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Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable birdwatching adventure in Costa Rica, a paradise for nature enthusiasts. This tour takes you through the lush landscapes of Sarapiqui, renowned for its rich biodiversity and thrilling adventures. Explore the breathtaking Arenal Volcano region, where you can hike scenic trails, marvel at stunning waterfalls, and relax in natural hot springs. Discover the serene beauty of Dota, nestled in the Talamanca Mountain Range, offering some of the best coffee and birdwatching experiences in the country. With expert local guides, enjoy a series of shared activities, including a naturalist hike, birdwatching tours, and a visit to El Silencio Private Reserve. Stay in comfortable accommodations and savor delicious meals as you immerse yourself in the vibrant wildlife and captivating scenery of Costa Rica. This tour promises an enriching experience for both birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. ...more ...less
Highlights
Sarapiqui: A nature lover’s paradise with a marvellous diversity of wildlife and plant life.
Explore the rich biodiversity and adventure opportunities in Sarapiqui.
Arenal Volcano: Considered one of the most spectacular regions in Costa Rica.
Hike numerous trails and enjoy stunning waterfalls and natural hot springs in the Arenal region.
Dota: Home to some of the best destinations in Costa Rica, with intense hiking and diverse bird species.
Experience the best coffee in Costa Rica and explore the deep mountains of Dota.
Join a Quetzal Tour in Dota to see these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.
Itinerary
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Welcome to Costa Rica! A representative will greet you and assist you at the airport. Private transfer from the airport to the hotel in San Jose city. Upon arrival, check-in and enjoy leisure time to refresh, relax and get comfortable at your hotel room.
Overnight at San Jose.
Day 2
:
SAN JOSE – SARAPIQUI (91km – 2hrs)
Location: San Jose, Sarapiqui
Accommodation Name: Selva Verde Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and around 10 am a representative will pick you up at the lobby and take you on a private transfer to your next destination: the always verdant Sarapiqui region. Around 2:00 pm you will join an expert guide to take a naturalist hike through the rainforest. Experience first-hand the wonder of exploring a tropical rainforest. Learn more than just the names of rainforest plants and animals, discover their secret lives and fascinating natural histories. Be on the lookout for monkeys, mot-mots, toucans, and poison dart frogs, and remember to bring your camera! Savour dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Sarapiqui.
Day 3
:
SARAPIQUI – ARENAL (68km – 1hr)
Location: La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano
Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Have breakfast at the hotel and enjoy free time to relax at the pool surrounded by nature and a delightful lunch at the Lodge. After lunch (included), around 12:00 pm a representative will pick you up at the lobby and take you in a private transfer to your next destination: La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the wonderful Arenal Volcano. Upon arrival, admire the natural beauty of Arenal region; explore the area y your own or simply relax at the hotel.
Location: Arenal, Arenal Volcano, El Silencio Private Reserve, Lake Arenal
Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Early start around 5:15 am, to hop on the transfer to a Natural Park. Arrive by 5:30 am, and end around 9:30 am, after a delicious light breakfast of fresh fruit, juice, and coffee. With an expert naturalist guide, you will explore the incredible birdlife of the rainforest. The circuit trail combines tree plantations, a gallery forest alongside one of the important rivers of the area, a regenerating forest with open grasslands and pastures, and small brooks which permit the observation of typical open area birds, in addition to aquatic and wooded area birds. Among the most common birds found here, we have Great Kiskadees, Tropical Kingbird Flycatchers, Montezuma Orioles, Variable Seedeater, Tropical Tyrants, Red-billed Pigeons, and Groove-billed Anis. The tour takes around 4 hours. Afterwards, return to the hotel. Around 2:00 pm hop on the transfer to El Silencio Private Reserve, to get as close to the base of the Arenal volcano as possible by vehicle. Next, you will walk approximately 1 kilometre along a volcanic stone path with a moderate degree of difficulty, until we reach the viewpoint, the closest point to the volcano permitted to access. At the viewpoint, our guide will provide relevant information on the formation of the Arenal Volcano, its periods of activity, as well as unpublished details of its first eruption in 1968. You can also enjoy the excellent views of the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal. On the guide’s indication, begin the descent along the same trail. For a change of scenery, you will then enter the regenerating forest and onto the primary rainforest located along the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5
:
ARENAL – DOTA (208km – 4.5hrs)
Location: Arenal, Los Quetzales National Park, Dota
Accommodation Name: Paraiso Quetzal Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Recharge your energies with breakfast at the hotel and around 9:00 am check-out and departure on a private transfer to your next destination: Dota, near the Los Quetzales National Park. Sitting along the foothills of the Talamanca Mountain Range, Dota will charm you with its natural beauty. Travellers come here to hike through the pristine wilderness and view some of the region's most predominant flora and fauna. This quaint village is one of the best locations to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore the area on your own or just relax at the Lodge facilities.
Overnight in Dota.
Day 6
:
DOTA (1.5km – 2hr hike)
Location: Dota
Accommodation Name: Paraiso Quetzal Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, wake up early and around 5:30 am join one of our guides to explore the forest and see quetzals in their natural habitat. A gentle 1.5 km walk through the cloud forest will lead you to the Quetzal´s habitat. The hike will take approximately 2 hours, led by a professional guide equipped with a spotting scope and a bird guide. The guide will provide detailed explications along the way. Rest of the day at leisure to relax surrounded by pristine nature or take an optional experience in the area.
Overnight in Dota.
Day 7
:
DOTA – DEPARTURE SAN JOSE (92km – 2.5hrs)
Location: San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delight in one last breakfast at the hotel and at a convenient time, check-out and departure on a private transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flight back home.
What's Included
Tour Guide
Operated with English- and Spanish-speaking local guide during the scheduled activities on a shared basis.
Transport
Private transfer in an air-conditioning vehicle from/to Juan Santamaria Airport and throughout the tour.
Entrance Fees & Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Naturalist Hike at Selva Verde Natural Trails in Sarapiquí, Birdwatching Morning tour in Arenal, Hiking to El Silencio Private Reserve in Arenal, Quetzal Tour in Dota.
Other
Meet & Greet and Hotel Taxes.
What's Not Included
Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included in the tour package.
Flights
Domestic and international flights are not included.
Drinks
Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.
Optional Tours
Optional tours, if any, are not included.
Unmentioned Visits
Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.
Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
Camera/Video Camera Fees
Any camera/video camera fee, if any, is not included.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc., is not included.
Requirements
Comfortable and light and quick dry clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, tennis shoes, hiking shoes, sandals, raincoat or jacket, bathing suit, a hat or cap and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
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Please Note
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
In many hotels in Costa Rica, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS Day 1 San Jose:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Park Inn or similar 3*
Day 2 Sarapiqui:
Standard Hotel Category = Selva Verde Lodge or similar 3*
Day 3-4 Arenal:
Standard Hotel Category = Arenal Montechiari or similar 3*
Day 5-6 Dota:
Standard Hotel Category = Paraiso Quetzal Lodge or similar 3*
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 San Jose:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Park Inn or similar 3*
Day 2 Sarapiqui:
Standard Hotel Category = Selva Verde Lodge or similar 3*
Day 3-4 Arenal:
Standard Hotel Category = Arenal Montechiari or similar 3*
Day 5-6 Dota:
Standard Hotel Category = Paraiso Quetzal Lodge or similar 3*
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, including airport transfers from Juan Santamaria Airport and throughout the tour, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey across Costa Rica's stunning landscapes.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights of comfortable accommodation in Costa Rica, staying at standard 3-star hotels such as Hotel Park Inn in San Jose, Selva Verde Lodge in Sarapiqui, Arenal Montechiari in Arenal, and Paraiso Quetzal Lodge in Dota, ensuring a pleasant stay throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Costa Rica Birdwatching tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including monkeys, mot-mots, toucans, poison dart frogs, Great Kiskadees, Tropical Kingbird Flycatchers, Montezuma Orioles, Variable Seedeater, Tropical Tyrants, Red-billed Pigeons, and Groove-billed Anis. The tour also includes a chance to see quetzals in their natural habitat.
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What activities are included in the Costa Rica Birdwatching tour?
The tour includes a naturalist hike at Selva Verde Natural Trails in Sarapiquí, a birdwatching morning tour in Arenal, hiking to El Silencio Private Reserve in Arenal, and a Quetzal Tour in Dota. These activities are guided by local experts.
Are meals included in the Costa Rica Birdwatching tour?
Yes, the tour includes 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch on Day 3, and 1 dinner on Day 3.
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 6 nights of accommodation in standard hotel categories. The hotels include Hotel Park Inn or similar in San Jose, Selva Verde Lodge or similar in Sarapiqui, Arenal Montechiari or similar in Arenal, and Paraiso Quetzal Lodge or similar in Dota.
How is transportation handled during the Costa Rica Birdwatching tour?
Transportation is provided in a private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour, including private transfers from and to Juan Santamaria Airport.
Will there be a guide during the activities on the tour?
Yes, the tour is operated with English- and Spanish-speaking local guides during the scheduled activities on a shared basis. However, there is no guarantee that you will be part of a group or the same group throughout the tour.
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Reviews of this operator
Brian
Exotic Costa Rica
12-Feb-2022
We were delayed a couple of times in getting to Costa Rica and our tour operator, Roy, was extremely accommodating of the changes. The trip was partially guided, so though lodging and transportation were covered there were a few days where I could have used help coordinating afternoon activities.
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Peter Herbert
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
11-May-2022
A little aprehensive on 1st day with no tour leader... but ran better that clockwork, a few natural obstacles overcome. Good hotels, transport , drivers AND OUTSTANDING GUIDES.....A THEN THERE WAS THE WILDS OF COSTA RICA AND ITS PEOPLES ....
Jean Walsh
Exotic Costa Rica
17-Mar-2022
This trip was much anticipated and lived up to all of our expectations. We had a wonderful experience. If we had questions, Andres was immediately responsive. It was such a nice feeling to know we could reach him.
Susan Langton
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
06-Jan-2022
Our trip was well organized, all of the service providers ( transfers, guides, accommodations) we friendly and professional, and each location was as promised. A bit more local information would have been useful in preparing for the trip, but nothing that wasn't able to be accommodated on the fly.
...more ...less
Marianne Brownell
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
03-Oct-2022
Terrific experience!
Debra R
PURAVIDA CR
26-Jun-2023
Great staff taking care of us along the way! Hotel choices were unique and beautiful and accommodating.
Keith
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
08-Mar-2022
A good tour with 4 completely different ecosystems. A couple of long travel days.
Destination Services Costa Rica requires a minimum deposit of
20%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services costa rica charges.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Costa Rica Birdwatching (On Request)
7 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica
Visiting:
San José, San Jose, Sarapiqui, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano, Arenal, El Silencio Private Reserve, Lake Arenal, Los Quetzales National Park, Dota
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Experience first-hand the wonder of exploring a tropical rainforest. Learn more than just the names of rainforest plants and animals, discover their secret lives and fascinating natural histories. Be on the lookout for monkeys, mot-mots, toucans, and poison dart frogs, and remember to bring your camera! Savour dinner at the hotel. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Sarapiqui.</strong></p>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"},{"title":"Day 2: SAN JOSE – SARAPIQUI (91km – 2hrs) ","name":"Sarapiqui","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and around 10 am a representative will pick you up at the lobby and take you on a private transfer to your next destination: the always verdant Sarapiqui region. Around 2:00 pm you will join an expert guide to take a naturalist hike through the rainforest. Experience first-hand the wonder of exploring a tropical rainforest. Learn more than just the names of rainforest plants and animals, discover their secret lives and fascinating natural histories. Be on the lookout for monkeys, mot-mots, toucans, and poison dart frogs, and remember to bring your camera! Savour dinner at the hotel. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Sarapiqui.</strong></p>","lat":"10.452063","lng":"-84.013546"},{"title":"Day 3: SARAPIQUI – ARENAL (68km – 1hr)","name":"La Fortuna de San Carlos","description":"<p>Have breakfast at the hotel and enjoy free time to relax at the pool surrounded by nature and a delightful lunch at the Lodge. After lunch (included), around 12:00 pm a representative will pick you up at the lobby and take you in a private transfer to your next destination: La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the wonderful Arenal Volcano. Upon arrival, admire the natural beauty of Arenal region; explore the area y your own or simply relax at the hotel. </p><br/><p></p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Arenal. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.471197","lng":"-84.645415"},{"title":"Day 4: ARENAL – BIRDWATCHING – ARENAL VOLCANO – ARENAL (30km – 1hr / 1km – 1hr hike)","name":"Arenal","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Early start around 5:15 am, to hop on the transfer to a Natural Park. Arrive by 5:30 am, and end around 9:30 am, after a delicious light breakfast of fresh fruit, juice, and coffee. With an expert naturalist guide, you will explore the incredible birdlife of the rainforest. The circuit trail combines tree plantations, a gallery forest alongside one of the important rivers of the area, a regenerating forest with open grasslands and pastures, and small brooks which permit the observation of typical open area birds, in addition to aquatic and wooded area birds. Among the most common birds found here, we have Great Kiskadees, Tropical Kingbird Flycatchers, Montezuma Orioles, Variable Seedeater, Tropical Tyrants, Red-billed Pigeons, and Groove-billed Anis. The tour takes around 4 hours. Afterwards, return to the hotel. Around 2:00 pm hop on the transfer to El Silencio Private Reserve, to get as close to the base of the Arenal volcano as possible by vehicle. Next, you will walk approximately 1 kilometre along a volcanic stone path with a moderate degree of difficulty, until we reach the viewpoint, the closest point to the volcano permitted to access. At the viewpoint, our guide will provide relevant information on the formation of the Arenal Volcano, its periods of activity, as well as unpublished details of its first eruption in 1968. You can also enjoy the excellent views of the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal. On the guide’s indication, begin the descent along the same trail. For a change of scenery, you will then enter the regenerating forest and onto the primary rainforest located along the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Arenal.</strong></p>","lat":"10.462626","lng":"-84.703179"},{"title":"Day 5: ARENAL – DOTA (208km – 4.5hrs)","name":"Arenal","description":"<p>Recharge your energies with breakfast at the hotel and around 9:00 am check-out and departure on a private transfer to your next destination: Dota, near the Los Quetzales National Park. Sitting along the foothills of the Talamanca Mountain Range, Dota will charm you with its natural beauty. Travellers come here to hike through the pristine wilderness and view some of the region's most predominant flora and fauna. This quaint village is one of the best locations to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore the area on your own or just relax at the Lodge facilities. </p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Dota. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.462626","lng":"-84.703179"},{"title":"Day 5: ARENAL – DOTA (208km – 4.5hrs)","name":"Dota","description":"<p>Recharge your energies with breakfast at the hotel and around 9:00 am check-out and departure on a private transfer to your next destination: Dota, near the Los Quetzales National Park. Sitting along the foothills of the Talamanca Mountain Range, Dota will charm you with its natural beauty. Travellers come here to hike through the pristine wilderness and view some of the region's most predominant flora and fauna. This quaint village is one of the best locations to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore the area on your own or just relax at the Lodge facilities. </p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Dota. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"9.602946","lng":"-83.910897"},{"title":"Day 6: DOTA (1.5km – 2hr hike)","name":"Dota","description":"<p>Today, wake up early and around 5:30 am join one of our guides to explore the forest and see quetzals in their natural habitat. A gentle 1.5 km walk through the cloud forest will lead you to the Quetzal´s habitat. The hike will take approximately 2 hours, led by a professional guide equipped with a spotting scope and a bird guide. The guide will provide detailed explications along the way. Rest of the day at leisure to relax surrounded by pristine nature or take an optional experience in the area. </p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Dota. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"9.602946","lng":"-83.910897"},{"title":"Day 7: DOTA – DEPARTURE SAN JOSE (92km – 2.5hrs)","name":"San José","description":"<p>Delight in one last breakfast at the hotel and at a convenient time, check-out and departure on a private transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flight back home. </p><br/>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"}]
