Costa Rica Bird Watching Tours

Costa Rica Bird Watching Tours

Owing both to a temperate climate and an environment that is rich in fruits and flowers, Costa Rica is blessed with an avian population that is diverse, colorful, and prolific. Nearly 840 species of birds can be found here, ranging from Scarlet Macaws to resplendent quetzals to Keel-billed Toucans. Accompanied by experienced naturalist guides, birding tours are hands down the best way to spot these animals. Binoculars and birding booklet in hand, tours wind through forest trails and up rivers searching for the winged creatures. Monteverde, Guápiles, and the Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve are some of the country’s finest places to go birding.

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The best tours in Costa Rica

Rainforest Birdwatching Tour
BestBird WatchingNaturalist Guide1+

This three-hour tour will take you into the rainforest to see an incredible variety of birds.

Monteverde Bird Watching Tour
Bird WatchingNaturalist GuideNature Walk

From start to finish, the goal of this tour is to identify as many birds as possible. Monteverde is home to some 400 species of birds, which are scattered among the forests and mountains of the region.

Rain Forest Birding Tour
Bird WatchingNaturalist GuideNature Walk

This tour - situated upon a 475-hectare (1,200 acre) private reserve - provides a wonderful opportunity to spot some of Costa Rica's most fabulous avian species.

Early Bird Watching Tour
Bird WatchingNaturalist Guide

It may be your vacation, but nature waits for no one. Sometimes, to see the early bird you've got to be the early bird. Start your morning with an outdoor adventure — this tour offers you the opportunity to spot some of Costa Rica's 850 species of birds!

Hacienda Baru Rainforest Birdwatching
Bird WatchingNaturalist Guide

This tour begins just after daybreak, when birds are the most active—Hacienda Barú is home to around 300 species of birds. This scenic tour includes a stop for snack to recharge batteries.

Quetzal Tour

Quetzal Tour

From $54
Bird Watching

Leave for an early morning walk to see the Resplendent Quetzal.

San Gerardo Bird Watching Tour
Bird Watching

Explore the valley of San Gerardo de Dota and see the birds that are typical for the upper montane cloud forest.

Tirimbina Birdwatching Tour
Bird WatchingNaturalist Guide

Discover one of the best birdwatching tours in Costa Rica at Tirimbina Biological Reserve, located in the rich ecosystems of Sarapiquí. Home to over 400 bird species, this guided experience takes you deep into the rainforest to observe some of the country’s most colorful and unique birds while learning from expert naturalist guides.

Mistico Hanging Bridges Regular Birdwatching Guided Tour
Bird WatchingNaturalist GuideSuspension Bridges

Discover the rainforest surrounding the Arenal Volcano from an unrivaled perspective on the Arenal Hanging Bridges tour.

Trips to Inspire

Costa Rica itineraries from local insiders

Explore hand-picked Costa Rica itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.

9 days | $$$

Pura Vida Adventure Together

We both love nature and hiking so Costa Rica is ideal for both of those. We went during what’s considered the rainy season so you need to be aware of that going in. It rained at some point almost every day we were there but we still had a very enjoyable time. We visited La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. We enjoyed La Fortuna more. La Fortuna was more jungle whereas Manuel Antonio was more coastal and felt more touristy.

Pura Vida Adventure Together

Costa Rica

8 days | $$$

Adventure Through Costa Rica's Wild Heart

Costa Rica was just magnificent. The people, food, jungles, beaches were all fantastic. Can’t wait until my next trip back.

Adventure Through Costa Rica's Wild Heart

Costa Rica

9 days | $$$

Big Multi Family Group Adventure

Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican adventure that juxtaposes bustling urban energy with lush, untouched rainforests, delivering a dynamic escape from everyday routine. From San José’s lively streets you’ll head to Monteverde’s cloud‑forest canopy for sky tram rides and hikes, then dive into Rio Celeste’s turquoise waters and trek El Silencio’s volcanic paths. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in coffee farms, rainforest sounds, and volcanic vistas, leaving you with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s spirited hospitality and natural wonder.

Big Multi Family Group Adventure

Costa Rica

8 days | $$

Sisters Adventure Together

Incredible tours, hotels, and communities.

Sisters Adventure Together

Costa Rica

11 days | $$$

60th birthday jungle adventure

If you like the outside at all, Costa Rica is for you! It truly is a rich coast. The diversity of wildlife is mind blowing. It is spectacular.

60th birthday jungle adventure

Costa Rica

10 days | $$$

Winter Romantic Adventure

The people are so friendly!

Winter Romantic Adventure

Costa Rica

9 days | $$

Costa Rica Two Family Journey

Lovely, relaxing country. Lots of activities, everything from lounging to adventure and more. Friendly people, tasty food, family-friendly.

Costa Rica Two Family Journey

Costa Rica

12 days | $$$

Matt and Fran’s Costa Rica holiday

Costa Rica has a diverse landscape and every area is unique and different. We easily rented a 4 wheel drive vehicle and drove from the Caribbean to the Pacific!

Matt and Fran’s Costa Rica holiday

Costa Rica

11 days | $$$

Family Time in Costa Rica

Michelle and her family embarked on a multi‑generational adventure in Costa Rica, where mist‑cloaked cloud forests meet surf‑kissed Pacific beaches, offering a vibrant contrast of cool heights and warm tides. Your journey weaves through Monteverde’s canopy zip lines and canyoning thrills, the turquoise Tenorio River’s Class III/IV rapids, and La Leona waterfall’s lush river tubing. Guided by local experts and supported by a comfortable van, your family will soak up Pura Vida hospitality, returning home with shared stories of soaring forests and surf‑side sunsets.

Family Time in Costa Rica

Costa Rica

8 days | $$$

Family Adventure Through Costa Rica

Rachel and her family of four spent a week moving across Costa Rica, from Arenal to the Pacific coast, with every transfer and tour arranged door to door. In Arenal they rode the Sky Adventures aerial tram and ziplines, took on the Balsa River's Class II–III rapids, and walked the EcoGarden trails to find sloths in their actual habitat, not a roadside stop, then the falls at La Fortuna. On the coast at Manuel Antonio they hiked the national park with a local guide, snorkeled the reef, and chased the Mulguri waterfall. As Rachel said, these weren't tours with twenty other tourists trailing the buses. They were the real thing, reachable only through local connections, with the family's days handled start to finish.

Family Adventure Through Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Anywhere mission
Anywhere Costa Rica

Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge

Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.

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Private drivers; English-speaking available.

Avoid the crowds in private day tours.

Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.

Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.

24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.

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