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The Forest Canopy Circuit: A Paradise for Bird Lovers

The Forest Canopy Circuit: A Paradise for Bird Lovers

15 Days / 14 Nights


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This bird-focused itinerary takes you across Costa Rica’s most diverse birding hotspots—from the highlands of Alajuela and the cloud forests of Los Quetzales National Park, to the lowland rainforests of Sarapiquí and Boca Tapada. Along the way, explore key reserves like Carara National Park, the Pacific coast around Uvita, and the renowned Rancho Naturalista, a true paradise for birders.

Whether you’re hoping to spot the Resplendent Quetzal, Great Green Macaw, hummingbirds, tanagers, or rare endemics, this route offers exceptional opportunities to experience Costa Rica’s incredible avian diversity across a wide range of habitats.

Day 1: Arrival in San José
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Welcome to Costa Rica! For your added comfort, our representative will be waiting for you just outside the airport doors, holding a sign with your name. After clearing immigration and customs, you’ll be greeted and escorted by your private transfer, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride to your hotel in Alajuela.
Buena Vista Hotel (1 Night)

Day 2: In the morning take your rented car and enjoy a scenic drive to Carara, followed by a free afternoon in town to relax and explore at your own pace.
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Carara National Park is a unique transition forest on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific, where dry and humid ecosystems meet, creating rich biodiversity. Covering 4,700 hectares, it’s famous for its large population of Scarlet Macaws and as a habitat for birds, monkeys, and giant crocodiles along the Tárcoles River. The park features accessible trails, waterfalls, and diverse flora, making it a top spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.
Cerro Lodge Hotel (2 Nights)

Day 3: Explore Carara National Park with this 4-hour excursion.
Day 03 Image
Located near Carara National Park, Cerro Lodge is a prime birding destination on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast. This tour offers early-morning walks through dry forest and open areas, ideal for spotting iconic species such as the Scarlet Macaw, Turquoise-browed Motmot, Black-headed Trogon, and many others. The proximity to the Tárcoles River also allows sightings of waterbirds and raptors. With its mix of habitats and expert guides, Cerro Lodge provides an unforgettable birdwatching experience for beginners and seasoned birders alike.
Guide and Transportation.

Day 4: Enjoy the landscapes driving Carara to Uvita.
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Uvita is a laid-back village south of Dominical, known for its lush hills, quiet beaches, and the stunning Marino Ballena National Park—famous for humpback whale sightings and its whale tail-shaped sandbar. It’s ideal for off-the-beaten-path travelers and hosts the annual Whale and Dolphin Festival. Nearby waterfalls like Cascada Verde and Catarata Pavón offer great spots for swimming in crystal-clear waters.
La Cusinga Lodge Hotel (2 Nights)

Day 5: Free day at Uvita
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Spend the day unwinding at your hotel or exploring the area at your own pace.

Day 6: Enjoy the landscapes driving Uvita to San Gerardo de Dota
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San Gerardo de Dota is a hidden gem nestled in the Talamanca Mountains, south of San José. Known for its cool cloud forest climate, it’s a haven for birdwatchers—home to the Resplendent Quetzal and many hummingbird species. With scenic trails, waterfalls, and peaceful eco-lodges, it’s an ideal retreat for nature lovers and a serene stop before heading back to the airport.
Paraíso Quetzal Lodge (2 Nights).

Day 7: Explore the cloud forest in hopes of spotting the majestic quetzal.
Day 07 Image
Join an early morning tour through the misty cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota, one of the best places in the world to spot the elusive Resplendent Quetzal. With the help of an expert guide and high-quality spotting scopes, you’ll search for this stunning bird among wild avocado trees—its favorite food. Along the way, you may also encounter hummingbirds, tanagers, and trogons. A magical experience for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Day 8: Enjoy the landscapes driving from San Gerardo de Dota to Turrialba – Rancho Naturalista.
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Nestled in the lush Caribbean foothills of Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains, Rancho Naturalista is considered one of the top birding lodges in the country—and for good reason. With over 450 bird species recorded in the area, it offers an unparalleled experience for bird enthusiasts of all levels. What makes Rancho Naturalista truly special is the combination of its unique location, experienced local guides, and carefully maintained trails and feeders that make birdwatching easy and rewarding. Whether you’re enjoying a coffee on the veranda or hiking through the surrounding forest, you’ll be surrounded by incredible birdlife. Some of the iconic species commonly seen at Rancho include: Snowcap, White-collared Manakin, Keel-billed Toucan, Golden-hooded Tanager, Rufous Motmot, Black-crested Coquette, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Blue-crowned Motmot, Tawny-chested Flycatcher, Sunbittern.
Rancho Naturalista (2 Nights)

Day 9: Free day at Turrialba
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Spend the day unwinding at your hotel or exploring the area at your own pace.
Day 10: Enjoy the landscapes driving from Turrialba to Sarapiquí.
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Sarapiquí is a hidden gem for nature lovers, offering rich biodiversity and outdoor adventures like hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding, and white-water rafting on the Sarapiquí River. The area blends farmland with tropical rainforest and is home to important ecological research. A visit to the Tirimbina Biological Reserve (optional) offers easy trails and a stunning 200-meter hanging bridge leading to a jungle island—perfect for exploring Costa Rica’s wild side.
Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve (2 Nights)
Day 11: Enjoy a early Morning Bird Walks at Selva Verde
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Join a naturalist guide for an early morning birding walk at Selva Verde, when bird activity is at its peak. Spot a variety of tropical species with the help of expert guidance and a high-powered scope. Every walk offers a unique experience, and binoculars are available for rent at reception.
Bilingual Guide.
Day 12: Enjoy the landscapes driving from Sarapiqui to Boca Tapada.
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Boca Tapada is a remote rainforest haven in northern Costa Rica, ideal for bird and nature lovers. Home to the endangered Great Green Macaw and rare Almendro trees, it borders the vast Maquenque Biological Reserve, which protects wetlands, rivers, and rich biodiversity. Explore by boat or canoe on the San Carlos River, spotting wildlife like crocodiles, herons, and kingfishers in this unspoiled natural paradise.
Maquenque Eco Lodge (2 Nights)
Day 13: Free day at Boca Tapada
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Spend the day unwinding at your hotel or exploring the area at your own pace.
Day 14: Enjoy the landscapes driving from Boca Tapada to Poas Volcano Area
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The Poás Volcano National Park is certainly one of Costa Rica´s most popular destinations. The massive crater filled with an impressive blue sulfuric pool demonstrates its volcanic activity by giving off smoke into the air, a show worth taking the short 1.5 hr drive from San José for. It is always favorable to enter the national park early in the morning.
Poas Volcano Lodge (1 Night).
Day 15: Departure from Poas to the International Airport
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  • What’s included?
    • Private Transfer from International Airport to Hotel in Alajuela

    Accommodation Services:

    • 1 Night at Buena Vista Hotel, A la Carte Breakfast Included
    • 2 Nights at Cerro Lodge Hotel, Breakfast Included
    • 2 Nights at La Cusinga Lodge Hotel, Breakfast Included
    • 2 Nights at Paraíso Quetzal Lodge, Breakfast Included
    • 2 Nights at Rancho Naturalista, Full Board Included
    • 2 Nights at Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve, Breakfast Included
    • 2 Nights at Maquenque Eco Lodge, Breakfast Included
    • 1 Night at Poas Volcano Lodge, Breakfast Included

    Car Rental

    • 15 Days Car Rental MIDSIZE 4X4 (Suzuki Vitara Automatic or Similar)

    Excursions:

    • Shared Excursion |Explore Carara National Park
    • Shared Excursion |Quetzal Tour
    • Shared Excursion | Early Morning Bird Walks at Selva Verde
  • Not included

    International flights

Seasonal prices

November 1, 2025
April 30, 2026
$
2,445
– Price per Person, double Occupancy

May 1, 2026
June 30, 2026
$
2,185
– Price per Person, double Occupancy

July 1, 2026
August 31, 2026
$
2,275
– Price per Person, double Occupancy

September 1, 2026
October 31, 2026
$
2,165
– Price per Person, double Occupancy

From November 1 to April 30: $ 2,445.00
From May 1 to June 30: $ 2,185.00
From July 1 to August 31: $ 2,275.00
From September 1 to October 31: $ 2,165.00

Price Per Person, based on double Occupancy.

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Hours

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Costa Rica Time = GMT-6
(Central Standard Time, no daylight saving)

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