Birding Paradise Costa Rica
(11 Days / 10 Nights) Price from: $ 1,085.00

Costa Rica has some of the world’s best bird watching and you have the opportunity to see Macaws, Toucans and much more. Costa Rica is a bird watcher´s dream. Bird watchers are delighted when they hear that there are 75 bird families represented that include 51 species of hummingbirds, 48 warblers and 45 tanagers.

San José- Tortuguero- Sarapiquí- Arenal-  Monteverde- San José

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at San Jose, Costa Rica. Hotel Grano de Oro. Standard Room (B).

Transfer to hotel in San Jose. After passing through Immigration you will be met by one of our representatives. He will take you to your hotel and give you your welcome kit. Overnight in San Jose City. Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colón, San José's main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro. Converted from a Tropical Victorian mansion, the hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home. Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis, a sanctuary in the heart of the city. Hallways lined with period photographs and original art meander through the building and present lush tropical flower arrangements and luxurious plants at every turn. Spanish tile fountains grace intimate atriums, ensuring that one is never far from the soothing melody of falling water.

Day 02: Transfer from San José to Tortuguero National Park.

Pachira Lodge. Standard Room. All meals included.

Early in the morning a bilingual guide will meet you at the hotel. The Tortuguero National Park has a great biological variety due to the existence within the reserve of eleven different habitats, including rainforests, swamps, beaches and lagoons. The park is located on the Caribbean coast and its beaches are key nesting ground for endangered sea turtles such as Hawksbill, Loggerheads, Green and Leatherbacks. The rivers within the park are home to sensitive populations of manatees as well as caimans, crocodiles and Tropical Gar, which is considered a living fossil. The forests are home to jaguars, three-toed sloths and three of Costa Rica's four species of monkeys. Basilisk lizards and poisonous frogs also inhabit the area, along with 375 species of birds including kingfishers, toucans, blue herons, peacocks and parrots. There are more than 400 species of trees and approximately 2,200 species of plants.

Day 03: Free day at Tortuguero National Park.

Pachira Lodge. Standard Room. All meals included.

A unique combination in the area: the comfort and luxury of rooms and facilities, a delicious restaurant with an international and gourmet cuisine offering Caribbean fusion food and the excitement of a variety of adventure tours, all a few steps from the worldwide famous Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero National Park is one of the most varied within the park system, has 11 ecological habitats, from high rainforest to herbaceous marsh communities. Fronting the sea is the seemingly endless expanse of beach. Behind that is a narrow lagoon, connected to the sea at one end and fed by a river at the other, which parallels the beach for its full 35-km length.

Back of the lagoon is a coastal rainforest threaded by an infinite maze of serpentine canals and streams fed by rivers flowing from the central mountain ranges and by the rains that fall in the area. On the periphery of the forest lies a complex of swamps.You will have the opportunity to explore the Tortuguero National Park area. Hiking and boat trips are included. On turtle nesting season (from August to November) there is an optional tour at night available upon request at the hotel. The park has a great biological variety, due to the existence within the reserve of eleven different habitats, including rainforest, swamps, beaches, and lagoons. The park is located on the Caribbean coast, and its beaches are key nesting ground for endangered sea turtles, such as Hawksbill, Loggerheads, Green and Leatherbacks. The rivers within the park are home to sensitive populations of manatees, as well as caimans, crocodiles, and Tropical Gar, which is considered a living fossil.

The forests are home to jaguars, three-toed sloths, and three of Costa Rica's four species of monkey. Basilisk lizards and poisonous frogs also inhabit the area, along with 375 species of birds including kingfishers, toucans, blue herons, peacocks, and parrots. There are more than 400 species of trees and approximately 2,200 species of plants. Tortuguero National Park, established in 1970, is now home to 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammals. Among them are manatee, ocelot and jaguar, as well as over 300 bird species. First and foremost, however, it is the nesting ground of the green turtle, which comes ashore between August and October to lay its eggs on the sandy beaches. Lesser numbers of the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, plus loggerhead, and giant leatherback turtle also nest within the park at different times of year. You will go on excursions by boat and on foot, using the experienced eyes of your boatman or guide to maximise opportunities of spotting wildlife.

Day 04: Self-drive to Sarapiquí. Pick-up the rental car 4X4.

Selva Verde Lodge. Standard Room (B).

Sarapiquí is a well-known place and popular due to the huge populations of Trogons. These are beautiful birds containing also the quetzal. Mountains, plains, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, forests, fruit farms and cattle ranches form a colorful diverse mosaic in this region of Costa Rica. The bungalows of Selva Verde Lodge are discreetly tucked into the forest near the botanical garden and located just across the roadway from the main lodge. Their secluded location affords a peaceful ambiance for relaxing and keeping an eye out for wandering wildlife. Many years ago, when highways did not exist, the only way to journey through Central America was via the Río Sarapiquí. The enchanting scenery along its banks is a delight for those who want to get close to nature. The Sarapiquí runs through 84 kilometers of diverse landscapes, and is a good place to see birds, monkeys, turtles, caimans and more. The river has become a tourist destination for nature- and wildlife-watchers, and allows visits to the Río San Juan, Barra del Colorado and Tortuguero. The seat of the Sarapiquí canton (Heredia), Puerto Viejo is a typical river community surrounded by forests, agricultural plantations, rural architecture and many hanging bridges. 

Day 05: Early bird watching hike at the Biological Station of La Selva (included).

Selva Verde Lodge. Standard Room (B).

You can enjoy the naturalist guide for an investigation of the prolific avifauna of more than 300 species found in the Sarapiquí region in both the morning and afternoon. Our guide helps you to identify native and migratory birds by sight and song. A very good opportunity to add new species in the birding list!

Day 06: Self-drive to Arenal. Arenal Volcano Inn. Deluxe Room (B).

The Arenal Volcano National Park lies within the Arenal Conservation Area which is protecting eight of Costa Rica's 12 life zones and 16 protected reserves in the region between the Guanacaste and Tilarán mountain ranges, including Lake Arenal. The Arenal Volcano has been constantly active since it woke up after 400 years. As one of the world's most active volcanoes the Arenal produces huge ash columns, explosions and glowing red lava almost every day. Fascinating flora and flora exists here in amazing quantities, making the area a prime location for viewing many different species of both plants and animals. Your hotel offers a spectacular view to the Arenal.

Day 07: Full day tour to the Caño Negro Wildlife Reguge (inclusive).

Arenal Volcano Inn. Deluxe Room (B).

Caño Negro Wetlands are located in the northern zone of Costa Rica, close to the small village of Los Chiles, few kilometers to Nicaragua. Caño Negro is mainly conformed by the Caño Negro Lagoon and the Rio Frio. It has an extension of 9960 Hs, and it is one of the most important biological areas of the country (4th on earth).

This Costa Rican ecological treasure is the natural habitat of more than 350 species of birds, as well as the emerald basilisk, iguanas, river turtles, caimans, jaguars, ocelots, giant anteaters, monkeys, and many others. Its vast wildlife concentration places Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge among the most important wetlands in the Americas.

The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the river Frío are biological humid areas, considered to be one of the richest in biological diversity in Costa Rica. Here you can find a great variety of resident and migratory birds plus three different species of monkeys, also iguanas, sloths, turtles and caymans. Some birds are residents in the area and you will probably see hundreds of them, especially during the dry season. Some of these birds are Anhinga, Snake-birds, Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Storks or the Jabirus - the largest bird in Central America and especially endangered. It is possible to see little groups of them eating in the surroundings of the river. The region is also home to the Olivaceous Cormorant making its nest in the area. This is also the most popular bird in the refuge and Caño Negro has the largest colony of cormorants in Costa Rica.

Day 08: Self-drive to Monteverde. Hotel Fonda Vela. Standard room (B).

The spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is a very important and popular ecotourism destination in Costa Rica. With its unique cloud canopy, this biological reserve located in Puntarenas province is 6 km east of the town of Santa Elena. Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is one of the most stunning and breathtaking nature reserves in the entire world. Unlike rainforests, cloud forests usually receive much less rain in comparison. However, because a cloud forest is situated at a higher altitude, it has more humidity and is therefore cloudier than a rainforest. This biological reserve sits at an elevation of between 1,200 m to 1,600 m, and is surrounded by a misty cover that supports a fantastic diversity of flora and fauna. Often creating a surreal environment, this reserve is considered to be among the most exceptional wildlife sanctuaries in the New World Tropics. Experience Hotel Fonda Vela's natural approach to life -- with style! Surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, our buildings are an attractive part of the lush, tropical mountainside. The rooms are cozy, yet elegant, spacious and comfortable. Each room is designed with the environment in mind. For example, large windows help to bring the outdoors inside.

Day 09:  Nature Walk at Monteverde. Hotel Fonda Vela. Standard room (B).

The Monteverde tourism zone is known around the world for its conservation efforts and lifestyle centered around respect for nature.

Situated in the Tilarán mountain range, Santa Elena is a very distinctive community: a mix of rural area and developing city, of paved streets and gravel roads. At an altitude of 1,330 meters, the town enjoys cool temperatures; its irregular topography makes for pleasant scenery. Santa Elena Preserve, as it is commonly known, is dedicated to protecting the cloud forest and contributing to the education of the Santa Elena community. Revenue from the preserve is used to protect the forest and to develop environmental programs.Several trails are available to enjoy the 310-hectare preserve. On clear days, Arenal Volcano may be seen.

Several options are available for observing life and activity in the treetops: several species of monkey, birds, snakes and the forest canopy itself, as well as different varieties of orchids, bromeliads, pinguins, climbing plants, parasites and communities of insects and pollinators.

Day 10: Self-drive to San José. Hotel Grano de Oro. Standard room (B).

Car drop off at hotel (17:00hrs)

Day 11: Transfer out to Juan Santamaría International Airport.

Includes:

• Personalized information
• maps, brochures and vouchers
• Airport transfer upon arrival and departure
• Local Travel Program Support
• 24 hours emergency service.
• 10 nights lodging at hotels as indicated at the itinerary.
• Breakfast included. Subject to availability.
• 7 days rental car
  
  • Daihatsu Bego 4x4
  • free mileage
• Tortuguero Package:
  
  • ground and boat transportation (SIB)
  • full American plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • natural drinks
  •  bilingual guided tours
• Bird watching hike at La Selva Biological Station
• Full day tour to Caño Negro Biological Reserve (lunch included)
• Nature Walk at Monteverde Reserve

Excludes:

• Personal expenses and tips
• Other meals than indicated as included
• Optional excursions, tours and activities
• Basic car insurance

US $ 18.00 per day

• additional insurance options
• gasoline, GPS.
• International flights
• Airport taxes

US $ 28.00 per person

Price Conditions:

US$ 1085,00 per person

Double occupancy

November 01, 2011 to October 31, 2011/2012

Except Christmas, New Years -and Easter Week

Important Note:

What makes us different? You can customize your Costa Rica trip to fit your exact needs. Maximize fun time and minimize hassles, mistakes and travel time. Every detail from airport pick-up to adventure tours and activities are arranged by us to make sure the only thing you have to worry about is having fun. Use our quick and easy trip customization form and find out how affordable your dream Costa Rica vacation can be! With CRS you don´t just vacation in Costa Rica, you experience it. Why settle for less? Contact us today.

What To Bring:

Your camera and binoculars! Other important things to bring are your travel documents: a valid passport, flight and hotel information, health insurance card and driver's license (if you plan on renting a car in Costa Rica). We advise you to make three copies of these documents. Put one copy in your carry-on bag, one copy in your suitcase and leave one copy at home.

Basic Tropical forests, colorful wildlife and spectacular beaches are part of daily life in Costa Rica. The climate varies depending on where you are, so pack accordingly.

1 Prepare for hot, humid summers. Shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, skirts and tank tops in lightweight fabrics should keep you cool. Take a sweater for evenings at a higher elevation.
2 Bring plenty of sunblock. Also include insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a swimsuit.
3 Take rubber-soled sandals or hiking boots for journeys into the rain forests. Flip-flops and sandals are great for resorts and hanging out by the beach.
4 Pack separate clothes for evenings. Simple dresses are great for women, while men will do well in long shorts and a button-down shirt.
5 Prepare for cool winters, particularly in the northern regions and at higher elevations. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are a must, while a fleece jacket or a sweater is advisable.
6 Take an umbrella if you plan to travel between May and November - Costa Rica's wettest period. A rain slicker will come in handy while hiking.
7 Take an electric converter and adapter.

Inquire Now