Kaleidoscope of Bird Diversity
Costa Rica
March 4 to 19, 2028
Private Trip Available Safari Overview
Discover the wild heart of Costa Rica on this 16-day expedition through its most incredible ecosystems, including cloud forests, rainforests, mangroves, and tropical lowlands. Each day brings a new adventure: pre-dawn hikes to track howler monkeys at first light, river safaris where caimans glide beneath your boat, and night walks alive with the calls of frogs. You’ll encounter Resplendent Quetzals, toucans, and hundreds of other bird species. Guided by expert naturalist Paco Madrigal, you’ll explore ecological jewels like Tortuguero, Carara, La Selva, and the Savegre River Valley, gaining rare behind-the-scenes access to cutting-edge wildlife research and grassroots conservation efforts. You’ll also search for the endangered Great Green Macaw, watch Scarlet Macaws soar above coastal mangroves, and look for sloths, crocodiles, and poison dart frogs at every turn. Stay in thoughtfully designed eco-lodges surrounded by nature, soak in breathtaking landscapes, and experience the extraordinary biodiversity of one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems.
WHY CHOOSE THIS TRIP?
- Spectacular Birding and Wildlife Encounters: Track the elusive Resplendent Quetzal in the misty cloud forests of Savegre, glimpse colorful toucans and trogons in lowland rainforests, and admire Scarlet Macaws soaring above coastal mangroves — all while watching for howler monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and peccaries.
- Immersive Exploration of Diverse Ecosystems: Journey across tropical dry forests, mountain highlands, wetlands, and mangrove estuaries — each offering a distinct ecological lens on Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity.
- Behind-the-Scenes at La Selva Biological Station: Delve into one of the world’s top research sites for tropical ecology, with exclusive insight into bird behavior, mammal tracking, and plant biodiversity at the heart of Costa Rica’s conservation science.
- Scenic Journeys by Land and Water: Navigate the jungle canals of Tortuguero, hike the trails beneath Arenal Volcano, and explore by boat, bus, and foot for close encounters with nature at every turn.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This was truly an incredible trip. The tour guide, Paco, is fantastic! He is without a doubt, a people person. He truly loves his job and what he is doing. How he spotted some of the birds, I don’t know how. And he must know everyone in Costa Rica. This was the first time with his driver, Alex, but you wouldn’t have known it. They worked extremely well with each other. Our accommodations were wonderful. I loved the one in Selva. Let me tell you, we were well-fed. We saw everything we wanted to see and more. – Tanya Hoppes |
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Want to learn more? Check out our blog post from our 2023 trip!
Itinerary Updated: July 2026
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 4 | 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 5-6 | Cloud Forest Birding in Savegre. Venture into the misty Talamanca Mountains to explore the cloud forests of the Savegre River Valley in search of the Resplendent Quetzal and a dazzling array of hummingbirds and highland birds. | Savegre Lodge, Savegre River Valley | B, L, D |
| Mar 7-8 | Rainforests & Mangroves of Carara. Walk the jungle trails of Carara National Park spotting trogons, manakins, and jacamars, then glide along the Tarcoles River as Scarlet Macaws soar overhead and American crocodiles bask on the banks. | Hotel Punta Leona, Tárcoles | B, L, D |
| Mar 9-10 | Tropical Dry Forest & Wetlands. Journey to the Guanacaste Peninsula to explore La Ensenada Wildlife Refuge, where howler monkeys, white-nosed coatis, tamanduas, and Pacific Screech-owls await among grasslands, mangroves, and dry forests. | Lodge in Abangaritos | B, L, D |
| Mar 11-12 | Volcán Arenal & Rainforest Birding. Explore the lush forests surrounding Arenal Volcano, watching tanagers and toucans from the lodge feeders and hiking trails alive with howler monkeys — with an optional evening owling excursion. | Arenal Observatory Lodge, Arenal National Park | B, L, D |
| Mar 13-15 | Sarapiquí & La Selva Biological Station. Descend to the Caribbean slope to search for the endangered Great Green Macaw, explore Braulio Carrillo National Park, and gain exclusive access to world-famous La Selva Biological Station, home to 420 bird species and some of Costa Rica's rarest wildlife. | Selva Verde Lodge, Chilamate | B, L, D |
| Mar 16-17 | Tortuguero's Rainforest Waterways. Travel by boat into Tortuguero National Park, gliding through winding canals to spot caimans, river turtles, poison dart frogs, Agami Herons, and all six American kingfisher species. | Laguna Lodge, Tortuguero National Park | B, L, D |
| Mar 18 | Return to San José & Farewell Dinner. Depart Tortuguero by boat, watching for three-toed sloths along the way, before traveling back to San José for a final celebratory dinner. | Hotel Bougainvillea, San José | B, L, D |
| Mar 19 | Depart for Home. Transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying memories of misty cloud forests, vibrant birdlife, and extraordinary wildlife encounters across Costa Rica's most diverse ecosystems. | B |
Get the Full Daily Itinerary
Our Trip Leaders
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Paco Madrigal
Paco MadrigalPaco 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.
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Accommodations
- Transportation
- Motion Sickness
- Flights
Conservation- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, double occupancy | $7,800 |
| Single Supplement | $1,950 |
Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare, singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
If you are traveling solo, we’ll do our best to match you with a roommate. If a match isn’t available, a single supplement will apply. Single rooms are available for an additional cost and are subject to availability.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $500 |
| Final | September 26, 2027 | Remaining balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
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.
Included
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- All leaders, transport, park entry fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
- Accommodations for the nights of March 4 through March 18.
- Meals from dinner on March 4 through breakfast on March 19.
- Gratuities for group meals.
- Water throughout the trip.
- Transfers between Juan Santamaría International Airport and Hotel Bougainvillea are included on both your arrival and departure days.
- Trip Planning Materials – information about entry requirements, flights, packing, gratuities, etc.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare, airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees.
- Divergent airport transfers and extra hotel nights.
- Gratuities for the tour leader, driver, and hotel staff.
- Optional Emergency evacuation insurance and trip cancellation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic and other beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.
Climate
Travelers on this trip will experience a variety of Costa Rica’s microclimates. In the Talamanca Mountains and cloud forests of the Savegre River Valley, mornings are often misty and cool, with temperatures in the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (15–24°C), and light rain showers are common. As you move to the Pacific lowlands and Guanacaste’s dry forests, the climate becomes warmer and sunnier, with daytime temperatures in the 80s Fahrenheit (27–32°C) and lower humidity. Along the Caribbean slope, including Sarapiquí and Tortuguero, the rainforest is humid and lush, with occasional tropical showers and temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (24–30°C).
Fitness Level
This trip is designed for travelers with a moderate level of fitness. Most days involve 2–4 hours of walking or hiking on uneven rainforest, cloud forest, and coastal trails, sometimes with steep or muddy sections. Boat excursions and lodge-based wildlife watching are mostly low-impact, but some optional activities—like longer hikes, owling excursions, or extended birding treks—may require additional stamina. Guests should be comfortable navigating stairs, trails, and occasional wet or slippery conditions. While no technical skills are required, a sense of adventure, a love of the outdoors, and the ability to walk at a steady pace will ensure you get the most out of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
Flights
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you. We strongly recommend purchasing flight cancellation insurance to protect your investment.
Flights you book
- Arrive in San José, Costa Rica (SJO) by 4:00pm on March 4.
- Depart from San José, Costa Rica (SJO) after 6:00am on March 19.
FAQ
Accommodations
Accommodations on this trip range from rustic to more modern, with all rooms featuring private baths. Most properties do not have air conditioning, though some provide fans, and many are surrounded by lush gardens or forested grounds, offering an immersive natural setting. Almost all lodges have open-air dining and communal areas where guests can relax, enjoy wildlife sightings, and connect with fellow travelers. While some lodges are more remote, they provide comfortable amenities and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Please note that facilities may vary from one property to another, including Wi-Fi availability, electricity, and accessibility. If you have specific expectations regarding lodging standards, or if certain amenities are essential to your comfort, please contact us before booking to ensure the accommodations meet your needs.
Motion Sickness
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.
Transportation
You will travel by air-conditioned mini-bus and occasionally by boat.
Conservation
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:
- Ecotourism and Conservation for Costa Rica.
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. You can purchase offsets with most airlines (Delta includes them automatically), use our handy carbon calculator and donate to Sustainable Travel International, or contribute to your favorite offsetting organization.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.