WINGS OVER OF COSTA RICA
April 11th - 18th, 2026 SOLD OUT
April 2nd - 9th, 2027
overview
Costa Rica, a jewel of biodiversity with over 900 bird species, offers an unparalleled birding experience across its cloud forests, lowland rainforests, wetlands, and urban green spaces. Drawing from the provided 8-day birding itinerary, this overview highlights key destinations—from the misty highlands of San Gerardo de Dota to the lush Sarapiqui lowlands and the volcanic landscapes of Arenal—while weaving in Costa Rica’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Expect to encounter vibrant species like the Resplendent Quetzal, Keel-billed Toucan, and myriad hummingbirds, alongside local traditions, eco-conscious lodges, and flavors like gallo pinto and ceviche.
The cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota, home to Paraíso Quetzal Lodge, are renowned for near-guaranteed Resplendent Quetzal sightings. Trails along the Savegre River yield Fiery-throated Hummingbirds, Talamanca Hummingbirds, and Golden-browed Chlorophonias, with oak forests hosting Northern Emerald-Toucanets and Collared Redstarts. In the Sarapiqui lowlands, Cope Wildlife Reserve and La Selva Biological Station offer access to over 400 species, including Rufous Motmots, Black-mandibled Toucans, and the rare Great Green Macaw. In Arenal Volcano, the Arenal Oasis Ecolodge’s grounds and nearby national park trails attract Black-crested Coquettes, Violet-headed Hummingbirds, and Montezuma Oropendolas, with hummingbird feeders buzzing with activity.
Beyond birding, Costa Rica’s cultural richness shines through. In San José, explore historic neighborhoods and savor traditional dishes. In rural Sarapiqui, discover coffee and cacao traditions. With great lodges to stay, expert guides, and safe travel conditions, Costa Rica seamlessly blends nature and culture, cementing its status as a premier birding destination in Central America.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrive in San Jose | Hotel Bougainvillea
Your birding adventure begins the moment you land at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela, just outside San José, the capital of Costa Rica. After a transfer to Hotel Bougainvillea, a renowned place for its bird-friendly gardens, you’ll settle in and meet your fellow birders and tour leader, who will provide a detailed briefing on the upcoming days, including logistics, target species, and tips for maximizing your birding experience. You'll also review the tour’s bird checklist and discuss personal birding goals.
DAY 2-3
San Gerardo de Dota | Paraiso Quetzal Lodge
Day 2: Arrival in San Gerardo de Dota & Introduction to Cloud Forest Birding
An exciting highland birding day begins with an early departure toward San Gerardo de Dota. We might pause en route at a lively hummingbird garden for close views and photography of dazzling species. Upon arrival at Paraíso Quetzal Lodge, the adventure continues along private cloud-forest trails in search of one of the Neotropics’ most iconic birds—the Resplendent Quetzal—alongside a rich mix of colorful mountain specialties. The day concludes with a cozy home-cooked dinner featuring local trout, and for those with energy left, an optional evening outing offers the chance to encounter elusive nocturnal species such as nightjars and screech-owls.
Day 3: Full Day of Birding in Savegre Valley
The day begins before sunrise in the breathtaking Savegre Valley, where a guided walk through oak forests and riverine habitats offers excellent chances to encounter Resplendent Quetzals at their most active, along with a variety of highland endemics and specialties. Later, guests can tailor the afternoon to their interests—either exploring scenic cloud-forest trails in search of toucans, tanagers, and other canopy birds, or relaxing at the lodge’s famous hummingbird feeders for close-up views of dazzling species. As evening settles in, a warm dinner is followed by the option to venture out for nocturnal birding in search of elusive night birds, or simply unwind under the clear mountain sky while reflecting on an unforgettable day of birding.
DAY 4-5
Journey to Sarapiqui Lowlands & Ara Ambigua Lodge
Day 4: Departure in the morning and Cope Wildlife Reserve
Day four transitions from the cool highlands to the lush Sarapiquí Lowlands, beginning with a visit to the renowned Cope Wildlife Reserve, where a vibrant mix of wetlands and forest offers excellent chances to spot standout species such as Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Broad-billed Motmot, Black-throated Trogon, White-necked Puffbird, and Green Honeycreeper, with luck for rarities like the Great Green Macaw or Snowy Cotinga. After enjoying traditional local cuisine along the way, the journey continues to Ara Ambigua Lodge, where rainforest trails around the lake reveal an exciting variety of birds including Green Thorntail, Violet Sabrewing, Keel-billed Toucan, Collared Aracari, White-collared Manakin, and Chestnut-backed Antbird. The day concludes with a hearty buffet dinner featuring tropical flavors, capping off a rich and memorable lowland birding adventure.
Day 5: Sarapiqui River Boat Tour & La Selva Biological Station
Day five unfolds in one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated birding destinations, La Selva Biological Station, a vast rainforest reserve famed for its extraordinary diversity and the possibility of encountering species such as Great Tinamou, Slaty-tailed Trogon, Pied Puffbird, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, and the striking Blue-chested Hummingbird. In the afternoon, guests can tailor their experience—either continuing to explore the rich trails of Ara Ambigua Lodge or visiting the acclaimed Dave & Dave’s Costa Rica Nature Park, where hummingbirds, toucans, and other lowland specialties provide nonstop activity.
As dusk settles, the lodge’s open areas become perfect for relaxed nocturnal birding, with chances for encounters like Crested Owl or Common Pauraque, offering a magical close to another immersive day in the rainforest.
DAY 6-7
Arenal Volcano | Arenal Oasis Ecolodge Wildlife Refuge
Day 6: Travel in the morning and birding stop at Virgen del Socorro.
This day is a spectacular transition through Costa Rica’s Caribbean foothills toward Arenal, blending misty cloud forest, waterfalls, and rich tropical habitats into one unforgettable birding journey. After departing Ara Ambigua Lodge, a stop at the famed El Socorro Reserve immerses you in a cool, lush landscape alive with hummingbirds such as Black-crested Coquette, Green Hermit, and Violet-crowned Woodnymph, along with forest gems like Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush. A scenic lunch stop at Cinchona brings close views of feeder favorites including Emerald Toucanet, Red-headed Barbet, and Crimson-collared Tanager, followed by a visit to the breathtaking La Paz Waterfalls, where gardens and cascades host dazzling species like Green-crowned Brilliant and the endemic Coppery-headed Emerald.
The day ends at Arenal Oasis Ecolodge, surrounded by tropical forest and views of Arenal Volcano, where an evening walk may reveal birds such as Keel-billed Toucan, Passerini’s Tanager, Montezuma Oropendola, and even raptors like Barred Hawk—an inspiring finale to a day filled with scenery, color, and constant bird activity.
Day 7: Arenal Volcano National Park.
Today immerses you in the dramatic landscapes of Arenal Volcano National Park, where forest trails winding through lush secondary growth and ancient lava flows offer thrilling birding alongside chances to spot wildlife like howler monkeys and coatis. The morning’s exploration may reveal standout species such as Great Curassow, Collared Aracari, Bay-headed Tanager, Spotted Antbird, and dazzling hummingbirds including Green-crowned Brilliant and Purple-throated Mountain-gem. In the afternoon, guests can tailor their adventure—relaxing at feeders for close encounters with glittering hummingbirds, exploring scenic lodge trails, or visiting the famous hanging bridges, a prime vantage point for canopy species like Yellow-eared Toucanet, Golden-hooded Tanager, and even the majestic Ornate Hawk-Eagle. As night falls, a guided nocturnal outing adds a final thrill, with opportunities to encounter elusive birds such as Spectacled Owl, Crested Owl, Black-and-white Owl, or Common Pauraque, making for an unforgettable day of tropical birding.
DAY 8
Depart San José – A Relaxed Farewell to Costa Rica’s Birding Paradise
The final day offers a relaxed and flexible close to your Costa Rican birding adventure, tailored to your travel schedule. If time allows, you can enjoy a peaceful morning exploring the lodge’s trails, where the surrounding forest still holds chances for rewarding last sightings and memorable farewells to the tropics. Alternatively, an early breakfast and scenic drive back to San José provides a smooth and comfortable departure, giving you time to reflect on the remarkable birds, landscapes, and experiences gathered throughout this unforgettable journey.
GENERAL INFO
What is included
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Accommodation as stated
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Meals as stated
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Bi-Lingual Female guide
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Transfers
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Water
What is not included
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Personal expenses
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International flight
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Travel Insurance
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Tips
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Laundry
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Visa
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Alcohol beverages
Investment
- $3,498 Per person in double room | Single supplement: $430
-Group: max 8 + female leader guide
To Book Your Spot
Send us a email to: Info@sisterhoodbirding.com
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Fill the form: Contact Us
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Call +1 720 809 -1707 (WhatsApp available)