Overview
This 12-day program is designed for travelers who want to go beyond Costa Rica’s classic highlights and explore its lesser-known treasures. It is ideal for those who have already visited the country and want to discover new regions, or for adventurous wildlife enthusiasts seeking a more exclusive experience. The route avoids the most crowded destinations and instead focuses on hidden reserves and lodges that specialize in birding and wildlife observation, offering easy encounters with rare species in settings that few visitors get to see.
From Caribbean rainforests with hidden lagoons and night walks full of frogs and snakes, to intimate lodges where feeders attract hummingbirds, tanagers, and trogons, each stop offers both comfort and easy access to nature. Highlights include searching for the elusive Baird’s Tapir, endemic birds in cloud forest, and photographing dazzling hummingbirds and tanagers in specialized feeding stations. With all logistics carefully organized, this itinerary offers a unique way to enjoy Costa Rica’s hidden biodiversity—perfect for those who want both discovery and simplicity in their wildlife adventure.
Highlights
- Night walks in Caribbean rainforests to spot frogs and snakes
- Searching for the elusive Baird’s Tapir in hidden reserves
- Photographing hummingbirds and tanagers at feeding stations
- Encountering endemic birds in cloud forest habitats
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.
Deep in the Caribbean lowlands, El Zota is a remote biological station surrounded by primary rainforest and lagoons. Visitors can explore trails in search of monkeys, sloths, and colorful mixed bird flocks, or take boat rides across the lagoons where herons and jacanas thrive.
Night walks are a highlight here, revealing frogs, snakes, and other nocturnal creatures. The abundance of amphibians and reptiles makes El Zota a top destination for herpers, while birders enjoy the variety of forest specialists that are difficult to find elsewhere.
Target species of Estación El Zota: Caiman, Spider Monkeys, howler monkeys, sloths, poison dart frogs,, peccaries, honduran White Bat, black and white owl, Gray-headed Piprites, Olive-backed Quail-Dove, Central-American Pygmy-Owl, White-necked Puffbird, Boat Billed Heron, Slaty-breasted Tinamou…
Famous among birders worldwide, Rancho Naturalista is renowned for its balcony overlooking feeders alive with hummingbirds and tanagers. It offers one of the most relaxed yet productive birding experiences in the country, with dozens of species often seen before breakfast.
Trails through the surrounding rainforest provide more challenging birding, with manakins, antbirds, and woodcreepers. At night, moth traps attract both insects and the secretive birds that feed on them, making Rancho a perfect balance of easy observation and true rainforest exploration.
Target species in Rancho Naturalista: Snowcap, White-crowned Manakin, Lovely Cotinga, White-necked Jacobin, Green-breasted Mango, Spotted Woodcreeper, White-breasted Wood-Wren and a wide variety of colorful tanagers.
In the foothills of the Talamanca mountains, this region offers pristine cloud forest and rushing rivers. It is one of the best places to look for rare highland birds like the Bare-necked Umbrellabird during seasonal movements, while feeders bring hummingbirds and tanagers within easy view.
Quelitales Lodge is designed for wildlife enthusiasts, providing direct access to trails, forest hides, and waterfalls. The area combines beautiful scenery with exclusive birding, amphibians along the streams, and a sense of untouched wilderness far from the crowds.
Target species in Copal, Tapantí & Quelitales: Scaled Antpitta, Cabani’s Ground Sparrow (Costa Rica endemic), Black-bellied Hummingbird, Coppery-headed Emerald (endemic), Green-fronted Lancebill, White-bellied Mountain-gem, plus a wide variety of highland hummingbirds. Highland Tinamou, Spangle-cheeked Tanager, Golden-browed Chlorophonia, Buffy Tuftedcheek, Red-headed Barbet, Ochraceous Wren, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Black-faced Solitaire, Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatcher and Prong-billed Barbet.
This hidden cloud forest valley is known for its tranquility, waterfalls, and orchids. Trails meander through misty forest where quetzals and trogons can be found, while well-placed feeders attract a constant flow of hummingbirds and tanagers.
Beyond the birding, the region offers a peaceful immersion into nature, with towering cascades and pristine forest creating an atmosphere of serenity. It’s one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets, perfect for travelers seeking both biodiversity and breathtaking scenery.
Target species in Bajos del Toro: Black Guan, Collared Trogon, Azure-hooded Jay, Resplendent Quetzal, Silver-throated Tanager, Bay-headed Tanager, Yellow-thighed Finch, Violet Sabrewing, Green-crowned Brilliant, Green Hermit, Purple-throated Mountain-gem, Magenta-throated Woodstar and Black-bellied Hummingbird, plus White-nosed Coati, Central American Agouti and Paca.
At the foothills of Tenorio Volcano lies Tapir Valley, one of the best places in Costa Rica to see the endangered Baird’s Tapir in the wild. The area’s mix of wetlands, secondary forest, and volcanic slopes creates an exceptional setting for both rare mammals and unique amphibians, including a recently discovered microendemic frog.
Trails wind through lush rainforest filled with trogons, manakins, and hummingbirds, while night excursions reveal snakes, frogs, and nocturnal mammals. With its authenticity and off-the-beaten-path character, Bijagua offers one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in the country..
Target species at Tenorio’s: Baird’s Tapir, microendemic frog Tlalocohyla Celeste, Capuchin and Howler Monkeys, Sloths, Tayra, Ocelot, Puma; Red-eyed Tree Frog, Eyelash Viper, Fer-de-lance, iguanas, boas, basilisks, Tody Motmot, Yellow-eared Toucanet, Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Keel-billed Motmot, Snowcap, Black-crested Coquette, Spectacled Owl, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Lovely Cotinga, Great Currasow, Three-wattled Bellbird, Lattice-tailed Trogon, Brown-hooded Parrot, White-collared Manakin…
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.