Private Trip Available Costa Rica, a biodiversity hotspot, is the ultimate destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. With its lush rainforests, misty cloud forests, and diverse ecosystems, this tropical paradise offers unparalleled wildlife experiences. Explore world-renowned habitats, from the Savegre River Valley’s cloud forests to the transitional ecosystems of Carara National Park and the research rich La Selva Biological Station.Journey deep into the remote waterways of Tortuguero National Park, where the sounds of the jungle spectacular array of species, including migratory birds along the Continental Divide, as well as monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, peccaries, and agoutis thriving in their untouched natural habitats. Enhance your adventure by staying in eco-lodges, thoughtfully designed to blend with the surroundings, while enjoying Costa Rica’s warm hospitality and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re chasing rare bird sightings or simply soaking in the stunning landscapes, Costa Rica promises an unforgettable nature experience in the heart of Central America’s wildlife-rich jungles.
WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPEDITION?
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
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Itinerary Updated: March 2025
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 7 | Travel to San José, Costa Rica. Arrive in Costa Rica and meet your leader to enjoy a group welcome dinner. | Hotel Bougainvillea, San José | D |
| Mar 8-9 | Cloud Forest Birding in Savegre. Explore the cloud forests of the Savegre River Valley in search of the Resplendent Quetzal. | Savegre Lodge, Savegre River Valley | B, L, D |
| Mar 10-11 | Rainforests & Mangroves of Carara. Discover the rainforests of Carara National Park and enjoy a boat tour through the Tárcoles River mangroves | Macaw Lodge, Carara National Park | B, L, D |
| Mar 12-13 | Tropical Dry Forest & Wetlands. Experience the tropical dry forests, estuaries, and wetlands of the Guanacaste Peninsula. | La Ensenada Lodge, Abangaritos | B, L, D |
| Mar 14-15 | Volcán Arenal & Scenic Trails. Explore the lush forests surrounding Volcán Arenal and enjoy scenic walks in Arenal National Park. | Arenal Observatory Lodge, Arenal National Park | B, L, D |
| Mar 16-18 | Lowland Rainforest & La Selva. Discover the Caribbean lowland rainforests along the Sarapiquí River, with visits to Braulio Carrillo National Park and La Selva Biological Station. | Selva Verde Lodge, Chilamate | B, L, D |
| Mar 19-20 | Tortuguero’s Rainforest Waterways. Travel by boat to Tortuguero National Park to explore its remote rainforest waterways. | Laguna Lodge, Tortuguero National Park | B, L, D |
| Mar 21 | Return to San José & Farewell Dinner. Travel back to the capital for a final group dinner. | Hotel Bougainvillea, San José | B, L, D |
| Mar 22 | Depart for Home. | B |
Paco has over 20 years of experience guiding wildlife, natural history, and birding tours throughout his native Costa Rica. He grew up in Sarapiqui near the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) Station surrounded by his family's passion for the diverse local plants and animals. He was part of the very first World Wildlife Fund (WWF) intensive Naturalist training program and also worked at La Selva Biological Station before following his dream of starting his own tour company. His deep knowledge and charming personality make him one of our best leaders.
Begin your adventure in San José, Costa Rica, where our local agent will greet you and provide a seamless transfer to your hotel. If you choose to arrive early, we can arrange custom airport transfers and extra nights to fit your travel plans. In the evening, meet Paco, your expert naturalist guide, and gather with fellow travelers for a welcome dinner, setting the stage for an unforgettable wildlife expedition.
Venture into the Talamanca Mountains, where the misty cloud forests of the Savegre River Valley provide a sanctuary for diverse birdlife. One of the biggest highlights is spotting the Resplendent Quetzal, its emerald-green and crimson plumage flashing through the trees.
Stay at the Savegre Hotel, home to a 400-hectare private reserve teeming with Violet Sabrewings, Fiery-throated Hummingbirds, and Black-faced Solitaires. Wander through flower-filled gardens, hike along the scenic Savegre River, and immerse yourself in the enchanting calls of Costa Rica’s cloud forest birds.
Explore Carara National Park, a unique transition zone between humid tropical forests and drier Pacific lowlands, creating a hotspot for extraordinary biodiversity. Walk through the lush jungle, where Tiger-herons, trogons, Royal Flycatchers, and Rufous-tailed Jacamars thrive. Watch for Orange-collared Manakins, performing their intricate courtship dance on the forest floor.
A two-hour boat safari along the Tárcoles River takes you into the mangroves, where Scarlet Macaws soar overhead, and American crocodiles bask along the riverbanks. Keep an eye out for herons, egrets, and ospreys hunting in the shallows, offering incredible birdwatching and photography opportunities.
Travel to the sun-drenched Guanacaste Peninsula, a region of rolling grasslands, mangroves, and dry forests supporting a fascinating variety of wildlife. Stay at a family-run ranch within La Ensenada National Wildlife Refuge, where howler monkeys greet the morning with their echoing calls.
Explore the refuge’s rich habitats, searching for Pacific Screech-owls, white-headed capuchins, northern tamanduas, and white-nosed coatis. Walk coastal trails where white-tailed deer graze and, as the sun sets, spot Ferruginous Pygmy-owls and Bat Falcons perched in the trees.
Journey to Volcán Arenal, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic active volcanoes, surrounded by lush rainforest. Stay at the Arenal Observatory Lodge, where panoramic views of the volcano are paired with incredible birdwatching opportunities. Relax on the lodge’s deck, watching tanagers, hummingbirds, and warblers visit nearby feeders. Explore rainforest trails, where howler monkeys swing through the canopy and colorful toucans call from the treetops. For an evening adventure, join an optional owling excursion, searching for Mottled, Black-and-white, and Striped Owls in the moonlit jungle.
Descend the Caribbean slope to Selva Verde Lodge, a 500-acre private reserve bordering Braulio Carrillo National Park. This region is home to the endangered Great Green Macaw, which depends on the almendron tree (Dipteryx panamensis) for survival. Explore riparian forests along the Sarapiquí River, where vibrant poison dart frogs, millipedes, and an array of bird species thrive. Enjoy morning coffee at the fruit feeding station, where a spectacle of bird activity unfolds.
Visit La Selva Biological Station, a world-renowned research hub known for its staggering biodiversity, including 420 bird species, 500 butterfly species, 120 mammal species, and 55 snake species. With Paco’s intimate knowledge of the area, you’ll have a rare opportunity to spot Costa Rica’s three tinamou species, along with woodpeckers, aracaris, trogons, caciques, Purple-throated Fruitcrows, and Snowy Cotingas. Keep watch for peccaries, agoutis, coatis, sloths, and several monkey species that frequent the reserve.
Travel by boat to Tortuguero National Park, navigating through scenic jungle waterways before arriving at your eco-lodge just outside the park. Tortuguero is home to 320 bird species, including Bare-throated Tiger-herons, Agami herons, White-fronted Nunbirds, and all six kingfisher species found in the Americas. Glide along winding canals, spotting caimans, iguanas, poison dart frogs, freshwater turtles, and three species of monkeys. Other highlights include Slaty-tailed Trogons, Montezuma’s Oropendolas, and American Pygmy Kingfishers.
If time allows, visit the Caribbean Conservation Center to learn about the region’s nesting sea turtles, including recent leatherback turtle activity.
Depart Tortuguero National Park by boat, keeping an eye out for three-toed sloths lounging in the trees. Travel back to San José via Braulio Carrillo National Park, passing through stunning tropical landscapes. In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner, celebrating an unforgettable wildlife and birding expedition through Costa Rica’s most diverse ecosystems.
Say goodbye to Costa Rica as you transfer to the airport for your departing flight. Take with you cherished memories of misty cloud forests, vibrant birdlife, and incredible wildlife encounters, all set against the breathtaking natural beauty of one of the world’s most biodiverse countries
Conservation| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, double occupancy | $6,300 |
| Single Supplement | $1,380 |
Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare, singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $500 |
| Final | September 28, 2025 | Remaining balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Until the Final Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person, which can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the canceled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
Temperatures vary greatly – the Pacific coast is often hot while the cloud forests can be cool. Although December through May is the dry season, expect rain anytime. The average temperatures in March range from 63°F (17°C) at night to 95°F (35°C) during the day, depending on the location within the country.
You will view most wildlife by walking along trails or from small boats. Walks are generally a few hours and include flat trails, uneven terrain, and hills. Paco will offer optional night walks when he thinks it will enhance your overall wildlife experience; these walks are weather and moon dependent. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Flights you book
Lodging ranges from rustic to modern, all with private baths. While most lodges do not have air conditioning, some have fans. Almost all lodges have open-air dining and common areas. If you are concerned about the standard of accommodations being below your expectations, please ask us before booking.
Don’t let a fear of motion sickness keep you away! Even those who have experienced motion sickness reported that the incredible wildlife and overall experience were well worth the temporary discomfort. If you are susceptible to motion sickness from winding, bumpy roads and small boat rides or are concerned that you might be, please come prepared! The key to avoiding motion sickness is to act before you experience nausea. Do your own research and consult your doctor before taking any medications. A good night of sleep, eating well, limiting alcohol, and using your favorite seasickness remedy is sufficient for most travelers. Find more information on our Coping with Seasickness webpage (this information is applicable to any form of motion sickness) and contact us if you have any questions.
You will travel by air-conditioned mini-bus and occasionally by boat.
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
Together, we can continue exploring and cherishing this planet while working toward its long-term protection. Thank you for being part of this important journey with us.
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Paco Madrigal