Bob and his wife revisited Costa Rica for a focused bird‑watching adventure, building on their first unforgettable encounter with the country's vibrant ecosystems the previous year. They trekked misty Monteverde Cloud Forest, explored humid Selva Verde lowlands, and paddled mangrove‑lined Rio Esquinas, spotting birds on guided hikes and night walks. Expert local guides shared ecological insights, while friendly communities reinforced their appreciation for conservation, leaving Bob and his wife thrilled by recording 123 bird species.
Places you'll stay
Monteverde Costa Rica Vacations
Heed the call of the great outdoors and let your next vacation take you to beautiful Monteverde, Costa Rica. Home to cool, misty cloud forests, and deep green foliage almost everywhere you look, there’s no mistaking that you’ve stepped away from everyday life. If spending time in nature is at the top of your travel to-do list, then you’ll get your fill of adventure in this part of Costa Rica’s Central Highlands. From zip lining across a canopy to tours of coffee plantations, there are plenty of activities to keep you moving in the fresh air.
Destination
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Surrounded by lush green forests and banana plantations, this main city was once just a small port town. Located at the junction of the Puerto Viejo River (Rio Puerto Viejo) and Sarapiqui River (Rio Sarapiqui), this growing area is quickly becoming a main destination for adventure-seeking tourists and nature enthusiasts. And for good reason as this area has soo much to offer.
Destination
Golfo Dulce
Wild, scenic and incredibly bio-diverse, Golfo Dulce is not on most tourists itineraries. The name, says it all, Golfo Dulce or sweet gulf, in English. After a well justified visit to the Golfo Dulce, located in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica, and adjacent to the Osa Peninsula, visitors will be delighted and perplexed, wondering why they would ever leave this wonderland.
Destination
Moments to look forward to
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (Reserva Biologica del Bosque Nuboso de Monteverde) is where some of the best-kept cloud forest in all of Costa Rica can be found. It is a cloud forest, not a rain forest, due to its elevation of 4,724 ft (1,440 m) above sea level. Some of the best bird-watching can be done inside and outside the reserve.
Attraction
Children's Eternal Rain Forest
An indispensable option for hiking and viewing this area's amazing biodiversity is the Children's Eternal Rain Forest (Bosque Eterno de los Ninos), also known as CERF. This gigantic reserve gets its name from the unprecedented support from children all over the world.
Attraction
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena) is the less visited sister reserve of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Just 4 miles (7 km) from the town center of Santa Elena are the less crowded, lush green forests full of flora and fauna. This reserve boasts one of the best places to hear and see howler monkeys in all of Costa Rica!
Attraction
Tour
Tour
Monteverde
Guided Tour Santa Elena Reserve
Tour
Sarapiqui
Tirimbina Birdwatching Tour
Tour
Sarapiqui
La Selva Biological Station Natural History Guided Hike - Private Tour
Tour
Sarapiqui
Tirimbina Bat Program Tour
Tour
Golfo Dulce
Nocturnal Rainforest Hike
Tour
Golfo Dulce
Rio Esquinas Mangrove Kayaking Expedition
Tour
Incredible Stays
Hotel Recommendation #1
A 8.9/5 guest-rated stay in Monteverde.
Hotel Recommendation #2
A hand-picked stay in Sarapiqui.
Hotel Recommendation #3
A hand-picked stay in Golfo Dulce.
Curated to you
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.
