<h2>What to Expect from Birdwatching with a Naturalist Guide</h2>Bird watching is popular in Costa Rica because of the country’s home to over 900 species. Going on a tour specific to bird watching with a guide is a dream come true for those who want to see the many birds of Costa Rica.&nbsp;Some experts estimate that while you might see about ten types of birds on a typical nature tour, on a tour specific to birdwatching with a trained guide, you’d see about 50. Some avid birder groups have even reported seeing 100-150 species in a single day.<h3>Arenal</h3>In the Arenal area, it is not unusual to see a Keel-Billed Toucan, a Montezuma Oropendola, or a Laughing Falcon, to name just a few.&nbsp;You might tour the Arenal Volcano National Park, rainforest, around the Lake, the El Silencio Nature Reserve, or the Asis Animal Rescue Refuge. Your guide will know which spot is best depending on the season and will take you to an area with a significant concentration of birdlife waiting for you. Your guide will be a wealth of knowledge, and with eagle eyes, you won't be disappointed by the variety of birds you will spot. So enjoy the beautiful Costa Rican natural beauty all around you and the birds.The Arenal Volcano area and the surrounding northern lowlands offer some of the best birding locations for birdwatchers and bird photographers. In addition, quality foothill rainforests are accessible at several sites, and there are bird-watching trails very close to the town of La Fortuna.<h3>Monteverde</h3>Some of the best birding happens in Monteverde. Monteverde is situated on top of a mountain range, 6000 feet above sea level. The continental divide and humid winds from the Caribbean arrive year-round, creating a cloud forest. Birdwatching in the cloud forest is truly something special.&nbsp;Monteverde is home to 50% of Costa Rica’s flora and fauna. Five hundred bird species call it home. In addition, it’s a top birdwatching destination, known internationally.&nbsp;Many birders go to Monteverde just to see the rare Resplendent Quetzal. Quetzals are spotted most frequently from April to July.The area is also known for having multiple hummingbird gardens, and the giant hummingbird in the country is the Violet Sabrewing.There are 140,000 acres of private reserves in Monteverde. Some places to birdwatch in Monteverde include the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, Curi Cancha, the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, and the Santa Elena Reserve.With the help of a trained eye, while birdwatching in Monteverde, you might see the Black and Yellow Silky Flycatcher, Chiriqui Quail Dove, Three-Wattled Bellbird, Green Crowned Brilliant Hummingbird, Black-breasted Wood-Quail, Emerald Toucanet, the Zeledon’s Antbird, Ochre Breasted Antpitta, Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Green Hermit, Buff Fronted Quail Dove, Keel-Bellied Trogon, Blue-throated Goldentail, Orange-Bellied Trogon, Black Guan, Golden-Browed Chlorophonia, Black-breasted Wood-Quail, and the Magenta-Throated Woodstar.Birding in Monteverde is not complete until you see the Three-Wattled Bellbird, which has three beard-like tendrils hanging around its beak. Listen for its bell-like call.<h3>Guanacaste</h3>Birding in Guanacaste is interesting because marshlands, mangroves, and forests are close. In addition, it’s a tropical dry forest, the largest conserved area of tropical dry forest in all of Central America. It’s also the southernmost place to find MesoAmerican bird species.&nbsp;Along the Pacific coastline, coastal birding is a breeze. You’ll see shorebirds and aquatic species.&nbsp;Bird Island protects nesting grounds for marine birds like Pelicans and Frigates. In addition, it’s one of the best spots for birdwatching in Guanacaste.Popular months to birdwatch in Guanacaste are January, February, July, and August, but birdwatching tours are offered and enjoyed year-round.Expect to see some of the following: the Jabiru Stork, Limpkin, Bay-Winged Hawk, Spot Breasted Oriole, Elegant Trogon, Black Crowned Night Herons, Streak Backed Orioles, Lesser Ground-Cuckoo, Rufous-Necked Wood-Rail, Mangrove Hummingbird, Crested Bobwhite, Pacific Screech-Owl, Lattice-Tailed Trogon, Keel-Billed Motmot, Black Faced Solitaire, Branded Wren, Royal Fly Catcher, Thicket Tinamou, Red-Crowned Ant Tanager, Stub Tailed Spadebill, Ruddy Woodcreeper, Montezuma Oropendola, White-fronted Parrot, Spectacled Owl, Harris Hawk, and the Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher.<h3>Manuel Antonio</h3>The best time to visit Manuel Antonio to birdwatch is from December to September, as October and November are quite rainy. The driest months are December through March.&nbsp;Manuel Antonio is a preserved primary forest. As a result, there are more birds per square meter in Manuel Antonio than in any other country.The jungle meets the coast in Manuel Antonio, providing the chance to see both terrestrial and sea birds. Birdwatching in Manuel Antonio will not disappoint.You may see gulls, terns, pelicans, boobies, cormorants, the Golden-Naped Woodpecker, Ocellated Piculet, Fiery-Billed Aracari, or the Charming Hummingbird.There’s a wheelchair-accessible trail in the Manuel Antonio National Park.The elusive Scrub Greenlet has been spotted in El Rey Marsh, a birding spot near Manuel Antonio. This is an excellent spot for birding in Manuel Antonio.Just about 20 minutes from Manuel Antonio, there’s a town called Esquipulas. It’s 400 meters above sea level, and over 300 bird species have been spotted there, including Tanagers, Raptors, Manakins, Parrots, Toucans, and Flycatchers. This is the place for the best birding in Manuel Antonio.<h3>Osa Peninsula</h3>Birding on the Osa Peninsula allows you to see mangrove species and those from the primary rainforest in one day.&nbsp;This lowland rainforest is an undisturbed natural wilderness full of unspoiled land. The remote area is home to some of the last remaining old-growth rainforest. It boasts 400 species of birds. Some are the Rufous Mourner, Black-faced Antthrush, Marbled Wood-Quail, Turquoise Cotinga, Mangrove Hummingbird, Riverside Wren, Spot-Crowned Euphonia, White-Tipped Sicklebill, and Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle.The pristine Southern Pacific coastlines call out to birds. At least 60 species spend the winter on the peninsula, including Wood Thrush, Canada Warbler, and Wilson’s Plover.From December to February, the dry season is preferred for the best birding on the Osa Peninsula.<h3>Central Valley</h3>Between the coasts, rainforests, and cloud forests of Costa Rica sits the Central Valley. The climate from December through September is ideal for checking off some of the birds you most want to see from your list.Let’s talk about the different species types you can watch out for—starting with the Fiery-Throated Hummingbird, Yellow-Thighed Finch, Golden Browed Chlorophonia, and the Mountain Robin. Next up, we have the Slaty Flowerpiercer, Maroon Chested Ground-Dove, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, White-fronted Nunbird, and the beautiful Solitary Eagle. Last but not least, the Clay-colored Thrush, Northern Crested Caracara, Crimson-Fronted Parakeet, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, and the Laughing FalconAdditionally, the region is home to 25 hummingbirds and 365 bird species in total. You might birdwatch as you go hiking or from a rainforest aerial tram for a bird’s eye view.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>FAQ About Birdwatching With a Naturalist Guide</h2><ul><li>What is the best time to go birdwatching in Costa Rica? The transition months of May through September are highly recommended, but you’ll have great finds year-round.</li><li>Where are the most hummingbirds in Costa Rica? A hummingbird gallery and a hummingbird garden are found in Monteverde, making it easy to spot at least ten species.</li><li>Where can I photograph birds in Costa Rica? Have your camera ready at all times. You never know if you’ll see an excellent bird as you’re driving along a highway, but the best places to photograph rare birds are deep in the forests, at least a mile or so from highly trafficked areas. Arenal, Osa, and Monteverde are some of the top spots.</li><li>What should I bring on a birding trip? Binoculars, a list of birds you hope to see, and a quality camera.</li><li>Where can you see wild macaws in Costa Rica? In Manuel Antonio and on the Osa Peninsula, you can occasionally see them at Playa Carrillo along the Guanacaste Coast in the beautiful palm trees.</li></ul>

Birdwatching with a Naturalist Guide 

Birdwatching

Tenorio Volcano & Rio Celeste

Rio Celeste

National Parks

Nature & Wildlife

Adrenaline

Waterfalls

National Park

Volcano

Rainforest

Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Drake Bay

Beach Fun

Beach

What a seamless experience! I've never used a travel agency to plan my whole vacation, so this was a joy. It was so nice not to worry about any of the arrangements. All of the tours that Daniel chose for us were perfect.&nbsp;

Audrey C - Daniel Fonseca

We traveled to three locations over 9 days. Our trip exceeded expectations and was so simple with the help of Costa Rican Vacations. We highly recommend Luke Angus to coordinate your travel.

Sharon - Luke Angus

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna

Arenal Volcano

Culture

Relaxing

Countryside

I worked with Caitlin Summer to plan and book our Costa Rican vacation. She asked what we liked, wanted to see &amp; do and then sent us a proposal. We made a few changes and then booked our trip. Caitlin did a fantastic job meeting our expectations-booking a great hotel with a beautiful view in La Fortuna and an awesome bungalow in Puerto Viejo that made us feel like we were in the jungle.

Sharon Sagastume - Caitlin Summer

I would like to thank Costa Rican Vacations and Felipe Martinez, my consultant. For advising, assisting and planning my dream vacation to Costa Rica. He was patient, experienced, pleasant, warm, friendly, professional and always responded to my messages.

Savi Persad - Felipe Martinez

Anastasia made our honeymoon so special in so many ways! I can’t appreciate enough how stress-free she has made this process and fun along the way. She was always available even during our trip when I was feeling unwell the first few days and had multiple recommendations which had me feeling better in no time.&nbsp;

Cheyenne P - Anastasia

We visited Arenal and Guanacaste with my family. Emma Lasiuk created the best itinerary based on what we were interested in. Everything she recommended was exactly what we wanted and went so smoothly. All transfers from airport to different hotels were on time and very professional. The travel experience team answered our questions right away during our stay. I highly recommend Costa Rican Vacations.

May A - Emma Lasiuk

We had such an incredible honeymoon! Thanks for customizing our package to cater to our requests and for always being so available whenever we had questions. We truly came back with memories to last a lifetime.

Moira & Dan - Marjeri Smith

I reached out to Costa Rican Vacations because they have an amazing reputation online and exceptional reviews. It was the best trip we've ever had! Anastasia was amazing and coordinated everything perfectly. I'd definitely book another trip &amp; she'll be my first call!

Amanda Farris Shook - Anastasia

My family and I spent 7 glorious days in Costa Rica. Rachel Peck put together a perfect itinerary. She was absolutely amazing! Very attentive to details and arranged unforgettable experiences for us. Many wonderful memories were made!

Marleen Chiaravalloti - Rachel Peck

Wow!!! All I can say is that this trip was amazing. It was an incredible experience from beginning to end. The scenery in this country is beautiful and breathtaking. So much to learn about the continental divide and diversity of the plant and tree life in this beautiful lush rainforest. The volcano in Arenal was amazing. The scenery changed every minute literally. Emma Lasiuk was the reason we decided to take this vacation. I told her what I was looking for and she gave me and my wife everything I wanted and more.

Indiana Jones returns to Paradise

Our 35th anniversary and bucket list completed and met all of our expectations. Jake and his team help set up the perfect trip with a seamless transition from location to location. Highly recommend these guys!

John Childers - Jake

Perfectly executed 10 days of fun! Emilie helped us coordinate the trip and the execution was flawless. The activities were perfect for our family. Our experience in Costa Rica was made amazing because of Costa Rican Vacations and Emilie!

Eloise Moodie - Emilie Witham

Punta Islita

Flamingo Beach

We spent the second half of the trip in Playa Flamingo with an all-inclusive package and it was fantastic. Sunsets on the beach were amazing and we really enjoyed the relaxation! I will never visit Costa Rica without Costa Rican Vacations!

Brent G - Vanessa Nichols

This was the favorite place for the rest of my family. They all enjoyed the beach and boogie boarding here. The beach location was wonderful! It was very family oriented and much quieter and isolated. While here we did a snorkel boating trip... We even saw a howler monkey as we were leaving. The planned excursions and included transportation throughout our trip in Costa Rica made our trip so much easier to relax as we didn’t have to think about the planning for that.

Misty B - Flamingo Beach

As soon as we landed we were in great hands! Very pleased with our excursions and accommodations. Our driver “Marlon Brando” was awesome. Planning and checking in on us throughout our vacation was appreciated. Thanks, Rachel, our trip was SO enjoyable!

Cindy - Rachel

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde

Cloud Forest

Monteverde - This is the best ziplining, really high and really long! Extremely safe and professional staff. This area is also the premier coffee spot due to altitude... We loved Monteverde most, as it was less tourist oriented, had smaller town vibes, a sort of lovely familiarity about it.

Roxanne Birx Vandermeulen - Monteverde

In Monteverde, we got to see Resplendent Quetzals building a nest in the Santa Elena cloud forest, and we had an amazing night tour of the Monteverde cloud forest... We saw SO much wildlife. Truly an unforgettable trip.

Lili C - Vanessa Nichols

Uvita

Golfito

Jaco

Manuel Antonio

Perfect first time visit to Costa Rica! Planning with Felipe Martinez at Costa Rican Vacation was a breeze! He was prompt and super informative. When the time arrived, the travel was easy and very organized. All of the excursions that were recommended were top notch. Using Costa Rican Vacations and Felipe made all of the trip planning easy. Highly recommend.

Kerri - Felipe Martinez

Manuel Antonio was the best. We booked through Vanessa. Everything was on time and perfect. Whole experience with CRV was mind blowing. I would recommend everybody to go through this travel company and Vanessa, she was so helpful. Thank you, girl! You are a rockstar.

Ana M - Vanessa Nichols

Emma! We absolutely loved our vacation. I can't say enough good things about working with you and the trip planned! You listened carefully, offered advice, understood what we were looking for and set us up in great locations we will remember for a lifetime.&nbsp;

Livingston Lewis - Emma Lasiuk

Matthew put together a great itinerary and was very quick to respond to our emails. We developed a relationship with him and were comfortable reaching out to him. Thanks Matthew for your help!

George and Ellen Lipka - Matthew Briscoe

La Paz - Vara Blanca Cloud Forest

La Paz

Bajos del Toro and Catarata del Toro

Bajos del Toro

San Ramón

San Isidro

Tortuguero

Bagaces and Rio Perdido

Rio Perdido

Heredia

Lucia Passuello of Costa Rican Vacations provided us with a perfect vaction! As a family of two adults and two teens, our wishes were to experience Costa Rican culture, view animals and birds in the wild, hike a volcano and attend a Heredia soccer match. Lucia created the perfect itinerary, and we could not have been more pleased. Her locations and hotel selections were fantastic and the tours exceptional. We cannot wait to give her our next round of wishes and return!

Daydream48431445099 - Lucia Passuello

San Gerardo de Dota

Savegre Valley

Pacuare River

Pacuare

Evening Megan!&nbsp;Thanks so much for all that you did for us. Everything was so amazing. Everyone was so nice and we really couldn’t have imagined a better trip! Costa Rica is an an amazing place and we’ll be sure to be back!&nbsp;

Savannah & Hayden Gibson - Megan Hagarty

Paradise in Your Palm: Puerto Viejo and Rio Celeste

Paradise in Your Palm

Monteverde and Tenorio Volcano & Rio Celeste

Monteverde and Rio Celeste

Tenorio Volcano & Rio Celeste and Conchal Beach

Rio Celeste and Conchal Beach

Turquoise Oasis: Rio Celeste and Hermosa Beach

Turquoise Oasis

Colors of Costa Rica: Celeste River and Jaco

Colors of Costa Rica

Lovin' Costa Rica: Rio Celeste and Flamingo Beach

Lovin' Costa Rica

Jungle Rivers and Waterfalls: Tortuguero and Rio Celeste

Jungle Rivers and Waterfalls

Jungle Yoga and Beach Retreat: Rio Celeste and Santa Teresa

Jungle Yoga and Beach Retreat

Enchanting Waterfalls: San Gerardo de Dota and Rio Celeste

Enchanting Waterfalls

Swanky Costa Rica: Rio Celeste and Papagayo

Swanky Costa Rica

Jungle Meditation: San Ramón and Celeste River

Jungle Meditation

Trail Less Traveled: Tenorio Volcano, Rio Celeste and Tamarindo

Trail Less Traveled

Oasis Vacation: Isla Chiquita and Rio Celeste

Oasis Vacation

Island

Rumble in the Jungle: Rincon de la Vieja Volcano  and Rio Celeste

Rumble in the Jungle

Unique Waterfalls of Costa Rica: Bajos del Toro Valley & Rio Celeste

Unique Waterfalls of Costa Rica

Unique Waterfall Adventure: Rio Celeste and Rio Perdido

Unique Waterfall Adventure

Savegre Valley and Tenorio Volcano & Rio Celeste

Savegre Valley and Rio Celeste

Monkeys and Waterfalls: Arenal Volcano and Rio Celeste

Monkeys and Waterfalls

No City Noise: Rio Celeste and Playa Panamá

No City Noise

Rise and Shine! Celeste River and Coco Beach Combo

Rise and Shine!

Destination: Self-Care: Celeste River and Nosara

Destination: Self-Care

Tenorio Volcano & Rio Celeste and Manuel Antonio

Rio Celeste and Manuel Antonio

Jaco and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Jaco and Drake Bay

Wilderness Waterfalls: Bajos del Toro and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Wilderness Waterfalls

Into the Blue: Drake Bay & Papagayo Diving Getaway

Into the Blue

Costa Rica Hiking Adventure: San Ramón and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Costa Rica Hiking Adventure

All Inclusive Fishing Adventure: Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula and Conchal Beach

All Inclusive Fishing Adventure

#ResponsibleLuxury: San Isidro and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

#ResponsibleLuxury

Slow Down & Sloth On: La Paz Cloud Forest and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Slow Down & Sloth On

Rainforest Offshore Fishing Adventure: Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula & Manuel Antonio

Rainforest Offshore Fishing Adventure

 Surf and Yoga Getaway: Nosara and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

 Surf and Yoga Getaway

Nature Expedition: Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio & Drake Bay

Nature Expedition

Wildlife Bonanza: Monteverde and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Wildlife Bonanza

Surf and Turf: Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula and Playa Dominical

Surf and Turf

Dawn in the Rainforest: Arenal Volcano and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Dawn in the Rainforest

Costa Rica Hiking Gems: Savegre Valley and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Costa Rica Hiking Gems

Costa Rica Sideways: Santa Teresa and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Costa Rica Sideways

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Drake Bay

Pacuare and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Pacuare and Drake Bay

Paradise Mode: Activated | Visit Flamingo Beach and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Paradise Mode: Activated

Diving Highlights: Drake Bay and Las Catalinas 

Diving Highlights

Los Sueños Fishing and Jungle Jams: Los Sueños & Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Los Sueños Fishing and Jungle Jams

Marina

Scuba, Sea Turtles and Sloths: Tortuguero and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Scuba, Sea Turtles and Sloths

Wild and Wonderful Costa Rica: Tortuguero, Rio Perdido & Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula