**November 14, 2017**
**THREE WONDERS OF NATURE**
Costa Rica’s geographical location, an isthmus connecting the Americas, and its diverse topography fuse to create a wide variety of ecosystems: cloud and rain forests, mangroves, grasslands, wetlands, and coasts. Blooming plants, various fruit trees, and species migrating from South and North America allow for the observation of both endemic and migratory species. In a very small area, traversing the country in search of different bird species is highly accessible in a relatively short period. All these characteristics have made Costa Rica one of the top ten bird-watching destinations in the world; home to 920 bird species where you can see up to 150 species in a single day, depending on location and season. Migratory species head to Central and South America to spend their winters from August to December and from January to early May, birds return to North America. These are ideal times for a bird-watching tour in Costa Rica and will give you the best opportunities to observe birds on your list, as well as hear their calls.

**Bird Watching Routes in Costa Rica**
From the highlands of the cloud forest to the Caribbean lowlands and coasts, bird watching can be done almost anywhere in Costa Rica. Our Nature Wonder Routes have classified the best places for your convenience based on where you will see raptors, warblers, and coastal birds. Starting in the Central Valley is the most convenient way to begin your bird-watching route in Costa Rica. Allow yourself at least two weeks to complete your chosen route, and if you can make it three for a side trip or some rest and relaxation, even better.
**Route 1: Caribbean Lowlands and Lowlands (Central Valley-Sarapiquí-Tortuguero-Southern Caribbean-Turrialba-Central Valley)**
Begin your journey at **Finca Rosa Blanca**, immersed in a coffee plantation in the province of Heredia, or at **Hotel Xandari**, on the slopes of the Poás Volcano with views of the **Central Valley**. Both hotels offer bird watching within their extensive grounds, a welcoming introduction to Costa Rica.
Head to **Sarapiquí**, considered part of one of the most accessible rainforests in the world. Some of the endemic species you can see here include: the Snowy Cotinga, the Orange-bellied Trogon, and the Bare-necked Umbrellabird.
**Tortuguero** is next, on Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast, where more than 300 bird species have been identified. The rainforest meets mangroves and canals, extending out to the ocean, creating a mix of different habitats in a small area. Some endemic species here include: tinamous (Great, Little, and Slaty-breasted), herons (Great Blue, Tricolored, Green, Agami, and more), Green Ibis, vultures (Black, Turkey, and King), and many more.
Continue exploring the Caribbean coast, heading south.
As you head back towards the **Central Valley**, a stop at **Casa Turire** allows you to explore the town of Turrialba, in the province of Cartago. The property resembles a colonial country house, situated on the edge of a river and at the foothills of the Turrialba Volcano. From there, you can explore the Tuis River valley and the Silent Mountain. The variations in elevation allow for extensive bird watching, and the property is happy to provide a list of species seen in the area to track your sightings.

**Route 2: Northern Lowlands, Caribbean, and Pacific (San José-Arenal-Caño Negro-Monteverde-Gulf of Nicoya-San José)**
After your stay in the **Central Valley**, head towards the **Arenal Volcano/La Fortuna** area. Here you can stay at the **Arenal Observatory Lodge**, located next to an imposing volcano with stunning views of Lake Arenal. The 870-acre property has recorded over 500 bird species. This hotspot combines bird watching in the Caribbean lowland rainforests with those of the lowland forests. **Arenal Springs** is another lodging option from which you can travel to the base of Arenal Volcano and its hiking trails.
Head north to the **Caño Negro National Park**, in the **Northern Plains**, where some of the endemic species you can observe are: the Black-and-yellow Tanager, Snowy Cotinga, and Banded Wren.
Next are the **cloud forests of Monteverde**, where the Quetzal, a bird revered by the Mayans for its magical beauty, makes its home in the decaying trees. Don’t miss a visit to the **Hummingbird Garden** next to a small café and gift shop at the park entrance. There is no entry fee; just walk right in, stop among the feeders, and feel the buzz and energy of these vibrant small creatures surrounding you. If you can manage to hold your hand still, one might perch on your hand or stop mid-flight in your line of sight. A hike within the protected areas of Monteverde and Santa Elena, equipped with cameras and binoculars, will reward you with sightings of Dusky Nightjars, Black Guans, the Volcano Hummingbird, and the Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl, among others. Stay at **El Establo Mountain Hotel**, with extensive grounds and its own trails and tours, or at the **Poco a Poco Hotel** in town.

**Continue your journey towards the Gulf of Nicoya** and stay at the **Rancho Humo Lodge**, strategically located in the Tempisque River basin and bordering the protected area of Palo Verde. The Palo Verde National Park is home to the largest stork in North America, the Jabiru. These lowlands have formed large swamps that are home to hundreds of water birds such as herons, egrets, kingfishers, and water hens.
**Route 3: Pacific Highlands and Lowlands (Central Valley-Cerro de la Muerte-Osa-Carara-Nicoya-Central Valley)**
After your stay in the **Central Valley**, head towards **Cerro de la Muerte** or **Summit of Death**, the highest point in Costa Rica. Stay at the **Trogon Lodge** and explore the San Gerardo de Dota region. This is a must-visit for any bird watcher due to its lush cloud forests, crystal-clear rivers, and cool climate. The main reason to come here: the elusive Quetzal. It’s hard to believe this trogon is endangered when you can see them flying and feeding on their favorite “aguacatillo” while you enjoy your coffee on the hotel terrace. Some highland endemic species include: the Silvery-throated Jay, Ochraceous Wren, Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner, and Flame-throated Warbler.
Leave the cool climate of Cerro and head towards the **Southern Pacific**. Upon arriving at the **Osa Peninsula**, it’s not uncommon to see small trees with branches heavy with dozens of scarlet macaws. Seeing them in flight is a spectacular sight, as they always travel in pairs with their lifelong mates. When you see their spectacular colors forming above, you’ll understand why they’re known as Costa Rica’s air force. While in the area, visit **Corcovado National Park**, containing 4% of the world’s biodiversity and one of the most remote and pristine areas in the country. Some endemic species here include: Baird’s Trogon, Fiery-billed Aracari, and White-crested Coquette. Stay at **Nicuesa Lodge**, accessible only by boat, an eco-friendly place to observe nature unhindered. **Playa Cativo** offers secluded luxury, also reachable only by crossing the waters of the Golfo Dulce by boat.
Head north along the coast towards **Carara National Park**. The transitional forest is home to species from both dry and wet forests, creating a wealth of biodiversity. It protects the Tárcoles River basin, a popular spot for crocodile watching. There is a large population of scarlet macaws, toucans, and herons. Stay at the **Villa Lapas Rainforest Eco-Resort**, where they’ve created a Sky Way. This labyrinth of bridges overlooking the forest allows a bird’s eye view from which to safely observe and take photos.
The next stop is the **Nicoya Peninsula**, further up the Pacific coast, for a visit to **Palo Verde National Park**, a mandatory stop for migratory species and a protected area for water bird nesting sites.
**Route 4: Caribbean and Pacific Lowlands (San José-Tortuguero-Sarapiquí-Arenal-Central Pacific-San José)**
This route combines destinations in a different order, depending on what you want to see.

### Bird Watching in Costa Rica
**November 14, 2017**
**THREE WONDERS OF NATURE**
Costa Rica’s geographical location, as an isthmus connecting the Americas, and its diverse topography, create a variety of ecosystems: cloud and rain forests, mangroves, grasslands, wetlands, and coasts. Blooming plants, varied fruit trees, and migrating species from both South and North America allow the observation of both endemic and migratory species. In a small area, you can traverse the country and see different bird species in a relatively short time. These features have made Costa Rica one of the top ten bird-watching destinations in the world, home to 920 bird species, where you can see up to 150 species in a single day, depending on location and season. Migratory species head to Central and South America to spend their winters from August to December, and from January to early May, the birds return to North America. These are ideal times for a bird-watching tour in Costa Rica, offering the best chances to spot and hear various bird species.
**Bird Watching Routes in Costa Rica**
From the highlands of the cloud forest to the lowlands of the Caribbean and the coasts, bird watching can be done almost anywhere in Costa Rica. Our Wonders of Nature routes have classified the best spots for your convenience, based on where you can see raptors, warblers, and coastal birds. Starting in the Central Valley is the most convenient way to begin your bird-watching route in Costa Rica. Allow yourself at least two weeks to complete your chosen route, and if you can take three for a side trip or some rest and relaxation, even better.
**Route 1: Lowlands and Caribbean Lowlands (Central Valley-Sarapiquí-Tortuguero-Southern Caribbean-Turrialba-Central Valley)**
Begin your trip at **Finca Rosa Blanca**, immersed in a coffee plantation in the Heredia province, or at **Hotel Xandari**, on the slopes of Poás Volcano with views of the Central Valley. Both hotels offer bird watching within their extensive grounds, a welcoming introduction to Costa Rica.
Head to **Sarapiquí**, considered part of one of the most accessible rainforests in the world. Some endemic species you can spot here are the Snowy Cotinga, the Bare-necked Umbrellabird, and the White-collared Manakin.
Next, head to **Tortuguero**, on Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast, where more than 300 bird species have been identified. The rainforest meets mangroves and channels leading to the ocean, creating a combination of different habitats in a small area. Some endemic species here include: tinamous (Great, Little, and Slaty-breasted), herons (Great Blue, Tricolored, Green, Agami, and more), Green Ibis, vultures (Black, Turkey, and King), and many more.
Continue exploring the Caribbean coast, heading south.
As you head back towards the **Central Valley**, a stop at **Casa Turire** allows you to explore the Turrialba area in the Cartago province. The property resembles a colonial countryside house, on the edge of a river and at the foot of the Turrialba Volcano. From here, you can explore the Tuis River Valley and Silencio Mountain. The elevation variances allow for extensive bird watching, and the property gladly provides a list of species seen in the area to track your sightings.
**Route 2: Northern Lowlands, Caribbean, and Pacific (San José-Arenal-Caño Negro-Monteverde-Gulf of Nicoya-San José)**
After your stay in the **Central Valley**, head towards the **Arenal Volcano/La Fortuna** area. Here, you can stay at the **Arenal Observatory Lodge**, next to an imposing volcano with stunning views of Lake Arenal. The 870-acre property has recorded over 500 bird species. This hotspot combines bird watching in the lowland rainforests of the Caribbean with the lowland forests of the Pacific. **Arenal Springs** is another accommodation option from which you can travel to the base of Arenal Volcano and hike its trails.
Head north to the **Caño Negro National Park**, in the Northern Plains, where some endemic species you can observe include the Black-and-yellow Tanager, Snowy Cotinga, and the Banded Wren.
Next are the misty forests of **Monteverde**, where the Quetzal, a bird revered by the Maya for its magical beauty, makes its home in the decaying trees. Don’t miss a visit to the Hummingbird Garden next to a small coffee shop and gift store at the park entrance. There is no entrance fee; just walk right in, stop among the feeders, and feel the buzz and energy of these vibrant small creatures around you. If you can manage to keep your hand still, one might land on your hand or stop mid-flight in your line of sight. A hike within the protected areas of Monteverde and Santa Elena, equipped with cameras and binoculars, will reward you with sightings of Dusky Nightjars, Black Guans, the Volcano Hummingbird, and the Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl among others. Stay at **El Establo Mountain Hotel**, with extensive grounds and its own trails and tours, or at **Hotel Poco a Poco** in town.
**Route 3: Pacific Highlands and Lowlands (Central Valley-Cerro de la Muerte-Osa-Carara-Nicoya-Central Valley)**
After your stay in the **Central Valley**, head towards **Cerro de la Muerte** or **Summit of Death**, the highest point in Costa Rica. Stay at the **Trogon Lodge** and explore the San Gerardo de Dota region. This is a must-visit for any bird watcher due to its lush cloud forests, crystal-clear rivers, and cool climate. The main reason to come here: the elusive Quetzal. It’s hard to believe this trogon is endangered when you can see them flying and feeding on their favorite “aguacatillo” while you enjoy your coffee on the hotel terrace. Some highland endemic species include: the Silvery-throated Jay, Ochraceous Wren, Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner, and Flame-throated Warbler.
Leave the cool climate of Cerro and head towards the **Southern Pacific**. Upon arriving at the **Osa Peninsula**, it’s not uncommon to see small trees with branches heavy with dozens of scarlet macaws. Seeing them in flight is a spectacular sight, as they always travel in pairs with their lifelong mates. When you see their spectacular colors forming above, you’ll understand why they’re known as Costa Rica’s air force. While in the area, visit **Corcovado National Park**, containing 4% of the world’s biodiversity and one of the most remote and pristine areas in the country. Some endemic species here include: Baird’s Trogon, Fiery-billed Aracari, and White-crested Coquette. Stay at **Nicuesa Lodge**, accessible only by boat, an eco-friendly place to observe nature unhindered. **Playa Cativo** offers secluded luxury, also reachable only by crossing the waters of the Golfo Dulce by boat.
Head north along the coast towards **Carara National Park**. The transitional forest is home to species from both dry and wet forests, creating a wealth of biodiversity. It protects the Tárcoles River basin, a popular spot for crocodile watching. There is a large population of scarlet macaws, toucans, and herons. Stay at the **Villa Lapas Rainforest Eco-Resort**, where they’ve created a Sky Way. This labyrinth of bridges overlooking the forest allows a bird’s eye view from which to safely observe and take photos.
The next stop is the **Nicoya Peninsula**, further up the Pacific coast, for a visit to **Palo Verde National Park**, a mandatory stop for migratory species and a protected area for water bird nesting sites.
**Route 4: Caribbean and Pacific Lowlands (San José-Tortuguero-Sarapiquí-Arenal-Central Pacific-San José)**
This route combines destinations in a different order, depending on what you want to see.
—
### Bird Watching Challenge 2017
The **Costa Rica Bird Challenge** took place in October 2017. This exciting competition brought together a group of 13 of the world’s best bird watchers, including journalists, influencers, and European travel agents. They were divided into three groups, along with Costa Rican nature guides, and taken to the best bird-watching spots in the country. They had one week to observe as many birds as they could. The results were impressive and very close: **Tico Tickers** came in first with 488 species, **Redstart Wranglers** spotted 478, and **Toucan Tico** came in a close third with 476. A total of 550 different species were seen or heard altogether, a rather impressive number. No doubt, the fun and success of the event will be repeated in the future. Check out some photos on Instagram under the hashtags: #costaricabirdchallenge and #birdwatchingrepublic.
**What to Bring for Your Bird-Watching Experience in Costa Rica**
There will be moments when luck or patience, or both, provide a perfect visible moment to the naked eye. For detailed spotting of some birds, especially in the tropics where their opalescent colors are stunning, you will want good quality binoculars. You can pair these with a spotting scope for even more magnified views. A camera seems like a logical choice, but focusing on taking pictures can take away from enjoying the moment. Your call, of course, and documenting your sightings can be important for rarer bird species. Try to dress in light, breathable earth-tone clothing, long pants, and shirts,

Traveling Across the Country
Choosing a preset itinerary, working with your travel agent to create a customized one, or designing one on your own—all are valid ways to experience bird watching in Costa Rica. Traveling as a group with like-minded individuals can provide learning opportunities, the sharing of experiences, and entertainment during the journey. Not having to drive is comfortable and can relieve pressure. For some, the freedom of renting a car and having the independence to come and go as you please is vital. Depending on your time and budget constraints, you can even travel by bus: Costa Rica’s public transportation can take you almost anywhere in the country. Adding a trained guide to the mix is always a good idea, especially if it’s your first time visiting the country. Their trained eyes and ears will help you spot endemic species, and they are often equipped with field guides, binoculars, and lenses that you can borrow.
For serious bird watchers, chronicling the locations and sightings of birds intertwines with the story of their lives. Do you enjoy observing nature in all its forms? Do you need to check birds off a list as a life-affirming task? Whatever your motivation, Costa Rica, with its rich biodiversity, is a must-visit destination for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
At **Futuropa**, we have created suggested itineraries that allow you to include bird watching as part of your nature-loving adventure in Costa Rica, traversing mountains and coasts. We can also customize a trip for you and consult with you regarding accommodation types and what your expectations are during your visit. For information about travel itineraries, travel agencies, tour operators, car rental options, and hotels, [click here](#). Contact us and experience the wonders of Costa Rica.
