista. Spend the day observing birds attracted to the lodge’s tropical fruits, flora, and hummingbird feeders. Highlights include Ruddy Quail-Dove, Grey-headed Chachalaca, Lineated Woodpecker, White-crowned Manakin, Thicket Antpitta, Great Tinamou, Barred Forest-Falcon, and the Snowcap, the region’s star species. Enjoy lunch at the lodge and visit local hotspots in the afternoon before returning to Hotel Quelitales for dinner.
October 23: Birding at Hotel Quelitales and Central Valley
Start the day with birding at the lodge grounds, including a visit to the waterfall and upper trail. After check-out, travel across Cartago City, stopping at local hotspots for more birding. Enjoy lunch en route before arriving at your airport lodge for the final night.
October 24: Depart San Jose
Today we will say our goodbyes and transfer to the airport to catch flights home.
