Republic of Costa Rica

Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker Celeus castaneus ©Glenn Bartley Website
Birding Costa Rica

Costa Rica, officially the Republic of Costa Rica is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Ecuador to the south of Cocos Island. It has a population of around five million, in a land area of 54,000 square kilometres. This small country of the Central American isthmus has the happiest people anywhere. This peaceful democratic republic, unlike many of its neighbours, has been politically stable for over 50 years. Despite being economically weak, the government has made a big effort to preserve this country’s wildlife. Costa Rica has just 0.03% of the world’s landmass, but holds 5% of all types of living forms within it’s small boundaries, and 25% of the land is has some form of conservation protection.Costa Rica has one major mountain range that crosses the country from NW to SW, and rises to over 3000 metres in many places. It’s origin is volcanic in the northern half and tectonic in the south. Right in the middle, where they meet, a large valley was formed. It is here, in the Central Valley where half of the population lives.

The mountain range, composed of [from N to S] the Guanacaste Volcanic Cordillera, the fila de Tilarán, the Central Volcanic Cordillera and de Cordillera de Talamanca, divides the country in two: The Caribbean and Pacific slopes. Almost every large river flows down these mountains and out to the sea, the most important being the Grande de Tárcoles, Grande de Térraba, Tempisque and Sarapiquí. The pacific coast is very irregular, the Nicoya and Osa Peninsula with their Nicoya and Dulce Gulfs being the most relevant formations, while the Atlantic coast is a fairly straight line. The most notable of the offshore islands is Cocos Island, 400 km to the west, off the pacific coast (it is a National Park and a World Heritage Site); Chira Island, largest of a group in the Nicoya Gulf, and Uvita Island, close to Puerto Limón.

Costa Rica BirdlifeWith multiple habitats and micro-habitats, in a wide variety of ecosystems, this nation is home to 877 different species of birds. The main reasons for this diversity seems to be the climatic influence of both coasts, many different and diverse geographic formations such as high mountains, valleys, extensive lowlands, lakes, estuaries, gulfs, mangroves, etc. There are, therefore, a lot of different places to watch very distinctive species, and, best of all, they are very close together. One can define these populations by region and habitat as well as climate, these are set out below.

This page is sponsored by Caligo Ventures Nature Tours & Travel

This page is sponsored by Birding Ecotours

Top Sites
  • Caribbean Lowlands

    The Caribbean Lowlands is probably the most diverse place on earth, yet it is the least well-protected part of the country. Here it is possible to see Great Tinamou, White-necked Jacobin and Long-tailed Tyrant.
  • Highlands

    The Highlands run among the mountain range. Although they vary in height and climate, defining different populations, one can generalize as if it was just one. Quetzals, Prong-billed Barbets, and Acorn Woodpeckers are just a few of the birds possible to get good sightings of.
  • South-Pacific Lowlands

    The South-Pacific Lowlands are about as rich in Biodiversity as the Caribbean, but they have even more endemic species. Here one frequently sees Beryl-crowned hummingbird, Fiery-billed Aracari or the endemic Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager.
  • Tropical Dry Forest

    The dry NW part of Costa Rica, basically all the province of Guanacaste, is known as the Tropical Dry Forest. Here is where Long-Tailed Manakin, Cinnamon Hummingbird and Crested Caracara can be spotted, amongst many others.
Contributors
  • Mathias Kuemmerlen Heinrich

    | zekolla@hotmail.com

Number of Species
  • Number of bird species: 918

    National Bird: Clay-colored Thrush Turdus grayi
Endemics
  • Number of endemics: 5 - 9 [Authorities differ]

    Mangrove Hummingbird Amazilia boucardi Coppery-headed Emerald Elvira cupreiceps Gray-tailed Mountain-gem Lampornis cinereicauda Dark Pewee Contopus lugubris Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager Habia atrimaxillaris White-throated Mountain-gem Lampornis castaneoventris Cocos Cuckoo Coccyzus ferrugineus Cocos Flycatcher Nesotriccus ridgwayi Cocos Finch Pinaroloxias inornata
Checklist
  • iGoTerra Checklist

    iGoTerra Checklist
    Fatbirder Associate iGoTerra offers the most comprehensive and up to date birds lists on the web
Useful Reading

  • A Field Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica

    | By Richard Garrigues | Helm | 2007 | Paperback | 416 pages, plates throughout ISBN: 9780713683691 Buy this book from NHBS.com
  • A Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica

    | By Steve Bird | John Beaufoy Books | 2019 | Edition 2 | Paperback | 176 pages, 300 colour photos, 2 colour maps | ISBN: 9781912081028 Buy this book from NHBS.com
  • Birds of Central America

    | (Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama) | By Andrew Vallely & Dale Dyer | Princeton University Press | 2018 | Paperback | 560 pages, 260 plates with colour illustrations; 1190+ colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9780691138022 Buy this book from NHBS.com
  • Birds of Costa Rica

    | By Richard Garrigues | Christopher Helm | 2014 | Edition 2 | Paperback | 425 pages, 174 plates with 660 colour illustrations; 780 colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9781472916532 Buy this book from NHBS.com
  • Birds of Costa Rica (Naturalist's Guides)

    | By Steve Bird | John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd | 2016 | Paperback | 176 Pages | ISBN: 9781909612648 Buy this book from NHBS.com
  • Birds of Tapanti National Park Costa Rica

    | By Julio E Sanchez & Fernando Zeledon | Costa Rican Biodiversity Institute | 2002 | Paperback | 235 pages, col Illus, illus. ISBN: 9789968702713 Buy this book from NHBS.com
  • Costa Rica Field Guide: Birds of Tortuguero and the Caribbean Coast

    | By Robert Dean | Rainforest Publications | 2004 | 2 pages, A4 laminated guide, col illus. ISBN: 9781888538267 Buy this book from NHBS.com
  • Costa Rica Field Guide: Birds of Wetland Habitats

    | By Robert Dean | Rainforest Publications | 2002 | 2 ISBN: 9781888538250 Buy this book from NHBS.com
  • Costa Rica: Cloud Forest and Highland Birds

    | By Mark Wainwright | Rainforest Publications | 2014 | 14 pages ISBN: 9781888538953 Buy this book from NHBS.com
  • Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica

    | By FG Stiles & Alexander F Skutch | Costa Rican Biodiversity Institute | 2007 | Paperback | 656 pages, 52 col plates, 43 b/w illus, 3 maps | In Spanish ISBN: 9789968927277 Buy this book from NHBS.com
  • Guide to the Birds of Panama with Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras

    | By R S Ridgely & J A Gwynne | Princeton University Press | 1992 | paperback | 534 pages, 48 colour plates, 53 line illustrations | ISBN: 9780691025124 Buy this book from NHBS.com
  • Photo Guide to Birds of Costa Rica

    | By Richard Garrigues | Comstock Publishing Associates | 2015 | Paperback | 264 pages ISBN: 9781501700255 Buy this book from NHBS.com
  • Where to Watch Birds in Costa Rica

    | By Barrett Lawson | Christopher Helm | 2010 | 365 pages, b/w illus, 107 maps ISBN: 9781408125120 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Birding Aps
  • Costa Rica Birds

    Apple iOS |
    | Field Guide for mobile devices | Michael Mullin | 477.4 MB | Requires iOS 8.0 or later |

    Why this birding app is meant for anyone who plans on visiting Costa Rica or learning about the hundreds of bird species that live in this incredible country: It’s easy to use: This field guide weighs as much as your device, and birds can be found with quick search tools and or by quickly scrolling down the screen with the touch of a finger. This full version shows over 900 species of birds.
Observatories
  • CRBO Costa Rica Bird Observatories

    Observatory WebsiteSatellite View
    The Costa Rica Bird Observatories is a nationwide monitoring initiative created and managed through partnerships among many partners, both private and public. The Observatories’ primary objective includes the promotion of bird conservation and education in Costa Rica through scientific monitoring.
Museums & Universities
  • Organization for Tropical Studies

    Website
    All three field stations are affiliated with the Organization of Biological Field Stations (OBFS) to promote interchange of professionals for biological research and education. Constant communication and reciprocal visits of scientists are also promoted between OTS field stations in Costa Rica and those from Smithsonian Tropical Research Institution in Panama…
Organisations
  • AOCR Costa Rica Ornithological Association (Asociación Ornitológica de Costa Rica)

    Website
    Founded in 1993, the Ornithological Association of Costa Rica is a non-profit organization, whose main objective is to contribute to the study, research and conservation of wild birds and their habitats, helping to guide official and private policies in this field. It is also AOCR's priority to collaborate in the dissemination of knowledge about the 918 bird species of Costa Rica. In 1999 our association was declared of 'public utility' by the Government of Costa Rica.
  • Birding Club of Costa Rica

    Website
    The Birding Club of Costa Rica (BCCR) is a private group that, for more than 20 years, travels around the beautiful country of Costa Rica to observe and identify the 900+ species of birds found here, learn about different parts of the country, and enjoy the company of like-minded and interested people.
  • Corcovado Foundation

    Website
    he Corcovado Foundation is a leading not-for-profit volunteering and conservation organisation in Costa Rica, with a fantastic reputation for community engagement. Our conservation programs are based in the southern pacific region of Costa Rica, known as the Osa Peninsula which is famous for its intense biodiversity and pristine wilderness.
  • Las Nubes Project for Neotropical Conservation and Research

    Webpage
    Las Nubes – which means 'the clouds' – is a Costa Rican rainforest donated to FES in 1998 by Dr. Woody Fisher. To help protect the rainforest, FES worked with Costa Rica’s Tropical Science Centre to create the Dr. Woody Fisher Fund for Neotropical Conservation, which supports research at Las Nubes and the surrounding region in areas such as tropical deforestation, sustainable development and biodiversity.
  • Monteverde Conservation League

    Webpage
    The Monteverde Conservation League (MCL) is a non-profit civil organisation whose mission is to “preserve, conserve, and rehabilitate tropical ecosystems and their biodiversity.” The MCL is involved in organising educational opportunities, reforestation projects, scientific research, sustainable development, and ecotourism.
  • Osa Conservation

    Website
    Osa Conservation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the globally significant biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. This remote corner of Costa Rica harbors 2.5% of the biodiversity of the entire planet in less than a thousandth of a percent of its total surface area.
  • Rainforest Biodiversity Group

    Website
    A biological corridor connects large tracts of isolated habitat across a fragmented terrain, and helps maintain migratory pathways. Movement of wildlife through these linkages ensures that a species, especially one with a large home range, can persist in the overall region
  • Raptor Foundation of Costa Rica (Fundación Rapaces de Costa Rica)

    Facebook Page
    The Raptor Foundation of Costa Rica was born from the need to take a step forward in the conservation of birds of prey and their important habitats. Costa Rica is located in a privileged position in terms of biodiversity but every animal-human interaction put many species under pressure…
  • Uni

    Website
    A site for Costa Ricans interested in conservation - the work carried out by the Union of Ornithologists on the Important Areas for the Conservation of the Birds led by BirdLife International
Reserves

Abbreviations Key

  • Campanario Biological Station

    Facebook PageSatellite View
    The Campanario Biological Station lies in the Pacific lowland tropical rain forest of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica and stretches nearly 150 acres inland from the sea. Campanario is proud to be home to a wide array of rare and endangered flora and fauna (too many to count!). From your beach boat landing, to your jungle accommodations, to the diverse species and bird watching, to the exciting educational program and activities, Campanario wants you to learn about the wild side of Costa Rica…
  • Costa Rica National Parks

    InformationSatellite View
    List of national parks of Costa Rica - There are currently 26 National Parks of Costa Rica, which are managed under the umbrella of SINAC (Sistema Nacional de Areas de Conservacion), a department of Costa Rica's Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE). All told, Costa Rica's protected areas encompass more than 25% of the country's total land area, more than any other country in the world. Many of these protected areas are national parks.
  • Costa Rican Bird Route

    WebsiteSatellite View
    As Costa Rica holds nearly 5% of the world
  • Los Cusingos Neotropical Bird Sanctuary

    WebpageSatellite View
    Tropical Science Center, Los Cusingos Neotropical Bird Sanctuary P.O. Box 8-3870 - 1000 San José, Costa Rica Tel. (506) 253-3276, 253-3308 Fax: (506) 253-4963 e-mail: cecitrop@sol.racsa.co.cr rpr@cct.or.cr
  • NP Chirripó National Park

    InformationSatellite View
    Chirripó National Park is a national park of Costa Rica, encompassing parts of three provinces: San José, Limón and Cartago. It was established in 1975. It is named for its most prominent feature, Cerro Chirripó, which at 12,530 ft is the highest mountain in Costa Rica
  • NP La Amistad InterNational Park

    InformationSatellite View
    The La Amistad International Park (Parque Internacional La Amistad) formerly the La Amistad National Park, is a Transboundary Protected Area in Latin America, management of which is shared between Costa Rica (Caribbean La Amistad and Pacific La Amistad Conservation Areas) and Panama, following a recommendation by UNESCO after the park's inclusion in the World Heritage Site list.
  • NP Manuel Antonio National Park

    WebsiteSatellite View
    This park is just south of Quepos on the Pacific Coast, 132 km from San José. It is so popular perhaps because of its expensive white sand beaches backed by an evergreen forest that grows right up to the hightide line. The principal habitants are primary forest, secondary forest, mangrove swamp, lagoons and beach vegetation. There is quite a varied fauna with 109 species of mammals and 184 of birds. The park includes 12 little isles just off the coast; these are a number of defins and, at times, migrating whales can be observed…
  • NP Palo Verde National Park

    InformationSatellite View
    The Palo Verde National Park, in Spanish Parque Nacional Palo Verde is a National Park of Costa Rica, part of the Tempisque Conservation Area, that contains much of the area of the valley of the Tempisque River and covers an area of 45,492 acres in Guanacaste Province, 30 km west of Canas. The surrounding region is mostly tropical dry forests, and the Park concentrates on conserving vital floodplain, marshes, limestone ridges, and seasonal pools from the encroachment of civilisation which was putting the ecology of the area at risk.
  • NP Piedras Blancas National Park

    InformationSatellite View
    The Piedras Blancas National Park protects the rainforests and beach areas inland of the Golfo Dulce near Golfito, Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It was once considered to be the Esquinas Sector of Corcovado National Park…
  • NP Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves

    InformationSatellite View
    Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves (includes Barbilla National Park, Chirripo National Park, Hitoy Cerere Biological Reserve, La Amistad (Talamanca) National Park, Las Tablas Protected Area, Rio Macho Forest Reserve and Tapanti National Park)
  • NWR Rancho La Merced

    WebsiteSatellite View
    Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge is situated on the Pacific Coast near Punta Uvita and the Ballena Marine National Park. The reserve has an area of 1250 acres which is comprised of a forest reserve with both primary and secondary tropical wet forest as well as pasture, mangrove estuary, frontage on the Morete River and beach…
  • NWR Tirimbina Bilogical Reserve

    InformationSatellite View
    Our only reason for being is the conservation of biodiversity. Unlike other sites, Tirimbina is a non-profit organization. Our work model is based on three axes that are related to each other: Scientific research that provides knowledge about our biodiversity.
  • Osa Peninsula

    InformationSatellite View
    The Osa Península has been described by National Geographic as the most biologically intense place on earth. It is home to almost 400 species of birds, 140 species of mammals, 116 species of amphibians and reptiles, over 500 species of trees and more then 6000 species of insects.
  • Private Wildlife Refuges in Costa Rica

    WebsiteSatellite View
    List with links
  • Protected Areas and National Parks of Costa Rica

    InformationSatellite View
    Roughly 18% of Costa Rica`s territory is constituted as National Park or Reserve, including two parks declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This means most National Parks and Reserves are easily accessible from anywhere in the country, making Costa Rica an ideal destination if you want to be surrounded by natural settings…
  • SINAC Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge

    InformationSatellite View
    Caño Negro is an area of lowlands that are seasonnally flooded forming lakes, marshes and holillo groves, which provide shelter for very varied fauna, especially birds. The forests, grasslands and marshes of the area provide shelter for various endangered species such as cougars, jaguars, tapirs ' ocelots, peccary and several species of monkey (white-headed capuchin, mantled howler and Geoffroy's spider monkey), as well as many others. In the dry season the river is reduced to little lagoons, channels and beaches which gives home to thousands of migratory birds of many species such as storks, spoonbills, ibis, anhingas, ducks and cormorants.
  • SINAC Monte Verdi Cloud Forest Preserve

    WebsiteSatellite View
    The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve is owned and administered by the Tropical Science Centre (TSC). The Centre, established in 1962, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization with headquarters in San Jose, Costa Rica. The objective of the Centre is to conduct and support scientific research and education, particularly in relation to the understanding and rational management of tropical environments.
Guides & Tour Operators
  • Amerik Aventure

    Tour Operator
    A 10 days birding tour in Costa Rica - Rancho Naturalista, Cerro de la Muerte & Parque Nacional de Corcovado
  • Aratinga Tours

    Tour Operator
    Welcome to www.aratinga-tours.com. Aratinga Tours is a small company offering personalized natural history and birding tours in Costa Rica. Pieter Westra, the owner is a Belgian biologist who has been living and birding in Costa Rica for more then 10 years. We love birds and will be happy to share our passion and knowledge with you.
  • Birdfinders

    Tour Operator
    Next trip planned for March 2003
  • Birding Ecotours

    Tour Operator
    Sitting astride the ridge of mountains that divide central America in half gives this jungle paradise an amazing array of fantastic neotropical birds. With Caribbean slope and lowlands, highlands, and Pacific slope and lowlands we’ll have the opportunity to bird it all. From extinct and active volcanos over 4000 meters to moist, tropical jungle on the Osa Peninsula we’ll look out for such stunners as the Resplendent Quetzal and other trogons, flocks of tanagers, cotingas, toucans, hummingbirds, and many endemic and range-restricted species, along with some interesting mammals like three- and two-toed sloths, several species of primates, colorful butterflies, and lovely scenery. This itinerary gives us the best opportunity to search out the regional and Costa Rican endemics without missing spots or rushing past rewarding sites….
  • Birding Escapes

    Tour Operator
    Planning on birding in Costa Rica? Want to maximize the number of birds seen and/or concentrate on endemics during your visit? Then read on, because you`ve come to the right place. Some say, Birds are where you find them. Certainly there`s an element of truth in that statement, otherwise rare bird alert hotlines would not exist. Nonetheless, most birds have specific habitats that they prefer, and if you want to see them, you`d better know where to look. Written accounts of where to find birds in particular localities are of aid to newcomers to a region, but are no substitute for an experienced local guide
  • Caligo Ventures

    Tour Operator
    A bird watcher's dream! Few places in the world can boast of so many different birds in such a small area. 820 species of birds - more than all of the United States and Canada combined
  • Camino Travel

    Tour Operator
    Camino Travel is a fully licensed tour operator by the Costa Rica Tourist Board (ICT). The Costa Rica Tourist Board is the leading organization regulating tourism in Costa Rica. Since our inception in early 1991 we have built a solid reputation based on our extensive knowledge of Costa Rica and constant evaluation of locations, travel conditions, and service providers
  • Cheesemans

    Tour Operator
    The Best Parks and Reserves of Costa Rica - March 2004…
  • Costa Rica Expeditions

    Tour Operator
    Experience the rain forest from a platform more than 120 feet above the forest floor
  • Costa Rica Gateway

    Tour Operator
    Costa Rica Gateway would like to take the opportunity to thank our many clients for their patronage over the past 13 years. Many of you have visited Costa Rica several times and we appreciate your loyalty to our company. We are proud of our reputation for providing our clients with high-quality, worry-free birding vacations, and we plan to continue to offer these services well into the new millennium.
  • Costa Rican Bird Route

    Information
    The Costa Rican Bird Route, with 520 species, offers casual and adventurous bird watching. It
  • Cotinga Tours

    Tour Operator
    Our birding tours are specially designed to take full advantage of your time in the country, starting early in the morning and including owling in the evenings, as well as making the extra effort to find those always-exciting rare species. We have carefully selected the best combinations of birding locations to ensure the largest variety and number of species possible
  • Exotic Birding

    Tour Operator
    The birds to be seen in Costa Rica are different in north and south, in highlands and lowlands, and on Caribbean side and Pacific side. Our suggested 2-week birding tour packages below take advantage of this diversity by each covering a different combination of regions in the country…
  • Focus on Nature

    Tour Operator
    Focus On Nature Tours, Inc. has been offeringbirdwatching tours and nature tours for over a decade to various places throughout the world
  • Green Tours

    Tour Operator
    Next trips November & December 2003
  • Horizentes Nature Tours

    Tour Operator
    There is simply no better introduction to tropical birding than Costa Rica! Literally dozens of excellent birding areas are all within easy reach and cover 12 major life zones that shelter 800-plus species. On-the-spot lodges let you wake up to the dawn chorus every day
  • Johan Chaves Nature & Birding

    Tour Operator
  • Marbella Travel and Tours

    Tour Operator
    Our expedition takes you through the forest in search of exotic wildlife, especially the elusive resplendent Quetzal. Our tour drives you through some of San Jos
  • Motmot Tours

    Tour Operator
    These trips explore the various habitats found throughout this small country, which boasts over 850 species of birds. Extensive time is spent in cloud forest, rainforest, dry forest, high elevation paramo and more
  • Natural Discovery

    Tour Operator
    We are an owner-operated tour company, 100% Costa Rican, formed and led by experienced professionals in the field of tourism, certified and trained to be birding & naturalist tour leaders and to provide first class travel assistance.
  • Neblina Forest

    Tour Operator
  • Rockjumper Birding Tours

    Tour Operator
    With over 850 species, it
  • Safaris Corobici

    Tour Operator
    This is a Birdwatchers Paradise. Aracaris, Parrots, Mot-Mots, Cuckoos, Laughing Falcons, Kingfishers, Sungrebes, Egrets, Woodstorks, Ospreys, Trogons and 7 different species of Herons including the Boat-Billed Heron have all been seen along the Corobici River in Costa Rica.
  • Tropical Birding

    Tour Operator
    April 2003 - A neotropical classic not to be missed! Short distances, great lodges, fabulous Respendent Quetzals, dancing Long-tailed Manakins, dozens of hummingbirds, and much more
  • Tropical Feathers

    Tour Operator
    Tropical Feathers is a 100% Costa Rican birding company that offers high quality birdwatching tours for avid and novice birders. In addition to our extensive technical training in eco-tourism and natural resources management, we boast over 10 years of experience in designing eco-friendly tours to Costa Rica's diverse coastal, montane and rainforest habitats
  • Wildbird Tours

    Tour Operator
    Wildbird Tours is an experienced company that offers trips for bird watchers in Costa Rica. We are a company made up of people who love birds and nature
Trip Reports
  • 2000 [01 January] - Andy Senior

    PDF Report
    With my fiftieth birthday approaching, it was time to put in place arrangements for some form of celebration. I’m not the most socially gifted person you’ll meet, and the idea of a party didn’t really excite me. I considered that my limited funds should be put to a more productive purpose, and be used to purchase something of more lasting value than a thick head and blurred memories. The best things in life are free of course, so what is of real value, and available for purchase? The answer for me was an increased list. My list gives me enormous pleasure, and brings back all sorts of memories as I review it. Long lasting value would be guaranteed with a longer list, with years of pleasure to come as I looked back over it. Added value could be drawn if I could leapfrog Fatbirder, and temporarily drop him to second place in our two-horse race!
  • 2014 [01 January] - Jay VanderGaast

    Report
    …Black Guans on the feeders, to the shy Scaled Antpitta on the trail. An army ant swarm with attendant Ruddy-capped and Slaty-backed nightingale-thrushes and a pair of scarce Black-banded Woodcreepers, plus a slew of skulking Furnariids -- Tawny-throated Leaftosser, Lineated Foliage-gleaner, Streak-breasted Treehunter…
  • 2014 [01 January] - Jay VanderGaast & Jim Zook

    Report
    …stunning Resplendent Quetzals stealing the show, and a bunch of other highland specialties to really whet our appetites. Volcano Hummingbird, Black-capped Flycatcher, Yellow-winged Vireo, Flame-throated Warbler, Collared Redstart, an unexpected pair of the highly irruptive Peg-billed Finches, and angry-eyed Volcano Juncos…
  • 2014 [01 January] - Megan Edwards Crewe with Ernesto Carman

    Report
    …A rainy walk along the Rancho Naturalista driveway yielded a treetop full of wet birds, including eye-level Golden-hooded, Bay-headed, White-shouldered and Silver-throated tanagers, Green Honeycreepers, a male Golden-winged Warbler, Yellow-throated and Olive-backed euphonias and more…
  • 2014 [01 January] - Mike Nelson

    Report
    …We began our trip in the lovely surrounds of our hotel garden where Clay-colored Thrush, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Melodious Blackbird and Rufous-backed Wrens greeted us with abundant songs and calls. We spent some time looking through the birdlife also picking up Rufous-collared Sparrow, Wilson’s Warbler, Hoffmann’s Woodpecker, Blue-diademed Motmot and Squirrel Cuckoo….
  • 2014 [02 February] - Bob French

    PDF Report
    …Harry found a Brown-billed Scythebill. After lunch we birded on our own and coaxed out Dull-mantled Antbirds at the hummingbird pool spot…
  • 2014 [02 February] - Jay VanderGaast

    Report
    …a moonwalking Red-capped Manakin among many other species. Further south still, the area around Wilson Botanical Gardens gave us a bunch of southern specialties, from a stunning male White-crested Coquette right outside our cabins, to Snowy-bellied Hummingbird, Masked Yellowthroat, and an excited pair of Costa Rican Brush-Finches…
  • 2014 [06 June] - Jon Hornbuckle

    Report
    We had a very successful trip, seeing many good birds including Buff-fronted and Chiriqui Quail-Doves, Great Green Macaw, Tody Motmot, Black-crowned and Thicket Antpittas, and Lovely and Yellow-billed Cotingas. To my pleasant surprise we saw all but 2 of my Wanted list and even had one unexpected addition, a mega Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo giving excellent views in trees...
  • 2014 [12 December] - Jay VanderGaast - Rancho Naturalista III

    Report
    ...Additionally we had a nice assortment of Furnariids, most enjoyably a very cooperative Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner and a an equally extroverted Streaked Xenops, both on our final day at Tapanti. A great mix of flycatchers, that most varied of Neotropical families, also made our acquaintance, with a feisty Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant, the highly local Tawny-chested Flycatcher, and a bold Rufous Mourner among the standouts....
  • 2014 [12 December] - Megan Edwards Crewe - Rancho Naturalista I

    Report
    ...The handsome Cinnamon Woodpecker that perched right at the top of a big tree. The Snowcaps and Crowned Woodnymphs that threw themselves repeatedly into the hummingbird pools. The swarm of Black-and-yellow Tanagers that boiled along a roadside. The Bay-headed Tanagers that nibbled on dangling Cecropia fruits. And, of course, the dozens of hummingbirds that jousted around the feeders and flowers at Rancho and elsewhere...
  • 2015 [02 February] - Peter Friedmann

    Report
    ...We had several encounters with a group of 5 Great Curassows which wandered through the gardens. In the trees along the track we had slaty-headed Tody flycatcher, mourning warbler, yellow tyrannulet, blue-headed parrot, crested guan. In the forest streak-headed, black-streaked, cocoa and wedge billed woodcreepers, black-cheeked ant tanager, white-throated shrike tanager, chestnut-backed antbird, black-faced ant thrush, orange collared and red-capped manakins were all seen well. Eye-ringed flatbill, golden-crowned spadebill, tawny-crowned greenlet and ruddy quail dove all showed well.
  • 2015 [03 March] - Jay VanderGaast & Ernesto Carman

    Report
    The sheer abundance of Costa Rica's bird life never ceases to amaze me. On just this two-week tour of the country, we recorded more species than I have managed to muster up in a lifetime of birding in my home country! With so many species to choose from, narrowing them down to a few highlights is not an easy task.
  • 2015 [04 April] - Martin Pitt

    Report PDF
    Sites and bird list very well annotated.
  • 2015 [07 July] - Oscar Campbell

    Report PDF
    This report details a trip to Costa Rica from 7th July to 2nd August 2015. The (northern) summer is the low(ish) season in Costa Rica, both for general tourism and, specifically, birding. However, despite lots of rain on the Caribbean slope, we found the weather otherwise amiable, getting about easy and the lack of tourists meant that most places were (very) quiet. Birding was superb throughout.
  • 2015 [12 December] - Dave Stejskal - Rancho Naturalista

    Report
    ...We had to deal with some uncooperative weather at the start of this tour, with rain and wind on Volcan Irazu that first morning on our way to Rancho, and then we couldn't seem to shake the rain that first full morning at Rancho. But, after that, it was pretty darned lovely for the remainder of the tour...
  • 2015 [12 December] - Eduardo Ormaeche

    PDF Report
    ...Other birds this morning included several SootycappedBush Tanagers, Golden-browed Chlorophonia, brief views of Black-cheekedWarbler and Flame-throated Warbler, as well as several North American migrants likeWilson’s and Townsend Warblers and Philadelphia Vireo...
  • 2016 [01 January] - Christopher Hall

    Report
    ...but as we near the Quetzal Lodge at an altitude of 8694 feet, the clouds give way to a bright blue sky. A Black-billed Nightingale-thrush hops around the parking lot, with the jizz of a Robin, as we swap the coach for a couple of 4x4 jeeps to take us the final few yards down a steep incline to a stake out for Quetzals...
  • 2016 [01 January] - Jay Vander Gaast

    Report
    ...Things started out well on our first couple of short outings from the Bougainvillea. On the first afternoon stroll, we picked up a pair of the very local Prevost's Ground-Sparrows, while a trio of Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls were the highlight of another foray early the next morning. After a delicious breakfast, we were off for the south, on what was mainly a travel day. But what a travel day! After a quick stop near Cartago for Sedge Wrens, which performed amazingly well, we spent the rest of the morning in the highlands, birding the entrance road to Paraiso Quetzal....
  • 2016 [01 January] - Jesse Fagan - Rancho Naturalista

    Report
    ...We didn't get any rain, so most days were productive for birds and birding and we made the most of it. There were lots of highlights, but the standouts for y'all included White-necked Jacobin (a regular to hummingbird feeders, but its white coattails impressed most), Bat Falcon (on a daytime perch at Tapanti), Emerald Tanager (a show-stopper for sure), Sunbittern (and we got to see the "sun spots"), Resplendent Quetzal (man-oh-man, what great looks), and (drum roll) the group favorite, Purple-crowned Fairy. It was hard to beat our experience of watching one bathe in the hummingbird pools -- so elegant and peaceful. Indeed, a moving experience for many....
  • 2016 [10 October] - Forrest D Rowland

    PDF Report
    ...Among tour highlights that didn’t qualify for the Top 10 werebeautiful Northern Tufted Flycatchers, Chestnut-coloredWoodpeckers at eye-level, Black-bellied Hummingbirdsshowing off their bizarre flat-top hairdos, Black-breastedWood Quail singing right before our eyes, Spotted WoodQuail pumping their crests in full view, Ornate Hawk-Eagle...
  • 2017 [01 January] - Jesse Fagan & Cali Rodriguez - Rancho Naturalista

    Report
    ...We had some nice highlights this trip: Semiplumbeous Hawk (the first time I had seen it on this tour), Ruddy Pigeon (just kidding), Mottled Owl (always good to see an owl), Common PaUraque (he was in my suitcase when I got home), Purple-crowned Fairy and Snowcaps (bathing in the hummingbird pools; follow the white laser pointer), Resplendent Quetzal (how did Cali spot that bird?), the moth cloth phenomenon (good looks at three species of woodcreeper, a wood-wren, warblers, flycatchers, and Orange-billed Sparrow), Social Flycatcher (I think we finally figured this guy out), SNOWY COTINGA, Scarlet-thighed Dacnis, and Emerald Tanager...
  • 2017 [01 January] - Tom Hibbert & Lauren Booth

    PDF Report
    ...A Rufous-collared Sparrow showed well in the car park, whilst a short walk around a Walmart produced a number of species including Yellow Warbler, Red-billed Pigeon, Inca Dove, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird and a noisy flock of Crimson-fronted Parakeet. The biggest surprise, however, was a flyover Ringed Kingfisher....
  • 2017 [01 January] - Tom Johnson & Cory Gregory

    Report
    ...It didn’t take long to get started; we birded right near the grounds of the Hotel Bougainvillea where we saw a few species not seen anywhere else on the trip. Sightings included the large Rufous-naped Wren, the more secretive Cabanis’s Wren (a recent split from Plain Wren), Inca Dove, swarms of Crimson-fronted Parakeets, and even a pair of Yellow-naped Parrots perched out back....
  • 2017 [02 February] - Bob Buckler

    PDF Report
    ... Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher was voted bird of the trip but several species came a close second such as: the iconicResplendent Quetzal, Sunbittern, Red-capped Manakin, Fiery-billed Aracari and Acorn Woodpecker which all received votes....
  • 2017 [03 March] - Andy Walker

    PDF Report
    A total of 498 bird species were recorded during the 12.5 days birding during the tour. This included a number of highly sought-after Costa Rican and Chiriqui (shared with Western Panama) endemic resident species, many migratory species from both North and South America, and numerous rare, uncommon, or secretive species, with some of the major highlights of birds having been seen including Resplendent Quetzal...
  • 2017 [04 April] - Jay VanderGaast & Cory Gregory

    Report
    I was excited to join Jay for this classic tour of Costa Rica this year. For being such a small country, Costa Rica is a rich and tropical paradise full of colorful critters and an amazing avifauna. Joining Jay on his former “home turf” was both rewarding and insightful, especially because we got to share all the fun and excitement with you all. It was a great group of people and both Jay and I enjoyed your company.
  • 2017 [05 May] - Bram Vogels

    PDF Report
  • 2017 [05 May] - Dušan Brinkhuizen

    PDF Report
  • 2017 [08 August] - Brent Steury - San Jose and Puntarenas Province, Carara National Park

    Report
    We arrived at one of the friendliest airports in the Americas - San Jose, Costa Rica - and checked in to the Wyndham Herradura for one night. Birded around the pool area and from the hotel balcony which provided a nice overlook of a long row of mango trees on the north side of the hotel.
  • 2017 [08 August] - Derek and Vivien Gruar

    PDF Report
  • 2018 [01 January] - Bob Meinke

    PDF Report
    Early arrivals filtered into San José on Thursday and Friday, before the start of the main trip. We were picked up at the international airport and transferred to the Bougainvillea Hotel, one of the few independently-owned hotels remaining in Costa Rica’s Central Valley.
  • 2018 [10 October] - Peg Abbott

    PDF Report
    We found Lesson’s Motmot to be very tame, and got good views of Blue-gray Tanager, Clay-colored Thrush - about 25 bird species in total. This was first tropical trip for some of the group and it was great fun to spy those first parrots and motmots! The gardens were peaceful and inviting, with water features and sculptures.
  • 2019 [01 January] - Bob Meinke

    PDF Report
    ...our hotel grounds gave us a head start on our species list for the trip, with Rufous-collared Sparrow, Inca Dove, Rufous-capped Warbler, White-eared Ground- Sparrow, Rufous-naped Wren, Blue-and-white Swallow, Lesson’s Mot-Mot, Montezuma Oropendola, Hoffman’s Woodpecker, Grayish Saltator, Cabanis’s Wren, and Crimson-fronted Parakeet (among many others) quickly spotted.
  • 2019 [01 January] - Eduardo Ormaeche

    PDF Report
    This Costa Rica Escape 2019 trip was our first tour of the year, starting only three days after the arrival of the New Year. It was an incredible trip, which allowed us to see the best of the country in just a week. Costa Rica is perhaps the easiest country to bird in the tropical Americas, and most of the Neotropical families are well represented...
  • 2019 [01 January] - Eduardo Ormaeche

    PDF Report
    Our final bird list included, among many others, sightings of Resplendent Quetzal, Great Curassow, Snowcap, Buffy Tuftedcheek, American Dipper, Streak-chested Antpitta, Spectacled Owl, Black-and-white Owl, Great Potoo, Turquoise-browed Motmot, White-eared Ground Sparrow, Spangle-cheeked Tanager, Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, Spotted Wood Quail, Northern Barred Woodcreeper, Pale-billed Woodpecker, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Great Green Macaw, Coopery-headed Emerald, Golden-browed Chlorophonia, Timberline Wren, Volcano Junco, Fiery-billed Aracari, Scarlet Macaw, Mangrove Hummingbird, Prong-billed Barbet, Red-headed Barbet, Merlin, Black Guan, and Snowy Cotinga.
  • 2019 [04 April] - David & Amanda Mason

    Report
    Coast Rica had been on our “to do” list for around 20 years and the idea of some winter sunshine and lots of birds and wildlife is always very attractive
  • 2019 [04 April] - Fito Downs

    PDF Report
    Birdwatching in Costa Rica is always delightful, especially if you have a chance to take pictures of the wonderful birds around. We had an outstanding trip with a perfect combination of great lodges, delicious food and terrific birds.
  • 2020 [02 February] - Sam Woods

    PDF Report
    Costa Rica is consistently one of the most popular destinations for overseas birding, the country is small but packed with birds, with distinctive bioregions offering different suites of birds. We covered most of these, including the foothills and lowlands on the Caribbean slope, lower mountains and upper highlands too, plus some time in the lowlands on the Pacific side of the mountains that cut horizontally through the middle of the country.
  • 2020 [03 March] - Ben Knoot

    PDF Report
    Costa Rica is a perfect first-stop destination for new neotropical birders and photographers. It is easily accessible, full of stunning birds and animals and filled with incredibly friendly people. It is not only an excellent introduction to tropical birding and photography but it is one of those countries you can repeatedly revisit and always see and photograph new and beautiful species.
  • 2020 [03 March] - Eduardo Ormaeche

    PDF Report
    Our time here was fantastic; we had the opportunity to see and photograph birds such as the endemic Coppery-headed Emerald, Black-bellied Hummingbird, Semiplumbeous Hawk, Great Green Macaw, White-tipped Sicklebill, Great Potoo, Spectacled Owl, Violet Sabrewing, Red-headed Barbet, Prong-billed Barbet, Blue-throated Toucanet, Yellow-throated Toucan, Keel-billed Toucan, Whitenecked Puffbird, Buff-fronted Quail-Dove, Black Guan, Buff-rumped Warbler, and the fabulous Snowcap.
  • 2021 [03 March] - Fito Downs

    PDF Report
    Costa Rica is always an example of a quality, phenomenal birdwatching experience. On our 14 day tour we covered almost all the popular birdwatching hotspots along with some lesser known areas in order to find a long list of target species.
  • 2022 [01 January] - Eduardo Ormaeche

    PDF Report
    After a week of easy-paced and relaxed birding we managed to record 220 species of birds, including the most-wanted Resplendent Quetzal, and many other iconic species such as Scarlet Macaw, Great Green Macaw, Keel-billed Toucan, Yellow-throated Toucan, Prong-billed Barbet, American Dipper, Snowy Cotinga, King Vulture, Crested and Spectacled Owls, Great Curassow, and the elusive Tiny Hawk. We got almost all of the range-restricted near-endemics found in Costa Rica and western Panama only (known as Chiriqui endemics), such as Spangle-cheeked Tanager, Golden-browed Chlorophonia, Black-cheeked Warbler, Flame-throated Warbler, Collared Whitestart, Volcano Junco, and Yellow-thighed Brushfinch...
  • 2023 [01 January] - Pat Leuders

    PDF Report
    ...We identified Hoffman’s Woodpecker, Tropical Kingbirds, Social Flycatchers, Rufousnaped Wrens and Palm Tanagers. The biggest excitement came when we found the two Mottled Owls roosting secretly in the dense bamboo and had great looks at a calling Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. Lesson’s Motmots were spotted as was a Squirrel Cuckoo. What a fabulous introduction to Central American birds!..
  • 2023 [01 January] - Sarah Preston

    PDF Report
    Our trip list included sightings of amazing species such as Resplendent Quetzal, Violet Sabrewing, Black and Crested Guans, Yellow-throated and Keel-billed Toucans, Spectacled and Crested Owls, Flame-throated and Black-cheeked Warblers, Long-tailed Silkyflycatcher, Prong-billed and Red-headed Barbets, American Dipper, Black-breasted Wood Quail, and Golden-Browed Chlorophonia. In addition, we managed to see one of two country endemics that occur on the mainland, Coppery-headed Emerald, and we saw 28 birds that are shared only by Costa Rica and Panama. A nice selection of North American migratory warblers was also found, such as Chestnut-sided, Tennessee, Black-and-white, Golden-winged, Blackthroated Green, Townsend’s, and Wilson’s Warblers, 7 species of owls, and 26 species of hummingbirds.
  • 2023 [03 Marchg] - Rick Weiman

    PDF Report
    As our itinerary states, over a quarter of the country is protected lands, boasting 850 bird species and 200+ mammals
  • 2023 [04 April] - Eduardo Ormaeche

    PDF Report
    This was a dream trip for those who were setting foot in Central America for the first time, with birds such as the most-wanted and representative Resplendent Quetzal, Snowcap, Sunbittern, Sungrebe, Roseate Spoonbill, Jabiru, Scarlet and Great Green Macaws, Yellow-throated and Keel-billed Toucans, Turquoise-browed, Lesson’s and Keel-billed Motmots, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crested, Spectacled, Striped and Black-and-white Owls, American Dipper, Baird’s, Gartered, Black-headed and Black-throated Trogons, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Yellow-breasted Crake, Pinnated and Least Bitterns, White Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle and Ornate Hawk-Eagle.
Places to Stay
  • Aguila de Osa Inn

    Accommodation
    Dreaming of hiking Costa Rica`s world-famous tropical rainforest
  • Ambassador Hotel - San Jose

    Accommodation
    We have put together all the adequate elements to make you feel at home. During your stay you`ll find those small details that make a big difference, and those pampering vacations you are looking forward to experience… rooms for disabled.
  • Anamaya Resort

    Website
    Anamaya Resort is truly an exotic place, built on a cliff edge and overlooking the most incredible ocean views. The resort is a few steps away from epic waterfalls, surrounded by rainforests, and located in one of the world
  • Ara Ambigua Lodge

    Accommodation
    The lodge has three hectares of protected secondary forest that has been in recovery for many years with trails where guests can observe the flora and fauna that is characteristic of the tropical rainforest.
  • Arco Iris Lodge

    Accommodation
    On a small hillside, neighboring the pittoresque village of Santa Elena de Monteverde, the Arco Iris Lodge seems to be in another world. Yet it is only a few minutes walk to the center of the village.The Cabins are independently situated in a tropical highland garden which allows you a maximum of privacy and tranquillity in a peaceful environment. The rooms are tastefully furnished and vary in size. Each Cabin has a private bath with hot water. The Arco Iris Lodge is ecologically managed by its german owners.
  • Arenal Lodge

    Accommodation
    See from your room the most active Volcano of Costa Rica. Nature
  • Arenal Observatory Lodge

    Accommodation
    At the Arenal Observatory Lodge, you can enjoy the sound & fury of Arenal Volcano`s constant eruptions from the comfort of your room, or from one of the many perfect volcano viewing sites around the lodge. Over 300 species of birds have been spotted in the area around the Arenal Observatory Lodge. Well-marked and groomed trails through primary forest, wide open pasture land, secondary forests and cooled off lava flows offer a wide variety of habitats and bird watching opportunities.
  • Arenal Paraiso

    Accommodation
    We offer also several kilometers of private trails on our own 65 hectares Finca
  • Arenal Vista Lodge

    Accommodation
    Located right across of the Arenal Lake, the Lodge was built for comfort and relaxation. The lake is ideal for practicing your favorite sports. We offer you fishing, boat riding and additional water sports. Horses and bicycles are available for rent. You might also enjoy a nature walk alone the Hotel`s scenic trails
  • Aviarios del Caribe

    Accommodation
    Aviarios del Caribe has some of the cutest residents in all of Costa Rica. They’re so cute that regular visitors shell out $25 for a tour and a constant stream of volunteers is moving in and out of the center’s residences. We’re talking about three-toed sloths.
  • Bahia Esmeralda

    Accommodation
    This property is 3 minutes walk from the beach. Hotel Bahia Esmeralda is 200 yards from the beach in Potrero, in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region. It features a free Wi-Fi zone and rooms set in bungalow-style buildings around an outdoor pool.
  • Bougainvillea Hotel - Santo Domingo de Heredia

    Accommodation
    The national bird, the yiguirro is one of the most common birds which can be seen in our gardens. The most exotic, fascinating bird is the colibr
  • Buena Vista

    Accommodation
    Buena Vista is bordered by Corcovado National Park, and is lush with a multitude of flowering and fruiting plants and trees. The preserve is alive with wildlife, including monkeys, tropical birds and spectacular butterflies. Toucans, parrots, and large iridescent blue Morpho butterflies are favorites seen from your room
  • Cano Negro Lodge

    Accommodation
    These amazing wetlands are located in the northern zone of Costa Rica, close to the small village of Los Chiles in the Province of Alajuela
  • Casa Bambu

    Accommodation
    Our immediate area offers the rare opportunity to experience nature at its most spectacular and unspoiled. It is home to four types of monkey, hundreds of bird species (there are over 300 species of birds identified in the immediate area); sloth, iguana, anteaters, iridescent butterflies and myriad varieties of vegetation. It is a principle stronghold of the endangered squirrel monkey and scarlet macaw, and offers more opportunity to view these rare animals than anywhere in Central America. We also share our neighborhood with toucans, parrots, hawks, tanagers, parakeets, pelicans and many other birds; coatis; agoutis; tayras; kinkajous; and armadillos.
  • Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge

    Accommodation
    Tucked away in a 170 acre private reserve bordering Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica, Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge is the closest thing to a magical natural Lost World; in fact, local access is only possible by boat! All in a totally enviromentally-conscious architectural design. Definitely the ultimate experience for enviroment-friendly people.
  • Casa R

    Accommodation
    Casa R
  • Casa Romantica

    Accommodation
    Our small hotel, Casa Romantica, is located near Nosara, at the beach of Guiones in the province of Guanacaste. A perfect spot for swimming and surfing. Relax and enjoy your vacation in our tropical garden which surrounds the swimming pool, restaurant and bar
  • Casa Turire

    Accommodation
    Casa Turire recalls the gracious charm of a colonial plantation home. In the heart of the verdant Turrialba agricultural region, this beautiful estate is enfolded by the wild Reventaz
  • Copa De Arbol Beach and Rainforest Resort

    Accommodation
    Copa De Arbol Beach and Rainforest Resort is a remote, eco-conscious beachfront resort set among 70 acres of pristine rainforest reserve. We are located in Southern Pacific Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula, perfectly situated between Drake Bay and the Corcovado National Park in an area known as "Caletas" (small coves). This area of the Osa Peninsula is accessible by boat only and is one of the most remote and untouched places on Costa Rica
  • Costa Rica Tree House

    Accommodation
    The Tree House is situated on the famous Punta Uva beach, which is considered to be one of Costa Rica`s most beautifull beaches. The house is built on two levels connecting to each other with adventurous steel cable bridges
  • Drake Bay Resort

    Accommodation
    This week an unsual group of beautiful Scarlet Macaws are flying over the Resort numbering about 30. This is the mating season and they keep their mate for their lifetime
  • Ecolodge Yatama

    Accommodation
    As the site uses FLASH I have not lifted any text
  • El Cafetal Inn

    Accommodation - Facebook page
    Our working coffee plantation is surrounded by beautiful mountain a nature preserve canyon and big river in the mornings one can hear the howlers monkeys which come to feed from a tree right outside of our backyard where we have provided for your enjoyment- a lookout point mirador making and ideal spot for bird watching…
  • El Establo Mountain Resort

    Accommodation
    From our balconies you will experience sunsets and a breathtaking view. Quaker friendship awaits you in our hotel, set in a private 150 acres farm (50% protected primary forest) adjacent to the Monteverde Reserve…
  • Esmeralda Hotel

    Accommodation
    The hotel and villas Bahia Esmeralda has been recently constructed, and is under Italian administration. It is located in the region of Guanacaste, in the North Pacific, only 3km away from the center of Flamingo and 150 meters from the beach. Flamingo is internationally known for its gorgeous beaches, its marine richness and for its microclimate, which is particulary favorable for all the aquatic activities throughout the year, and it`s the only equipped port in the Nicoya Peninsula. The hotel is surrounded by a lush tropical garden
  • Esquinas Rainforest

    Accommodation
    Esquinas Rainforest Lodge is a tropical paradise in the remote jungle of southern Costa Rica, surrounded by the untouched wilderness of new Piedras Blancas National Park. It was financed by the government of Austria as part of a model project combining development aid, nature conservation, and rainforest research. All profits go to the local community.
  • Fenix Hotel

    Accommodation
    The tropical white sand beach stretches out long and wide, perfect for building sand castles or going for an early morning jog. The coral and rock reefs at both ends of the beach provide a safe place to swim, without riptides
  • Golfo Dulce Lodge

    Accommodation
    The Golfo Dulce Lodge consists of more than 300 hectares (750 acres) of jungle. Our goal is to conserve the existing virgin rainforest, and to set up a small place for nature and animal lovers to experience the magnificent world of an almost untouched environment on an individual basis, away from tourist crowds. So far, 336 different species of birds have been identified
  • Hacienda Baru

    Accommodation
    Hacienda Baru
  • Hotel Arboleda

    Accommodation
    Our hotel is a short five-minute walk north of beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park in Quepos, Costa Rica. Here our guests enjoy lush tropical landscaping, a refreshing pool, beautiful balcony views and convenient beachfront access right in our own backyard. It`s the perfect place for surfers to stay for surfing in Manuel Antonio
  • Hotel Boyeros

    Accommodation
    Boyeros Hotel & Conference Center is a family business that was founded in 1970 by Heriberto Rodriguez.
  • Hotel Brasilito

    Accommodation
    Hotel Brasilito is located in the northern part of the Pacific Coast in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The budget Hotel Brasilito is just in front of the fabulous Brasilito and Conchal beaches. From here its just a pleasant 600 m beachwalk to the luxury Hotel Melia Conchal. Hotel Brasilito is part of a wonderful tropical garden direct on the beach
  • Hotel Cariblue

    Accommodation
  • Hotel Claro de Luna

    Accommodation
    Surrounded by beautiful scenery with views to the Gulf of Nicoya and the mountains of Monteverde you will find our Hotel Claro de Luna. The most beautiful Mahogany wood house nicely finished with an excellent ambiance special decorated rooms.
  • Hotel La Mariposa

    Accommodation
    Hotel La Mariposa bids you a warm welcome to our place in paradise. We strive to make your viewing experience as informative as possible. Our hotel is so special, that the images contained herein are unable to convey the abundant beauty of the surroundings….
  • Hotel Lagarta Lodge

    Accommodation
    LAGARTA - LODGE, set on a hill about 40 m above sea level, offers a wonderful view of the coastline of Ostional, the mountains, the river mouth from Rio Nosara and also over the forest, which belongs to the Reserva Biologica Nosara…
  • Hotel Los Lagos

    Accommodation
    Among our services, we provide our guests with a tour on horse in the hotel`s area, with a path that goes near a lake and passes on the observatory where, with a clear day, you can appreciate the great Arenal volcano…
  • Hotel Montaña Monteverde

    Accommodation
    Hotel Montaña Monteverde is situated within minutes from many local attractions, incluiding the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the Santa Elena Rain Forest Reserve, the Canopy Tour, the Sky Walk, the Sky Trek, the Butterfly Garden, the Orchid Garden, the Serpentarium, the Ecological Farm and the Hidden Valley Trail. In addition, there are several artists studios and gift shops to make your stay here more memorable.
  • Iguana Lodge

    Accommodation
    Here you will find the ancient rainforest with over 350 species of birds…
  • La Carolina Lodge

    Accommodation
    …is a rustic guesthouse on the eastern slopes of Volcano Tenorio. We are located in a less traveled region of northwestern Costa Rica, amidst sunny jungles and volcanic mountains. The lodge sits on 170 acres, nestled in rainforest and fed by a freshwater river. We have a warm, friendly, Costa Rican staff and excellent home-cooked meals. The lodge is also a full-time cattle ranch and farm…
  • La Casa que Canta Birdwatching Villas

    Accommodation
    Self-catering cottages for those who want to go it alone! - La Casa que Canta is a small property of slightly over 2 hectares situated in Barrio Jesus, Sta. Barbara de Heredia…
  • La Cusinga Lodge

    Accommodation
    The rainforest-surrounded beach at La Cusinga, called Playa de Arco is part of Ballena (Whale) Marine National Park, created to protect its various coastal marine habitats, also endangered species like the Pacific hawksbill turtles that live and nest here, and the humpback whales that visit the park every year from both Northern and Southern hemispheres
  • La Joya Retreat

    Accommodation
    La Joya de la Jungla, the Jewel of the Jungle, is a cliffside tree-house retreat with sweeping views of the sea, mountains, and rain forest. Just a pleasant fifteen minute walk from magnificent Caribbean beaches, La Joya offers convenient access to a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, jungle tours, sea kayaking, surfing, horseback riding, biking, and some of the best birdwatching in the western hemisphere. If exploration of the world`s most beautiful ecosystems, coupled with authentic tropical living in a simple but tasteful atmosphere is what your looking for, La Joya is the place for you.
  • La Paloma Lodge

    Accommodation
    The resort is spread over 12 richly landscaped acres and surrounded by dense tropical rainforest. We have planted hundreds of plants and trees that are not only lovely to see but also attract a variety of birds and wildlife…
  • Lagarta Lodge

    Accommodation
    LAGARTA - LODGE, set on a hill about 40 m above sea level, offers a wonderful view of the coastline of Ostional, the mountains, the river mouth from Rio Nosara and also over the forest, which belongs to the Reserva Biologica Nosara. LAGARTA - LODGE has seven bedrooms, for up to 3 people, with private bathroom, hot water and ceiling fan. Each room has an exceptional view of the beach, river and our nature reserve.
  • Laguna del Lagarto Lodge

    Accommodation
    The Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge in Northern Costa Rica offers you 1250 Acres (500 Hectares) of virgin tropical rainforest with an incredible variety of fauna and flora. 350 different species of birds have been counted, among them the Great Green Macaw
  • Lapa Rios Lodge

    Accommodation
    Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America`s last remaining lowland tropical rainforest, Lapa Rios overlooks the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean, making it the destination that matches every one`s idea of paradise.
  • Look-out Inn

    Accommodation
    Venture away from the comfort of the Lookout Inn each morning and enjoy the Largest Protected Tract of Pacific Coast Rainforest remaining in the Western Hemisphere, and yet return to a comfortable room at the end of a long day of exploring. And best of all, The Lookout Inn is very affordable
  • Los Almendros

    Accommodation
    Centro dedicado a la danza y las artes del movimiento, frente al mar, 3.5 kms. entre Montezuma y Cabuya. Se ofrecen talleres sobre la educacion somática, el entrenamiento y terapia con balones (enfoque SOMA-RITMOS); danzas latinoamericanas y otros. Disponible para alquiler a profesores y artistas en las artes del movimiento, a grupos para conferencias, presentaciones, residencias, vacaciones familiares y otros eventos…
  • Los Pinos

    Accommodation
    Enjoy our fully equipped cabins, immersed in mind-soothing nature, surrounded by beautiful native gardens and exuberant forest, built far apart from each other for extreme privacy and equipped with all cooking essentials. Explore our 8 hectare private reserve and/or spot wildlife right outside your window! All while being close to all the awesome activities that Monteverde has to offer.
  • Luna Lodge

    Accommodation
    Luna Lodge was constructed by Costa Rican people with the issues of conservation and preservation of the rainforest a priority. The lodge has been developed with creative initiative and commitment to the ideals of educating visitors to be environmentally and culturally sensitive
  • Mawamba Lodge

    Accommodation
    Located on the Northeast area of Costa Rica
  • Miraflores Eco-Lodge

    Accommodation
    The stretch of Caribbean coast from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo is one of the best guarded secrets of Costa Rica. Unspoiled by large commercial tourism, those visiting this area will find small and intimate beaches, coral reefs with dolphin and beautiful fish and the rainforest with hundreds of birds and exotic plants.
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge

    Accommodation
    Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge is a Costa Rica hotel with a 70 acres private property with primary and secondary forest, & 5 km of private trails where you can find more than 180 species of birds…
  • Orosi Lodge

    Accommodation
    Orosi Valley is located one hour east of the capital San Jose and offers you everything you need to enjoy your stay in this highest quality coffee producing site of Costa Rica. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching and swimming are just a few of the things you can do to relax. There are two thermal volcanic springs right next to the Lodge and several refreshing cold pools in the area. You may explore the wild life of the Tapanti National Park, go fishing trouts in Purisil or just sit on the porch of one of the small typical Soda restaurants, sip a fresh tropical fruit drink and watch the village life
  • Pachira Lodge

    Accommodation
    Tortuguero is one of the wilderness areas in Costa Rica, with the greatest biological variety. 11 habitats had been identified, such as 2000 species of plants and 400 species of trees. There is also a very wide wildlife variety: 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, 309 species of birds recorded, 30 species of fresh water fish, included the Gar,, considered to be a living fossil, 60 species of mammals…
  • Pacuare Jungle Lodge

    Accommodation
    Welcome to the Pacuare Lodge, a jungle oasis nestled in the middle of an enchanting rainforest. Unique among Costa Rica's eco-lodges and accessible only by river or hike, we offer this unforgettable escape in connection with white-water rafting and hiking packages
  • Punta Leona Beach Hotel

    Accommodation
    Punta Leona has one of the most important private reserves in Costa Rica
Blogs
  • Costa Rica Living and Birding

    BLOG
    After several visits to Costa Rica since 1992, I finally moved here. I am recently married to a Tica I have known since 1994. Any day now, we will have our first daughter! Although It will be her decision, I will try my best to raise a kung-fu practicing birder like myself…
  • Manuel Antonio Birding

    BLOG
    Johan Chaves' blog is intended to share his birding adventures, hoping to help others interested in bird-watching find the specie they are looking for, providing suggestion on places to go or to stay as well as suggestions on guides he has met along the years…
  • Tico Birder

    BLOG
    My adventures with bird and nature in Costa Rica…
Photographers & Artists
  • Artist - Dana Garner

    Gallery
    I am an artist who has illustrated over 2 dozen books since 1977 on birds and natural history, including field guides to Costa Rica, Singapore, and Wallacea. My time overseas includes 6 years in the New World Tropics and 3 years in Southeast Asia. I have illustrated many of the books of the renowned ornithologist, Alexander Skutch.
  • Photographer - Donald L. Cohen MD - Costa Rica Birds

    Gallery
    My wife and I had the wonderful opportunity to take a trip to Costa Rica in early March, 2004. We travelled with a small group of photographers led by prominent bird photographer, Tom Vezo. The other photographers included Richard S. Mittleman, Bob Stronk, and Steve Hutchcraft
  • Photographer - Glen Bartley

    Gallery
    Gallery of Costa Rica's birds - excellent images!
  • Photographer - Richard Garrigues

    Gallery
    The following photographs were taken through a Swarovski AT 80 HD telescope (with a handful of exceptions) using a Kodak DC3400 digital camera. Those images which I feel are of particularly good quality are indicated with an asterisk after the English common name. Where sexual dimorphism exists, a photo of a female bird is indicated by (f)
  • Photographer- Juan Zamora Photography

    Gallery
    My name is Juan Zamora and this place on the web will be where I share my adventures as a Birdwatcher. I

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