Birdwatching Itinerary

Day 1 - Day of arrival

On arrival at San Jose international airport, private transfer (approximately 40 minutes) to the 3 star, owner managed, Bougainvillea Hotel for one night on a bed and breakfast basis. The hotel is in a quiet residential area of the capital (15 minutes by taxi from the centre) and set in 10 acres of superb mature botanical gardens. Views are to the mountains which surround San Jose or to the capital’s skyline. The Bougainvillea boasts a restaurant, bar, pool and tennis court.

Overnight stay at Bougainvillea Hotel

Bougainvillea Hotel, San Jose, Costa Rica

Day 2 - Transfer to Tortuguero National Park (group guided boat trip)

After breakfast, a group transfer (depart around 0600) north to Guapiles (breakfast stop) in the heart of Costa Rica’s banana growing region in the Limon district and the gateway between the Caribbean coast and the central highlands. From Guapiles, the transfer is by road and then a boat trip through exciting mangroves to the Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero National Park for 2 nights on a full board basis. Arrive in Tortuguero around 1300 for lunch. In the afternoon there is a guided boat trip. We have featured the Mawamba Lodge since we started our Costa Rica programme. This is a rustic lodge located between the canals and the sea with 58 wooden cabins - all with private facilities. Don't expect air conditioning, TV or WiFi here. There is, however, a swimming pool, jacuzzi. restaurant and bar. There is also a frog garden and butterfly sanctuary on site. It is a short walk to the tiny village of Tortuguero and to Tortuguero beach where, on moonlit nights in July and August, you can watch the Green Turtles labour their way up the beach in their hundreds in order to lay their eggs - a memorable experience.

Overnight stay at Mawamba Lodge.

Mawamba Lodge, Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Day 3 - In Tortuguero (group guided wildlife boat trip)

After breakfast depart for a group guided wildlife canal boat trip and guided walk. Tortuguero (‘turtle place’ to the indigenous population) National Park was once an archipelago of volcanic islands so the distinction between sea and dry land is blurred. Lagoons, wetlands, beaches and canals abound and the park is best explored by boat. Fifty species of fish live in the canals as well as spectacled caiman and southern river otters. Spider and howler monkeys dominate the trees.

Overnight stay at Mawamba Lodge

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Day 4 - Transfer to Sarapiqui

After breakfast a group boat and land transfer (approximately 3 hours 30 minutes) to Sarapiqui and stay at Selva Verde lodge for 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. The lodge is set in lowland rainforest, adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park and La Selva Biological station. It is a great spot for birding, nature tours and river trips. The river Sarapiqui runs through the property. This is a comfortable, simply furnished lodge with 40 rooms, all with a rainforest view, private facilities and ceiling fan. There is a spacious terrace with views, restaurant, bar and swimming pool. A number of tours can be booked locally by the lodge.

Overnight stay at Selva Verde lodge

Selva Verde Lodge, Sarapiqui

Day 5 - In Sarapiqui (private half day guided bird watching tour)

After breakfast a private half day guided bird watching tour. Sarapiqui, in the northeast of Costa Rica and approximately 2 hours from San Jose is in the midst of vast areas of protected forest. Considered one of the world’s most important research areas for tropical rainforest it is also a major producing area for bananas, pineapples, cacao and coffee. Tours are also available to the Tirimbina biological reserve, to cacao plantations to see how the fruit is transformed into chocolate and to the world’s largest organic fair-trade pineapple farm. The Sarapiqui river attracts whitewater rafters and those interested in nature viewing boat trips. However, this is also a wonderful place for avid bird watchers and many of Costa Rica’s bird species are to be found here, such as hummingbirds, toucans, aracaris, guans, great green macaws and the rare and stunningly beautiful quetzal.

Overnight stay at Selva Verde lodge

Bird watching tour, Sarapiqui, Costa Rica

Day 6 - Transfer to Osa Peninsula (Corcovado National Park)

After breakfast, private transfer (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes) to San Jose airport and then fly to Puerto Jimenez (1 hour) and then group transfer (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes) to Luna Lodge for 3 nights on a full board basis. The journey to reach this lodge is a real adventure and certainly memorable! It is one of the few remaining sizeable areas of primary lowland rainforest in the whole world. Here exist 12 separate ecosystems, almost 1000 species of trees, nearly 400 species of birds, alongside tapirs, jaguars, red-eyed tree frogs, monkeys, iguana and sea-turtles. There are various trails in the national park and snorkelling at the nearby cano island. This secluded, owner managed eco lodge is located in the Carate river valley within 60 acres of primary and secondary forest. It is adjacent to Corcovado National Park. There are stunning views over the jungle from the restaurant and yoga terrace. This small and rather exclusive lodge, immersed in the forest, has just eight bungalows with private facilities, private decks and distinctive thatched roofs. There are wonderful views from the restaurant and yoga deck. There is a lovely pool and a small treatment room offering massages.

Overnight stay at Luna Lodge

Luna Lodge, Carate, Osa Peninsula

Day 7 & 8 - Days at leisure

The lodge offers a good selection of guided tours - which includes bird watching, guided hikes, kayaking, horse riding and guided hikes through the pristine Corcovado National Park (all tours are payable locally).

Overnight stay at Luna Lodge

Corcovado National Park

Day 9 - Transfer to San Gerardo de Dota

After breakfast, group transfer to Puerto Jimenez (1 hour 30 minutes), fly to San Jose (1 hour) and transfer (approximately 3 hours 45 minutes) to San Gerardo de Dota. Stay at the Savegre Lodge (junior suite) for 2 nights on a full board basis. It may be an arduous journey to reach the secluded spot of San Gerardo de Dota but the rewards are considerable - especially for those fascinated by birdlife. Here in the surrounding cloud forest is the primary habitat of the dazzling Resplendent Quetzal, alongside woodpeckers, flycatchers and hummingbirds in the narrow valley along the Savegre valley. There are trails in the forest ideal for walking. This family run, secluded lodge has 51 standard rooms and junior suites spread around the lodge’s gardens. Wholesome food is served in the restaurant, the lounge bar is cosy and the spa offers a range of treatments as well as a sauna and jacuzzi.

Overnight stay at the Savegre Lodge

Savegre Lodge, San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica

Day 10 - In San Gerardo de Dota (Group half day guided bird watching tour)

The half day group guided bird watching tour is the highlight of your stay at Savegre. The Quetzal’s plumage is at its best during the mating season between April and May. Of course there are woodpeckers, flycatchers, hummingbirds and many other species to see. In the afternoon, if you still have the energy, then there are walking trails to explore in the lush forest.

Overnight stay at the Savegre Lodge

San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica

Day 11 - Day of departure

After breakfast transfer (approximately 3 hours 45 minutes) to San Jose Airport for your return flight home to the UK.