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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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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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 trip experts
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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.
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