• Spotting Hundreds of Marsh & Stream Birds along the Río Tempisque Basin: A chief breeding ground for gallinules, jacanas, and limpkins, this is a common habitat for many heron and kingfisher species. Options include visits to Palo Verde National Park, El Viejo Wetlands, and Rancho Humo.

  • Looking for 300-Plus Species of Birds in La Selva Biological Station: With an excellent trail system through a variety of habitats, from dense primary rainforest to open pasturelands and cacao plantations, this is one of the finest places for bird-watching in Costa Rica. With such a variety of habitats, the number of species runs to well over 300. 

  • Sizing up a Jabiru Stork at Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge: Caño Negro Lake and the Río Frío that feeds it are incredibly rich in wildlife and are a major nesting and gathering site for aquatic birds. These massive birds are getting less common in Costa Rica, but this is still one of the best places to spot one. 

  • Catching a Scarlet Macaw in Flight over Carara National Park: Macaws are noisy and colorful birds that spend their days in the park but choose to roost in the evenings near the coast. They arrive like clockwork every morning and then head for the coastal mangroves around dusk. These daily migrations give birders a great chance to see these magnificent birds in flight. 

  • Looking for a Resplendent Quetzal in the Cerro de la Muerte: Serious bird-watchers won’t want to leave Costa Rica without seeing one of these iridescent green wonders. 

  • Spotting Hundreds of Species at Wilson Botanical Gardens: With more than 7,000 species of tropical plants and flowers, this research facility is fabulous for bird-watching. Hummingbirds and tanagers are plentiful, and more than 360 species of birds have been recorded here. 

  • Taking Advantage of the Caribbean’s Best Birding at Aviarios Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica: If it flies along this coast, chances are you’ll spot it here; more than 360 species of birds have been seen so far.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.