Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a small yet astonishingly biodiverse country in Central America, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Famed for its lush rainforests, misty cloud forests, volcanoes, and pristine beaches, Costa Rica is a global leader in ecotourism and conservation—with over 25% of its land protected in national parks and reserves.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica Bird Photography Tour – Itinerary with Target Species
Day 1: San José
Description:
Arrival in the capital with a gentle start to the tour. Enjoy relaxed photography in the lush tropical gardens of Hotel Bougainvillea, a well-known haven for urban birding.
Target Species:
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Hoffman’s Woodpecker, Inca Dove, Clay-colored Thrush, Blue-gray Tanager, Bananaquit, Red-legged Honeycreeper.
Days 2–3: Cerro de la Muerte & Paraíso Quetzal
Description:
Enter the cool highlands for stunning cloud forest landscapes. Stay at two premier lodges offering prime opportunities for photographing mountain species, including one of the most sought-after birds in the Americas—the Resplendent Quetzal.
Target Species:
Resplendent Quetzal, Black Guan, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Talamanca Hummingbird, Sooty Thrush, Flame-colored Tanager, Yellow-thighed Finch, Red-headed Barbet, Prong-billed Barbet, Sooty-capped Chlorospingus, Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher, Collared Redstart, Volcano Hummingbird, Scintillant Hummingbird.
Day 4: Esquipulas Rainforest
Description:
Mid-elevation forest birding in a highly productive area near San Marcos de Tarrazú. This region hosts a remarkable mix of colorful lowland and foothill species.
Target Species:
White-crested Coquette, Green-breasted Mango, Fiery-billed Aracari, Yellow-throated Toucan, Turquoise Cotinga, Scarlet Macaw, Orange-collared Manakin, Red-capped Manakin, Lesson’s Motmot, Northern Black-throated Trogon.
Days 5–6: Carara Area – Villa Lapas & National Park
Description:
Explore one of the most ecologically diverse zones in Costa Rica—a mix of dry and humid forest. Excellent photography opportunities both at the lodge and inside Carara National Park.
Target Species:
Scarlet Macaw, Baird’s Trogon, Black-hooded Antshrike, Dot-winged Antwren, Riverside Wren, Great Tinamou, Orange-collared Manakin, Royal Flycatcher, Boat-billed Heron, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Spectacled Owl.
Days 7–8: Arenal & Bogarín Trail
Description:
Capture incredible birdlife with the majestic Arenal Volcano as your backdrop. Excellent feeder setups and lush rainforest surroundings provide ideal shooting conditions.
Target Species:
Black-crested Coquette, Keel-billed Toucan, Great Curassow, White-throated Magpie-Jay, Emerald Tanager, Montezuma Oropendola, Red-legged Honeycreeper.
Days 9–10: Caño Negro & Medio Queso Wetlands
Description:
Boat-based birding and photography in a watery wilderness teeming with wetland species. This is one of the best areas in the country for water birds and river specialties.
Target Species:
Agami Heron, Boat-billed Heron, Roseate Spoonbill, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Amazon & American Pygmy Kingfishers, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Nicaraguan Grackle, Pinnated Bittern, Black-collared Hawk.
Days 11–12: Laguna del Lagarto Lodge & Pizote Mirador
Description:
A remote lowland rainforest lodge and nearby viewpoint on the San Carlos River—ideal for rare forest species and raptors.
Target Species:
King Vulture, Snowy Cotinga, White-necked Puffbird, Collared Aracari, Keel-billed Toucan, Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Spectacled Owl, Central American Pygmy Owl, Crested Caracara.
Day 13: Tico Rainforest (Centro Manu)
Description:
Mature rainforest trails with high canopy and dense understory—great for antbirds and macro wildlife photography.
Target Species:
Red-capped Manakin, White-ringed Flycatcher, Streak-crowned Antvireo, Dot-winged Antwren, Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner, Tropical Royal Flycatcher.
Day 14: La Selva Biological Station
Description:
One of the world’s most famous birding reserves, home to a wide range of Caribbean lowland species and a perfect finale for forest specialists.
Target Species:
Great Curassow, Semiplumbeous Hawk, Slaty-tailed Trogon, Broad-billed Motmot, White-collared Manakin, Fasciated Antshrike, Cinnamon Woodpecker.
Day 15: Cinchona Feeders
Description:
Final photo session at scenic roadside feeders offering close-up views of colorful birds against a lush backdrop.
Day 16: Transfer Airport
Target Species:
Northern Emerald-Toucanet, Black-crested Coquette, Prong-billed Barbet, Silver-throated Tanager, Green-crowned Brilliant, Fiery-throated Hummingbird.
