Explore Costa Rica’s Avian Paradise: Unveiling the Top Ten Bird Watching Destinations for 2024
Top 10 Costa Rica Living and Birding Sites
Key Takeaways
- Monteverde Cloud Forest: More than 400 species of birds and a great place to spot the Resplendent Quetzal.
- Sirena Biological Station: Perfect for spotting rare species like the Harpy Eagle.
- Tortuguero National Park: Spot fowl and raptors while navigating through the rainforest and it’s canals.
- Arenal Volcano National Park: Breathtaking volcano views and access to some of the most diverse bird species.
- Carara National Park: Biodiversity hotspot. A paradise for Scarelt Macaws.
- La Selva Biological Station: Globally recognized birding spot offering 400+ bird species. Best place for expert-led tours.
- Corcovado National Park: An incredible amount of biodiversity, and a variety of rare and endangered species in one park.
- Palo Verde National Park: Best national park to spot waterfowl during the dry season.
- La Fortuna & Wilson Botanical Garden: Beautiful scenery and some of the most interesting birds to spot, exquisite backdrop for nature photography.
Did you know that 2% of Costa Rica’s bird species are endemic?
Meaning you can’t find these birds anywhere else in the world.
Imagine being one of the few birders that’s seen birds like the Costa Rican Pygmy Owl, the rare Harpy Eagle and the Coppery Headed Emerald.
Birds like these are likely on your bucket list, and while you may be figuring out how you can afford a trip to spot some of these birds, you’ll be happy to know that Costa Rican resorts often have discounted offers during the GREEN SEASON.
Avoid the crowds and expenses. Enjoy Costa Rica when it truly comes to life, during the Green Season. This period marks the migration of many species and the breeding season for the stunning Resplendent Quetzal, offering unique sighting opportunities, that you won't get in any other season!
Recent Posts
Categories
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Join our mailing list and receive special offers and discounted vacation packages directly to your email.
By clicking “Submit”, you are signing up to receiving emails from us. You can unsubscribe whenever you like. SMS rates may apply.
The rain rejuvenates the rainforests and there are even more opportunities to spot some of these rare birds,
But before you start planning your trip…
We’ve got this special offer just for YOU!
Are you looking for the best places for bird watching? Here’s a list of the top ten bird spotting destinations in Costa Rica.
Mario Wong - Bird Photographer
Mario Wong is a self-taught photographer. He is inspired by and passionate about nature photography. Mario has captured some of the most stunning photos of birdlife in Costa Rica and is one of the key contributers to this blog.
1. Monteverde Cloud Forest- Best Bird Watching In Costa Rica
Nestled high in the mountains of Costa Rica, lies the Monteverde Cloud Forest, a destination that offers one of the most unique bird watching experiences.
But what makes this birding experience so unique? The cloud forest is a high-altitude forest and is shrouded in a constant mist, creating some of the most interesting backdrops for bird photography and sightings.
The diverse and dense ecosystem provides a haven for over 400 species of magnificent birds.
This biological reserve is home to several types of toucans in Costa Rica, including the Keel-billed Toucan, the smaller Collared Aracari, and the green-hued Emerald Toucanet.
Another notible species to look out for is the Three-wattled Bellbird. This bird is famous for its loud call and it’s distinctive appearance.
- Breathtaking cloud forest scenery
- High chance of spotting the resplendent quetzal
- Diverse ecosystem with a wide variety of birds
- Resplendent Quetzal
- Three-wattled Bellbird
- Orange-bellied Trogon
- Toucans
Join our mailing list and receive special offers and discounted vacation packages directly to your email.
By clicking “Submit”, you are signing up to recieving emails from us. You can unsubscribe whenever you like.
2. Birding At Sirena Biological Station
Sirena Biological Station is one of the most popular birding destinations in Costa Rica, especially amongst nature enthusiasts and researchers due to its unspoilt landscapes.
This remote research station is only accessible by foot, boat, or small aircraft, making it an extraordinary destination for those looking to immerse themselves in one of the most biodiverse environments on Earth.
Sirena offers an unparalleled bird spotting experience due to its isolation and the richness of the surrounding forest.
The station serves as a base for exploring the pristine beaches and forests in this region.
Birdwatchers can expect to see a wide array of Costa Rica birds, including some that are rare or difficult to spot elsewhere, like the Harpy Eagle and the Baird’s Trogon.
Why visit:
- Prime location for wildlife and bird observation
- Access to a variety of ecosystems within a relatively small area
- The chance to experience the rainforest in an intimate setting
Birds:
- Scarlet Macaw
- Yellow-billed Cotinga
- King Vulture
- Great Curassow
- White Hawk
- Various species of Antbirds and Manakins
3. Best Places For Birding Year Round -Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
Tortuguero National Park is a birding destination that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
The park’s tropical climate and abundant food sources ensure that birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of migratory and resident birds in any season.
Located along the northeastern coast of Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park offers bird enthusiasts a great birding experience and the opportunity to catch a glimpse of a number of birds including Toucans, Herons, and Kingfishers.
This birding trip allows visitors to enjoy the network of canals and waterways that present the perfect opportunity to spot water-loving birds such as the Anhingas and Roseate Spoonbills.
You can also book a boat tour through the canals to spot some of the fascinating water birds of Costa Rica.
Whether you explore this reserve by boat or prefer to hike through the tropical forest, you’ll be spoilt for choice by the number of birds you’ll get to see at this national park.
Why visit:
- Unique boat-accessible birdwatching
- Lush rainforest and wetland habitats
- An abundance of water birds and raptors
Birds:
- Green Ibis
- Agami Heron
- Great Green Macaw
4. Spectacular Birding In Arenal Volcano National Park
The Arenal Volcano National Park is home to the Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica up until 2010. Its near-perfect conical shape and the occasional smoke plumes that rise from its crater create a stunning and dramatic landscape for bird photography.
But this park isn’t just popular due to the volcano but also because of it’s abundance of birds, making it one of the best birding sites in this region.
There are more than 500 different types of birds in the Arenal Volcano National Park.
As you explore the trails of this unique park, you’ll likely spot a number of must-see birds, so keep an eye out for the Resplendent Quetzal, Keel-billed Toucan, and the Emerald Toucanet.
The park has a variety of habitats, including rainforests and wetlands, making it a sanctuary for both resident and migratory birds.
Why visit:
- Spectacular Volcano Views
- Diverse Habitats
- Accessible Birding
- Relaxing Hot Springs
- Rich Avian Diversity
Birds:
- Keel-billed Toucan
- Montezuma Oropendola
- Collared Aracari
- Emerald Tanager
- Black-cheeked Woodpecker
- Broad-winged Hawk
- Great Curassow
5. Costa Rica Birding In Carara National Park
A trip to Costa Rica isn’t complete without visiting the Carara National Park. This park is known for its birdlife and has one of the biggest populations of Scarlet Macaws in Costa Rica.
The national park is situated in a transitional zone between the tropical dry forest of the north and the more humid Pacific rainforest. This unique positioning results in an exceptionally high density of flora and fauna, making it a prime spot for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.
Here, you’ll find more than 400 types of birds including Toucans and Trogons.
Why visit:
- Unique biodiversity due to its transitional location
- Home to one of the largest populations of Scarlet Macaws
- Accessible trails and stunning riverine landscapes
Birds:
- Scarlet Macaw
- Royal Flycatcher
- Black-hooded Antshrike
6. Beautiful Birds In La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica
Nestled deep within the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, La Selva Biological Station invites birdwatchers to immerse themselves in one of the most fascinatingly beautiful places in the world.
This renowned research facility provides a unique birdwatching experience to observe an incredible variety of avian life in their natural habitat.
As you explore the well-maintained trails, you may encounter colorful Toucans, Macaws, and Antbirds.
The diverse ecosystem at La Selva supports over 400 birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
La Selva provides birding tours that are typically two hours long and start early in the morning. The tours are led by knowledgable naturalist guides that help visitors spot and identify various birds in the park.
Why visit:
- World-renowned research station with expert-led tours
- Easy trail access for all levels of birdwatchers
- Exceptional biodiversity, including migratory species
Birds:
- Great Green Macaw
- Keel-billed Toucan
- Snowy Cotinga
Join our mailing list and receive special offers and discounted vacation packages directly to your email.
By clicking “Submit”, you are signing up to recieving emails from us. You can unsubscribe whenever you like.
7. Corcovado National Park
This national park is one of the most visited parks and one of the best places for bird spotting in Costa Rica. Corcovado presents many opportunities to spot native birds and a few rare and endangered birds, including the Mangrove Hummingbird, Harpy Eagle, Yellow-billed Continga and the Black-cheeked Ant-Tanger.
The park’s lowland rainforest and mangrove swamps, supports a spectacular variety of birds.
This birding hotspot is popular due to the sheer volume of bird species, including several that aren’t easily found anywhere else in Costa Rica.
The Corcovado National Park is also one of the top places to spot all kinds of wildlife, including he American crocodile, jaguars, pumas and the endangered Central American squirrel monkey.
Why visit:
- Recognized as one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet
- Offers a chance to see rare and endangered species in their natural habitat
- Extensive trails through diverse ecosystems, from beaches to rainforests
Birds:
- Scarlet Macaw
- Harpy Eagle (rare)
- Baird’s Trogon
- Turquoise Cotinga
- Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager (endemic)
- Red-throated Caracara
8. Palo Verde National Park
Costa Rica is home to Palo Verde National Park. This national park lies in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica and is home to more than 300 species of birds.
The park’s wetlands are a sanctuary for aquatic birds like the Bare-throated Tiger Heron, the Jabiru, the Great Egret and the White Ibis.
During the dry season, birds in this region flock to the national park to enjoy the cool water. While, in the winter, birds like herons, egrets and ducks rest here.
Why visit:
- Spectacular gatherings of water birds
- Diverse ecosystems within the park
- Excellent for photography
Birds:
- Roseate Spoonbill
- White Ibis
- Black-crowned Night-Heron
- Blue-winged Teal
9. Birding In Costa Rica At La Fortuna Waterfall Gardens
La Fortuna Waterfall Gardens is an exciting place for birdwatching in Costa Rica due to its rich and diverse ecosystem.
This bird spotting destination is tucked away in the heart of Costa Rica, near the majestic Arenal Volcano, combining the thrill of exploration with the beauty of these serene, natural surroundings.
The gardens’ lush vegetation and proximity to water sources create an ideal habitat for many birds, including some of Costa Rica’s most popular birds.
It’s a place where the air is filled with the soothing sounds of cascading water and the harmonious songs of tropical birds.
As you wander through the trails you may spot a few hummingbirds darting through the trees or catch a glimpse of the Blue-gray tanger, Great Kiskadee and Crested Guan.
Why visit:
- Spectacular Scenery
- Diverse Habitats
- Accessibility
- Conservation Efforts
- Guided Tours
Birds:
- Keel-billed Toucan
- Montezuma Oropendola
- Collared Aracari
- Violet Sabrewing
- Broad-billed Motmot
- Resplendent Quetzal
10. More Than 300 Species Of Birds At Wilson Botanical Garden
Tucked away near the southern tip of Costa Rica lies the Wilson Botanical Garden. This garden was founded back in ’63 by Robert and Catherine Wilson and is a 1,000-acre natural haven which forms part of the larger Las Cruces Biological Station.
The botanical garden attracts more than 300 species of exotic birds and during your trip you’ll stroll along peaceful paths lined with exotic plants and flowers, while spotting birds like Toucans, Hummingbirds, and Tanagers.
The garden boasts a variety of habitats for birds and there’s so much to explore including forests and open meadows. This makes it a hotspot for bird spotting and a must visit when visiting Costa Rica.
Why visit:
- Spectacular Scenery
- Diverse Habitats
- Accessibility
- Conservation Efforts
- Guided Tours
Birds:
- Keel-billed Toucan
- Montezuma Oropendola
- Collared Aracari
- Violet Sabrewing
- Broad-billed Motmot
- Resplendent Quetzal
FAQs
The most popular time to go birdwatching is during the dry season (from December to April) however, the green season also offers spectacular birdwatching opportunities as the rainforest comes alive with migratory birds and lush landscapes.
In these locations, you can spot bird species like the resplendent quetzal, scarlet macaw, and the keel-billed toucan. These unique species are exclusively found in the diverse habitats of Costa Rica’s bird watching destinations.
On average, guided birdwatching tours in these parks cost around $50-$100 per person. You’ll have the chance to spot some of the unique birds and learn from knowledgeable guides.
There are various accommodations within or near these birdwatching hotspots, including eco-lodges, hotels, and guesthouses.
Andrea - Costa Rican Travel Guide
Andrea is a seasoned traveler and an expert on Costa Rica. She has spent a number of years travelling around Costa Rica and exploring it's natural wanders. Andrea is an avid birdwatcher and loves spending time outdoors hiking and taking photos of her favourite birds.
Join our mailing list and receive special offers and discounted vacation packages directly to your email.
By clicking “Submit”, you are signing up to recieving emails from us. You can unsubscribe whenever you like.
