Costa Rica Birding Tours 2025 & 2026 by Local Experts

Costa Rica Bird Watching Tours Have Much More to Them than Just Birds

Our Costa Rica Bird Watching Tours can offer you an unforgettable bird watching experience in the country. We have to say that we feel privileged to have visited some of the most spectacular locations on the planet. After so many birding trips across the globe, Costa Rica is still one of our favorite vacation destinations.

Costa Rica is not only an excellent bird watching destination, but it has much more to offer to travelers.

Why Choose Costa Rica for Birding?

With its remarkable biodiversity, compact geography, and conservation-minded culture, Costa Rica is one of the world’s premier destinations for birding and bird photography. More than 930 bird species have been recorded here, nearly 10% of the world’s total, all within a country the size of West Virginia. From the Resplendent Quetzal in highland cloud forests to the Jabiru stork in northern wetlands, iconic species are within reach, often in just a single trip.

It’s easy to visit five to ten different life zones on one journey. There are cloud forests, lowland rainforests, wetlands, dry forests, mid-elevation hills, highlands and coastal habitats, each with their own unique bird communities. Thanks to the country’s varied microclimates, there’s good birding weather somewhere in Costa Rica, year-round. Even during the Pacific rainy season, the Caribbean slope and lowlands will receive the least amount of rain for the year. This makes Costa Rica a 12-month birding destination. Whether you’re after lifers or capturing the golden light on a hummingbird’s wing, Costa Rica delivers diversity, accessibility, and excellent conditions any time of year.

What else can I see in Costa Rica?

Photographers and nature lovers are drawn to the country’s incredible range of habitats that host an amazing array of wildlife, including large cats, sloths, monkeys, poison dart frogs, crocodiles, iguanas, snakes and butterflies. With a network of national parks, private reserves, gardens, and accessible photography platforms, it’s no wonder Costa Rica has become a favorite for both bird watchers, photographers, and nature lovers.

Mammals in Costa Rica

While Costa Rica is renowned for its birdlife, the country also offers exciting opportunities to see a wide range of Neotropical animals, many in surprisingly accessible settings. From secretive cats to playful monkeys, Costa Rica’s protected forests and reserves support a rich diversity of species making it a rewarding destination for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

In the remote lowland rainforests of Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, travelers have the best chance of spotting large mammals like Baird’s Tapir, White-lipped Peccary, and even large cats such as Jaguars, Pumas, and Ocelots. While sightings of big cats are rare and require patience and luck, the knowledge of local guides greatly increases your chances. Corcovado National Park, with its pristine primary rainforest hosts all of these animals and much more.

For those hoping to observe Costa Rica’s small charismatic mammals, sloths, both two-toed and three-toed, monkeys, and coatis all can often be found in areas like Arenal, Sarapiquí, and along the Caribbean and Southern Pacific coasts. A visit to the Central and South Pacific will usually provide opportunities to view these interesting creatures in their natural habitat. Lodges and reserves in these regions frequently report daily sloth sightings, especially around garden edges and trails. Monkeys can be seen traveling through the trees and coatis and agoutis scamper along forest trails.

Costa Rica is home to four species of monkeys:

• Howler Monkeys with their iconic roar – present in both the Pacific and Caribbean.
• White-faced Capuchins, energetic and curious – possible to see in both the Pacific and Caribbean locations.
• The Spindly-limbed Spider Monkey – also possible to view in both Pacific and Caribbean locations.
• And the small, charming Squirrel Monkey, found only in the southern Pacific lowlands, from Manuel Antonio south.

Other frequently encountered mammals include Tayras, sleek members of the weasel family often seen near fruiting trees, and agoutis, which resemble large forest guinea pigs and are common near lodge gardens and trails.

Whether you’re exploring deep rainforest trails or relaxing on a lodge deck, Costa Rica offers incredible opportunities to see and photograph mammals in their natural habitats, no safari truck required.

Reptiles and Amphibians in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s tropical climate and diverse ecosystems support a vibrant array of reptiles and amphibians, making it one of the best places in the Americas to encounter and photograph these often-overlooked creatures. From brilliantly colored frogs to the 2nd largest crocodiles in the world, the country’s wetlands, rainforests, and cloud forests are home to more than 200 species of reptiles and over 180 amphibians.

Frogs and toads are a highlight for many visitors, with species like the Red-eyed Tree Frog, Strawberry Poison Dart Frog, and Glass Frogs often seen with the help of an expert guide. Night walks at lodges in Sarapiquí, Tortuguero, Osa Peninsula, and the Caribbean foothills offer some of the best chances to photograph these species in natural settings, often on low branches or leaves near creeks and ponds.

Costa Rica is also home to a wide range of lizards, from tiny anoles and colorful basilisks (famous for running on water) to the prehistoric-looking Green Iguana. These reptiles can be seen in forest clearings, riverbanks, and even around hotel gardens—especially in warmer lowland areas like Caño Negro, Tortuguero, and the Nicoya Peninsula.

For those interested in snakes, Costa Rica is home to both harmless and venomous species—including the eyelash viper, boa constrictor, and coral snake—but most are secretive and rarely seen without guided help.

Of course, no visit would be complete without a glimpse of crocodiles and caimans, which can be seen basking on riverbanks during boat tours in Tarcoles, Caño Negro, Tortuguero or Palo Verde. These prehistoric giants offer excellent photo ops at a safe and respectful distance.

Built for Nature Travel, Ready for Birders

In addition to its biodiversity, Costa Rica is uniquely equipped to support world-class birding. The country’s tourism infrastructure is among the best in Latin America, with a well-developed network of roads, domestic flights, and transportation options that make even remote areas accessible.

You’ll find excellent lodging options throughout the country, from rustic ecolodges deep in the rainforest to upscale boutique hotels, all designed with seeing birds and wildlife in mind. Perhaps most importantly, Costa Rica is home to a highly trained and passionate community of professional birding guides, many of whom are regionally specialized and skilled in working with photographers. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or new to the field, a professional photographer or just grabbing quick shots with your phone, Costa Rica offers the comfort, logistics, and expertise to make your tour seamless and deeply rewarding.