Top Central Valley Bird Watching

Check out some of the dazzling birds, both permanent dwellers or migratory, that live in the protected bird sanctuary of Arenal Oasis. Your guide will give you pointers and info about the species that you see. You’ll be in a small, intimate group, so you will keep costs down by being in a group, but not be imposing while you look for wildlife.

It is a unique experience, in a beautiful primary forest, which has received as little modification as possible by man. We have an expert guide who will make your tour unforgettable, educational and interactive. In addition, we can assure you 100% that you will be able to spot sloths, you will have the opportunity to take excellent photographs of the wildlife found in this paradise forest.

Rise for an early morning chorus of tropical birdsong with a bird watching tour from La Fortuna, or take an afternoon stroll while the birds are most active. Walk near the Arenal lake or near your hotel, and try to spot toucans, parrots, parakeets, tanagers and hawks; more experienced birdwatchers can add to their life lists by finding royal flycatchers, cinnamon woodpeckers and white-fronted nun birds with help from a professional guide. 

The best views of the cloud forest near Monteverde are undoubtedly from above—if you can get high enough. On this tour, take a guided nature walk along hanging bridges through the forest canopy in search of wildlife and beautiful plants. Follow your naturalist guide carrying professional optical equipment to the best viewpoints for observing the glorious endemic biodiversity.

Explore the Costa Rican capital’s rich history, landmark buildings, and modern culture on a combo bus and walking tour of San Jose. Get a great introduction to city highlights like the National Theater and Art Museum, and stop to walk through bustling markets and public plazas to feel the pulse of this modern Central American metropolis. Get an extra boost of Costa Rican culture by listening to traditional folkloric music onboard the bus.

Step into one of Costa Rica’s most extraordinary birding destinations. In the heart of Braulio Carrillo, this private protected reserve—recognized by the National Audubon Society—offers a rare chance to spot over 400 bird species in one place. Walk through lush rainforest trails, soar quietly above the treetops on the Aerial Tram, and follow an expert naturalist who knows exactly where the most majestic and elusive birds hide. It’s the kind of birdwatching experience you can’t find anywhere else. - One of Costa Rica’s most iconic birdwatching hotspots - National Audubon Society–recognized reserve - 400 plus bird species in a pristine rainforest environment - Aerial Tram ride for incredible canopy views and bird spotting - Led by an expert naturalist guide - Peaceful trails surrounded by rich biodiversity - A unique chance to see rare, colorful, and high-altitude species

This sampler adventure tour from San Jose fits the best of Costa Rica's rivers and rainforests into one action-packed day. En route, go croc-spotting at a famous overlook on the Tarcoles River. Then head to the jungle adventure park where you can choose two activities from a list of thrilling options, including ziplining, horseback riding, surfing lessons, an ATV adventure, and a mountain bike tour.

The tropical rainforest has immense biodiversity and our vision at the Butterfly Conservatory is to expand and maintain this demonstration project as an educational resource in Costa Rica to show what can be done in the Arenal area in just a short period of time to regenerate previously cut rainforest. Our goal at the Butterfly Conservatory is to “think globally and act locally”, providing solutions through sustainable tourism by educating visitors, which also benefits the local community by motivating local ranchers and townspeople about how to best preserve and regenerate the forest’s biological diversity. There is clear evidence that planting and regenerating forests contribute to healthier air and water quality, and even small measures can make large differences in the atmosphere and health of the region and its inhabitants.

This experience stands out by offering kayaking down the Peñas Blancas River and transportation from Fortuna. Get picked up in La Fortuna and make the 30-minute drive to La Perla near the Peñas Blancas River. After a restroom break and safety briefing, kayak along the river known as one of Costa Rica’s kayaking and rafting gems, spotting animals such as monkeys, sloths, caimans, iguanas, and various birds along the way.

Discover the vibrant culture and spectacular nature of Costa Rica with the "Coffee and Wildlife" tour. Your journey begins with a refreshing swim at the stunning Llanos del Cortés Waterfalls, followed by an immersive coffee experience, where you’ll learn how coffee is cultivated, roasted, and ground. Delve into the rich tradition of chocolate making with an intriguing presentation, and savor the local flavors that define Costa Rican life. This six-hour adventure promises to blend natural beauty with cultural insights, crafting unforgettable memories of "Pura Vida." Join us for a day filled with exploration and delight. - Tour duration: Approximately 6 hours from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm - Refreshing swim at the picturesque Llanos del Cortés Waterfalls - Authentic coffee tour showcasing the journey from seed to cup - Fascinating insights into traditional chocolate making

Get your adrenaline pumping and explore the rain forests of Costa Rica as you embark on this adventure tour. Head to a reserve and start your adventure walking across a series of hanging bridges, with some dangling from 200 feet (60 meters) high. Then, enjoy a heart-pumping zipline tour across several cables and platforms.

Get a taste of Costa Rica’s famed biodiversity without straying too far from the city with this all-access day pass to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. Prebooked entry saves you from waiting around in long ticket lines, so you have even more time to explore its attractions. Choose whether to tackle family-friendly hiking trails through the cloud forest, visit a rescued jungle cat educational program, or spend time at the site's numerous specialty wildlife exhibits.

We have a privileged location, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the tropical forest, with 3 different paths to travel, each with different difficulty (simple, intermediate and difficult), its approximate extension is 2 kilometers per path, but do not worry you can choose the route that best suits you and thus, achieve access to the lava laundry 1535, 1968 and 2010 (depending on your choice). From our viewpoint you can admire the panoramic views of the majestic Arenal Volcano, one of the most emblematic volcanoes in Costa Rica. You will find exciting activities and the opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna, as well as relax in our rest areas and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

With its cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife, the Pacuare River is rightfully famous for its natural beauty. Paddle through the river gorge, navigating 52 Class II-IV rapids as you go, on this 12-hour trip from San Jose. Take in views of the tropical rain forest and wildlife such as sloths, parrots, and toucans as you ride the river (and your adrenaline rush) over the course of the day.

Our tour aims to convey a different message to the community, particularly those solely dedicated to agriculture. While agriculture is crucial for Costa Ricans' livelihoods, it's often forgotten that cultivating crops requires sacrificing the forest, which serves as the habitat for many species. On the way to our property, you'll notice vast plains where the forest has been cleared for agriculture. However, our company has partnered with a family of farmers committed to preserving the forest, spanning 60,000 square meters. In this way, our company supports this forest by paying daily entrance fees. Thus, we help this family continue to maintain the forest intact, providing a home for many animals.

Get out of San Jose on a day tour to the Arenal Volcano region, where you’ll get a glimpse of Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity and natural beauty. Travel through scenic farmland and villages to reach the volcano. Stop at a coffee plantation, waterfall, and look out for wildlife en route. In the shadow of the volcano, soak in natural hot springs for a refreshing experience, before returning to San Jose.

The Peñas Blancas River, which meanders through the rainforest near Arenal Volcano, is home to wildlife you’re more likely to spot from the water. On this experience, you’re picked up from La Fortuna and taken to the town of La Perla for a beer and safety briefing. Afterward, raft down the river with a guide in search of howler monkeys, sloths, caimans, iguanas, and many types of birds.

Thrill-seekers will love white-water rafting on the class III and IV rapids on the Arenal River. Suitable for adventurous beginners and those who have been rafting before, the 8-mile (13-kilometer) stretch of river offers plenty of chances to paddle hard, get wet, and enjoy views of the surrounding jungle. Refuel after with lunch at a monkey park.

Step into Costa Rica’s cloud forest on a private birdwatching experience to witness the Resplendent Quetzal during nesting season. Visit an active nest, explore a vibrant hummingbird garden, and enjoy a rare connection with nature — all while supporting local conservation and rural communities.

La Fortuna area is a privileged location to spot birds, not only in Costa Rica but in the Americas. Due to its topography, surrounded by mountains, rivers, lakes and different kinds of forests in such a small area, turn La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano in a paradise for those who love birds. Birds are more active early in the morning and in the late afternoon, as the day cools into evening. Join us for a guided walk into our Park for an amazing display of tropical birds. You will have the opportunity to see toucans, parrots, oropendolas, wild turkeys, colorful tanagers, parakeets and many more species in their natural environment. For the more experienced birdwatcher, we can focus on those special treasures and uncommon species. We will tailor the tour for you. We will wrap up the tour by listing and discussing the birds we have seen.

You will be able to walk in the habitat of different mammals that inhabit our forests, such as the puma, tapir, mountain goat, among others. Our abundant vegetation will dazzle you and with luck you will have the experience of walking among the clouds. All this accompanied by expert guides who will ensure an unforgettable experience. We are located in the mountains of Coronado, San José, just 50 minutes from the center of the capital.

There are more ways to explore Costa Rica’s spectacular nature than roughing it on foot—with this tour, you’ll get to wander Turrialba’s bucolic coffee and sugarcane plantations on horseback. Following your local guide, you and a small group will trot across volcanic slopes, admiring the flora and fauna of this rich, verdant region. It’s a taste of Pura Vida, indeed.

Discover the beautiful natural attractions of Costa Rica on this all-day tour from San Jose. Fly over the rainforest canopy via a zipline course and rappel down 150 feet (50 meters) at an adventure park. Visit two waterfalls and admire the local wildlife including iguanas. Stop at a coffee plantation where you'll learn how it's cultivated and harvested. Finally, relax in thermal mineral hot springs at the base of Arenal Volcano.