Costa Rica - Volcanoes, Wetlands, & Rainforests

San José Province, San José, Costa Rica

VB
Ventures Birding Tours
  • Email address verified
98 reviews
Nov 10 - 19, 2022
Group size: 5 - 10
Costa Rica - Volcanoes, Wetlands, & Rainforests
San José Province, San José, Costa Rica

Ventures Birding Tours
  • Email address verified
98 reviews

Nov 10 - 19, 2022
Group size: 5 - 10

About this trip

Our 9-day exploration of this bird-rich nation begins in the marvelous shadow of the Arenal Volcano. This is one of the best places in Costa Rica to find a number of species, including Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Talamanca Hummingbird, Yellow-eared Toucanet, Northern-emerald Toucanet, Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, Golden-browed Chlorophonia, Rufous Motmot, Spotted Antbird, White-tipped Sicklebill, Brown-hooded Parrot, Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, and many more.  Next, we visit the magnificent Cano Negro wetlands. Here we will take two boat trips searching for a number wetland species including numerous waders, Russet-naped Wood-Rail, Southern Lapwing, Bay Wren, Crested Guan, Northern Jacana, Black-headed Trogon, Yellow-headed Caracara, Tawny-chested Flycatcher, Sungrebe, and many more. Next we head to the Pacific slope and lowlands. Palo Verde National Park is a great place for Giant Anteater, White-faced Capuchin Monkeys, Howler Monkeys, Iguanas, and American Crocodile, in addition to all the birds. We then continue to the highlands near Monteverde, and the lush cloud forests where Resplendent Quetzals reside. The birding reserves of Curicancha and Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve are bustling with birdlife. Here we can expect yet more key hummingbirds from Coppery-headed Emerald and Violet Sabrewing to Magenta-throated Woodstar, plus additional treats like Silver-throated Tanager and Highland Tinamou. 

What’s included

  • Food
  • Accommodation
  • Ground transportation
  • Guide services

What’s not included

  • Airfare
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Laundry
  • Gratuities
  • Items of personal nature

Available Packages

Double Occupancy

Room-sharing

$4,650
Deposit:$400
Single Traveler

For those wanting their own room

$5,315
Deposit:$400


Your Organizer


VB
Ventures Birding Tours
98 reviews
Small travel company based in Asheville, NC, specializing in birding & nature tours both locally & worldwide.

Reviews

This was a great trip and we saw some amazing birds, especially large flocks coming in to settle for the night and dozens of birds (red winged and brewers black birds) seemingly popping out of the fields that had been harvested. The days were long, leaving early (6-6:30 am), returning to hotel for the night (7-8pm), lots of time in the van to cover the distances, changing hotels every other night and dealing with dicey weather was somewhat tiring. Not much downtime except during drives and we were birding from the van even then! As a friend said to me, this was an experience not a vacation!! Our fellow birdiers, only 4 ofus on the trip, were terrific, very sharing of their much better birding knowledge. Mike, our leader was tireless, handling all the driving, posting ebird lists, managing logistics for lunches and dinners, always upbeat. Would consider another Ventures trip, but would look for a bit more flexibility in use of time with options for downtime.
By carol s for Kansas: Open Country Specialties 2024 on Nov 16, 2024
What a wonderful birding trip. Our guide Mike Werndly was knowledgeable, experienced and a great guy to hang out with. Although the pace is easy, the days are long. I plan to take other birding trips with Ventures.
By Cynthia S for Kansas: Open Country Specialties 2024 on Nov 13, 2024
Great weather, lots of warblers and grosbeaks. Clifton helped us ID and see the birds. Also enjoyed hawk watching from tower on Mt. Mitchell.
By Barbara R for Ridge Junction 4 on Sep 24, 2024
One of the best trips to date. Spectacular scenery, 13 life birds, close to 170 species total, congenital group, very competent guides. My favorite bids were the Willow and Rock Ptarmigan and the spectacular Steller’s Sea Eagle. I will never forget seeing this stunning bird.
By Alan L for Newfoundland '24 - Puffins, Boreal Birds, & Spectacular Scenery on Sep 16, 2024
This was an exploration for all of us. We had excellent guides and saw many lifers. I have to say I got tired of white rice but at least there was usually tofu (I'm a vegetarian). Leeches in the forest - need more rest stops for ladies!!!!
By Barbara R for Sumatra - Padang on Aug 14, 2024
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