This is a fast and furious tour designed with the naturalist in mind. Explore the lush lowland rain forests of the Caribbean slope, the diverse tropical rainforest of the central pacific, the mystery of the cloud forest and the excitement of a jungle river.
Day 1: Arrive in San Jose where you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and chauffer and escorted back to your hotel. Spend the afternoon Relaxing by the poolside or taking a walk in the lovely gardens to recuperate from your long day of travel. If you feel like getting some exercise, there are lighted tennis courts available to you at the hotel. If time permits, we may be able to visit the Braulio Carrillo National Park in the afternoon.
Day 2: Travel to the tropical lowlands of Sarapiqui. Spend the afternoon exploring the wildlife-rich riparian zone along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. This rain forest region at the base of the Caribbean slope is well known for hosting the greatest diversity of tropical flora and fauna. Here the Sunbittern, Black-faced Grosbeak, Gray-necked Wood-Rail, Chestnut Mandible Toucan, Keel Billed Toucan, Semi-plumbeus Hawk, Black Headed Tody flycatcher are a few of the inhabitants of the area. This is the most likely spot on the trip to see the Great Green Macaw, an endangered species that depends on the Dipteryx tree for feeding and nesting. This is one of the emergent trees commonly found in Sarapiqui. Also lurking in the forest are two- and three-toed sloths, 3 different species of monkeys, and peccaries.
Day 3: Spend the morning at La Selva Biological Station run by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), clearly a highlight of the tour. The station is among the four most famous tropical research facilities in the world. We will see an outstanding abundance of wildlife. The station is home to more than 420 bird species, more than 500 species of butterflies, 55 species of snakes (including four varieties of the colorful eyelash viper), and 120 species of mammals. A vast variety of different species of trees can be seen in the arboretum. Animals here are not camera shy, so there will be ample photo opportunities. Peccaries (wild pigs), agoutis, coatis, sloth, iguanas and monkeys frequent the area. All of which makes for an unforgettable experience. After lunch you may choose from two options:
1. A leisurely motorboat ride down the tranquil section of the jungle-lined Sarapiqui River (an excellent options for wild-life viewing.) Screeching monkeys, slow-moving sloth, a variety of birds, Balalisk lizards also known as Jesus Christ lizards for their ability to run on water, Caimans, and Crocodiles frequent the banks of the river.
2. A white-water rafting trip down the fast-moving section of the Sarapiqui River. It is a class 2 and 3 river with sections that can rise to class 4, depending on the water level. It makes for an adventurous but safe trip with lush scenery all around.
Day 4: Day trip to Virgen de Socorro, visit the hummingbird gallery at El Mirador, where at least seven species of hummingbirds can be seen. As we make our way up between the Braulio Carrio National Park and the Poas Volacano Park, we will pass spectacular waterfalls, excellent spots for viewing the Tropical Parula, Red Headed Barbet a variety of colorful Tanagers, American Dipper, and the Torrent Tyranulet. Finally we will walk through the serene river valley called Virgen de Socorro, where we may be lucky enough to see the Lanceolated Monklet. Over night at the Hotel Bouganvillea.
Day 5: Travel to Cerro de la Muerte. We will spend the morning exploring the misty highland cloud forest reserve at the Finca Mirador de Quetzales, where up to 20 pairs of quetzals have been seen. We will have lunch and overnight at the Albergue de Montana Savegre, nestled in a quaint highland valley nearby, also home of the Resplendent Quetzal.
Spend the afternoon exploring the bird rich habitat in the Savergre River Valley. Walking through the gardens and along the Savegre river, we can hope to see Black Faced Solitary, Spangled-cheeked Tanager, Collard Red Start,Tuffted Flycatcher, Flame-Colored Tananger, Collared Trogon, Torrent Tyrannulet, Volcano hummingbird, and Gray-tailed Mountain Gem, to name a few. In the evening after a delicious diner, we will go over the birds, reptiles, mammals, and any other wildlife seen that day.
Day 6: Spend the morning in the cloud forest. In the afternoon we travel to our hotel, situated at the edge of the Carara Biological Reserve on the banks of the Tarcoles River near the Pacific coast. We will stop along the way to look for Blue-winged Teals, Least Grebes, Northern Jacanas, Raptors, Woodpeckers, Anhingas, and Cormorants.
Day 7: In the early morning, before entering the Carara Biological Reserve, we will visit the nearby bridge overlooking the Tarcoles River, where Scarlet Macaws fly over daily. Here you will also be amazed by the gigantic crocodiles basking on the banks of the river. We will spend much of the day in the reserve, a unique climatological zone where the ecosystem of the humid southern coastal region joins the dry climate of the northern Pacific area, becoming a rich meeting ground for species from both regions. This is truly one of the highlights of the tour, where we hope to find the Orange Collared Manakin dancing in their lek. This is a great location to spot antbirds, up to four different species of Trogons, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, and even Royal Flycatchers. In the afternoon we will enjoy a two-hour crocodile tour by boat along the Tarcoles River with a local guide. This is an excellent opportunity to see a rich variety of water birds, including the bright pink Roseate-Spoon bill.
Day 8: Breakfast before departing for the airport to return home.
*departing flights should be after 10:00 am to accommodate travel time from the coast to the airport.
Tour includes all lodging and meals starting with dinner on day 1 and ending with breakfast on day 8; all transportation in Costa Rica in a modern and spacious air-conditioned vehicle with clear glass windows ideal for wildlife viewing; full time private bi-lingual professional naturalist guide specializing in birds and natural history; entrance fees to parks, reserves, boat tours and transportation; and taxes (airport taxes and tips to local staff not included). Price based on double occupancy.
