Costa Rica has carved a reputation as an outdoor lover’s paradise. The Central American nation, known as the birthplace of canopy tours/zip lining, is also a top destination for birdwatchers.
Visitors can see more than 900 species across the country at top birding spots, including the following five, which are part of a 13-day birdwatching tour offered by NTA tour operator member Costa Rica Travel Excellence.
Maquenque Eco Preserve
The preserve is home to more than 400 species, including scarlet macaws, the endangered great green macaws, toucans and a number of migratory birds.
San Gerardo de Dota
The only spot in Costa Rica listed in “50 Places to Go Birding Before You Die,” San Gerardo has more than 170 species, including many that are endemic to the zone near the cloud forest.
Selva Bananito Reserve
An early morning walk with one of Selva Bananito’s experts takes birders to see orioles, kingfishers, toucans, trogons and many other species.
Selva Verde Rainforest Lodge and Reserve
This site is part of the recently created Costa Rican Bird Route, a group of 12 sites in the San Juan-La Selva Biological Corridor.
Turrialba and Irazu volcanoes
The higher altitudes in this area allow visitors to see a different species, ranging from the flame-throated warbler to volcano juncos and timberline wrens.
For more information, email Costa Rice Travel Excellence Carlos Blanco or go to travelexcellence.com.
Top photo: Scarlet Macaw
Photo by CC Flickr/ryanacandee: bit.ly/2FvBGDC
