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You select the date for a trip to suit you, and you will not be just an other tourist: Your guide is also your travel companion, who will make sure you also experience the native people, scenery, culture, history and food, first hand.
You will enjoy the advantage of all the attention you get in a small group, for the same price or perhaps even less, than you will pay if you travel with the large tour groups from other countries.
Boosting the local economy by hiring a local guide through Birdingpaltours also promotes the importance of protecting birds and
their habitat in many countries around the world.
Remember, the next time you travel you do not have to miss the birdwatching, if your partner or travel companions are non birders; a local guide is flexible, and will easily accommodate other needs too.
Birdwatching in Costa Rica
Famous for its explosive diversity and spectacular natural beauty, Costa Rica is a bird watcher’s paradise with more than 870 bird species, including birding favorites such as Toucans, Scarlet Macaws, Motmots, Quetzals and Trogons, just to name a few. A single
day of bird watching in this enchanted corner of the globe can offer sightings of up to 85 to 150 different species.
"Tapanti National Park Rain Forest"
In Costa Rica alone, there are 12 of the planet’s 18 different life zones. Ranging from the dry tropical climate of
the Nicoya Peninsula to the humid lowlands of the Caribbean coast, Costa Rica has an incredible array of habitats and micro-ecosystems. And within every micro-ecosystem, the birding possibilities are practically endless.
Imagine spotting Quetzals in the cloud forests of Monteverde before heading north to Guanacaste for a glimpse of the Long Tailed Manakin …all within just a couple hours.
Electronic map of Costa Rica
Tour I
15 Day birdwatching tour to Highlands and Pacific Rainforest
Itinerary
Expect between 350 - 435+ species during the trip.
Destinations:
1. San Gerardo(2 nights) Savegre Lodge.
2. Tapanti(3 nights) Kiri Lodge.
3. Pejibaye(3nights) Copal Lodge.
4. Carara (3 nights) Flamboyant Hotel.
Day 1.
Arrival to San Jose. Pick-up, Greeting and Information Meeting.
Hotel in San Jose.
Day 2.
San Gerardo, Savegre Lodge.
Early departure after breakfast to the Highlands of Talamanca Range. Stop along the way to search for Highland Endemics. We will spend under a couple of hours to find species not often located at Savegre's Valley; then continue our birding journey to the
lodge, as birders we know that nature is the one how decides the speed to go on but, aproximated lunch time is our arrival.
Our lodge is world known for its Quetzals and Hummingbirds but no one really mentions the food, aloud me to tell you; its simply wonderfull. Check in, lunch and hummers until 2-3 pm and explore hotel grounds for Torrent Tyrannulet, Yellow-silky Flycatcher,
Flame-colored Tanager, Brown-capped Nightingale Thrush, etc... This afternoon we are only going to take it easy and let you catch up.
Day 3.
San Gerardo, Savegre Lodge.
In search ot the Quetzal, up by 5:00 am, into the river trail, which is an mild walk with semiopen fields and gallery forest, good chances to spot a good amount of birds such as Tufted Flycather, Acorn Woodpecker, White-throated Robin, etc. A good 3 hour
hike and return to the lodge for breakfast as our high speed friends fight over at perch. We will contnue on birding along the road side for more birds before and after lunch.
Day 4.
Tapanti Ntl. Park. Kiri Lodge.
Although Savegre and Tapanti are not that far from each other, but the species differ a lot. Tapanti is located at 1400 meters from sealevel on the Caribbean slope and can be subdivide on 7 habitats quite opossite or with some similarities. On the drive to the
park there are several important sites such as Cachi's Hidroelectric Dam, for Bat Falcon, Swallow-tailed Kite, Oropendulas, Grebes, etc.. Also coffee plantations for Giant Cowbirds, Orioles, Tanagers, Flycathers and many more. A must stop is the Rio Grande de Orosi's Bridge. Great birding spot.
Lunch/Dinner at Kiri Lodge.
Day 5.
Tapanti, Kiri Lodge.
A early start in search for ground birds such as Timanous, Bobwhites, Antpittas and often ignore Ground Doves. It also a day for Eagles a in the early evening owls.
Day 6.
Tapanti, Kiri Lodge.
Full day at the park, return for breakfast and lunch to the lodge (do not worry great birding can de done from the tables at the Restaurant). Such as Prong-billed Barbets, 8 species of Tanagers, Warblers, the list goes on. Or visit the area of Rio Grande de
Orosi, coffee farms and open fields.
"Orange-collared Manakin"
Day 7.
La Selva de Pejibaye, Copal Lodge.
Enjoy breakfast and get ready to go to Caribbean rainforest. Pejibaye has been for long time an agricultural area with open spaces, small forest patches and seasonal swamps that can increases the species numbers. Simply, there is not place in all of Costa Rica as rich as Copal Lodge in birds. In all my previous visits, I have come back home overwhelmed and fascinated by this small family owned the property. Amazing beautiful and rareties are combine on this area, thing such as Snowcap, Lovely Cotinga, Scale Antpitta, White-collared Manakin and 21 species of Tanagers are not uncommon here.
All meals included.
Day 8.
La Selva de Pejibaye, Copal Lodge.
On this region, the sun is out by 5:00am and some birds are active a bit earlier; therefore a dense forest hike will have high possiblities. Tall canopy forest hike follow by breakfast and continue birding on open spaces, lunch at midday and back in the
forest.
All meals included.
"Resplendent Quetzal at Cerro de la Muerte - Savegre""
Day 9.
La Selva de Pejibaye, Copal Lodge.
Full day at the lodge area. All meals Included.
Day 10.
Central Pacific. Flamboyant Hotel.
Departure to Central Pacific Coast in which Macaws, Manakins, Tinamous await for us. Today is going to be a more or less long drive, we will take easy. Breakfast on the go and lunch on a local restaurant. Stop by Orotina for Black and White Owl, and continue
to the hotel, check in and get back on birding.
Dinner in town. No meals included.
Day 11.
Central Pacific. Flamboyant Hotel.
A breakfast to go should do it! The day starts a Meandrica's Trail at Carara National Park, maybe the best birding in Costa Rica due the balanced weather, the 5 microecosystems and the 4 forest strata. Many species occur here, but the real beauty of Carara's
birding is the abundance of life, from common Black-hooded Antshrike to Yellow-billed Cotinga. A must to take hike for every birder visting my country. Lunch in a nearby restaurant, follow with a hike into the 150ft canopy forest. Manakins, Wrens, Flycathcers,
Antbirds and who knows maybe a Violaceous Quail Dove.
No meals included.
"Scarlet Macaw in the Rainforest of Carara"
Day 12.
Mangrove Boat tour.
Today the order of activities might change. Early start to the mangrove on a private boat to see the area specialties such Mangrove Hummingbirds, Vireos, Cuckoos, Egrets, Herons and even rare Woodrails.
Day 13.
Juan Castro Blanco, Bosque de Paz Lodge.
Early breakfast and now it is time to get a taste of the Caribbean mid-elevations to a wonderful place call Bosque de Paz(Forest of Peace) and lot of birds such as Black Guan, Chestnut-capped Brush Finch, Crested Eagles, Collared Trogon, American Dipper, and
many new Hummingbirds, etc. All of us are here for the birds, but this place is wonderfull, the staff, the food and the views of the Juan Castro Blanco National Park. Little after lunch a short hike to the forest will enrich our experiences and personal lists.
Day 14.
Bosque de Paz Lodge.
All day at the lodge area. All meal included.
Day 15.
Departure to San Jose. and the International Airport.
15 days tour price is: 2 pax US$2760 per person. 4 pax US$2200 per person.
A 50% deposit is required upon booking a trip. Balance due 30 days prior to departure.
Convert your tour cost into your currency of choice.
Included:
Transportation using Deluxe Shuttle Van or 4x4(incl. p/u and return to airport in San Jose), Boats as required, Accommodation, Meals unless noted(breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and mineral water), Park entrance fees, all Guide fees, Detailed Trip Manual including bird lists by location. Checklist of Costa Rica birds by Asociación Ornitológica de Costa Rica. Some meals are difficult when we are on the road from place to place, althought the number #1 reason, not to include them are the timing from activity to activity.
Excluded:
Alcoholic drinks, visas and items of a purely personal nature.
Notes:
The above birding itineraries are based on what are essentially popular routes for birders. It can be shortened or extended.
All the date of itineraries include arrival and departure dates.
All trips are available year round, but prices may be adjusted around special holidays.
Minimum lead time 1 months.
To check availability for tours on short notice, fill out “Request for Quote” form with desirable dates.
Notes:
Fitness - The tour does not require a high level of fitness but participants should be in good general health. Should you have any physical limitations please contact us.
Clothing - Tennis shoes with good traction or hiking boots with good ankle support (waterproof) and comfortable sandals or flip flops. Swim wear, Underclothes and socks. Neutral colored clothing for rain forest hikes. Several cool long sleeve shirts and short sleeve shirts. Hat for sun protection (breathable). 2-3 pairs of light weight long pants for rain forest hikes. Lightweight rain jacket (neutral color only). Casual beach clothing(t-shirts, shorts, sun dresses). Long pants and a fast drying sweater for the
city/mountains (temp. are cooler there). Lightweight gloves for cooler areas. Rubberboots can be bought in Costa Rica for US$7.
Gear - Small hiking backpack for day trips, Small first aid kit, Binoculars, Camera (optional), Sunglasses, Sun block and Bug Spray (Avon's Skin So Soft). Several pencils and daily journal. A passport purse (to carry money, credit cards, etc... wear it close to your body). Any needed medications, anti-diarrhea or any prescriptions. Flashlight and alarm clock. Money, credit cards and identification. About $50-200 in cash (no tears in bills, small bills are better). Travelers checks (American Express or Visa)(can
exchange some of them for Colones at the the local banks or hotel front desk). Visa credit card widely accepted in Costa Rica,
except rural towns (keep phone number of credit card company separate).
Photo copies of passports and driver's license(kept in a separate place). Use a credit card to call US from your hotel room or
local phone. For local calls in Costa Rica, purchase a phone card at pharmacies or supermarkets and use public phones (1000
colones). You can also purchase a phone card here for international calls ($9 for 12 minutes to US).
Should you only need a guide for a day or two please contact us for details.
Randall Ortega Chaves, your local Birdingpal guide
A lifelong native of Costa Rica, Randall Ortega Chaves, has spent most of his 30 years in constant fascination with the diverse ecosystems of his tropical homeland. It all began in 1993 to start Randall on his way to become a professional naturalist and
birding guide. After working as a sales representative for a renowned Costa Rican tour company, not satisfied behind a desk, he followed his passion for nature and wildlife to the Institute for National Learning to become a certified naturalist tour guide. One of the country's premier learning centers for naturalist tour guides, the Institute for National Learning specializes in natural history studies, and offers a detailed certificate program of required courses and seminars(see coursework listed below).
After graduating with honors at the top of his class, Randall was immediately recruited by leading tour company, and spent the next year leading tours of Costa Rica's various nature reserves, meanwhile building experience as a qualified naturalist tour guide. To further enhance his knowledge and experience, The varied adventures of these six years enabled Randall to acquire a vast knowledge and firsthand understanding of Costa Rica's unique natural history.
In addition to naturalist tour guide certification and more than seven years experience, Randall is fluent in Spanish, French, and English, and master speaking Japanese. Resultantly, Randall is perfectly capable of leading tour groups of culturally diverse
patrons that require various translations of tour information. Multi-lingual tours focus on birds of Costa Rica, the diverse life zones of Costa Rica, including volcanoes, mountain ranges, rain forests, waterways and beaches, exploration of the native
flora, and fauna that inhabit these ruggedly beautiful natural wonders.
Although he is experienced in all areas of natural history, Randall's personal specialty and passion leans towards serious birding groups. For the past four years, Randall has worked for the national park systems, guiding birding and natural history groups,
educating visitors, and contributing to bird life research, specifically at Carara National Park. Randall's knowledge of birds is vast, but small in comparison to his enthusiasm and excitement to always learn more about them. International birders and wildlife enthusiasts are sure to enjoy Randall's specialized knowledge and abilities to locate some Costa Rica's most elusive species. His familiarity with the habitats, behaviors, and instincts of native birds and wildlife make him an incredible source of information
and the ideal tour guide for those who seek up-close viewing opportunities, yet want to respect the natural boundaries of all life
in the rain forest.
Testimorial.
I have been meaning to write to thank you for the wonderful time I had birding with you. Your keen knowledge of the birds of Costa Rica was uncanny. I have never before seen a guide call in so many species without the use of tapes. How do you whistle some of
those songs? It is truly an amazing gift you have and I am honored to have walked with you to experience a REAL birding guide.
Hope to hear from you again in the future. By the way, Saul, the naturalist from Rainmaker, says hi. He said he spent time studying with you in Costa Rica years ago. I told him about my trip with you and he said he remembers you being a really good birder back then too.
Brian St. Clair, Jersey City, NJ, stclairaframe(AT)aol.com
I just had the best 8 hours of birding in my life. As a 35-year professional wildlife biologist, birder and sometimes tour leader
in the U.S., I speak from experience. When planning our two days at Carara National Park, Randall Ortega Chaves was recommended.
He was the consummate field guide, expert at finding, identifying and discussing the ecological role of many species encountered.
His pride in Costa Rica and his dedication to and love of Carara and the forest were evident. He advised that I put away my notebook
because there would be no time to write, even the species names. He was right-the birds and other animals came non-stop. And he
later recalled every observation for our records. I am likely not the first to recommend Randall for hard-core or casual birders".
The boat tour with Luis was fantastic-especially so for my wife who had an easier time seeing everything from the boat. Among many impressive sights were close-up views of 19 Scarlet Macaws, a male Mangrove Hummingbird, nesting Turquoise Motmot, a Mangrove
Vireo, three Mangrove Black Hawks being stooped on by a Plumbeous Kite, a flock of Brown-chested Martins and 3 Double-striped Thick-knees. Thanks again for a fantastic experience.
Paul Jorgensen, Borrego Springs, California, jorgy(AT)cableusa.com
Randall Ortega is a long time Birdingpal guide, well known in his own country and by myself or birders from around the world.
Knud Rasmussen
Birdingpal
Some facts about Costa Rica.
Costa Rica had an estimated population of 4.43 million people. As of 2007, the majority of Costa Ricans are descendants of white Spanish settlers (3,307,107). Although there was some mixture of Europeans with the indigenous inhabitants, the truly Mestizo population of the country is constitutes a minority (578,743). There are significant numbers of Costa Ricans of Italian, German, Jewish and polish descent. Together, Mestizos and European descendants make up a full 94% of the population. Just under 3% of the population is of black African descent (124,016), the majority of which are English-speaking descendants of nineteenth century black Jamaican immigrant workers. 1% is composed of ethnic Chinese, 1% of Amerindian peoples, and another 1% is "other. As of today, the indigenous population numbers around 1%, or over 40,000 individuals. In the Guanacaste Province a significant portion of the population descends from a tri-racial mix of local Amerindians, Africans and Spaniards. There is also an expatriate community of people of all ages from the USA, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Britain, and other countries, especially in the Central Valley city of Escazu. Post-war Italian immigrants founded the Zona Sur town of San Vito de Coto Brus in southern Puntarenas, near the border with Panama.
Costa Rica hosts many refugees, mainly from Colombia and Nicaragua. As a result, an estimated 10% to 15% of the Costa Rican population is made up of Nicaraguans, most of whom migrate for seasonal work opportunities and then return to their country. There
is also a growing number of Peruvian refugees. Moreover, Costa Rica took in lots of refugees from a range of other Latin American countries fleeing civil wars and dictatorships during the 1970s and 80s - notably from Chile and Argentina.
Christianity is the predominant religion in Costa Rica, and Roman Catholicism is the official state religion as guaranteed by the Constitution of 1949. Some 92% of Costa Ricans are Christian and like many other parts of Latin America, Protestant denominations have been experiencing rapid growth. However, three in four Costa Ricans still adhere to Roman Catholicism.
The only official language is Spanish. There are two main accents native to Costa Rica, the standard Costa Rican and the Nicoyan.
The Nicoyan accent is very similar to the standard Nicaraguan accent due, in part, to its annexation from Nicaragua in 1824. A notable Costa Rican pronunciation difference includes a soft initial and double [r] phoneme that is not trilled as in most of the Spanish speaking world. Jamaican immigrants in the 19th Century brought with them a dialect of English that has evolved into the Mekatelyu creole dialect.
More facts about Costa Rica.
Guide books and CD’s recommended:
INBIO (Institiute of Biodiversity) and Julio Sanchez (field ornithologist) published a book on Birds of Tapanti National Park, the area is incredible and the book is basic, pretty draws and good information, and the most accurated bird lsit for the area.
Birds of Costa Rica by Stiles and Skutch. This book is a classic, and as is the case with “classics” it has aged somewhat unevenly. Following the typical format for older field guides, the illustrations are all in the middle of the book, and the user must
therefore thumb furiously from one end to the other in search of the written species descriptions. The plates have cursory written descriptions, but these are sometimes at variance with the more detailed text. There are no range maps, and a lot of the range information is quite outdated – either because the species in question has changed its range, or because more is now known. Recent “lumps” and “splits” are not represented. For example, Paserrini’s Tanager and Cherrie’s Tanager are treated as a single species – Scarlet-Rumped Tanager.
A new guide to the birds of Costa Rica by Richard Garrigues. All that said, however, “Stiles and Skutch” is invaluable, and the
small annoyances are greatly outweighed by the depth of information that the book provides. One caution: some people would have you cut the plates out and take them with you while leaving the text behind. That, in my opinion, would be simply dumb. It IS a big
book, but the text is essential to proper identification of many species. Besides, it is just wrong to desecrate such a great book. If you want, you can purchase a quick-reference folding card of the common birds of Costa Rica. There is also a small photographic pocket guide of the 250 more common species that could be useful. Both publications, printed in English, are relatively easily obtained in Costa Rica.
Find lowest prices here
Guide books and CD’s recommended:
Voices of Costa Rican Birds: Caribbean Slope Voices of Costa Rican Birds: Caribbean Slope David L Ross
An audio guide to more than 220 birds of Costa Rica
Note: To ascertain tour/seat availability and best pricing, select a week for departure date. e.g. Sep 01 - 07
Need more information please email us.
Thank you for considering a local Birdingpal guide for your next trip.