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Costa Rica Birdwatching (On Request)

7 days
From San Jose to Alajuela
5.0 (1 review)
From
$2,007
-10%
US $1,806 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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2026

Jan
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2028

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Feb
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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

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Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
Nature & Wildlife
Explore untamed landscapes teeming with wildlife
Partially Guided
Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Other languages on request: Spanish
Group Size 1 - 30
All Ages Welcome
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Intro

    Introduction

  2. Day 1

    San Jose

    San Jose
    Start point
    Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (SJO), Ruta Nacional 1, Alajuela, Alajuela, Costa Rica (Pick up at San Jose Airport)
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Hotel Park Inn)
  3. Day 2

    San Jose to Sarapiqui

    San Jose to Sarapiqui
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Selva Verde Lodge)

    Included Activities

    • Naturalist hike through rainforest at Selva Verde Natural Trails
    • Guided rainforest exploration with expert naturalist
    Landmarks
    Sarapiqui region
  4. Day 3

    Sarapiqui to Arenal

    Sarapiqui to Arenal
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Arenal Montechiari)

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Arenal region independently
    • Relax at hotel facilities
    Landmarks
    Arenal Volcano
  5. Day 4

    Arenal

    Arenal
    Meals
    Breakfast (Light breakfast of fresh fruit, juice, and coffee)
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Arenal Montechiari)

    Included Activities

    • Birdwatching morning tour in Arenal with expert naturalist guide
    • Hiking to El Silencio Private Reserve viewpoint near Arenal Volcano
    • Guided rainforest walk through volcanic stone path
    Landmarks
    El Silencio Private Reserve
    Green Lagoon
    Lake Arenal
    Itinerary Image 1
  6. Day 5

    Arenal to Dota

    Arenal to Dota
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Paraiso Quetzal Lodge)

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Dota area independently
    • Relax at lodge facilities
    Landmarks
    Los Quetzales National Park
    Talamanca Mountain Range
  7. Day 6

    Dota

    Dota
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Paraiso Quetzal Lodge)

    Included Activities

    • Quetzal tour through cloud forest with professional guide and spotting scope

    Optional Activities

    • Optional activities in the Dota area
    • Relax surrounded by pristine nature
    Landmarks
    Los Quetzales National Park
  8. Day 7

    Dota to San Jose

    Dota to San Jose
    End point
    Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (SJO), Ruta Nacional 1, Alajuela, Alajuela, Costa Rica (Drop off at San Jose Airport)
    Meals
    Breakfast

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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change
Platinum Operator
Rating
4.4 (385 reviews)
Response time
12 hours
Response rate
100%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Reviews

5.0
Overall rating based on 1 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    5.0
  • Transport
    5.0
  • Guide
    4.0
  • Accommodation
    5.0
  • Food
    5.0
  • 4.4

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  • Mohammed5.0March 2022
    It was a wonderful experience. It was very well organized from start to finish. The weather was perfect during our...
    Show more
    Traveled in January 2022
    Reply from: Destination Services Costa Rica
    Thanks so much for your feedback!, we really appreciate the time you took to write such a review!. Hope soon you come back to Costa Rica!!
    Show more

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Dates & Availability

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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
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Sep
Oct
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2027

Jan
Feb
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Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 23 Sep, 2026
  • -10%
    From Monday
    21 Sep, 2026
    To Sunday
    27 Sep, 2026
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $2,007
    US$1,806 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • -10%
    From Tuesday
    22 Sep, 2026
    To Monday
    28 Sep, 2026
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $2,007
    US$1,806 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • -10%
    From Wednesday
    23 Sep, 2026
    To Tuesday
    29 Sep, 2026
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $2,007
    US$1,806 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • -10%
    From Thursday
    24 Sep, 2026
    To Wednesday
    30 Sep, 2026
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $2,007
    US$1,806 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • -10%
    From Friday
    25 Sep, 2026
    To Thursday
    1 Oct, 2026
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $2,007
    US$1,806 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • -10%
    From Saturday
    26 Sep, 2026
    To Friday
    2 Oct, 2026
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $2,007
    US$1,806 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • -10%
    From Sunday
    27 Sep, 2026
    To Saturday
    3 Oct, 2026
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $2,007
    US$1,806 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • -10%
    From Monday
    28 Sep, 2026
    To Sunday
    4 Oct, 2026
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $2,007
    US$1,806 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • -10%
    From Tuesday
    29 Sep, 2026
    To Monday
    5 Oct, 2026
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $2,007
    US$1,806 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • -10%
    From Wednesday
    30 Sep, 2026
    To Tuesday
    6 Oct, 2026
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $2,007
    US$1,806 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
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  • C

    Courtney

    Asked on July 16th, 2026

    I am interested in this tour but need more information about the free times after scheduled tours and hikes. I want to be able to schedule a visit to the waterfall at La Fortuna and horseback riding or other activities. I want to make sure that there is enough time to do this and need to know time frames of each day that are free and not scheduled.

    Tour Details
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten July 2026

      Considering the itinerary of this program, I believe your free time will be quite limited. Transfers between destinations take approximately 3 to 4 hours, and the itinerary already includes the following scheduled activities:

      Naturalist hike along the Selva Verde Nature Trails in Sarapiquí.
      Shared early morning birdwatching tour in Arenal.
      Shared hike at El Silencio Private Reserve in Arenal.
      Shared Quetzal watching tour in Dota.

      Due to the relatively short duration of the trip and the travel time between destinations, opportunities for additional activities are somewhat limited. However, you could consider options such as a night wildlife tour or a visit to the hot springs, as these activities usually take place in the afternoon or evening and may fit better into the itinerary.

      Regarding the La Fortuna Waterfall and the Arenal Volcano hike, both activities can be combined on the same day. However, they would conflict with the birdwatching tour, as all of these activities take place primarily in the morning. Since your main interest is birdwatching, I would recommend keeping the birdwatching excursion included in the program.

    • C

      Courtney

      TravelerWritten July 2026

      Is there a better day of this itinerary to book a night wildlife tour or hot springs tour? Is it possible to visit La Fortuna without a tour? Just taking a cab/ride there and purchasing a ticket?

      Also- I would plan to arrive 1-2 days ahead of time to San Jose to visit the city and hopefully see an old friend who lives there. Any recommendations for day trips/half day trips from the city to see waterfalls or beach excursions? I'd love to see as much as I can without being too hectic or rushed. The birdwatching/photography is my primary interest but I love nature overall so want to enjoy as much as I can.

    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten July 2026

      Regarding the night wildlife tour or a visit to the hot springs, the best opportunity would likely be during your stay in Arenal. Since the birdwatching tour takes place early in the morning, you would still have time in the late afternoon or evening to enjoy either activity. In fact, many visitors combine birdwatching with a relaxing evening at the hot springs, making for a very enjoyable day.

      As for the La Fortuna Waterfall, yes, it is absolutely possible to visit independently. You can take a taxi from your hotel to the waterfall entrance and purchase your admission ticket directly on site. This option offers more flexibility than a guided tour. However, please keep in mind that fitting the waterfall visit into this itinerary may be challenging because of the scheduled birdwatching activities, which I understand are your main priority.

      Arriving one or two days early in San José is an excellent idea, especially if you would like to spend time with your friend and explore a bit more of Costa Rica before the tour begins.
      Some day trips or half-day excursions from San José that I would recommend are:

      La Paz Waterfall Gardens: Beautiful waterfalls, cloud forest trails, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
      Poás Volcano National Park (depending on park conditions and reservations): A great half-day excursion combining volcanic landscapes and cloud forest scenery.
      Irazú Volcano and Orosi Valley: Spectacular mountain views and excellent photography opportunities.
      Coffee plantation tours: Ideal if you enjoy nature, culture, and photography.

      Since birdwatching and photography are your primary interests, I would particularly recommend La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Manuel Antonio National Park, and the Orosi Valley/Irazú area, as these offer wonderful opportunities to photograph birds, landscapes, and wildlife without feeling rushed.

    • C

      Courtney

      TravelerWritten July 2026

      I'm looking at next year- I know that birding is good year round in Costa Rica, but do you recommend any specific time of year? I believe the Quetzal is in the fall, ?

    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten July 2026

      It could be from February to may.

    • C
      4 more answers
  • C

    Carla

    Asked on January 30th, 2026

    I'm interested in the bird-watching tour in Costa Rica for February or March 2027. Could you please provide more information on the itinerary, inclusions, and type of accommodations for this tour?

    Accommodation
    Tour Details
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten January 2026

      The adventure promises unforgettable experiences such as exploring the lush rainforest with an expert guide, spotting exotic wildlife in Sarapiqui, hiking to Arenal Volcano's stunning viewpoint, relaxing in the warm waters of Tabacon's hot springs, and searching for the charming quetzals in Dota's cloud forest.

      You'll enjoy comfortable stays throughout the journey, starting in a standard hotel in San Jose, then moving through Sarapiqui, the breathtaking region of Arenal, and finally, the enchanting Dota.

      6 night's accommodation
      Day 1 San Jose: Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Park Inn or similar 3*
      Day 2 Sarapiqui: Standard Hotel Category = Selva Verde Lodge or similar 3*
      Day 3-4 Arenal: Standard Hotel Category = Arenal Montechiari or similar 3*
      Day 5-6 Dota: Standard Hotel Category = Paraiso Quetzal Lodge or similar 3*

      Included in your adventure are shared activities like a naturalist hike at Selva Verde, birdwatching in Arenal, hiking at El Silencio Private Reserve, and a quetzal tour in Dota. Additionally, you can count on expert guidance from our local English- and Spanish-speaking guides for all scheduled activities.

  • H

    Henry

    Asked on June 16th, 2024

    Looking to book the Bird Watching tour in Costa Rica but I will be in San Jose already, is it possible to organise a hotel pick up?

    Tour Details
    Transport
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten June 2024

      Yes, it is possible to coordinate the pickup service from San José.

    • H

      Henry

      TravelerWritten June 2024

      does the price change as we are already in a San Jose hotel at the beginning of the trip?

    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten June 2024

      No, it doesnt change.

    • H
      2 more answers
  • A

    Adriana

    Asked on June 2nd, 2024

    When I click to book the tour, the price becomes 1894 euros, stating that this is accommodation. Has the 1331 become 1894, or is it 1331 plus 1894? So the only issue now might be that the discount is not applying.

    Price / Availability
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten June 2024

      Any discount or special price promotion is strictly managed directly by Tour Radar website. If the customer doesn't find the discount probably it is not active anymore and we don't have the access to apply any discount.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Destination Services Costa Rica with your enquiry, they usually respond within 12 hours.
From
$2,007
-10%
US $1,806 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

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Good to Know

Tour ID: 210311

  • Currency
    Costa Rican Colon
    Costa Rica
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B.

    Type A
    Costa Rica
    Type B
    Costa Rica
  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Costa Rica. Ideally 10 days before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before November 16th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after November 16th, 2026, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Destination Services Costa Rica. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Destination Services Costa Rica will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Destination Services Costa Rica" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Insurance

    Our travel protection from our award-winning partner, XCover, means you and your travel companions can book with peace of mind knowing there’s protection available in case your trip doesn’t go to plan. At checkout you will be able to select between different options in case you or the tour are eligible for insurance. In case no option is available, you are always able to purchase travel insurance outside of TourRadar.

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  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec