Costa Rica Birding and Nature Adventure – 9 Days

(This sample itinerary will be customized to suit your interests and budget.)

Day 1 ~ Poas Volcano & Sarapiqui

International flight arrival to San Jose, Costa Rica.

Personal greeting at the airport by your private guide.  Visit the Poas Volcano, an active volcano with frequent but small eruptions.   You’ll be able to view the main crater and smell the sulfur as you stand along the rim.   Your guide will explain the history of the volcano and the processes that shaped this area.

Continue to your resort located in the Sarapiqui Rainforest area.

Suggested lodging:  2 nights at Selva Verde Lodge.*

Selva Verde’s eco lodge buildings are incorporated into the rainforest on elevated wooden platforms and walkways that blend in with the natural surroundings. The covered walkways allow guests to stroll and observe wildlife while staying dry during the rains.

*GL Tours works with a number of other nature resorts in this area.  Contact our travel specialists to find the best match for you.

Day 2 ~ Private Guided Hike

A haven for tropical researchers for nearly half a century, La Selva Biological Station is a living laboratory. Located adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park, La Selva protects over 3,500 acres of virgin rainforest.  This 6-hour guided hike through the field station trails, offers insight into the history of the Organization of Tropical Studies.

Day 3 ~ Osa Peninsula / Corcovado

Private transfer from the hotel to the airport in San Jose for domestic flight to a local airport on the Osa Peninsula.

Greeting at the airport and transfer (some road / river combinations) to an eco-resort located near Corcovado National Park.

Suggested lodging:  4 nights at Lapa Rios*

Inclusive program (all meals and most activities included)

These bungalows are nestled along a ridge in our 1000-acre private Rainforest Reserve. The bungalows are open-air with screens that allow you to experience the sounds, sights and smells of the rainforest and the ocean. All bungalows have ceiling fans (no air-conditioning) and offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean or Golfo Dulce.

Due to the fragile eco-system, we ask that you use the special Costa Rican biodegradable products provided in your room or bring biodegradable soap, shampoo and conditioner.

*GL Tours works with several eco-lodges in this area.  Contact our travel specialists to find the best match for you.

Day 4, 5, 6 ~ Rainforest Activities

During your stay at Lapa Rios, enjoy these activities with your inclusive program:

Early morning and sunset birding tour, Wild waterfall, Local medicine tour, Rainforest ridge walk, Osa trail, Matapalo tour, Night walk, Local school visit and more!

There are many nature trails where you’re sure to see several of the special creatures from the Osa Peninsula and you’ll enjoy direct access to three nearby beaches: Pan Dulce, Backwash Bay and Matapalo.

Off-property tours such as:

Sea & mangrove kayaking, Surf lessons, Horseback riding, Zip line, Corcovado National Park and many more excursions are available to you.

We recommend you wait to make tour arrangements after your arrival at Lapa Rios.   Get settled and a feel for the environment around you.  The staff will assist you in scheduling tours and excursions.

Day 7 ~ Savegre

A representative will take you from the lodge to Palmar Sur where you will meet a private guide.  Continue driving through the beautiful countryside to your next hotel.

Spend 2 nights at Dantica Lodge

Located high in the mountains of the Talamanca mountain range, Dantica Lodge rests at an altitude of 2.600 meters above sea level, in the middle of the Upper Montane Cloud Forest.  You will enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and forest from your room through the large floor to ceiling windows and yo

Quetzal bird
Quetzal bird

ur terrace.

Day 8 ~ Birding and Nature tours

Arrange a morning excursion in search of the famous Quetzal or other nature excursions throughout the reserve.

Day 9 ~ San Jose – Departure

Private transfer from Saverge Valley to San Jose airport.

(Drive time 2 hours.)

Allow 3 hours for check in prior to international flight departure.

We encourage you to contact us so that we can design a custom plan for your birding tour in Costa Rica.  At GL Tours we always believe there is “more to explore!”