Day 1: Arrive to Costa Rica, Transfer to your hotel in Alajuela.
Welcome to Costa Rica! Once you have passed immigration and customs and stepped out of the airport doors, you will meet one of our travel representatives with a sign reading your name. He will drive you to your hotel in Alajuela.
Xandari Resort & Spa (1 Night)
Day 2: Travel to Arenal, La Fortuna
The Northern Plains of Costa Rica showcases some very scenic countryside towns. Small agriculture communities and cattle ranches cover rolling hills and deep valleys. The plains, rainforests and rivers make the north central a must-see in any Costa Rica program. The main attraction is the iconic Arenal Volcano. Feel transformed by the beauty and variety of our wildlife and tropical jungle. Get ready for a life changing adventure!
Arenal Observatory Lodge is a great spot for birdwatching because of its location within a private reserve surrounded by Arenal Volcano National Park. With over 500 bird species recorded in the area, it offers diverse habitats—forest, open fields, and water sources—that attract both resident and migratory birds. Its extensive network of trails and observation decks provides excellent opportunities to spot toucans, hummingbirds, tanagers, and more.
Arenal Observatory Lodge (2 Nights)
Day 3: Free day at Arenal, La Fortuna
Spend the day unwinding at your hotel or exploring the area at your own pace.
Day 4: Shuttle Transfer from Arenal to Monteverde (Bus-Boat-Bus)
The Bus Boat Bus consists in a private or collective transportation option in which you will be picked up right in your hotel in the Arenal and La Fortuna area. We will drive up towards the Arenal Lake where we will board a boat to cross the lake, observing along the way panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano, Chato Hill, Arenal Lake, the Tilaran mountain range, and more. Once across the lake we will again board a minivan to continue on to Monteverde and the hotel of your preference. This drive is about 1.5 hours.
What’s there to do in Monteverde? (Note, activities are optional if not included in our proposal)
Tours are available for all nature lovers or first-time nature explorers alike. Considering the size of the reserve, hanging bridges and trails are good for hiking and sight-seeing. There is even a special private birding tour if you’re interested in learning more about these famous flying species. For the more active we offer zip lining! As the weather here is quite chilly and misty, due to the village being high up in the Tilaran Mountain Range, do bring some thick clothes and a light jacket to stay warm.
Valle Escondido (2 Nights)
Day 5: Shared Excursion | Half Day Bird Watching
Anyone who has come to Costa Rica for bird watching has heard of Monteverde, the famous cloud forest. Monteverde is one of the legendary and classic bird watching spots where more than 350 bird species have been identified. Located at an altitude ranging from 1400 to1700 meters above sea level, this area is home to hundreds of tropical birds. Apart from the popular quetzal and toucan there are other species living in the area including wood creepers, flycatchers and migratory species like orioles and grosbeaks. Another bird that lives here is the three-wattle bellbird which is not often seen.
Entrance fee, transportation and bilingual guide.
Day 6: Private Transfer from Monteverde to Palo Verde Area – Rancho Humo
Located in the heart of the Nicoya Peninsula, Rancho Humo is a hidden gem for birdwatchers seeking unforgettable encounters with Costa Rica’s rich avian biodiversity. This private reserve, part of a larger sustainable eco-project, protects over 1,000 hectares of wetlands, tropical dry forest, and mangroves — a mosaic of habitats that attracts more than 250 bird species throughout the year.
Birdwatchers can expect to see a stunning variety of resident and migratory birds, including: Roseate Spoonbills, Wood Storks, Jabirus (the tallest flying bird in Central America and one of the rarest),Boat-billed Herons, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Snail Kites, Northern Jacanas, Turquoise-browed Motmots,
Laughing Falcons, And many species of hummingbirds, kingfishers, and raptors
Rancho Humo (2 Nights)
Day 7: Free day at Palo Verde
Spend the day unwinding at your hotel or exploring the area at your own pace.
Day 8: Travel to Alajuela
Enjoy your last night in the country and take some time to relax as you prepare for your departure tomorrow.
Xandari Resort & Spa (1 Night)
Day 9: Departure from Alajuela to the International Airport
