Costa Rica Unbound: The Ultimate Avian Expedition

Upon arrival at San Juan International Airport, you will be met by our agent and transferred by private vehicle to the Bougainvillea Hotel. 

Located in a quiet suburb, the hotel is only 25 minutes from the airport, and is renowned for its extensive four-hectare gardens—complete with a swimming pool and tennis court—which provide an ideal habitat for signature flora, agricultural crop displays, and native frogs. This vibrant, tree-filled terrain makes it an exceptional destination for birdwatchers, who can routinely spot diverse species such as hummingbirds, blue-crowned motmots, palm tanagers, tropical kingbirds, and boat-billed flycatchers right on the grounds.

Relax, unwind, spot some birds within easy reach of the hotel, and recharge for the exciting journey ahead. 

Journey to the Cloud Forest Oasis

Car Hire Delivery & Morning Departure - After breakfast, meet with our hire car representative in the lobby of your hotel to receive your rental vehicle for the duration of your stay.

San José to San Gerardo de Dota - Today, you’ll leave the bustle of San José behind for a scenic two-hour drive into the heart of the majestic mountains that form the Continental Divide. Perched at an impressive 2,700 metres above sea level, this hidden gem awaits. Prepare to be enchanted by Savegre, a pristine ecological paradise enveloped in mystical, emerald-green cloud forests. This tropical haven boasts an extraordinary biodiversity, making it an absolute dream for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. With dozens of winding nature trails, taking in excellent birding spots, and a spectacular wealth of exotic flora and fauna, it feels a world away from ordinary life.

Your Afternoon At Leisure - Upon arrival, check in to your Junior Suite at the beautiful Savegre Lodge. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy entirely at your own pace. Grab your walking boots and binoculars and set off to explore the lodge’s private network of nature trails, taking in wonderful birdlife and also the serene mountain atmosphere. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready while exploring the trails this afternoon—this region is one of the best places in the world to spot the legendary, resplendent quetzal!

A Symphony of Songbirds & The Resplendent Quetzal

Morning: The Quest for the Quetzal - Rise and shine for an unforgettable early morning adventure! Accompanied by an expert professional birdwatching guide, you’ll set off at dawn in search of the legendary resplendent quetzal. With its vibrant crimson breast and iridescent green plumage, this mythical bird is a holy grail for wildlife enthusiasts. Thanks to the unique ecosystem of San Gerardo de Dota, you are in one of the absolute best spots in Costa Rica to witness them in the wild. After a thrilling morning of tracking and spotting, you’ll head back to the warmth of the lodge to refuel with a hearty, well-deserved breakfast.

Mid-Morning: Exploring Savegre’s Avian Wonders - With your appetite satisfied, it’s time to delve deeper into the cloud forest with a 2½-hour guided birdwatching tour around the magnificent Savegre Lodge estate. San Gerardo de Dota is a true ornithological wonderland, with more than 170 bird species recorded in the area to date. Keep your binoculars poised as your guide helps you spot an array of dazzling local residents, including:

• Vibrant Tanagers and elegant Trogons

• Charming Hummingbirds (Colibris) darting through the flora

• The striking Emerald Toucanet and the elusive Black Guan

• An array of energetic Flycatchers and Sparrows

Afternoon: Unwind in Paradise - Following a spectacular morning of wildlife encounters, the afternoon is entirely yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax on the deck with a good book, stroll through the misty gardens, or simply listen to the soothing sounds of the Savegre River.

Journey to the Turrialba Valley & A Birder’s Paradise

San Gerardo de Dota to Rancho Naturalista - Today, you’ll bid farewell to the high-altitude cloud forest and head towards the scenic Turrialba Valley. Your destination is Rancho Naturalista, a renowned, family-owned eco-lodge and private reserve nestled in the Caribbean foothills of the Turrialba mountains. This is approximately a 3-hour drive.

Sitting at an ideal elevation of roughly 900 metres (3,000 feet), this charming estate spans over 120 acres of lush, vibrant premontane rainforest. It is a spectacular getaway designed specifically for birdwatchers, photographers, and passionate naturalists alike.

A Haven for Wildlife - An astonishing 450+ bird species have been recorded within the private forest reserve and the immediate local area, making it one of the premier birding destinations in Central America. During your stay, you can:

• Explore at your own pace: Hike and bird-watch along the beautifully maintained forest trails independently.

• Opt for expert insight: Team up with the lodge’s exceptional resident guides to help you tick rare species off your wishlist.

The Famous Hummingbird Balcony - You won't even need to leave the lodge to experience the magic. Rancho Naturalista features a spacious, famous viewing balcony where you can sit back and watch multiple species of dazzling hummingbirds—along with a kaleidoscope of other forest birds—flitting just inches away. As a breathtaking backdrop, the balcony offers a magnificent view of the distant, smoking Turrialba Volcano.

Forest Canopies & Valley Vistas

Morning: Guided Birdwatching at Cerro El Silencio -  Get ready for an exhilarating half-day guided birdwatching tour at the base of the majestic Cerro El Silencio. This beautiful excursion takes you through a stunning patchwork of lush, untouched primary forest and charming, semi-open fields. Because the trail sits at the perfect transition point between foothill and middle elevations, it creates a unique ecological hotspot. The combination of habitats offers fantastic opportunities to spot an incredible variety of exotic wildlife and vibrant bird species that you won't find anywhere else.

An Effortless Stroll Through Nature - There's no need to worry about strenuous trekking today. This tour offers easy, gentle walking along a well-maintained road that winds gracefully through the scenic river valley. With flat terrain underfoot, you can keep your eyes firmly fixed on the treetops and your binoculars at the ready, soaking up the sights and sounds of the forest without missing a beat.

Hidden Trails & Forest Treasures

Morning: Private Reserve Exploration - This morning brings a wonderful four-hour guided birdwatching tour through the lodge’s spectacular private reserve. Spanning over 120 acres, this pristine sanctuary connects seamlessly with neighbouring forested estates, creating a vast, protected corridor of Caribbean pre-montane rainforest. You will explore an extensive trail network stretching over seven kilometres, which winds through a variety of elevations from 880 metres up to 1,200 metres. The route takes you through a rich tapestry of advanced secondary and ancient primary forest. Along the way, you will also stroll through an orchard filled with native fruiting trees, which act as a natural magnet for a colourful array of birds and local wildlife. Your guide for this immersive morning is a local birding expert, who will share their wealth of knowledge and help you spot the forest's hidden gems.

Afternoon: Relax and Recommence - Following your morning adventure, the afternoon is entirely yours to enjoy at leisure. You might choose to return to the viewing balcony with a refreshing drink, review your photos from the morning, or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the rainforest.

Into the Rainforest Realm

Journey to Sarapiquí - Today, you will head towards the vibrant lowlands of Sarapiquí as you make the scenic two-and-a-quarter-hour drive from Rancho Naturalista to Selva Verde Lodge. This captivating eco-lodge is deeply immersed within a spectacular 500-acre private estate, surrounded by lush tropical nature and an incredible abundance of biodiversity. Upon arrival, check in and take some time to settle into your new jungle surroundings, perhaps listening to the rushing waters of the Sarapiquí River or watching the butterflies flutter through the gardens.

Evening: The Forest After Dark - As darkness falls, the rainforest completely transforms, and an entirely new world comes to life. This evening, you will head out on a thrilling guided night walk through the lodge's private rainforest reserve. Equipped with a torch and accompanied by a knowledgeable naturalist guide, you will venture into the shadows to uncover the secrets of the jungle. It is a fantastic opportunity to spot nocturnal creatures, from sleeping birds and colourful tree frogs to fascinating insects and night-hunting mammals, all under a canopy of starlight.

Dawn Chorus & Canopy Wonders

Early Morning: Sunrise Birdwatching - Wake up to the mesmerizing sounds of the jungle as you set out on an early morning guided birdwatching tour through the lodge’s private rainforest reserve. The crisp morning hours are prime time for avian activity, and with the help of your expert guide, you will scan the canopy and forest floor to spot some of the region's most spectacular residents. The Caribbean lowlands of Sarapiquí are incredibly rich in wildlife, and this morning you might cross paths with:

• The endangered and spectacular great green macaw flying overhead

• Magnificent keel-billed and yellow-throated toucans perched high in the branches

• Dazzling red-legged and green honeycreepers flitting through the blossoms

• Charming rufous motmots with their distinctive racquet-shaped tails

• The unique sunbittern hunting along the waterways, displaying its sunburst wing patterns

• Delightful white-collared manakins performing their energetic courting dances

Mid-Morning: Deep into the Reserve

After a brief pause to refresh, you will head back into the dense, emerald foliage for a second guided nature walk. Exploring a different section of the reserve's extensive trail system allows you to delve deeper into the complex ecology of the rainforest. Your guide will point out the subtle relationships between the flora and fauna, from the giant almond trees that feed the macaws to the camouflaged frogs hiding in the leaf litter.

Afternoon: Choose Your Own Adventure - The afternoon is entirely yours to shape as you wish. You can opt to wander the lodge's beautifully maintained trails and suspension bridges independently, camera in hand. Alternatively, you might choose to book an optional excursion, such as a relaxing boat safari down the Sarapiquí River to spot riverbirds and sloths, or simply unwind by the pool, listening to the gentle hum of the tropical nature around you.

From World-Renowned Research to Secret Rainforest Sanctuaries

Morning: A Pilgrimage to La Selva Biological Station - Following hotel check-out, your journey continues to this world-famous institution for an immersive three-hour guided tour. Globally recognised as one of the most important sites for tropical ecosystem research, La Selva encompasses nearly 4,000 acres of breathtaking, old-growth tropical wet forest. Since 1963, this remarkable station has pioneered education, conservation, and eco-tourism in Costa Rica, standing as one of the country's very first private protected areas and a proud part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The sheer scale of species diversity here is staggering, playing host to:

• Over 1,850 species of vibrant vascular plant flora

• More than 350 distinct species of majestic trees

• An astonishing number of birds, representing more than half of all the species found in the entire country

After an inspiring morning exploring alongside expert researchers and guides, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at the station before setting off for your next destination.

Afternoon: Journey to the Wild North - After lunch, you will make the short one-and-a-half-hour drive from Sarapiquí to the remote and beautiful Maquenque Ecolodge, located in Boca Tapada near the Nicaraguan border. Boca Tapada is a true off-the-beaten-track gem, boasting vast expanses of untouched virgin rainforest that feel beautifully disconnected from the modern world. This pristine wilderness is a critical sanctuary for wildlife, most notably serving as a primary nesting site for the endangered great green macaw. Beyond these spectacular parrots, over 400 other bird species have been recorded here, making it an absolute paradise for passionate birdwatchers. The surrounding canopy and forest floor are also home to thriving populations of sloths, playful white-faced capuchin and howler monkeys, curious coatis, and even elusive wild cats like the jaguar.

Late Afternoon: First Footsteps in the Reserve - Upon arrival and check-in at Maquenque Ecolodge, you will pull on your walking boots for an introductory guided nature walk. Following the winding trails of the lodge's private reserve, your naturalist guide will introduce you to the unique sights, scents, and sounds of this untouched northern ecosystem as the afternoon light begins to soften.

Riverboat Safari & Borderland Culture

Morning: Cruising the San Carlos River - Head down to the hotel’s private pier to step aboard a comfortable riverboat for an exciting journey downstream along the majestic San Carlos River. This tranquil waterway serves as a bustling highway for local wildlife, offering fantastic opportunities to view creatures from a unique perspective on the water.

As you glide along the riverbanks, keep your eyes peeled for:

• Prehistoric-looking crocodiles basking in the morning sun

• River tortoises resting on half-submerged logs

• Tiny proboscis bats camouflaged perfectly against tree bark

• Elegant herons, darting kingfishers, and the rare, striking king vulture soaring high overhead

Mid-Morning: Discovering Boca San Carlos - Your boat safari will take you all the way to the impressive confluence where the San Carlos River meets the mighty San Juan River, a grand waterway that marks the natural frontier between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Here, you will step ashore to visit the remote outpost of Boca San Carlos. This peaceful settlement offers a wonderful glimpse into authentic rural life. You will have the unique opportunity to wander through the small hamlet, chat with the welcoming local residents, and learn about life in this isolated border community. After a fascinating cultural exchange, you will board the boat for the return journey to the lodge.

Afternoon: A Peaceful Evening Ahead

After returning from your river adventure, the afternoon is completely yours to spend at leisure. You might choose to find a quiet spot with a view of the lagoon, take a refreshing dip, or simply listen to the gentle rustle of the surrounding rainforest as the day winds down.

From Secret Lagoons to the Shadow of Arenal

Early Morning: Dawn Chorus in the Gardens - Your day begins at first light with a guided birdwatching tour around the lush, tropical gardens of Maquenque Ecolodge. The early morning is the most active time for the lodge’s avian residents, and the beautifully landscaped grounds act as a natural magnet for a kaleidoscope of species. With the help of your expert guide, you will scan the flowering shrubs and fruiting trees for colourful toucans, tanagers, and honeycreepers waking up to greet the new day.

Mid-Morning: Journey to the Volcano - Later in the morning, you will wave goodbye to the northern lowlands and set off on a scenic one-and-a-half-hour drive towards one of Costa Rica's most iconic landmarks: the Arenal Volcano. Your destination is the Arenal Observatory Lodge. Positioned in a wonderfully secluded area right at the base of the mountain, it is the only lodge located inside the Arenal Volcano National Park. This historic property offers unparalleled, panoramic views of both the imposing volcanic cone and the glittering Lake Arenal.

Late Afternoon: Into the Lava Fields - After checking in and settling into your spectacular new surroundings, you will head out for a one-hour guided nature walk through the lodge's expansive private reserve. As you wander along paths flanked by primary and secondary rainforest, your naturalist guide will share the fascinating history of the volcano's past eruptions and introduce you to the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this dramatic, geothermal landscape.

Forest Canopies & Volcanic Lava Trails

Morning: Private Reserve Birdwatching Safari- Prepare for an immersive, five-hour guided birdwatching tour through the extensive trail network of the lodge’s private reserve. Led by a local expert guide, this half-day excursion takes you deep into an avian hotspot where the combination of rich volcanic soil and dense tropical forest creates the perfect habitat for a staggering array of species. Your guide will help you listen out for distinct calls and spot beautifully camouflaged birds, from bright trogons and toucans to elusive antbirds and motmots hiding in the understorey.

Afternoon: Hiking the Historic Lava Flows of Arenal 1968 - After a break for lunch, you will take a short twenty-minute drive to Arenal 1968 to meet your naturalist guide for an unforgettable walk at the very base of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Famous worldwide for its perfectly formed, symmetry-defying cone, this iconic volcano is the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s northern region. During this fascinating guided hike, you will explore the vibrant tropical forest that has reclaimed the landscape, keeping watch for monkeys, sloths, and unique reptiles. The true highlight of the trail is stepping out onto the massive, petrified lava fields. These dramatic rock formations were produced during the volcano's historic and cataclysmic eruption of 1963, offering a powerful, firsthand look at the sheer force of nature.

Following your trek, you will make the short, easy drive back to your hotel at your own pace.

Farewell to the Tropics

The Journey Home - Today marks the final chapter of your unforgettable Costa Rican adventure. After a final breakfast surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest, you will embark on the scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive back to San José International Airport.

Upon arrival at the airport terminal, you will drop off your hire car ahead of your homeward flight. As you check in for your journey, you'll carry with you incredible memories of misty cloud forests, volcanic vistas, and the spectacular wildlife of this Central American paradise.