10 BEST Birding Areas in Costa Rica! (2023)
Are you trying to see a number of birds in Costa Rica?
With round 28% of Costa Rica’s land protected by nationwide parks and wildlife reserves, there may be loads of area to discover. And with over 800 fowl species, this nation is really a birder’s paradise.
That can assist you discover the very best locations for fowl watching in Costa Rica, I’ve compiled an inventory of numerous locations, plus different fascinating issues to do in these areas.
#1. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a must-see for everybody. The pure fantastic thing about this space is protected by Ticos (Native Costa Ricans), together with Quakers who moved from america to protest the Korean Warfare. Collectively, these unlikely allies protect the Cloud Forest and monitor eco-tourism to verify it’s sustainable.
Cloud Forests are uncommon due to the distinctive circumstances wanted to create them. A forest is just thought-about a cloud forest when its altitude is between 1,000-2,500 m (3280-8200 ft). This altitude creates a cool local weather and permits for fixed cloud protection on the cover stage.
This distinctive Cloud Forest is break up down the center, with the jap (Monteverde) benefiting from commerce winds from the Caribbean that cool the realm. The jap (Santa Elena) facet, nonetheless lined in clouds, is just a few levels hotter with out these commerce winds. Though each side provide a number of the finest birdwatching in Costa Rica, most vacationer lodging is on the Monteverde facet.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve at a Look:
- Should-see birds: Resplendent Quetzal, Black and Yellow Silky Flycatcher, Chiriqui Quail Dove, Three-Wattled Bell Fowl, and Violet Sabrewing
- Different Animals: Olingo, Two-Toed Sloth, Kinkajou, Tayra, Coati, Central American Agouti, Mexican Bushy Dwarf Porcupine, Mantled Howler Monkey, White-Confronted Capuchin Monkey, Vipers, and Frogs.
- The place to remain
- Hidden Cover Treehouses gives you the sensation of residing within the rainforest with all of the facilities of a elaborate lodge.
- Sedna Monteverde Lodge provides mountain bungalows which are excellent for {couples} or households and are solely a brief stroll to something you want.
- Different Points of interest:
- An evening tour- Even in case you determine to go by yourself throughout the day, you need to rent a information to do an evening tour by means of the forest.
- Discover the hanging bridges: whether or not you select to take a tour, experience a prepare, or hike, the hanging bridges are a should.
- Cover Zip Line Tour
- Pattern the native espresso, as this space is legendary for its flavorful beans.
#2. Tapantí Nationwide Park
Tapantí Nationwide Park is taken into account the wettest nationwide park within the nation! It receives over 6.4 meters (21 ft) of rain per yr. Situated in a valley close to the city of Orosi and the mountains of Talamaca, this park can be dwelling to the Rio Grande de Orosi River, which gives San Jose with consuming water and hydroelectric energy.
The big quantity of precipitation makes Tapantí an excellent place for botanists to go to. Scientists have found hundreds of crops throughout the park, in addition to over 100 varieties of mushrooms and lichens.
The vegetation could make it tough to identify birds and different elusive wildlife, however this park is dwelling to the uncommon Resplendent Quetzal and Fiery-throated Hummingbird, together with the endangered Baird’s Tapir. Your finest likelihood to identify these species will likely be to rent a information to hike with you.
Tapantí Nationwide Park at a Look:
- Should See Birds: Resplendent Quetzal, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Collard Trogon, and Golden-bellied Flycatcher
- Different Animals: Baird’s Tapir, White-faced Capuchin, Agouti, Ocelot, and Jaugaurduni
- The place to Keep
- La Casona del Cafetal is positioned between the valleys of Cachi and Orosi.
- Orosi Lodge is without doubt one of the closest lodges to Tapantí Park
- San Jose is 1.5-2 hours away in case you want to plan a day journey.
- Different Points of interest:
- Tour the Colonial Church of Orosi, the oldest church in Costa Rica, and go to the connected museum
- Take a dip in Hacienda Orosi Scorching Springs
- Hike to Irazu Volcano, an energetic volcano close to Tapanti
#3. Palo Verde Nationwide Park
Situated in one of many final tropical dry forests on the earth, Palo Verde Park is a paradise for birds and different wildlife. You’ll discover numerous habitats, together with mangrove swamps, marshes, grassy savannas, and evergreen forests. There are additionally various limestone hills that present superb lookouts for recognizing wildlife. After all, throughout the dry season (December- Could), solely the everlasting lagoons survive to maintain the wildlife.
This park is the place to go in case you’re searching for waterfowl and shorebirds, as Palo Verde has the best focus of them in Central America. Moreover, there are over 300 different fowl species, loads of mammals, and quite a few reptiles, together with crocodiles!
The perfect time to go to Palo Verde as a birder is throughout the dry season. The timber may have dropped their leaves, making it simpler to see birds farther by means of the forest. The rivers and watering holes have additionally shrunk to only some lagoons, making it simple to identify wildlife alongside the shores and within the water. Nonetheless, take into account that the dry season is extraordinarily sizzling and sunny.
Palo Verde Nationwide Park at a Look:
- Should See Birds: Cattle Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills, and Black-crowned Night time Heron
- Different Animals: Variegated Squirrels, Howler Monkeys, White-nosed Coatis, and Crocodiles
- The place to Keep
- Tenting is allowed close to Hacienda Palo Verde Analysis Station. There are bogs, sizzling water showers, and meals can be found on the station.
- Rancho Humo Estancia is without doubt one of the closest lodges to Palo Verde
- Different Points of interest:
- Take a ship tour alongside one of many rivers to maximise your wildlife viewing
- Take a guided birdwatching tour by means of the nationwide park
- Go to Hacienda Palo Verde Analysis Station and take part in one in all their many public occasions
#4. Carara Nationwide Park
Carara Nationwide Park is a hidden gem surrounded by farmland and one of many solely wildlife sanctuaries within the space. It’s thought-about a organic melting pot due to its location between the dry forests of the Northwest and the rainforest of the Southern Pacific lowlands, making this park extraordinarily numerous in wildlife! This park is without doubt one of the few locations to seek out the uncommon Scarlet Macaw, in addition to a number of the largest crocodiles within the nation.
Top-of-the-line issues about Carara Nationwide Park is that the combined forest provides a neater place for bird-watching than another forests. It isn’t as dense, so it may be simpler to identify birds and different wildlife by means of the foliage.
Carara Nationwide Park at a Look:
- Should See Birds: Scarlet Macaw, Tiger Herons, Orange-collard Manakin, Antbirds, Trogons, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, and Royal Flycatchers
- Different Animals: Large Crocodiles, Pink Brocket, Collard Peccary, Monkeys, Sloth, Agouti, and Tayra
- The place to Keep
- This park is a simple day journey from the close by metropolis of Jacó
- Lodge Cerro Lodge is positioned very near Río Tarcoles Bridge. Additionally they cater to birders and nature fans.
- Paradise Bay Lodge Boutique is positioned North of Jacó to get you out of the hustle and bustle of the town
- Different Points of interest:
- Take a guided tour of the traditional burial grounds of the Huetar individuals
- Get pleasure from consuming at Restaurante El Cocodrilo
- Spend a while searching for crocodiles at Río Tarcoles Bridge
- Warning: Petty theft and theft have elevated on this space. All the time journey in teams, park close to official buildings, and pay attention to your environment.
#5. Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park:
Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park is the smallest nationwide park in Costa Rica, however this shouldn’t deter you from checking it out! Due to its manageable measurement and straightforward trails, it has develop into one of the crucial standard parks within the nation.
When you’re searching for simple mountain climbing and ocean swimming, that is the vacation spot for you. Though it isn’t often known as a tremendous bird-watching location, there are nonetheless loads of birds round to refill your listing. Moreover, in case you’re feeling adventurous, you possibly can take a look at the white-water rafting or sea kayaking provided by native firms.
Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park at a Look:
- Should-See Birds: Blue Grey Tanagers, Palm Tanagers, Fiery-billed Aracaris, Black-hooded Antshrikes, Baird’s Trogons, Yellow-Topped Night time Herons, and Brown Boobies.
- Different Animals: Squirrel Monkeys (Costa Rica’s rarest primate), Bottle-Nosed Dolphins, Humpback Whales, Tough-Toothed Dolphins, and Inexperienced Iguanas.
- The place to Keep
- La Posada is ideal for many who solely wish to go to the park and the seaside as a result of these are inside strolling distance. Additionally they present non-public jungle bungalows.
- Parador Nature Resort and Spa is for these searching for a extra enjoyable expertise however nonetheless eager to be very near every little thing.
- Different Points of interest:
- Get pleasure from a nighttime paddle board tour by means of the mangroves
- Take a ship tour for an up-close expertise with marine life
- Take a look at the Medicinal Plant Backyard
#6. Corcovado Nationwide Park and the Osa Peninsula
Corcovado Nationwide Park just isn’t a spot on your common vacationer. This is without doubt one of the final untouched forests of Costa Rica, so it’s essential be ready for rugged terrain and tough lodging. This distant space accommodates one of many final old-growth moist forests alongside the Pacific coast, in addition to 13 different superb ecosystems. It’s simple to grasp why Nationwide Geographic has labeled this place as probably the most biologically intense place on Earth!
Hiring a information is a vital a part of your go to to Corcovado. They lower your likelihood of changing into misplaced, they usually may also help with particulars like checking tide charts earlier than you head out. Additionally, the correct information will know the very best locations to identify birds.
Situated close to Corcovado Nationwide Park, the distant Osa Peninsula is a unbelievable escape from the hustle and bustle of the world. This space just isn’t simply accessible and gives you that peaceable and quiet jungle expertise you’re searching for. Though these areas are rugged and distant, they’re a number of the finest birdwatching areas in Costa Rica.
Corcovado Nationwide Park at a Look:
- Should See Birds: Scarlet Macaw, Orange-collard Manakin, Nice Curassow, Rufous Piha, Harpy Eagle, and Black Hawk
- Different Animals: Jaguar, Baird’s Tapir, primates, Silky Anteater, and Peccary
- The place to Keep
- Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge is positioned 500 ft above the water on the tip of the Osa Peninsula.
- Cabinas Jiménez is a good place to remain and loosen up within the metropolis of Jiménez.
- Campsites are positioned across the ranger stations in Corcovado. At Sirena Station, you could find a dormitory-style lodge and meals for buy.
- Different Points of interest:
- Snorkel off of Cano Island Organic Reserve in Drake Bay
- Kayak by means of mangroves close to Puerto Jiménez
- Tour Rancho Raices de Puerto Jiménez Chocolate Farm
- Set sail on a deep-sea fishing or whale-watching tour
#7. Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
Cano Negro is a tremendous place to go to year-round. This wildlife refuge is particularly excellent in case you’re trying to examine water birds off your listing. For 3 months beginning in January, migratory birds cease right here, making a world-class birding location in Costa Rica. The simplest technique to view them is to take a ship tour down the Rio Frio River. Hiring a ship tour by means of the Cano Negro Tour Cooperative is an effective way to help the native financial system.
Cano Negro can be an excellent park for anglers. Through the dry season, because the rivers dry up, the fish congregate within the year-round lagoons. In case you are trying to discover unique freshwater fish species, then that is the place to do it! Simply consider the tales it is possible for you to to inform.
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge at a Look:
- Should See Birds: Olivaceous Cormorant, Nicaraguan Grackle, Lesser Yellow-Headed Vulture, and Water Fowl
- Different Animals: Contemporary Water Fish, Spectacled Caiman, Inexperienced Iguana, Striped Basilisk, Howler Monkeys, and River Turtles
- The place to Keep
- Lodge de Campo Cano Negro is correct in the course of the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. If you wish to be near the motion, then that is the place to be.
- Kingfisher Lodge and Excursions present an excellent all-in-one package deal. This family-owned lodge will deal with you want household and gives excursions of a lifetime as effectively.
- Different Points of interest:
- Take a turtle and butterfly tour
- Go horseback driving by means of the rainforest
- Get pleasure from an ecological tour
#8. Tropical Lowlands of Sarapiqui
Sarapiqui Valley has transitioned quite a few occasions during the last century. As soon as a main farming area for bananas, it grew to become a vacation spot for kayakers after the banana commerce died out. Since a significant earthquake within the Nineteen Nineties, the individuals of Sarapiqui have rebuilt and created a tremendous eco-tourism area.
The world is a birder’s paradise as a result of the Sarapiqui River and Puerto Viejo River mix within the rainforest, which gives numerous habitats for birds to stay in. Not like different rainforests in Costa Rica, Sarapiqui is extraordinarily flat, making this a great location for many who want to keep away from mountains.
Tropical Lowlands of Sarapiqui at a Look
- Should-see Birds: White-tipped Sickle Invoice, Nice Pootoo, Crested Owl, and Nice Inexperienced Macaws
- Different Animals: Howler Monkeys, Snowy Contiga, and Brown Two-toed Sloth
- The place to Keep
- Ara Ambiua Lodge is the place to remain if you’re trying to help native ecology. There are lakes and trails so that you can discover when you take pleasure in your time.
- Gavilan Lodge is correct on the Sarapiqui river, making it handy for excursions hat go away proper from the lodge.
- Different Points of interest:
- Have enjoyable white water rafting on the Sarapiqui River
- Calm down on a safari boat tour
- Zip Line by means of the rainforest cover
- Take a look at the suspension bridge walks
#9. La Selva Organic Station
This analysis station, positioned throughout the Sarapiqui Lowlands, is without doubt one of the most vital organic analysis stations in Costa Rica. La Selva was established in 1968 to guard the realm from encroaching farmland. It will definitely grew to become a part of the Group for Tropical Research (OTS) to additional defend this space. Since its opening, it has pioneered forest conservation, defending old-growth forests, and recovering wetland tropical forests.
The station doesn’t assist you to discover by yourself because of the excessive threat of damage. They do, nevertheless, have loads of excursions to fulfill everybody’s wants. La Selva tour guides are effectively outfitted to deal with any problem the rainforest might pose and know the very best wildlife-spotting areas.
La Selva Organic Station at a Look
- Should See Birds: Naked-necked Umbrella Fowl, Pink-capped Manakin, Nice Antshrike, Lengthy-billed Hermit, and Rufous-tailed Jacamar
- Different Animals: Mexican Porcupines, Honduran White Bats, and Frequent Opossums
- The place to Keep
- La Selva has single and household cabins to accommodate as much as 180 guests. That is the very best place to remain if you wish to be proper in the course of the motion.
- El Lugar is a resort-type lodge simply South of La Selva. In case you are trying to journey to La Selva for the day, then this is a perfect alternative for you.
- Different Points of interest:
- Get pleasure from a guided horseback experience by means of the forest
- Go to Cope Gardens
- Go on a pineapple plantation tour
#10. Santa Rosa Nationwide Park
With over 250 fowl species noticed right here, don’t depend out Santa Rosa Nationwide Park as a birding vacation spot in Costa Rica. It could be one of many driest and hottest locations in Costa Rica, however it’s no much less gorgeous when it comes to wildlife. The world was initially made a Nationwide Park to guard La Casona, the positioning of the Battle of Santa Rosa in 1856, the place native Costa Ricans defended their independence from Nicaragua.
Loads of numerous ecosystems like dry forests, savannahs, deciduous forests, marshland, mangroves, and seashores imply there’s an abundance of wildlife. The Santa Rosa seashores are additionally well-known for sea turtle nesting and at occasions can have over 8,000 turtles on the seaside directly to nest.
Santa Rosa Nationwide Park at a Look:
- Should-see Birds: Raucous White-throated Magpie Jay, Lesser Floor Cuckoos, Violet Sabrewings, Orange-fronted Parakeet, and Coastal Birds
- Different Animals: Sea Turtles, Armadillos, Deer, and Tapirs
- The place to Keep
- Through the dry season, you possibly can camp close to the ranger station for a country go to to the park.
- 4 Seasons Papagayo Resort is positioned to the south of Santa Rosa Nationwide Park and provides a really luxurious expertise for these trying to loosen up.
- Andaz Costa Rica Resort is ideal for these searching for a steadiness of true Tico tradition and resort-quality facilities.
- Different Points of interest:
- Get pleasure from browsing at one in all Santa Rosa’s seashores (closed throughout turtle nesting season)
- Go to the historic websites and study Costa Rican tradition
For information on birdwatching excursions in Costa Rica, take a look at these sources!
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