Overview
This 12-day journey focuses on the Pacific slope, where some of Costa Rica’s most iconic mammals, birds, and marine wildlife can be found. The program combines mangroves, tropical rainforest, marine reserves, and highland cloud forest, offering a rich variety of experiences in a compact timeframe. Travelers can expect to encounter Scarlet Macaws, crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, toucans, dolphins, whales (seasonal), and, in the depths of Osa, tapirs and other rainforest specialists. The emphasis is on diversity: not only birds, but also mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and marine life.
By spending several nights in each location, participants enjoy a relaxed rhythm while still exploring very different habitats. The trip begins in the Central Pacific at Tárcoles, with boat tours through mangroves and encounters with macaws and crocodiles. In Uvita, the focus shifts to marine wildlife with dolphin and whale watching (in season), before continuing south to the Osa Peninsula, considered Costa Rica’s crown jewel of biodiversity. The journey concludes in the cool cloud forests of Cerro de la Muerte, where the Resplendent Quetzal and highland hummingbirds can be observed. This program is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of birding, mammal encounters, and marine experiences in just 12 days.
Highlights
- Chance to spot crocodiles and Scarlet Macaws in mangrove forests
- Opportunity to watch dolphins and seasonal whales in Uvita
- Exploring the Osa Peninsula in search of tapirs and rainforest wildlife
- Search for the Resplendent Quetzal in the cloud forests
Itinerary
After your international flight, the journey begins near San José, where you can relax in a hotel with tropical gardens. Surrounded by heliconias, orchids, and butterflies, this is the perfect place for a gentle introduction to Costa Rica’s nature before heading into wilder regions.
A walk in the gardens provides a first taste of the country’s incredible biodiversity, setting the tone for the adventure ahead and allowing easy photography opportunities right on the lodge grounds.
Target species at the hotel’s garden: Lesson’s Motmot, Rufous-capped Warbler, White-eared Ground-Sparrow, Mottled Owl, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Great Kiskadee and Blue-gray Tanager.
The Tárcoles River is world famous for its massive crocodiles, easily seen on a boat tour. The journey also enters mangrove channels, a fascinating ecosystem home to specialized birds and countless aquatic creatures.
Nearby Carara National Park protects a transition forest where dry and wet habitats meet, resulting in extraordinary biodiversity. Walking its trails with a guide reveals monkeys, deer, and an impressive mix of forest birds. Combined with the hotel gardens and the proximity to the Pacific coast, this region offers one of the richest wildlife experiences in Costa Rica.
Target species in Tárcoles & Carara: American Crocodile, Mangrove Hummingbird, Scarlet Macaw, Black-headed Trogon, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Cinnamon Hummingbird, Rufous-naped Wren, Streak-backed Oriole, Hoffman’s Woodpecker, herons, egrets, kingfishers, shorebirds, White-throated Capuchin Monkey, agouti and white-tailed deer.
This region blends rainforest, rivers, and ocean in one of Costa Rica’s most scenic coastal landscapes. Trails at Hacienda Barú allow encounters with monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds, while wetlands host herons, trogons, and antshrikes.
Out at sea, Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita is one of the country’s best places to see humpback whales and dolphins during migration season (December to March and July to October). Outside whale season, the area still shines with snorkeling, waterfalls, pristine beaches, and vibrant local culture, making it an ideal stop that combines marine and terrestrial wildlife.
Target species in Dominical & Uvita: In the marine area, seasonal Humpback Whales (both Northern and Southern populations), several species of dolphins (Spotted, Bottlenose, and Spinner Dolphins), and seabirds along the Pacific coast add to the highlights of this region. We might find birds such as the Fiery-billed Aracari, Golden-naped Woodpecker, Orange-collared Manakin, Common Potoo, Black-hooded Antshrike, Spot-crowned Euphonia, Riverside Wren, plus up to three monkey species (White-faced Capuchin, Mantled Howler, Spider Monkey), both two-and three-toed Sloths, Green Iguanas, and other reptiles.
The Osa Peninsula is Costa Rica’s crown jewel of biodiversity and one of the richest ecosystems on the planet. Staying near Corcovado National Park means full immersion in pristine rainforest, where every step brings the chance of rare encounters. From monkeys leaping overhead to tapirs crossing the trails, wildlife here feels truly wild and abundant.
The experience goes beyond the forest: boat trips through Sierpe’s mangroves or snorkeling at Caño Island add marine highlights to an already extraordinary region. Osa offers an unparalleled mix of untouched landscapes, iconic mammals, and rare birds—an essential stop for anyone seeking the most authentic side of Costa Rica.
Target species in Corcovado & Osa Peninsula: Baird’s Tapir, all four monkey species (Mantled Howler, White-faced Capuchin, Spider Monkey, Central American Squirrel Monkey), sloths, peccaries, anteaters, and with some luck wild cats including Puma and Jaguar. Birds like Black-cheeked Ant-tanager (Osa endemic), Golden-naped Woodpecker, Spot-crowned Euphonia, Black-hooded Antshrike, Riverside Wren, Fiery-billed Aracari, scarlet macaw…
Still off the main tourist routes, Piedras Blancas remains one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets. Trails through dense rainforest reveal a spectacular diversity of birds, frogs, and insects, while sloths and monkeys move quietly in the canopy.
We’ll stay in a lodge designed for wildlife enthusiasts, with direct access to feeders, forest, and rivers. The combination of remoteness, biodiversity, and intimacy creates a truly authentic experience for those seeking a quieter but equally rich alternative to more famous parks.
Target species in Piedras Blancas: Black-cheeked Ant-tanager (Osa–Golfe Dulce endemic), Fiery-billed Aracari, Admirable Hummingbird, Brown-throated Parakeet, Red-rumped Woodpecker, Blue-headed Parrot, Spot-crowned Euphonia, Orange-collared Manakin, plus many South Pacific endemics. Also an excellent spot for herping with highlights such as frogs, snakes and anoles.
High in the Talamanca mountains, this is one of the very best places in the world to see the Resplendent Quetzal. The cool cloud forest is home to numerous highland endemics, making it a dream for birders and photographers alike.
Visitors stay in specialized lodges surrounded by gardens and trails where hummingbirds, warblers, and silky-flycatchers are easy to observe. The mountain air, spectacular views, and abundance of rare species make this region an unforgettable highlight of any wildlife journey.
Target species in Cerro de la Muerte: Resplendent Quetzal, Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, Golden-browed Chlorophonia, Sulphur-winged Parakeet, Collared Redstart, Sooty-capped Chlorospingus, Yellow-thighed Brushfinch, Flame-throated Warbler, Volcano Hummingbird and Spangle-cheeked Tanager.
The final day is reserved for the return to San José and your international flight. Depending on your schedule, optional stops can be arranged along the way—whether a scenic viewpoint, a wildlife garden, or a local town visit.
This flexibility ensures a smooth conclusion to the adventure, with the chance for one last taste of Costa Rica’s landscapes and wildlife before departure.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pick-up & drop-off service
- Daily breakfast
- Comfortable accommodation
- All activities listed in the itinerary
- Expert wildlife guide on each activity
- Required permits and national park fees
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Travel and medical insurance
- Rental car or private driver (quoted separately)
FAQs
We suggest lightweight clothing, quick-dry fabrics, and a rain jacket. Comfortable shoes are essential, and a hat or cap helps with sun protection. If your trip includes cloud forests or higher elevations, pack a sweater for cooler evenings.
Binoculars are highly recommended for wildlife watching. For photography, we suggest bringing a camera with telephoto lenses for birds and animals. A tripod can be useful. If you’re unsure about your equipment, feel free to reach out—we’ll be happy to advise you personally.
Yes, single rooms can be arranged on request, subject to availability. A supplement may apply depending on the hotel or lodge.
Yes, in most parts of Costa Rica the water is drinkable. Your guide or the staff from your lodge will advise you in each location.
All our trips are flexible and tailor-made. If you would like to include airport pickup and travel with a private guide, simply let us know when booking and we will arrange it for you.
Airport pickups depends on the type of trip you choose:
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If you book a private guided trip, we will personally meet you at the airport and take care of transfers, transportation, and all details throughout the journey.
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If you book a self-drive itinerary, you can manage your arrival and rental car pick-up directly at the airport. In this case, we provide the itinerary, all reservations, and ongoing support. The logistics of arrival are handled by you, but let us know if you want help with that as well and we can provide.
Most of the hotels and lodges we work with offer laundry service, either included or for a small fee. Your guide or the lodge staff will let you know the options available at each stop.
Yes. If you’d like to arrive earlier or stay longer, we can arrange additional nights of accommodation, activities and transfers. Just let us know your plans and we’ll adjust the itinerary accordingly.
That depends on the type of trip you choose:
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If you book a private guided trip, we provide the vehicle and driver, so you don’t need to worry about renting a car or driving in Costa Rica. Everything is handled for you.
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If you choose a self-drive road trip, you’ll drive your own rental car. Most travelers pick it up directly at the airport, and it can be reserved in advance. As with all of our itineraries, everything is personalized. If you’d like us to assist with the car rental, just let us know your needs and we’ll arrange it for you.