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Costa Rica

Birding in Northern Costa Rica: Tanagers to Toucans

Program No. 22443RJ
If Spotted Woodcreepers and manakins are on your birding life list, join us for an exploration of northern Costa Rica! An estimated 894 avian species call this country home.

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Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Jan 14 - Jan 24, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 4 date and Jan. 24 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Filling Fast!
Jan 23 - Feb 2, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 2 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Filling Fast!
Jan 27 - Feb 6, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 16 date and Feb. 6 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Feb 7 - Feb 17, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Filling Fast!
Feb 13 - Feb 23, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Feb 21 - Mar 2, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Mar. 2 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Feb 27 - Mar 8, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 17 date and Mar. 8 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Mar 6 - Mar 16, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 25 date and Mar. 16 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Filling Fast!
Mar 12 - Mar 22, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Mar. 2 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Apr 17 - Apr 27, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the April 7 date and April 27 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

May 7 - May 17, 2024
Starting at
2,899
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the April 27 date and May 17 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Oct 8 - Oct 18, 2024
Starting at
2,899
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Oct. 18 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Nov 3 - Nov 13, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Nov. 13 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Dec 1 - Dec 11, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Dec. 11 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Dec 7 - Dec 17, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 28 date and Feb. 17 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Jan 7 - Jan 17, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Jan 12 - Jan 22, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Jan 14 - Jan 24, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Jan 20 - Jan 30, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Jan 28 - Feb 7, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Feb 5 - Feb 15, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Feb 9 - Feb 19, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Feb 13 - Feb 23, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Feb 26 - Mar 8, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Mar 5 - Mar 15, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Mar 13 - Mar 23, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Mar 21 - Mar 31, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Apr 24 - May 4, 2025
Starting at
3,399
May 11 - May 21, 2025
Starting at
3,149
Oct 15 - Oct 25, 2025
Starting at
3,149
Nov 4 - Nov 14, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Dec 3 - Dec 13, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Dec 11 - Dec 21, 2025
Starting at
3,399
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jan 14 - Jan 24, 2024
Starting at
3,699
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 4 date and Jan. 24 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Filling Fast!
Jan 23 - Feb 2, 2024
Starting at
3,699
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 2 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Jan 27 - Feb 6, 2024
Starting at
3,699
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 16 date and Feb. 6 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Feb 7 - Feb 17, 2024
Starting at
3,699
Feb 13 - Feb 23, 2024
Starting at
3,699
Feb 21 - Mar 2, 2024
Starting at
3,699
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Mar. 2 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Feb 27 - Mar 8, 2024
Starting at
3,699
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 17 date and Mar. 8 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Mar 6 - Mar 16, 2024
Starting at
3,699
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 25 date and Mar. 16 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Filling Fast!
Mar 12 - Mar 22, 2024
Starting at
3,699
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Mar. 2 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Filling Fast!
Apr 17 - Apr 27, 2024
Starting at
3,699
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the April 7 date and April 27 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Filling Fast!
May 7 - May 17, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the April 27 date and May 17 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Filling Fast!
Oct 8 - Oct 18, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Oct. 18 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Nov 3 - Nov 13, 2024
Starting at
3,699
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Nov. 13 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Filling Fast!
Dec 1 - Dec 11, 2024
Starting at
3,699
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Dec. 11 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Dec 7 - Dec 17, 2024
Starting at
3,699
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 28 date and Feb. 17 date of Program #20616- Birding in Southern Costa Rica: Motmots to Quetzals.

Jan 7 - Jan 17, 2025
Starting at
3,899
Jan 12 - Jan 22, 2025
Starting at
3,899
Jan 14 - Jan 24, 2025
Starting at
3,899
Jan 20 - Jan 30, 2025
Starting at
3,899
Jan 28 - Feb 7, 2025
Starting at
3,899
Feb 5 - Feb 15, 2025
Starting at
3,899
Feb 9 - Feb 19, 2025
Starting at
3,899
Feb 13 - Feb 23, 2025
Starting at
3,899
Feb 26 - Mar 8, 2025
Starting at
3,899
Mar 5 - Mar 15, 2025
Starting at
3,899
Mar 13 - Mar 23, 2025
Starting at
3,899
Mar 21 - Mar 31, 2025
Starting at
3,899
Apr 24 - May 4, 2025
Starting at
3,899
May 11 - May 21, 2025
Starting at
3,499
Oct 15 - Oct 25, 2025
Starting at
3,499
Nov 4 - Nov 14, 2025
Starting at
3,899
Dec 3 - Dec 13, 2025
Starting at
3,899
Dec 11 - Dec 21, 2025
Starting at
3,899

At a Glance

What makes Costa Rica a paradise for enthusiastic birders? An unparalleled list of 600 avian species call this tropical nation home year round, while an estimated 294 species make an appearance during their annual migrations. Add to your birding life list as you join expert naturalists in Costa Rica’s northern habitats for explorations of the lowlands of Sarapiquí, the wetlands of Caño Negro National Park, the lush rainforests of Arenal Volcano National Park and a private refuge along the Gulf of Nicoya.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
This itinerary features early morning wake-up calls and multiple days with pre-breakfast birding activities. Walking up to three miles daily, over varied terrain in hot/humid conditions, long periods standing and extensive daily travel by bus. Elevations of 3,700 feet.
Micro Group
Micro Group
These adventures feature our smallest group size, with 12 participants or fewer.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Search for Keel-billed Toucans and the endangered Great-green macaw at the La Selva Biological Field Station.
  • Spot Mangrove Black Hawks and Mangrove Warblers on a boat ride through the mangrove swamps in the Gulf of Nicoya.
  • Discover why Caño Negro is one of the few nesting spots for the endangered Jabiru Stork.

General Notes

Maximum group size for this program is 12. All Road Scholar birding programs have a maximum participant-to-instructor ratio of 14:1 in the field. We adhere to the American Birding Association’s Code of Ethics. Learn more at http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
Roger Melendez
In the late 1980s, Costa Rican native Roger Melendez received both practical and theoretical training on the flora and fauna of his country at the La Selva field station of the Organization for Tropical Studies. He is a talented and experienced birder with an all-encompassing knowledge of tropical wildlife. Road Scholar participants have found Roger to be a charismatic leader who gives everyone personalized attention. He is a father of three and loves spending time outdoors with his family.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Roger Melendez
Roger Melendez View biography
In the late 1980s, Costa Rican native Roger Melendez received both practical and theoretical training on the flora and fauna of his country at the La Selva field station of the Organization for Tropical Studies. He is a talented and experienced birder with an all-encompassing knowledge of tropical wildlife. Road Scholar participants have found Roger to be a charismatic leader who gives everyone personalized attention. He is a father of three and loves spending time outdoors with his family.
Profile Image of Ivan Castillo
Ivan Castillo View biography
Ivan Castillo — a Costa Rican naturalist and avid birder — trained as a naturalist at the Organization for Tropical Studies La Selva Biological Research Station. He has a degree in sustainable tourism management from Costa Rica’s state university system. While growing up in the lowland rainforests of Sarapiqui, Costa Rica, Ivan's passion for nature developed early. Neotropical fauna and flora are what he loves and knows best. He has spent more than a decade leading ecotourism travelers and educating them on the region’s ecosystems.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Costa Rica, A Journey Through Nature
by Adrian Hepworth
Dividing the book by ecosystem and geographic area, BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Hepworth's color photographs showcase the diversity of Costa Rica's wildlife and habitats.
Nature of the Rainforest, Costa Rica and Beyond
by Adrian Forsyth, E.O. Wilson (Introduction), Michael Fogden (Photographer)
Our favorite biologist-writer returns to the Neotropics in this beautifully illustrated, oversized overview of the rainforest. With chapters on Monteverde and Guanacaste, plants, frogs and snakes, birds, monkeys and jaguars, the sloth, peculiar insects and biodioversity; A marvelous, anecdotal introduction to ecology, evolution and conservation.
Costa Rica Butterflies & Moths
by James Kavanagh
A handy, laminated fold-up card with color illustrations of Costa Rica’s more visible species of butterflies and moths. Includes the distinguishing markings or behaviors of each species.
A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica
by F. Gary Stiles, Alexander Skutch, Dana Gardner (Illustrator)
A masterfully researched and comprehensive field guide to the birds of Costa Rica, including an overview of geography, habitats and avifauna. Covers 800 species and features 52 color plates.
Costa Rica Birds
by James Kavanagh
A handy, laminated fold-up card with full-color illustrations of birds commonly found in Costa Rica. Great for kids, too.
The Monkey's Bridge, Mysteries of Evolution in Central America
by David Rains Wallace
Opening this absorbing account of the history and biogeography of the Central American isthmus with the tale of Columbus, Wallace weaves his own travels in the region with a crisp overview of exploration, nature and evolution. Natural history buffs and ecologically minded travelers will appreciate this valuable resource.
Costa Rican Spanish
by Lonely Planet
A pocket guide to understanding idioms, slang and Spanish as it is spoken by the Ticos.
National Geographic Costa Rica
by Christopher P. Baker
This stylish, informative and up-to-date travel resource features 200 photographs, many maps and good information on the country's history, nature and culture.
Costa Rica Reader: History, Culture, Politics
by Steven Palmer (Editor), Ivan Molina (Editor)
A lively, literate sourcebook on the politics, economy and society of Costa Rica
Costa Rica Adventure Map
by National Geographic
A double-sided map at a scale of 1:500,000.
Culture Smart! Costa Rica
by Jane Koutnik
A guide to local customs, etiquette and culture.
Wild Costa Rica
by Adrian Hepworth
This beautiful, informative survey of the habitats, wildlife and protected areas of Costa Rica features 200 color photographs and chapters on natural history and conservation.
The Birds of Costa Rica
by Richard Garrigues, Robert Dean (Illustrator)
Built for the field, this great guide includes multiple illustrations for 820 species of birds.
A Bird-Finding Guide to Costa Rica
by Barrett Lawson
With bird lists, directions, descriptions and lodges for 53 sites in Costa Rica.
Green Phoenix, Restoring Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, Costa Rica
by William Allen
The vivid tale of the creation of the Guanacaste Conservation Area in Northwest Costa Rica
Costa Rica, A Traveler's Literary Companion
by Barbara Ras
A wonderful introduction to the character of the people, culture and land, this anthology brings together 26 stories by Costa Rican writers.
Neotropical Rainforest Mammals, A Field Guide
by L.H. Emmons
Compact enough to slip into your daypack, this field guide to the mammals of Central and South American features 29 color plates of more than 200 species.
The Wildlife of Costa Rica, A Field Guide
by Twan Leenders, Robert Dean, Jim Zook, Fiona Reid
This guide includes 450 of the most common, interesting and charismatic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods that you are likely to encounter. Each has exquisite full-color illustrations.
Tropical Nature
by Adrian Forsyth, Ken Miyata
A lively, lucid portrait of the tropics as seen by two uncommonly observant and thoughtful field biologists. Its 17 marvelous essays introduce the habitats, ecology, plants and animals of the Central and South American rainforest
Costa Rican Wildlife
by Pocket Naturalist
Put it in your pocket! This handy, fold-up card includes color illustrations of dozens of typical birds, mammals and reptiles.





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