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Costa Rica is home to an extraordinary collection of endemic and near-endemic birds. This carefully designed itinerary focuses on the country’s most endemic-rich regions, including the Talamanca Highlands, middle elevations, and South Pacific lowlands, maximizing your chances of observing some of Central America’s most sought-after species.
Special attention is given to Costa Rica’s four true mainland endemic birds: Cabanis’s Ground-Sparrow, Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager, Coppery-headed Emerald, and Mangrove Hummingbird. The tour also targets a remarkable variety of near-endemic specialties, including Three-wattled Bellbird, Turquoise Cotinga, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, and Volcano Junco.
This itinerary connects Costa Rica’s most important endemic birding regions, maximizing opportunities for endemic and near-endemic species.
Search for Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Volcano Junco, Timberline Wren, Flame-throated Warbler and other high-elevation specialties
Explore cloud forests and foothill habitats for Coppery-headed Emerald, Three-wattled Bellbird and Snowcap.
Target Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager, Turquoise Cotinga, Baird’s Trogon and other regional specialties found nowhere else.
Visit one of the world’s most restricted bird habitats in search of the endemic Mangrove Hummingbird.
osta Rica’s compact size and remarkable diversity make it one of the world’s best destinations for endemic birding. This carefully designed itinerary explores the country’s most important endemic hotspots, from the high peaks of the Talamanca Mountains to the cloud forests, foothills, and South Pacific lowlands.
As with all Aratinga Tours itineraries, the route can be adapted to your interests, preferred travel dates, accommodation preferences, and available travel time.
DAY 1: SAN JOSE
Arrival in Costa Rica & Central Valley
DAY 2-3: ARENAL VOLCANO
Three-wattled Bellbird tour & rainforest birding
DAY 4-5: CARARA & TARCOLES AREA
Carara birding & Tarcoles river cruise
DAY 6-7: PUERTO JIMENEZ
Lowland rainforest birding
DAY 8-9: QUIZARA
Turquoise Cotinga & White-crested Coquette
DAY 10-11-12: TALAMANCA MOUNTAINS
Highland endemics, cloudforest & paramo
DAY 13-14: CACHI
Snowcap & Cabanis’s Ground-Sparrow
DAY 15-16: CACHI
Final birding & departure
Upon arrival in Costa Rica, you’ll be transferred to Hotel Buena Vista, conveniently located near the international airport. The hotel’s gardens provide an excellent introduction to Costa Rica’s birdlife, with opportunities to observe a variety of colorful and familiar species before the adventure begins.
Highlights may include Lesson’s Motmot, Crimson-fronted Parakeet, Chestnut-capped Warbler, Hoffmann’s Woodpecker, and Rufous-naped Wren. After settling in, enjoy the tropical surroundings and prepare for the exciting birding days ahead.
Birding highlights:
The Arenal region combines spectacular volcanic scenery with some of Costa Rica’s most rewarding rainforest birding. During your stay at the renowned Arenal Observatory Lodge, you’ll enjoy a private guided birding tour exploring the lodge’s extensive trail network, gardens, and forest edges.
A special highlight is a dedicated Three-wattled Bellbird excursion led by a local expert who closely monitors this remarkable species throughout the season. The surrounding rainforests offer excellent opportunities to observe trogons, toucans, antbirds, colorful tanagers, raptors, and the impressive Great Curassow.
Birding Highlights:
The Tárcoles region is one of Costa Rica’s most rewarding birding destinations, where tropical dry forest, rainforest, mangroves, and wetlands meet. During your stay at Tarcoles Birding Lodge, you’ll enjoy excellent birding right on the property, where Scarlet Macaws are frequently seen flying overhead or feeding in nearby trees.
Included is a private birding tour in Carara National Park, one of the country’s premier locations for regional specialties such as Orange-collared Manakin, Black-hooded Antshrike, and Riverside Wren. You’ll also enjoy a private boat tour on the Tárcoles River and surrounding mangroves, offering opportunities to search for the endemic Mangrove Hummingbird while observing a variety of herons, kingfishers, shorebirds, and other aquatic species.
Birding Highlights
Located near Corcovado National Park, Danta Corcovado Lodge offers excellent birding opportunities right from the lodge grounds. The surrounding forests support many of the region’s most sought-after species, including the endemic Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager, along with a variety of trogons, toucans, parrots, and other rainforest birds.
A special highlight is a private excursion to the Río Rincón mangroves, one of the best locations to search for the rare Yellow-billed Cotinga. Other regional specialties include Fiery-billed Aracari, Baird’s Trogon, and a variety of birds found only in Costa Rica’s South Pacific region.
Birding Highlights:
Nestled in the foothills of Costa Rica’s South Pacific region, Quizarrá is a small rural community surrounded by forests, coffee plantations, and scenic mountain landscapes. Far from the country’s main tourist destinations, it offers an authentic glimpse into rural Costa Rican life while providing access to some outstanding birding habitats.
During your stay in a locally owned cabin, you’ll enjoy traditional Costa Rican hospitality and home-cooked meals. A private half-day birding tour with a local expert explores the surrounding foothills in search of the rare Turquoise Cotinga, one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after birds. Other specialties include Costa Rican Brushfinch, Snowy-bellied Hummingbird, Orange-collared Manakin, Streaked Saltator, and the elusive White-crested Coquette.
Birding Highlights:
The Talamanca Mountains are Costa Rica’s premier destination for endemic birding and one of the most important birding regions in Central America. During your stay at Hotel Gema del Bosque, quietly situated at the edge of the cloudforest, you’ll enjoy excellent birding right on the property, including feeders, forest trails, and the expertise of knowledgeable local guides.
With three nights and two full days in the region, you’ll enjoy two private birding tours exploring different elevations and habitats, from cloudforest and oak woodland to high-elevation páramo. Highlights include the magnificent Resplendent Quetzal and a remarkable variety of endemic specialties such as Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, Timberline Wren, Collared Redstart, Yellow-winged Vireo, Golden-browed Chlorophonia, and many more
Birding Highlights:
Nestled at the base of the Talamanca Mountains, the picturesque town of Cachí provides a relaxing setting for the final birding days of your journey. Here, you’ll stay at Hotel Quelitales, a charming boutique hotel surrounded by lush gardens that attract an impressive variety of birds. Specialties found on the grounds include Sunbittern, Black-bellied Hummingbird, White-bellied Mountain-gem, Sooty-faced Finch, and the elusive Scaled Antpitta, which is regularly seen at the hotel’s hide.
A highlight of your stay is a private birding tour to the nearby El Copal Reserve, a hidden gem bordering Tapantí National Park. This productive foothill site is one of Costa Rica’s most reliable locations for the dazzling Snowcap, while other possibilities include Emerald Tanager, Tawny-capped Euphonia, Yellow-eared Toucanet, and many other Caribbean-slope specialties.
Birding Highlights:
Your journey concludes in Costa Rica’s Central Valley with a stay at the beautiful Hotel Bougainvillea. Renowned for its extensive botanical gardens, the hotel offers a final opportunity to enjoy some relaxed birding in a peaceful setting. The grounds attract a variety of colorful species like Lesson’s Motmot, Crimson-fronted Parakeets, White-eared Ground Sparrow and provide a fitting conclusion to your exploration of Costa Rica’s endemic-rich birdlife.
On Day 16, enjoy breakfast before your transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your return flight home.
Birding Highlights:
PRICING & INCLUSIONS
Designed to maximize opportunities for Costa Rica’s endemic and regional specialty birds, this itinerary combines outstanding birding locations, comfortable lodges, and private guided excursions. From cloud forests and foothill rainforests to mangroves and high mountain habitats, you’ll explore the country’s most important endemic birding hotspots
Prefer not to drive? This itinerary can also be arranged with private transportation and a dedicated birding guide throughout the tour.
Pricing is based on 2 participants sharing accommodation and traveling independently in a rental vehicle. Alternative room configurations and private transportation options are available upon request.
From US$ 7800
From US$ 8160
From US$ 8500
Low Season: September 1st – October 31st 2026 + May 1st – June 30th 2027
Mid Season: July 1st – August 31st 2027
High Season: November 1st 2026 – April 30th 2027
Interested in this tour? Contact us for a personalized quotation, including options for a fully guided journey, upgraded accommodations, or additional activities.
Many of Costa Rica’s finest birding lodges have limited availability during peak travel periods. Early reservations are strongly recommended.
Every traveler is different. Explore our private Costa Rica tours and discover the itinerary that best matches your interests and travel style.
Explore Costa Rica’s four major ecosystems on an unforgettable birding adventure.
Enjoy relaxed birding at a comfortable pace with expert local guides and excellent wildlife viewing.
Capture Costa Rica’s spectacular birds and wildlife with carefully planned photography opportunities.
Explore Costa Rica’s most important endemic birding regions, from the Talamanca Highlands to the South Pacific lowlands. Search for unique birds found nowhere else while enjoying expert guidance and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
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