This 8 day, 7 night tour is a perfect introduction to the more than 900 bird species which can be found in Costa Rica. Some are native to the country, and some include Costa Rica in their migratory patterns. We have combined top notch accommodations with bird watching excursions led by experienced ornithologist guides. Your first stop will be the high elevation of Poás Volcano National Park, where you might see Black Guans, Black and Yellow Silky Flycatchers, Prong-Billed Barbets, and even Resplendent Quetzals. Next up you’ll move on to the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, where a night tour will reveal sleeping birds, frogs, snakes, bats, armadillos, two-toed sloths, and more. You’ll also visit the Curi-Cancha Reserve, which has a bird list of over 200 species. Moving on to Arenal you’ll enjoy a full day private birdwatching tour, in addition to an early morning birding adventure on the shores of Lake Arenal. You’ll end your vacation with a trip to some luxurious hot springs for a soothing soak and gourmet dinner. This vacation is perfect for all the bird lovers you know!

 

Price

• $2,100 Per Person

• Based on a minimum of two people in a double occupancy room

• For fewer or additional person(s), inquire for pricing

• Prices valid through 2023 (excluding Semana Santa / Easter week 4/2/2023 to 4/9/2023 and 12/20/2023 to 1/5/2024). All pricing subject to change until booked and confirmed. Lower rates may be available during "green season" (May to November). Inquire when booking.

 

Destinations

Poas Volcano, Monteverde, Arenal

 

Duration

7 nights, 8 days

 

Itinerary

 

 Day 1 

SJO to Poás Volcano

When you arrive at SJO airport a private driver will transport you approx. 1 hour to Poás Volcano Lodge (or comparable hotel), a stunning mountain lodge with an onsite restaurant, nestled into rolling pastures, with breathtaking views of Poás Volcano and the northern Caribbean Plains. Poás Volcano is a popular, active volcano, which has one of the largest active craters in the world. The national park consists of nearly 15,000 acres and at least four different habitats. After checking in, you’ll join a guide for a birdwatching tour around the lodge’s extensive grounds.

 

 Day 2 

Poás Volcano National Park

Poás National Park has eighty different species of birds. Birders will enjoy spotting hummingbirds, toucans, sooty robins, black guans, tanagers, are frequently spotted, and the resplendent quetzal also makes its home in the region. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the park, where you will learn about local history, experience breathtaking views of the Central Valley, and learn about the flora and fauna that thrive here. You’ll also get to witness the bubbling crater lagoon of Poás Volcano, which is one of the country’s most thrilling attractions. 

 

 Day 3 

Transfer to Monteverde 

After breakfast, you’ll be driven by private shuttle approx. 3.5 hours to the misty cloud forests of Monteverde. You will check into the Monteverde Lodge and Gardens (or comparable hotel). This beautiful hotel is walking distance from downtown Monteverde, but feels like a natural oasis worlds apart from civilization. You’ll have breathtaking forest views, and a private cloud forest reserve with abundant wildlife. Settle in and enjoy the amenities of the lodge while you get ready for a night tour of the grounds, where your guide will help you to spot frogs, snakes, armadillos, bats, two-toed sloths, and even sleeping birds.

 

 Day 4 

Monteverde

Today you will visit the 237 acres of the Curi-Cancha Reserve, often described as a bird-watcher’s paradise, which has a bird list of over 200 species. You’ll also likely see white-faced Capuchin, Howler and Spider Monkeys. The reserve’s policy allows no more than 40 guests in at the same time, which helps protect the forests, while offering a high quality experience for guests. 

 

 Day 5 

Transfer to Arenal 

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Arenal via something called a shuttle-boat-shuttle, a popular way to travel between Monteverde and Arenal. You’ll travel via a shuttle to Lake Arenal, then board a covered panga-style boat for a ride across the lake (watch for crocodiles and water fowl), and then take a shuttle on the other side to your hotel in Arenal. You’ll check into Arenal Observatory Lodge with onsite restaurant (or comparable hotel), located within Arenal Volcano National Park. This sustainable eco-lodge offers complimentary guided walks on the 870-acre property, which includes 7 miles of trails. You can spend the rest of the day exploring. The lodge is also a hotspot for bird watching, with more than 500 species noted so far. You can spot birds and other wildlife from the lodge’s 92-foot tall tower, called the Nest, which is located within the dense canopy of the tropical rainforest. And on clear days, the views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal are stunning.   

 

 Day 6 

Arenal 

Your day will start early with a private guided full-day birdwatching tour, with a 6:00 am start time. You will take breaks for breakfast and lunch, and will spend the rest of the day exploring with your guide. If you are feeling sore after your adventure, take a soak in the jacuzzi, or visit the lodge’s highly-rated spa. 

 

 Day 7 

Arenal 

Enjoy an early morning birdwatching tour to Lake Arenal to discover the bird species that live around the lake. The elusive tropical birds of Costa Rica are best spotted in the early hours and your guide can help you spot the harder-to-see birds such as Royal Flycatchers, White-fronted Nunbirds, Cinnamon Woodpeckers and more. Enjoy the middle of the day by relaxing or exploring more of the hotel’s trails, and then you will be picked up to go to Eco Termales Hot Springs for a luxurious soak in their natural hot springs, including a swim-up bar for artisanal cocktails, followed by a delicious dinner prepared on site. Then you will be driven back to your hotel to prepare for your departure the next day. 

 

 Day 8 

Transfer to SJO

After breakfast (depending on the time of your flight), you will be transported by private shuttle to SJO airport (approx. 3+ hours) for your return flight home.

 

Included

• 2 nights at Poás Volcano Lodge (or comparable hotel)

• 2 nights at Monteverde Lodge and Gardens (or comparable hotel)

• 3 nights at Arenal Observatory Lodge (or comparable hotel)

• All hotel and activity taxes are included in price 

• Private transport from SJO to Poás Volcano

• Private transport from Poás Volcano to Monteverde

• Shared transport from Monteverde to Arenal via Shuttle-Boat-Shuttle across Lake Arenal

• Private Transport from Arenal to SJO

• Birdwatching Tour at Poás Volcano Lodge

• Poás Volcano National Park Guided Tour 

• Cloud Forest Night Tour in Monteverde

• Curi-Cancha Reserve Guided Tour

• Full-Day Private Birdwatching Tour in Arenal

• Early morning Birdwatching Tour on Lake Arenal

• Eco Termales Hot Springs and Dinner

• Breakfast on days 2 - 8

• Dinner on day 7

• In-country assistance via text, phone and email

 

Not included

• You are responsible for lunches

• You are responsible for dinners, except on day 7

• Price does not include gratuities - it is customary to tip drivers, tour guides, housekeeping staff. There is a 10% gratuity added to restaurant bills, but additional tips for good service are greatly appreciated.

• International airfare not included.

 

What to bring

• You will be traveling to different regions, which have their own climates. Depending on when you come, there may be some rain, so rain jackets (lightweight) or ponchos are a good idea. 

• It can also be chilly and misty in the higher elevations, so layers are important. 

• Be sure to bring several long sleeve and long pants (or leggings) options as your clothes may need to dry out in between wearings if you encounter wet conditions. Be sure to include a lightweight jacket, and/or a fleece. It can be quite cold and windy in Poas Volcano National Park, so be prepared with layers. 

• Binoculars, camera, sun glasses, hat

• You will also want bug repellent and sun screen (ocean-friendly brands if possible). 

• Your footwear options should include flip flops, sports sandals, and sneakers. If you are most comfortable trekking in hiking boots, you should bring those as well.

 

Note

We always have one or more comparable back-up hotels. The further out you book your vacation, the better our chances of booking our preferred hotels. If hotel availability is going to have a significant impact on your stay, we will discuss alternatives with you prior to making hotel reservations on your behalf.