Costa Rica Birdwatching (On Request)

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7 Days From

~~$2007~~

$1806

Costa Rica Birdwatching (On Request)

7 Days Starting and ending in San José

Visiting: San José, Sarapiqui, Arenal, Dota

Tour operator:

Destination Services Costa Rica

Tour code:

593094

Physical rating:

VERY_EASY

Age range:

10-

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

Interests:

Eco Conscious, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Hiking, Walking

From: $2007 $1806 (USD) Operator discount: -$201

NB: Prices correct on 20-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica with the Costa Rica Birdwatching tour. This eco-conscious adventure takes you to the heart of the country's rich biodiversity, starting in the vibrant city of San José. Explore the lush landscapes of Sarapiqui, a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, where you'll encounter a stunning array of wildlife. Discover the breathtaking Arenal Volcano region, renowned for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and natural hot springs. In Dota, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the mountains, home to some of Costa Rica's best coffee and an eclectic array of bird species. With guided hikes, birdwatching tours, and comfortable accommodations, this tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, all while being surrounded by the captivating beauty of Costa Rica's natural wonders.

Highlights

Sarapiqui: A nature lover’s paradise with a marvellous diversity of wildlife and plant life
Sarapiqui is known throughout Costa Rica for its amazing and rich biodiversity as well as for being an adventure seeker’s dream destination
Arenal Volcano: This region is considered by many to be one of the most spectacular ones in the country
Today there are no lava eruptions, but you can still see smoke/ash spew out of the top of the volcano
The Arenal region offers numerous hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, relaxing and natural hot springs, gushing rivers, beautiful vegetation and wildlife
Dota: The deep mountains of Dota may be less congested than larger cities, but it is home to some of the best destinations in Costa Rica
Boasting the best coffee in the country, some of the most intense hiking and eclectic array of bird species is ideal for nature lovers

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival To San Jose (15Km – 30Min)

Location: San José

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: Sarapiqui

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: Arenal

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.

Overnight in Arenal.

Day 4 : Arenal – Birdwatching – Arenal Volcano – Arenal (30Km – 1Hr / 1Km – 1Hr Hike)

Location: Arenal

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: Dota

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

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

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. Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only. There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group, or part of the same group during the tour.

ACCOMMODATION:

6 night’s accommodation

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*

MEALS:

6 Breakfasts
1 Lunch (Day 3)
1 Dinner (Day 3)

TRANSPORT:

Private transfer in an air-conditioning vehicle from/ to Juan Santamaria Airport
Private transportation in an air-conditioning vehicle throughout the tour

ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITIES:

All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: (Shared) Naturalist Hike at Selva Verde Natural Trails in Sarapiquí; (Shared) Birdwatching Morning tour in Arenal; (Shared) Hiking to El Silencio Private Reserve in Arenal; (Shared) Quetzal Tour in Dota

OTHER:

Meet & Greet
Hotel Taxes

What's Not Included

Visa fees
Domestic flights
International flights
Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
Optional tours (if any)
Any visit not mentioned in the program
Porterage and gratuities
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.

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.

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*

Check out our Q&As

Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Operated with English- and Spanish-speaking local guide during the scheduled activities on a shared basis.
Are flights included in this tour?

No, Domestic flights and International flights are not included
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Yes, Private transfer in an air-conditioning vehicle from/ to Juan Santamaria Airport
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

Operated with English- and Spanish-speaking local guide during the scheduled activities on a shared basis. Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only. There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group, or part of the same group during the tour.
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

Yes, 10 years and above

Are all entrance fees included in the price?

All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: (Shared) Naturalist Hike at Selva Verde Natural Trails in Sarapiquí; (Shared) Birdwatching Morning tour at Mundo Aventura in Arenal; (Shared) Hiking to El Silencio Private Reserve in Arenal; (Shared) Tabacon Hot springs in Arenal; (Shared) Quetzal Tour in Dota
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

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.

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.

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.

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Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025

~~$2007~~ $1806 (USD)