Costa Rica is a premier destination for birding and wildlife enthusiasts, offering a rich diversity of habitats that support an incredible array of species. This trip will take you to some of the country’s most celebrated wildlife areas.
As we make our way to the Pacific Coast, we’ll stop at Carara National Park, known for its transition zone between tropical dry and rainforest ecosystems. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot colorful species like the scarlet macaw, trogons, and various tanagers. The park’s unique blend of forest types also attracts a host of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, making it a well-rounded introduction to Costa Rica’s biodiversity.
Our hotel in Uvita sits on a hillside providing sweeping views of both the ocean and rainforest, creating a unique vantage point for spotting a wide range of wildlife. During our stay on the coast, we’ll spend a full day exploring Hacienda Barú, a privately owned nature reserve with a diverse mix of habitats onsite. The reserve’s well-maintained trails allow for close encounters with rainforest species, including sloths, monkeys, and a variety of butterflies, adding to the richness of the experience.
We’ll end our trip in the highlands of San Gerardo de Dota, nestled in the cloud forests of the Talamanca Mountains. Famous for its population of the Resplendent Quetzal, San Gerardo de Dota offers a serene setting for birding amidst towering oaks and misty landscapes. This high-altitude region also provides excellent opportunities to see hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and maybe even the elusive Baird’s tapir, Costa Rica’s largest land mammal. Beyond birding, the cool mountain air and stunning vistas make this a peaceful retreat, capping off our Costa Rican wildlife adventure.
Join Wild Birds Unlimited and Reefs to Rockies on this fun, weeklong adventure through the wildest parts of beautiful Costa Rica!
Kyle Carlsen from Reefs to Rockies is excited to co-lead this expedition alongside our local Costa Rican naturalist guide. With a deep passion for avian research and conservation, Kyle has extensive experience both in the field and as a published writer. His work has appeared in numerous journals, books, and magazines, showcasing his expertise in ornithology and wildlife. You may also recognize him as the education coordinator for Wild Birds Unlimited of northern Colorado, where he regularly engages the community in birding education and conservation efforts.
Kyle’s travels have taken him across North and South America and the Caribbean, where he has dedicated himself to exploring and documenting wildlife in a variety of ecosystems. His field experience, paired with his ability to share in-depth knowledge in an engaging way, makes him an exceptional guide. Kyle ensures that every journey he leads is not only educational but deeply inspiring.
Add $610** if you prefer a private, single occupancy room. If you are a solo traveler that prefers to share a room, we’ll do our best to pair you. If we are unable to find a roommate for you, the private room supplement will apply.
Day 1 (Fri, Aug 1): San José. Afternoon arrival to San José, where we’ll meet our local host and settle in for our first night in Costa Rica. Our hotel is nestled within an award-winning 10-acre tropical botanical garden that attracts many birds and butterflies. The garden is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful in the country.
Accommodations: Hotel Bougainvillea
Meals: None
Trip starts and ends at the San José International Airport (SJO).