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From the moment we landed at San Jose to the moment we departed there was a mass of wildlife on view. Two weeks of going to sleep to the sound of frogs and insects and waking to bird call was truly magnificent. Costa Rica delivered on all front - wildlife, scenery, people, hotels, food... Naturetrek was excellent as always on all fronts. Delivered on seeing the wildlife I hoped to see, excellent tour guide and driver, extremely well organised, excellent communication, good hotels and food. Couldn’t have been better.
C.D., Hertfordshire, Mar 25
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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The Best of Southern Costa Rica
Tour Code: CRI03A 14-day birdwatching and wildlife holiday to southern Costa Rica, including three nights in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica's flagship wildlife reserve and one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth!
14 days
from
£6,195
£6,195
Land only price
from
£5,295
£5,295
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
We begin this tour with two nights in the moss-draped cloudforests of the Talamanca Mountains. Here we will have our first taste of Costa Rica’s dazzling variety of hummingbirds, tanagers and other birdlife, plus the stunning Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful birds in the world! Next we drive south to the pre-montane forests of Las Cruces Biological Station and the lowland tropical rainforest of Piedras Blancas National Park, before transferring by boat to what should be the highlight of the holiday, a 3-night stay in Corcovado National Park, the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Costa Rica’s protected areas. Corcovado has been named the world’s most ‘biologically intense place’ by National Geographic and is one of the best places in the country to look for mammals including Baird's Tapir, Mantled Howler Monkey, Central American Spider Monkey and Northern Tamandua. Birds are also abundant and include Costa Rica’s largest population of Scarlet Macaws, plus White Hawk and perhaps the rare White-crested Coquette. Lastly we head back to San Jose, via Carara National Park, for our flight home.
- Three nights in a beach-front lodge on the edge of Corcovado National Park
- Explore the moss-draped cloudforests of the Cordillera de Talamanca
- Numerous colourful tanagers, trogons, toucans & motmots
- Birds include Resplendent Quetzal, Rufous-tailed Jacamar & White Hawk
- Hear Corcovado ‘dawn chorus’ of Mantled Howler Monkeys, birds & other wildlife
- Night walks in Piedras Blancas NP in search of frogs, snakes & nocturnal birds
- Look for Northern Tamandua, Baird's Tapir & Central American Spider Monkey
- Explore trails around Las Cruces Biological Station & Wilson Botanical Gardens
- Led by expert local naturalist guides
Grading
Grade B. Easy to moderate day walks, although the heat and humidity, especially in the lowlands, can make walking tiring.
Even in a country as biologically rich and diverse as Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park is special. Named ‘the most biologically intense place on Earth’ by National Geographic, this vast tract of untouched rainforest, cloudforest, wetlands and pristine palm-fringed beaches is a natural history treasure-house second to none! The diversity and abundance of wildlife here is staggering. For example, the park protects 500 species of tree (a quarter of the species in Costa Rica), over 6,000 species of insect, 140 species of mammal, 116 species of amphibian and reptile, and more than 400 species of bird. Despite this abundance of life, Corcovado is rarely included on the traditional birding and wildlife circuits of Costa Rica, primarily due to its location in the far south-west of the country. What is needed, therefore, is a wildlife holiday that focuses primarily on this southern, less visited, half of the country and this exciting Naturetrek itinerary does just that!
As well as a 3-night stay in Corcovado National Park we will also visit a contrasting range of habitats and elevations from the highland forests of the Talamanca Mountains and Las Cruces Biological Station to the lush lowland rainforests of the Pacific coast. We begin our holiday, however, with a flight to San José, the Costa Rican capital. After one night on the edge of the city, we commence our journey south by climbing into the moss-draped cloudforests of the Talamanca Mountains for two nights, home to the spectacular Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful birds in the world! Here we will get our first taste of the huge variety of birdlife that occurs in Costa Rica. Hummingbirds, such as Talamanca and Fiery-throated, zip to and fro between flowering shrubs and hummingbird feeders. Mixed tanager and warbler flocks often include such gems as Collared Whitestart and Flame-throated Warbler, whilst elegant Swallow-tailed Kites glide overhead.
Moving on, we complete our journey into southern Costa Rica by travelling down the mountainous spine of the country to Las Cruces Biological Station. Las Cruces is a working ecological research station, set in the Wilson Botanical Gardens at 1,500 metres above sea level and only 5 kilometres from the Panama border. It protects 300 hectares of pre-montane wet forest and is home to over 350 species of bird and 2,000 species of plant. Species to look out for include Speckled and Golden-hooded Tanagers, Red-faced Spinetail and Fiery-billed Aracari, plus Central American Agouti which wander around the grounds looking for palm nuts.
Next we descend from the mountains into the lowland tropical rainforests of Piedras Blancas National Park. Here we will spend one night at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge, a simple but comfortable retreat on the edge of the forest, where Slaty-tailed Trogon, Rufous Jacamar and Buff-rumped Warbler are amongst some of the garden highlights. As well as birdwatching during the day in search of King Vulture, Orange-collared Manakin, Cocoa Woodcreeper and many others, we will also take a night walk in search of some of Costa Rica’s nocturnal inhabitants. These should include the attractive Red-eyed Tree Frog, perhaps an owl or two, or even a snake such as Eye-lash Pit Viper or Fer-de-lance.
For the undoubted highlight of our holiday we board a boat for the 2-hour journey down the Sierpe River and along the palm-fringed Pacific coastline to Drake’s Bay on the northern edge of Corcovado National Park. On arrival, we will transfer to a comfortable beach-front lodge for three nights, our base whilst we explore this ‘jewel in the crown’ of Costa Rica’s protected areas. Corcovado National Park covers 424 square kilometres of the Osa Peninsula and protects the largest tract of primary rainforest left on the Pacific coastline of the Americas. Commoner mammals to look out for include Mantled Howler Monkey, Central American Spider Monkey, Squirrel Monkey and Northern Tamandua. The rare Baird’s Tapir is also frequently seen during early morning walks, although it would take a great deal of luck to find one of the elusive Jaguars or Pumas which still prowl the forests in good numbers. Birdlife is prolific and includes Costa Rica’s largest population of Scarlet Macaws, plus White Hawk, Baird’s Trogon, Long-billed Antwren, Blue-throated Goldentail and the rare White-crested Coquette. Even the Harpy Eagle, the greatest avian predator in the Americas, still retains a toe-hold in the remoter, little-visited, areas of the park!
Finally, we will break the journey back to San José with three nights on the edge of Carara National Park. Here we will search for a final few Costa Rican birds and mammals, before completing our return to the Costa Rican capital in time for our flight home.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly San Jose and overnight.
Day 2/3
Talamanca Mountains.
Day 4/5
Las Cruces Biological Station.
Day 6
Piedras Blancas National Park.
Day 7/9
Corcovado Nationa lPark.
Day 10/12
Carara National Park.
Day 13
Depart San Jose.
Day 14
Arrive London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
We stay in comfortable hotels and rainforest lodges, all with private facilities.
- Food:
All meals are included in the price except for dinner on Day 1 and lunch on Day 13 (allow £20).
Reviews
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A wonderful two weeks travelling in Costa Rica, staying in the most fabulous locations and being guided by the most extraordinarily talented bird spotter. The highlights were varied and many... watching the leaf-cutter ants busily going about their work, standing in the rain forest with howler monkeys all around us... a surround sound experience, watching brown boobies diving to catch flying fish in the air whilst dolphins stirred the water nearby, watching a pair of woodpeckers having a "domestic" after one had been clearing out their nest, spending an hour watching a pair of Resplendent Quetzals nest building, gliding along the Sierpe and Tarcoles rivers watching an astonishing abundance of wildlife, dawn at Las Cruces as the brighly coloured Tanagers and many other species appeared at the feeders, the "red jeans" and red-eyed tree frogs noisily making their presence known ... the list just goes on. Excellent, great itinerary, superb guide, excellent and very safe driver.
A.S. Kent, Feb 22 -
Visited an interesting variety of wildlife habitats, with much to see. Excellent guides meant that we saw much more than we would have done on our own, and guides appreciated that many of us wanted to see all sorts of things & weren't just birders wanting ticks for our life lists. We have travelled several times with Naturetrek: very impressed by their strong conservation ethics, well-chosen destinations & itineraries, very competent & personable guides & assiduous care for their clients.
D.T. Devon, Jan 22 -
Good itinerary, great value. Knowledgeable and personable tour leader who dealt well with all questions about the country and wildlife.
V.E. Hampshire, Feb 20 -
Erick Castro was brilliant, his kindness, patience and above all his incredible spotting and identification skills made this trip so memorable. The boat trips were particularly good, the first up the Rio Tarcoles, and the two from Drake Bay, to Corcovado N.P. and the one up the Rio Sierpe, on which we saw a fantastic variety of wildlife.
J. & J. B. Essex, Feb 20 -
Our local guide, Yehudi Hernandez was brilliant, as was our Naturetrek leader Tim Melling, and our driver Alberto. There was a good balance between organised activity and free time. We saw an amazing number of birds - some very rare - and so much else as well.
A.E. Lancashire -
A tour & exploration to discover some of the birds & animals to be found throughout Southern Costa Rica. Varied terrains, regions, & accommodation were experienced in order to see as much as possible without speeding from place to place. A well paced trip with excellent leaders/guides.
A.C. Powys
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sat 29th Nov – Fri 12th Dec
FULL
£6,195
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£5,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sat 10th Jan – Fri 23rd Jan
1
£6,595
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£5,695
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Sat 17th Jan – Fri 30th Jan
4
£6,595
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£5,695
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Sat 31st Jan – Fri 13th Feb
2
£6,595
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£5,695
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Sat 7th Feb – Fri 20th Feb
2
£6,595
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£5,695
Room sharing options:
If a customer on this departure has already expressed an interest in sharing a room it will be flagged here. We will identify if there are sharing options for male, female or both.
Female sharing available
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Sat 21st Feb – Fri 6th Mar
2
£6,595
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£5,695
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Sat 7th Mar – Fri 20th Mar
SPACES
£6,595
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£5,695
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Sat 14th Mar – Fri 27th Mar
4
£6,595
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£5,695
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Sat 28th Nov – Fri 11th Dec
SPACES
£6,595
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£5,695
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
