Costa Rica, with its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity, is a dream destination for birdwatchers. Home to an astonishing variety of bird species, this Central American gem offers unparalleled opportunities for birdwatching.
From the vibrant rainforests to the serene wetlands, Costa Rica's landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for spotting exotic and rare birds. Here’s everything you need to know about birdwatching in Costa Rica, including the must-see bird species.
We’d be remiss not to start with the birdlife. With over 900 bird species recorded, Costa Rica boasts one of the highest bird densities in the world. From toucans and parrots to elusive quetzals and hummingbirds, the country's avian diversity is truly remarkable.
Costa Rica's varied habitats, including rainforests, cloud forests, wetlands, and coastal areas, support an incredible array of bird species. This diversity makes it a premier destination for birdwatching.
Costa Rica's commitment to conservation is evident in its extensive network of national parks and reserves, which provide safe havens for bird species and excellent birdwatching opportunities for visitors.
Wildlife watching in one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. Explore tropical Tortuguero; home to tapirs, jaguars, monkeys, sloths and more. Witness and hike around the majestic, nearly perfectly conical, Arenal Volcano. Venture through the cloud forest and coffee plantations of Monteverde. Explore the wonders of the Osa Peninsula and relax overlooking the Golfo Dulce.
From 13000 per person
A thrilling eco-adventure through the jungles & beaches of Costa Rica spotting an abundance of wildlife and doing exhilarating activities such as ziplining and white water rafting.
From 11000 per person
Taking in the wildlife highlights of Tortuguero and Manuel Antonio National Parks and the Osa Peninsula. Costa Rica is synonymous with rainforests and tropical beauty, and on this trip we take you to the renowned ‘land of the turtles’ Tortuguero National Park, whose canals, rivers, beaches and lakes are a working laboratory of rain forest, freshwater, and marine biology. Experience the contrasting Pacific region in Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Parks, with marine reserves, pristine beaches, snorkeling amongst rays and turtles in an ancient Indian burial ground and excellent primate-spotting, before completing your adventure with a day of beautiful waterfalls and coffee estates.
From 8500 per person
Explore tangled primary rainforest in the Osa Peninsula and encounter Capuchins, tree frogs and sloths in Corcovado. Unwind away from the crowds and explore the best of the natural world.
From 15500 per person
Monteverde is a top destination for birdwatchers, renowned for its misty cloud forests and rich birdlife. The resplendent quetzal, one of the most sought-after birds, can often be spotted here.
This park on the Caribbean coast is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a variety of habitats including rainforests, mangroves, and waterways. Look out for the great green macaw and numerous waterfowl species.
Located on the Pacific coast, Carara National Park is famous for its diverse bird population, including the scarlet macaw. The park’s mix of rainforest and dry forest ecosystems attracts a wide range of species.
This wetland area in northern Costa Rica is ideal for spotting waterbirds and migratory species. Boat tours through the refuge offer excellent birdwatching opportunities.
The remote Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Corcovado National Park, located here, is home to many bird species, including the black-cheeked ant-tanager, found nowhere else in the world.
When the skies are clear and lava is in full flow, the magnificent Arenal Volcano provides one of Central America’s most exhilarating natural sights and wonders – a combination of blinding light and logic-defying rumbling that erupts in a spectacular show for onlookers. Since 2010, Arenal, the world’s most active volcano for the last 43 years, has been in a resting period; however it still remains a stunning sight. Beyond Arenal’s lava fields, the surrounding rainforest national park is a lush, prime spot for walking and hiking. Set within the 29,960-acre Arenal Volcano National Park, the volcano itself is 1633 metres above sea level and was formed some 7,000 years ago by the adjacent and now extinct Chato Volcano. The town of La Fortuna is the gateway to the national park and is situated just 4 kilometres from the volcano itself. Soak and relax in volcanic hot springs, listen out for gas eruptions and, as darkness descends, watch Arenal come to life from the comfort of your lodge.
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Lying in the northeast of Costa Rica along the Caribbean coastline, the Tortuguero National Park is a stunningly located park that protects a 22-mile stretch of beach, providing one of the largest and most important nesting grounds for the endangered green turtle. During the nesting season, between July and October, entrants to the park will have the privilege of coinciding their visit with these gentle creatures who make their way up the beach at night to lay their eggs, and with our guided nocturnal trips it is possible to see them at incredibly close range, making it in many wildlife enthusiasts eyes a must as part of their Costa Rica itinerary. This is one of the best places to see turtle hatchlings, and you can also see wildlife such as sloths, monkeys and toucans.
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Forming part of the central highlands, an expanse of undulating countryside that spreads as far east as Volcan Arenal to the lowlands of Guanacaste in the west, the luscious and fertile hill country of this region makes it one of Costa Rica’s most enticing for walking, hiking and exploring its natural world highlights. The corridor of settlements that comprises Monteverde and Santa Elena is surrounded by a swathe of famous cloud forests, which generally sit at an altitude of around 1500 metres above sea level and protect a variety of flora and fauna within the spectacular two reserves of the region.
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Manuel Antonio National Park is a small biological reserve set on a peninsula atop an enchanting expanse of tropical rainforest, with spectacular views out to far-reaching white-sand beaches of the Central Pacific Coast.
Just a three-hour journey from the capital, San Jose, and one of only two spots in the country where you can see all four monkey species, it is also a great place for sloth-spotting. The smallest of Costa Rica’s nature reserves but by no means the least rewarding, Manuel Antonio offers visitors a tantalising and unusual mix of incredible beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, varied wildlife, and one of the best spots for relaxation in natural splendour.
Described by National Geographic Magazine as ‘one of the most biologically intense places on earth,’ the Osa Peninsula is a unique and remote area in the southwest of Costa Rica. Home to the Corcovado National Park, this region is perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-track experience away from more popular tourist areas. The Osa Peninsula boasts vast biodiversity and is a natural wonderland with much of its parkland protected since 1975. It is even possible, though elusive, to sight pumas and jaguars.
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Bordering Nicaragua in the northwest of Costa Rica, Guanacaste is a province whose name stems from the indigenous word ‘quahnacaztlan,’ meaning Guanacaste Tree, also the national tree of Costa Rica. The region is marked by spectacular beaches, a host of national parks, a string of volcanoes, wild rivers, and diverse forests, including the last remaining bands of protected tropical dry forests that used to stretch to Mexico.
Read more...Known for its striking colours and long tail feathers, the resplendent quetzal is a highlight for any birdwatcher. Monteverde and the Savegre Valley are prime locations to see this majestic bird.
These vibrant red, blue, and yellow parrots are a spectacular sight. Carara National Park and the Osa Peninsula are among the best places to see scarlet macaws in the wild.
With its colourful beak and distinctive call, the keel-billed toucan is a common yet captivating sight in Costa Rica’s rainforests.
Costa Rica is home to over 50 species of hummingbirds. Popular spots to see these tiny, fast-flying birds include Monteverde and the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
This endangered species can be spotted in the lowland rainforests of Tortuguero and Sarapiquí. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the Great Green Macaw to ensure their survival.
Bring binoculars, a field guide to Costa Rican birds, a notebook for recording sightings, and a camera with a good lens.
Wear lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colours to blend into the environment. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Birdwatching requires patience and a keen eye. Move slowly and quietly to avoid startling the birds.
Costa Rica is a true paradise for ornithologists and birdwatching enthusiasts. With its diverse ecosystems and impressive array of bird species, it offers an unrivaled birdwatching experience.
