Are you having a look to look a lot of birds in Costa Rica?
With round 28% of Costa Rica’s land safe through nationwide parks and flora and fauna reserves, there’s quite a few area to discover. And with over 800 chicken species, this nation is in point of fact a birder’s paradise.
That will help you in finding the most efficient puts for chicken staring at in Costa Rica, I’ve compiled a listing of various locations, plus different fascinating issues to do in the ones spaces.
#1. Monteverde Cloud Woodland Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Woodland Reserve is a must-see for everybody. The herbal wonderful thing about this space is safe through Ticos (Local Costa Ricans), together with Quakers who moved from the USA to protest the Korean Conflict. In combination, those not going allies keep the Cloud Woodland and observe eco-tourism to verify it’s sustainable.
Cloud Forests are uncommon as a result of the original instances had to create them. A wooded area is handiest thought to be a cloud wooded area when its altitude is between 1,000-2,500 m (3280-8200 feet). This altitude creates a groovy local weather and lets in for consistent cloud protection on the cover stage.
This distinctive Cloud Woodland is divided down the center, with the jap (Monteverde) taking advantage of industry winds from the Caribbean that cool the world. The jap (Santa Elena) facet, nonetheless coated in clouds, is a couple of levels hotter with out the ones industry winds. Despite the fact that either side be offering one of the perfect birdwatching in Costa Rica, maximum vacationer accommodation is at the Monteverde facet.
Monteverde Cloud Woodland Reserve at a Look:
- Will have to-see birds: Resplendent Quetzal, Black and Yellow Silky Flycatcher, Chiriqui Quail Dove, 3-Wattled Bell Chook, and Violet Sabrewing
- Different Animals: Olingo, Two-Toed Sloth, Kinkajou, Tayra, Coati, Central American Agouti, Mexican Bushy Dwarf Porcupine, Mantled Howler Monkey, White-Confronted Capuchin Monkey, Vipers, and Frogs.
- The place to stick
- Hidden Cover Treehouses will provide you with the sensation of dwelling within the rainforest with all of the facilities of a posh lodge.
- Sedna Monteverde Lodge provides mountain bungalows that are ideal for {couples} or households and are just a brief stroll to anything else you want.
- Different Sights:
- An evening tour- Despite the fact that you make a decision to move by yourself all over the day, you should rent a information to do an evening excursion in the course of the wooded area.
- Discover the putting bridges: whether or not you select to take a excursion, trip a teach, or hike, the putting bridges are a should.
- Cover Zip Line Excursion
- Pattern the native espresso, as this space is legendary for its flavorful beans.
#2. Tapantí Nationwide Park
Tapantí Nationwide Park is thought of as the wettest nationwide park within the nation! It receives over 6.4 meters (21 feet) of rain in keeping with 12 months. Situated in a valley close to town of Orosi and the mountains of Talamaca, this park may be house to the Rio Grande de Orosi River, which supplies San Jose with consuming water and hydroelectric energy.
The large quantity of precipitation makes Tapantí an excellent spot for botanists to seek advice from. Scientists have found out 1000’s of vegetation throughout the park, in addition to over 100 forms of mushrooms and lichens.
The plants could make it tough to identify birds and different elusive flora and fauna, however this park is house to the uncommon Resplendent Quetzal and Fiery-throated Hummingbird, together with the endangered Baird’s Tapir. Your perfect likelihood to identify those species will likely be to rent a information to hike with you.
Tapantí Nationwide Park at a Look:
- Will have to See Birds: Resplendent Quetzal, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Collard Trogon, and Golden-bellied Flycatcher
- Different Animals: Baird’s Tapir, White-faced Capuchin, Agouti, Ocelot, and Jaugaurduni
- The place to Keep
- L. a. Casona del Cafetal is positioned between the valleys of Cachi and Orosi.
- Orosi Hotel is likely one of the closest lodges to Tapantí Park
- San Jose is 1.5-2 hours away if you want to plan an afternoon travel.
- Different Sights:
- Excursion the Colonial Church of Orosi, the oldest church in Costa Rica, and seek advice from the hooked up museum
- Take a dip in Hacienda Orosi Scorching Springs
- Hike to Irazu Volcano, an lively volcano close to Tapanti
#3. Palo Verde Nationwide Park
Situated in some of the remaining tropical dry forests on the earth, Palo Verde Park is a paradise for birds and different flora and fauna. You’ll in finding numerous habitats, together with mangrove swamps, marshes, grassy savannas, and evergreen forests. There also are quite a few limestone hills that supply superb lookouts for recognizing flora and fauna. In fact, all over the dry season (December- Might), handiest the everlasting lagoons live on to maintain the flora and fauna.
This park is where to move when you’re in search of waterfowl and shorebirds, as Palo Verde has the best focus of them in Central The united states. Moreover, there are over 300 different chicken species, quite a few mammals, and a lot of reptiles, together with crocodiles!
The most efficient time to seek advice from Palo Verde as a birder is all over the dry season. The bushes could have dropped their leaves, making it more straightforward to look birds farther in the course of the wooded area. The rivers and watering holes have additionally shriveled to just a few lagoons, making it simple to identify flora and fauna alongside the shores and within the water. On the other hand, needless to say the dry season is very sizzling and sunny.
Palo Verde Nationwide Park at a Look:
- Will have to See Birds: Farm animals Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills, and Black-crowned Evening Heron
- Different Animals: Variegated Squirrels, Howler Monkeys, White-nosed Coatis, and Crocodiles
- The place to Keep
- Tenting is authorized close to Hacienda Palo Verde Analysis Station. There are bathrooms, sizzling water showers, and foods are to be had on the station.
- Rancho Humo Estancia is likely one of the closest lodges to Palo Verde
- Different Sights:
- Take a ship excursion alongside some of the rivers to maximise your flora and fauna viewing
- Take a guided birdwatching excursion in the course of the nationwide park
- Seek advice from Hacienda Palo Verde Analysis Station and take part in certainly one of their many public occasions
#4. Carara Nationwide Park
Carara Nationwide Park is a hidden gem surrounded through farmland and some of the handiest flora and fauna sanctuaries within the space. It is thought of as a organic melting pot as a result of its location between the dry forests of the Northwest and the rainforest of the Southern Pacific lowlands, making this park extraordinarily numerous in flora and fauna! This park is likely one of the few puts to search out the uncommon Scarlet Macaw, in addition to one of the biggest crocodiles within the nation.
One of the most perfect issues about Carara Nationwide Park is that the combined wooded area provides an more straightforward position for bird-watching than another forests. It isn’t as dense, so it may be more straightforward to identify birds and different flora and fauna in the course of the foliage.
Carara Nationwide Park at a Look:
- Will have to See Birds: Scarlet Macaw, Tiger Herons, Orange-collard Manakin, Antbirds, Trogons, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, and Royal Flycatchers
- Different Animals: Large Crocodiles, Crimson Brocket, Collard Peccary, Monkeys, Sloth, Agouti, and Tayra
- The place to Keep
- This park is a straightforward day travel from the within reach town of Jacó
- Lodge Cerro Hotel is positioned very with regards to Río Tarcoles Bridge. Additionally they cater to birders and nature fanatics.
- Paradise Bay Lodge Boutique is positioned North of Jacó to get you out of the hustle and bustle of the town
- Different Sights:
- Take a guided excursion of the traditional burial grounds of the Huetar other folks
- Experience consuming at Restaurante El Cocodrilo
- Spend a while in search of crocodiles at Río Tarcoles Bridge
- Warning: Petty robbery and theft have larger on this space. At all times commute in teams, park close to respectable constructions, and take note of your atmosphere.
#5. Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park:
Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park is the smallest nationwide park in Costa Rica, however this shouldn’t deter you from checking it out! On account of its manageable dimension and simple trails, it has develop into some of the in style parks within the nation.
Should you’re in search of simple mountain climbing and ocean swimming, that is the vacation spot for you. Despite the fact that it isn’t referred to as an awesome bird-watching location, there are nonetheless quite a few birds round to refill your listing. Moreover, when you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll take a look at the white-water rafting or sea kayaking introduced through native corporations.
Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park at a Look:
- Will have to-See Birds: Blue Grey Tanagers, Palm Tanagers, Fiery-billed Aracaris, Black-hooded Antshrikes, Baird’s Trogons, Yellow-Topped Evening Herons, and Brown Boobies.
- Different Animals: Squirrel Monkeys (Costa Rica’s rarest primate), Bottle-Nosed Dolphins, Humpback Whales, Tough-Toothed Dolphins, and Inexperienced Iguanas.
- The place to Keep
- L. a. Posada is easiest for individuals who handiest need to seek advice from the park and the seashore as a result of the ones are inside of strolling distance. Additionally they supply non-public jungle bungalows.
- Parador Nature Lodge and Spa is for the ones in search of a extra enjoyable revel in however nonetheless short of to be very with regards to the whole thing.
- Different Sights:
- Experience a midnight paddle board excursion in the course of the mangroves
- Take a ship excursion for an up-close revel in with marine existence
- Take a look at the Medicinal Plant Lawn
#6. Corcovado Nationwide Park and the Osa Peninsula
Corcovado Nationwide Park isn’t a spot to your moderate vacationer. This is likely one of the remaining untouched forests of Costa Rica, so you want to be ready for rugged terrain and tough lodging. This far flung space accommodates some of the remaining old-growth rainy forests alongside the Pacific coast, in addition to 13 different superb ecosystems. It’s simple to grasp why Nationwide Geographic has classified this position as probably the most biologically intense position on Earth!
Hiring a information is an very important a part of your seek advice from to Corcovado. They lower your likelihood of turning into misplaced, and they may be able to lend a hand with main points like checking tide charts ahead of you head out. Additionally, the suitable information will know the most efficient puts to identify birds.
Situated close to Corcovado Nationwide Park, the far flung Osa Peninsula is an improbable get away from the hustle and bustle of the arena. This space isn’t simply obtainable and will provide you with that non violent and quiet jungle revel in you’re in search of. Despite the fact that those places are rugged and far flung, they’re one of the perfect birdwatching places in Costa Rica.
Corcovado Nationwide Park at a Look:
- Will have to See Birds: Scarlet Macaw, Orange-collard Manakin, Nice Curassow, Rufous Piha, Harpy Eagle, and Black Hawk
- Different Animals: Jaguar, Baird’s Tapir, primates, Silky Anteater, and Peccary
- The place to Keep
- Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Hotel is positioned 500 ft above the water on the tip of the Osa Peninsula.
- Cabinas Jiménez is a brilliant position to stick and calm down within the town of Jiménez.
- Campsites are positioned across the ranger stations in Corcovado. At Sirena Station, you’ll discover a dormitory-style resort and foods for acquire.
- Different Sights:
- Snorkel off of Cano Island Organic Reserve in Drake Bay
- Kayak via mangroves close to Puerto Jiménez
- Excursion Rancho Raices de Puerto Jiménez Chocolate Farm
- Set sail on a deep-sea fishing or whale-watching excursion
#7. Cano Negro Flora and fauna Shelter
Cano Negro is an awesome position to seek advice from year-round. This flora and fauna safe haven is particularly easiest when you’re having a look to test water birds off your listing. For 3 months beginning in January, migratory birds forestall right here, making a world-class birding location in Costa Rica. One of the best ways to view them is to take a ship excursion down the Rio Frio River. Hiring a ship excursion in the course of the Cano Negro Excursion Cooperative is a good way to beef up the native economic system.
Cano Negro may be an ideal park for anglers. All over the dry season, because the rivers dry up, the fish congregate within the year-round lagoons. In case you are having a look to search out unique freshwater fish species, then that is where to do it! Simply bring to mind the tales it is possible for you to to inform.
Cano Negro Flora and fauna Shelter at a Look:
- Will have to See Birds: Olivaceous Cormorant, Nicaraguan Grackle, Lesser Yellow-Headed Vulture, and Water Chook
- Different Animals: Recent Water Fish, Spectacled Caiman, Inexperienced Iguana, Striped Basilisk, Howler Monkeys, and River Turtles
- The place to Keep
- Lodge de Campo Cano Negro is correct in the course of the Cano Negro Flora and fauna Shelter. If you wish to be with regards to the motion, then that is where to be.
- Kingfisher Hotel and Excursions supply an ideal all-in-one package deal. This family-owned resort will deal with you prefer relatives and offers excursions of an entire life as smartly.
- Different Sights:
- Take a turtle and butterfly excursion
- Move horseback driving in the course of the rainforest
- Experience an ecological excursion
#8. Tropical Lowlands of Sarapiqui
Sarapiqui Valley has transitioned a lot of occasions over the past century. As soon as a number one farming area for bananas, it turned into a vacation spot for kayakers after the banana industry died out. Since a big earthquake within the Nineties, the folks of Sarapiqui have rebuilt and created an awesome eco-tourism area.
The realm is a birder’s paradise for the reason that Sarapiqui River and Puerto Viejo River mix within the rainforest, which supplies numerous habitats for birds to are living in. In contrast to different rainforests in Costa Rica, Sarapiqui is very flat, making this a just right location for individuals who wish to keep away from mountains.
Tropical Lowlands of Sarapiqui at a Look
- Will have to-see Birds: White-tipped Sickle Invoice, Nice Pootoo, Crested Owl, and Nice Inexperienced Macaws
- Different Animals: Howler Monkeys, Snowy Contiga, and Brown Two-toed Sloth
- The place to Keep
- Ara Ambiua Hotel is where to stick in case you are having a look to beef up native ecology. There are lakes and trails so that you can discover whilst you revel in your time.
- Gavilan Hotel is correct at the Sarapiqui river, making it handy for excursions hat depart proper from the resort.
- Different Sights:
- Have amusing white water rafting at the Sarapiqui River
- Calm down on a safari boat excursion
- Zip Line in the course of the rainforest cover
- Take a look at the suspension bridge walks
#9. L. a. Selva Organic Station
This analysis station, positioned throughout the Sarapiqui Lowlands, is likely one of the maximum necessary organic analysis stations in Costa Rica. L. a. Selva used to be established in 1968 to offer protection to the world from encroaching farmland. It in the end turned into a part of the Group for Tropical Research (OTS) to additional offer protection to this space. Since its opening, it has pioneered wooded area conservation, protective old-growth forests, and recuperating wetland tropical forests.
The station does now not permit you to discover by yourself because of the prime possibility of damage. They do, then again, have quite a few excursions to fulfill everybody’s wishes. L. a. Selva excursion guides are smartly supplied to care for any problem the rainforest might pose and know the most efficient wildlife-spotting spaces.
L. a. Selva Organic Station at a Look
- Will have to See Birds: Naked-necked Umbrella Chook, Crimson-capped Manakin, Nice Antshrike, Lengthy-billed Hermit, and Rufous-tailed Jacamar
- Different Animals: Mexican Porcupines, Honduran White Bats, and Commonplace Opossums
- The place to Keep
- L. a. Selva has unmarried and relatives cabins to house as much as 180 guests. That is the most efficient position to stick if you wish to be proper in the course of the motion.
- El Lugar is a resort-type lodge simply South of L. a. Selva. In case you are having a look to commute to L. a. Selva for the day, then this is a perfect selection for you.
- Different Sights:
- Experience a guided horseback trip in the course of the wooded area
- Seek advice from Cope Gardens
- Move on a pineapple plantation excursion
#10. Santa Rosa Nationwide Park
With over 250 chicken species noticed right here, don’t depend out Santa Rosa Nationwide Park as a birding vacation spot in Costa Rica. It can be some of the driest and freshest puts in Costa Rica, however it’s no much less shocking in the case of flora and fauna. The realm used to be in the beginning made a Nationwide Park to offer protection to L. a. Casona, the website online of the Struggle of Santa Rosa in 1856, the place native Costa Ricans defended their independence from Nicaragua.
Quite a lot of numerous ecosystems like dry forests, savannahs, deciduous forests, marshland, mangroves, and seashores imply there’s an abundance of flora and fauna. The Santa Rosa seashores also are well-known for sea turtle nesting and every now and then will have over 8,000 turtles at the seashore immediately to nest.
Santa Rosa Nationwide Park at a Look:
- Will have to-see Birds: Raucous White-throated Magpie Jay, Lesser Floor Cuckoos, Violet Sabrewings, Orange-fronted Parakeet, and Coastal Birds
- Different Animals: Sea Turtles, Armadillos, Deer, and Tapirs
- The place to Keep
- All over the dry season, you’ll camp close to the ranger station for a country seek advice from to the park.
- 4 Seasons Papagayo Lodge is positioned to the south of Santa Rosa Nationwide Park and provides an excessively sumptuous revel in for the ones having a look to calm down.
- Andaz Costa Rica Lodge is easiest for the ones in search of a steadiness of true Tico tradition and resort-quality facilities.
- Different Sights:
- Experience browsing at certainly one of Santa Rosa’s seashores (closed all over turtle nesting season)
- Seek advice from the ancient websites and know about Costa Rican tradition
For information on birdwatching excursions in Costa Rica, take a look at those sources!
Have you ever visited any of those birdwatching places in Costa Rica?
Let us know about your revel in within the feedback!