Costa Rica with Easy Walking

On this 'Easy Walking' we aim to visit a representative sample of Costa Rica's biologically rich areas to give you a thrilling experience – ideal for the first time visitor, or for your first long-distance birding holiday. You will see a vast range of birdlife, including representatives of many exotic and colourful bird families which to date have only been pictures in the guidebook. This holiday will bring them to life! Other wildlife will include monkeys and sloths, lizards and crocodiles, harmless large rodents including Agouti, bats, amphibians, turtles and snakes, a vast range of butterflies and a wealth of flora; there are more than 1200 orchids in Costa Rica!

Each day we offer an early start to make the most of our time, and maximise our opportunities to see as many species as possible. As an option, owling excursions may be available in the evenings, although we often see these birds in daylight instead! Some nocturnal birds we might see include: Black and White Owl, Spectacled Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Pacific Screech-Owl, Central American Pygmy-Owl, Great Potoo, Short-tailed Nighthawk, Lesser Nighthawk, and Crested Owl. Each evening there will also be an optional meeting after dinner to go over the bird list. 

All our Costa Rican tours operate at a relaxed pace, though this itinerary is especially suitable for those who don't want to walk too far. Longer walks along forested trails are avoided wherever possible, and very short walks are the order of the day. We feature leisurely boat rides with easy access in several locations to get close to wildlife, and also utilise the many feeding stations at hotels and other places along the way, to guarantee a wonderful list of hummingbirds and other beautiful passerines. This is particularly appropriate at Paraiso Quetzal and Arenal Observatory, both of which feature fascinating feeder stations. At Arenal watch out for gorgeous Emerald Tanager among perhaps more than as dozen other 'open forest' species, and at Paraiso Quetzal many hummers including Green Violet-ear. Our friend Cope has a garden at his house which we will also visit to find new species on this very easy-going tour. 

You won't miss out, we expect a birdlist in excess of 300 species, and should also see three monkey species, both sloths, a variety of reptiles and amphibians, and interesting mammals such as Coatimundi. We utilise our vehicle to reach key places, and often will be very close to the bus so you can minimise walking. Porterage is available throughout, and you will tour Costa Rica in comfort and safety.

Enjoy your complimentary pre-flight overnight hotel before your holiday begins. Full details from our office! Read more about our Pre-flight Service here!

Day 1: Sat 8 February 2025 -  Depart London, arrive Costa Rica
After relaxing in our complimentary VIP Airport Lounge, we fly from London to San José to be met by our Guide and escorted to our hotel. San José is in the central valley of Costa Rica, where days are warm as an English summer, and nights can be pleasantly cool. Depending on our arrival time we may be able to relax with a gentle stroll in the lovely gardens. This is a good place to see Blue-crowned Motmot, Rufous-capped Warbler, Hoffman's Woodpecker, Baltimore Oriole, Buff-throated Saltator and our first kiskadees, parakeets, tanagers and hummingbirds. Our flight may have an evening arrival in which case we just relax and have dinner! Overnight Hotel Bougainvillea, San José.

Days 2 & 3: Sun 9 & Mon 10 February - Savegre
Another wonderful experience, as we travel to the misty highland cloud forest reserve at the Finca Mirador de Quetzales. We stay here for two nights, nestled in a quaint highland valley deep in the realm of the Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most sought-after birds of any trip to Costa Rica and a bird that many consider the most beautiful in tropical America. You have excellent chances of seeing this bird! We visit feeders at a number of places to boost our lists and obtain exceptional views of hummingbirds, tanagers, warblers, woodpeckers and woodcreepers, and take short walks, again with our vehicle in close attendance. Overnight Savegre Hotel.

Days 4 and 5: Tue 11 - Wed 13 February - Villa Lapas 
We drive to the edge of the Carara Biological Reserve on the banks of the Tárcoles River near the Pacific coast. After lunch at our hotel, we enjoy birding in the immediate vicinity, and hope to see Scarlet Macaw and Tiger Heron among many others. During our stay we visit Playa Azul and the surrounding area, an amazing place for shore birds and water birds as well as parrots, orioles, macaws and owls. On a boat trip along the Tárcoles River we expect an impressive variety of waterbirds and raptors, including Roseate Spoonbill, several species of heron, Anhinga, kingfishers, Crested Caracara, Mangrove Black Hawk and Mangrove Warbler to name a few. Depending on local tides, we may cruise to the very mouth of the river, where passage terns and waders congregate, or delve deep into the mangrove forest in the comfort of our motorised vessel, gently cruising the calm waterways and getting very close to birdlife. We should also experience excellent views of American Crocodiles as you travel through the mangroves, and see Nighthawks overhead as we conclude a memorable trip. Overnight Hotel Villa Lapas, where Scarlet Macaws fly over daily.

Day 6: Thur 14 February - Ensenada
A very different environment as we travel to Guanacaste to explore the tropical dry forests, marshlands, estuaries, and mangroves, characteristic to the northern Pacific region. This is a beautiful location on the Pacific coastline, and an ideal place to see waterbirds, raptors, and other species found only in this zone. In the wetlands, we are likely to see Snail Kite, Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, Boat-billed Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Limpkin, and several species of Kingfisher. Strolling through the semi-deciduous forest, we might see Turquoise-browed Motmot, Long-tailed Manakin, and several species of Parrot, Oriole, Cuckoo, Trogon, Jay, and Owl. Watch out for the large and fearless White-throated Magpie-Jays, which have a habit of raiding tables in the restaurant! Overnight La Ensenada Lodge.

Days 7 & 8: Fri 15 & Sat 16 February - Arenal Observatory 
We spend two nights in this spectacular area, and from our hotel can enjoy breath-taking views of the jungle-covered Arenal Volcano, often with great photo opportunities. This is a birding and wildlife hotspot and the extensive natural beauty will astound you. The bird feeders here are well worthy of an extended view, as regular visitors are changing places throughout the day and Coatimundi are common on the lawn below. Above the feeders, watching from the balcony, we might see an array of raptors, parrots and woodpeckers, and nearby gardens hold tanagers, warblers and hummingbirds. Emerald and Crimson-collared Tanager, White Hawk, Brown-hooded Parrot and Golden-olive Woodpecker are just a very few of the birds available here. One night, we may go owling in search of Black-and-White Owl and Mottled Owl in the hotel grounds. Overnight Arenal Observatory Lodge.

Day 9, 10 & 11: Sun 17, Mon 18 & Tue 19 February - Selva Verde
We spend the next three nights and two days around La Selva Biological Station run by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), a highlight of the tour. The station is among the four most famous tropical research facilities in the world, and we will see an outstanding abundance of wildlife. The station is home to more than 420 bird species, more than 500 species of butterflies, 55 species of snakes, and 120 species of mammals. This is a tremendous place for tinamous – three species inhabit La Selva. We will also be looking for Rufous Motmot, Trogons, Caciques, Purple-throated Fruit Crow and Snowy Cotinga among many others. Animals here are not camera shy and we might see peccaries (wild pig), agoutis, coatis, sloth, and monkeys. We enjoy gentle walking ahead of our vehicle, which will follow closely behind so walking is minimised. An unforgettable few days! Overnight Selva Verde Lodge.

Days 12 & 13: Wed 20 & Thur 21 February – Tortuguero NP
We travel by road and boat eastwards across the country to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean shore. Here we will explore the rich labyrinth of waterways by boat at dawn and dusk, with the opportunity to get close to Sungrebe, both toucans, all six American species of kingfisher, Neotropical River Otter, sloths, caiman, iguanas, poison-dart frogs, fresh-water turtles, basilisk lizards, the Honduran White tent-making bats, Morpho butterflies and three species of Costa Rican monkey. Excellent wildlife watching at leisure! This amazing and unforgettable area boasts 320 bird species, including Tiger Heron, Agami Heron and White-fronted Nunbird. Our easy pace allows time here for optional birding sessions around the grounds of the hotel and the adjacent beach. Overnight Laguna Lodge.

Day 14: Fri 22 February - Bougainvillea
We return to our very comfortable hotel in San José, birding on the way, for a farewell dinner and a final overnight, before transferring to the airport the next day. Overnight Hotel Bougainvillea, San José

Day 15: Sat 23 February - Depart to UK
Breakfast before departing for the airport to return home. We arrive in London on the morning of Day 16 ( Sun 24 February).

LOCAL FRUIT IN COSTA RICA
Tropical fruits in Costa Rica are exotic, flavourful, delicious and plentiful. Virtually all are locally grown, which generally means fruit is ripe and ready to eat. At breakfast and other mealtimes you might find bananas, pineapple, watermelon, mango and papaya on offer; please try them!

Many Costa Rican fruits are not found in Europe, and subject to availability Heatherlea will treat you to some of these as we travel, purchased directly from local sellers, washed and prepared for your delectation. Here are some, with local names in italics.

AVOCADO – but not as you might know it! These very large fruits are grown in the lowlands, and are wonderful when ripe and ready to eat. Often the outer skin just peels easily away, leaving soft and tender fruit.
MALAY APPLE/CUSTARD APPLE – ‘manzana de agua’. Two white, pulpy fruits which are a kind of mango, very sweet and tasty.
PERUVIAN GUAVA – 'guayaba'. Very small, red in colour.
STARFRUIT – ‘carambola’. Tart, though lovely in juice and also used in cooking and salads. Often fresh from the tree.
JAMAICAN PLUM – ‘jocote’. A very small kind of mango.
RAMBUTAN – 'mamon chino'. A large and refreshing lychee. Split in half to reveal the fruit, then suck from the stone inside.
MANGO/PASSION FRUIT - Nothing like at home, fresh and very tasty!
SOURSOP – ‘guanabana’. Large, green, and from the same family as ‘Custard Apple’.
CAS – Another local fruit from the guava family, sour to taste, though excellent when made into juices or jams.
DRAGON FRUIT – 'pitaya'. From an epiphyte cactus plant, bright pink outside and inside, juicy and mild in flavour, often used in ice cream.

What's included in your holiday price:

• scheduled return flights between London and San José, airport taxes,
• ground and boat transportation as outlined including all transportation in Costa Rica in a modern and spacious air-conditioned vehicle,
• accommodation and all meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Water is provided in the vehicle each day. Our guides also provide cold slices of mango and pineapple in very hot places!
• the services of your leaders.
• entrance fees to parks and reserves,  and tips to hotels and restaurants.
• departure taxes, currently USD29.
• The Heatherlea Pre-Flight Service offers everything you need at the airport, including hotels, car parking, airport lounges, regional flights, and upgrades. Let Heatherlea take the strain! Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge included subject to terms and conditions. Read more...

Free Field Guide! - 'Birds of Costa Rica' by Dale Dyer & Steve N.G. Howell, is included in your holiday price. One copy per room booked.

What's not included in your holiday price:

• personal insurance, personal expenses including drinks ordered at the lodges, visa costs where necessary, optional tips to the driver and local guide, and any other costs not specified as 'included'.

More holiday information:

Accommodation is in hotels or lodges with all rooms en suite. Some of the lodges are remote, and have simple-style rooms. All are spacious, have en-suite facilities, and are very comfortable to a good standard.
Food is usually served as a buffet, with a wide choice. Vegetarian and other diets are welcome.
Walking is generally light/moderate. 
Weather will be mixed. Mostly the temperature will be warm, with the possibility of rain. In some locations the weather is hot and humid, in others hot and dry, and at altitude can be cool and wet.
Insects There are biting insects, though not usually as a major problem.
Group size is restricted to 12 clients maximum.
Flights are from London. We may be able to offer flight arrangements from another airport and/or or quote without flights so you can make your own arrangements. If you wish to add an extension either before or after your holiday, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange this for you.
Telescopes & Optics: Binoculars are a must, and a telescope would be useful. Your Heatherlea guide and local guide will have telescopes available for your viewing but to make the most of the busy hotspots a scope would be advantageous. Please note, those clients that wish to Digi-scope must bring their own telescopes as the guide telescope is for standard viewing only. There can be excellent opportunities around the feeders at both locations, also on many of our field trips. If you are a serious photographer, please note this is predominately a birding holiday, and opportunities will be limited by bird watching considerations.