The Wonders of the Eastern Slope

Overview: Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), where the Geo Natura Tours team will greet you with a warm welcome. Transfer to your hotel and settle in before an orientation session to go over the exciting days ahead. Enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

Lodging: Bougainvillea

Hotel Meals: None

After breakfast, we set off for the breathtaking Arenal region, home to the iconic Arenal Volcano—one of the most perfectly cone-shaped volcanoes on Earth. On our way, we will make a stop in San Ramón to search for some bird species before continuing to our lodge, which offers stunning views of the volcano and Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest lake.

Lodging: Arenal History Inn

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overview: Today, we immerse ourselves in the rich biodiversity of Arenal Observatory Lodge, an eBird hotspot with nearly 380 recorded bird species. This prime cloud forest habitat is a dream for birdwatchers.

What to Look For: Montezuma Oropendola, Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Pale-billed Woodpecker, Rufous-winged Tanager, Masked Tityra, Coppery-headed Emerald (Costa Rica endemic), Green Hermit, Long-billed Starthroat.

Lodging: Arenal History Inn

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Caño Negro wetland is renowned for its incredible diversity of resident birds and serves as a vital winter refuge for thousands of migratory species returning each year. The hotel grounds also provide excellent opportunities to spot many of the region’s top bird species, making this a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts.

What to look: Muscovy Duck, Pale-vented Pigeon, Groove-billed Ani, White-throated Crake, Northern Jacana, Neotropic Cormorant, Little Blue Heron, Green Heron, Green Ibis, Black Vulture, Hoffmann's Woodpecker, Orange-chinned Parakeet, Red-lored Parrot, Common Tody-Flycatcher, Northern Tropical Pewee, Great Kiskadee, Tropical Kingbird, House Wren, Spot-breasted Wren, Bay Wren, Clay-colored Thrush, Yellow-throated Euphonia, Bronzed Cowbird, Melodious Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Scarlet-rumped Tanager, Blue-gray Tanager, Variable Seedeater, Bananaquit, Gray-headed Chachalaca, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Mistletoe Tyrannulet, Black-crowned Tityra, Collared Aracari, and many more.

Lodging: Natural Lodge Caño Negro

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging: Natural Lodge Caño Negro

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Journey to the biodiverse-rich Sarapiquí region. Our lodge’s gardens and fruit feeders attract a colorful array of birds. After dinner, join us for a magical night walk through the Sarapiquí jungle. With our guide, you'll experience the haunting calls of Spectacled Owls, catch glimpses of camouflaged tarantulas, and admire vibrant red tree frogs alongside elusive nocturnal mammals. This intimate journey into the jungle's darkness reveals hidden wonders for an unforgettable adventure.

What to Look For: Red-legged Honeycreeper, Green Honeycreeper, Crimson-collared Tanager, Violet Sabrewing, Scaly-breasted Hummingbird.

Lodging: La Selva Field Station

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner

One of Costa Rica’s most legendary birding sites, La Selva boasts an astounding 395 species recorded in spring. We'll explore primary and secondary rainforest, riverbanks, and open areas teeming with avian life.

What to Look For: Great Tinamou, Green Ibis, Keel-billed Toucan, Chestnut-colored Woodpecker, White-collared Manakin, Scarlet-rumped Cacique, Amazon Kingfisher.

Lodging: La Selva Field Station

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Today, we head to a private reserve in Sarapiquí to deepen your birding experience. Stroll along quiet, well-kept trails amid lush surroundings, where you'll have the opportunity to spot vibrant hummingbirds, elusive antbirds, and many other fascinating species. With our guide sharing insights on local conservation efforts, you'll gain a closer look at the reserve’s rich biodiversity and enjoy a truly immersive birdwatching adventure.

Lodging: La Selva Field Station

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we have a unique encounter with Cope, a passionate naturalist and artist who has devoted his life to documenting and preserving Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity. At his renowned wildlife sanctuary, you’ll enjoy intimate encounters with hard-to-find species like the Crested Owl and Spectacled Owl, along with rare photographic opportunities of vibrant hummingbirds. Later in the afternoon, we ascend into the cloud forests of Savegre and Cerro de la Muerte, where the cool, fresh air and dense canopy create a perfect habitat for endemic species. Get ready for the highlight of the trip: searching for the majestic Resplendent Quetzal—a moment that will be etched in your memory."

What to Look For: Crested Owl, Spectacled Owl, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer, White-collared Manakin.

Lodging: Mirador de Quetzales

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overview: Explore the enchanting oak-dominated highland forests, a sanctuary for rare and vibrant bird species.

What to Look For: Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, Acorn Woodpecker, Flame-colored Tanager, Slaty Flowerpiercer, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Talamanca Hummingbird.

Lodging: Mirador de Quetzales

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we transfer you to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) for your flight home. Our team ensures a smooth departure, marking the end of your unforgettable Costa Rica birding adventure.

Meals: Breakfast