Top Costa Rica Bird Watching in 2026

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.

Exchange the sun and surf for a high-flying adventure in the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest on this full-day combo tour. Fly through the forest canopy on a 15-cable zipline course with an optional Tarzan swing, and slow down for a closer look at Monteverde's rich biodiversity while walking through the treetops along hanging bridges. In between adventures, refuel with a typical Costa Rican lunch (select tours only).

Animal and nature lovers will enjoy exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest on a horseback tour. Tours depart at three different times, with each being best for a different type of activity: bird watching, clear landscape views, or sunset skies. Cover a lot of ground without getting tired when traveling on a horse. Look out for toucans, parrots, monkeys, and other wildlife as you peacefully trek through the forest.

Monteverde is a privileged place for bird watching. Its excellent geographical location, being very close to the Continental Divide, allows it to have a very wide diversity with more than 430 species of day and night birds to add to its list. is undoubtedly one of the best places on the planet to see the majestic Quetzal Glowing Central American, and to hear the impressive roar of the bell bird (to mention some of the most representative names in the world of birds), but in the same way They highlight diversity of species of toucans, harriers, carpenters, bobo birds, warblers and tanagers among many more. In this tour we will enjoy both the birds and the Costa Rican culture and cuisine. Breakfast is typical, traditional Costa Rican with several options on the menu, including vegetarian options. The tours are very accessible and for people of all ages.

This is a unique tour in the area since the reserve has an area of primary and secondary forest at more than 200 meters high, which allows you to see certain very beautiful birds such as tanagers, trogons, and rare ones such as the antpitta. We have local guides specialized in birds and the trails are suitable for beginner walkers. It has a telescope and binoculars.

Explore three of Costa Rica’s natural highlights on an easy small-group day tour from La Fortuna. Nature-loving travelers who are short on time will love walking over the hanging bridges, hiking to Arenal Volcano, and swimming at La Fortuna Waterfall all in one day. Admire impressive views throughout the day and learn more about Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity from your guide.

Walk through the mists and be delighted at the unique birds and other creatures that make their homes in this rainforest ecosystem. Use the provided telescope to spot hundreds of species of colourful orchids, mosses, ferns, and lichens in the forest canopy and understorey. Learn about the biodiversity and the work done to conserve this precious environment.

Discover the incredible birds and biodiversity of Palo Verde National Park on this boat tour with lunch. Spot native wildlife such as crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys, and a colorful parade of bird species during a 1-hour and 20 minutes cruise down the Tempisque River led by a naturalist guide. Afterward, discuss your sightings with fellow travelers over a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant.

See how many of the nearly 400 bird species living in Monteverde that you can find on this private half-day birding adventure. Your guide will provide you with a Swarovski Optik to find and photograph birds. Enjoy hotel pickup and round-trip transfers for ease. There’s no need to stick to a fixed itinerary or deal with a large tour group; this tour is just for you and your private party.

Get out into nature with this private half-day excursion to the Celeste River and its surroundings. Your guide will take you through the forest, where you will likely see all kinds of birds, primates, and sloths among the tropical flora. You will also have the opportunity to swim in the blue waters of the Rio Celeste during your visit.

Important Seasonal Information: This experience is offered primarily from March through July, with occasional departures in August, depending on the seasonal presence and activity of the Three-wattled Bellbird. Tour availability is based on the natural behavior of the species and may vary from year to year. This is a highly specialized birdwatching experience focused on one of Costa Rica’s most iconic and fascinating birds, the Three-wattled Bellbird. Our goal is not simply to check a bird off a list, but to provide a deeper understanding of the Three-wattled Bellbird and its role within Costa Rica’s unique ecosystems. Travelers will learn why this species is considered one of the most sought-after birds in the Neotropics and why its spectacular appearance and unforgettable call attract birdwatchers from around the world.

Experience a different side of the Monteverde Cloud Forest with this small-group tour through a local private farm. Walk through a private farm set within the region’s beautiful countryside to see how coffee, cocoa, and sugar are produced here. Besides seeing their plantations, you’ll have the chance to taste each of the local products. Trails on the farm are accessible for strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Monteverde and Santa Elena.

See the vast diversity of Costa Rica on a 3-day tour that includes hiking at Arenal Volcano, exploring the Monteverde cloud forest, and enjoying the tropical white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. This expertly organized all-inclusive tour covers all of your transportation and accommodations, so busy travelers can maximize their time and not worry about any of the logistics.

Explore the waters near Playa Samara during this guided mangrove kayaking tour. Your local guide shares insights about the area's rich biodiversity, including diverse wildlife, flora, and fauna you’ll encounter while paddling. Enjoy fresh tropical fruit, juice, and snacks when you arrive at Playa Camaronal, a sea turtle conservation refuge. All kayaks, life jackets, and paddles are included.

Enjoy this day out in Costa Rica with a morning Arenal volcano hike followed by Baldi hot springs, with two meals included, too. Transport is by coach with a large group, but you’ll have plenty of time to hike, and later to explore the 25 different swimming pools, saunas, and gardens located in the Baldi hot springs resort. You’ll also have a buffet lunch, and dinner.

If you’re looking to escape the routine, connect with nature, and observe wildlife up close, this experience is perfect for you. During your walk, we’ll explore the main trails of the park, seeking a variety of animals while learning about each species and its role in the ecosystem. Join us in one of the most beautiful places in the world, where mountains meet the sea in a breathtaking display of natural harmony. This National Park is a unique blend of ecosystems, creating the perfect environment to spot a wide range of wildlife, including mammals, birds, and amphibians. The tour concludes at one of the most famous and pristine beaches in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific. After the hike, you’ll have time to relax on the golden sands and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Throughout the tour, photos and videos will be taken and shared with you, so you can relive these unforgettable moments.

Visit the Irazú Volcano National Park in just half a day with this excursion from San José. Your driver will pick you up early in the morning and take you to the volcano, where you can see the crater and learn about the history of the area from a local guide. Next, you'll head to the Los Angeles Basilica, a church and museum with a holy water source.

The forest comes alive at night, with different birds and animals roaming than in the day. Even if you’ve taken a day tour of Monteverde, a night walking tour is a must-do. With the help of your guide, listen out for frogs, bats, insects, and other nocturnal animals. This is a private tour so you won’t struggle to hear or keep up with your guide, and you can ask many questions.

Get a taste of San Jose’s culture and cuisine on this walking tour that includes snacks. Explore Costa Rica’s capital alongside a guide who alleviates the hassle of navigating, and learn about the city’s history, architecture as you taste. Explore the produce stalls of two traditional markets and discover what makes Costa Rican coffee so delicious as you sample some local brews.

Woodpecker Conservation Preserve, as its name suggests, is dedicated to preserving nature and promoting sustainable development by offering different options for guided tours. We provide personalized services with a certified, experienced, and professional naturalist guide for each tour. At our location, you can explore and discover the most fascinating secrets of Monteverde's flora and fauna, and you will be left speechless when contemplating the magnificent views of the mountains, lowlands, and the Gulf of Nicoya in the distance. Live a unique experience.

Guanacaste is home to many of Costa Rica’s most stunning natural landscapes. But travelers without their own transportation often find themselves confined to their hotels and resorts. On this half-day combo tour, experience a mix of thermal hot springs, river swims, hiking trails, and birdwatching all in the vicinity of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Lunch and transfers from central Liberia are provided for an easy day out.

Costa Rica is a paradise on earth for photographers and nature lovers, and of course, no one better for birdwatchers and ornithologists. One of the most biodiverse countries on earth, the highest bird species count of any country in the world; a great combination of stunning birds, beautiful landscapes and habitats, warm people, and in general nice weather, birdwatching in Costa Rica is like being in many countries at once.   A paradise for birders. Curi-Cancha is a birdwatcher’s paradise; this private reserve is excellent the  for observing toucans , Quetzals, hummingbirds, woodcreepers , warblers , wrens , flycatchers ,finches, parrots, sparrows and many others are frequently seen. Indeed, over 200 species of birds have been observed making their home in Curi-Cancha. The named it Curi-Cancha, the name derived from “Golden Enclosure” in Inca. Curi-Cancha is a birdwatcher’s paradise; this private reserve is stunning come on I'll wait for you.

The Nosara biological reserve is a 85 acre property and has a great potential, having many species of birds, some mammals, many reptiles and among other things that our visitors will be able to observe at the same time, all tourists will be guided by guides with enough experience of the local area, who will give them an unparalleled experience! Our guides are very good at customer service, so the people who they are with will have a good experience based on knowledge and good service.

Explore a Jaco adventure park on a party tractor with music, free-flowing drinks, and great energy—with the option to choose a daytime tour or evening experience. From swimming in a jungle waterfall to spotting wildlife, this gets you outdoors to enjoy a fun, social atmosphere. Included pickup and drop-off means you can enjoy the outing without finding a designated driver, too.