Known for its incredible biodiversity, Costa Rica is truly a paradise for bird watchers. Home to nearly 900 species of birds, this small Central American country offers an unparalleled birding experience that attracts enthusiasts from all over the world.
For the avid birder seeking a luxury birding experience, the country offers a range of top class accommodations, complete with guided tours in order to combine comfort with exceptional wildlife and bird viewing opportunities.
This comprehensive guide will give you a deep insight on some of the high-end resorts and lodges in Costa Rica, which will ensure you have a comfortable stay and spectacular birding as well.
Hotel Bougainvillea
The Hotel Bougainvillea located in the Heridia Province, has become a favorite starting point for birders and nature lovers visiting Costa Rica as guests find the gardens relaxing and a paradise for a wide array of bird species.
The ten acres of carefully tended Costa Rican trees and numerous species of orchids and cacti gardens are full of radiant hummingbirds, typical to this part of Costa Rica.
The bird species one can expect to spot at the start of the trip itself are Brown Jay, Orchard Oriole, White-Eared Ground Sparrow, and the Ferruginous Pygmy Owl.
You can book this hotel or many other top birding lodges or even guided birding tours with reputed providers such as Naturetrek.
Osa Peninsula
Located in the southwestern part of Costa Rica, the Osa Peninsula and the Corcovado National Park which occupies a significant portion of the peninsula, are often referred to as the crown jewel of the country.
There are over 400 different bird species found here, which include the Scarlet Macaw, Harpy Eagle and the Black-Cheeked-Ant- Tanager, which is an endemic species.
The luxurious Lapa Rios Ecolodge offers a number of guided bird tours to spot some other iconic species such as Chestnut-Mandibled-Toucan, Scarlet Macaw and the Blue and Yellow Macaw.
Tortuguero Canals
The Tortuguero Canals are a mecca for birders who are keen on aquatic bird species. Accessible only by boat, the canals and waterways are home to some iconic birds such as Jabiru, Boat-billed Heron and Spoonbill.
For a still better experience, one can stay at any of the top five star properties, Manatus Lodge or Tortuguero Lodge for a luxurious stay and take guided birding tours in company of a knowledgeable naturalist.
The lodges offer guided birding tours by boat as well as on foot.Their prime location provides easy access to spot the diverse bird life of the park.
Arenal Observatory Lodge
This stunning property is located near the Arenal Volcano and offers its guests some of the most breathtaking views of Lake Arenal and the dense rainforests surrounding it.
As many as 400 bird species have been recorded here, making it a major attraction for bird lovers from all corners of the globe.
The expert guides of the lodge will take you deep inside the forest in quest of star species like the Resplendent Quetzal, Keel-billed Toucan and the Blue-Crowned Motmot.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy a hot thermal bath at the Springs Resort & Spa, a very high class property that also offers birding tours in the surrounding areas.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is considered to be one of the most iconic of all cloud forests in the world, and it is hard not to understand why.
The unique high altitude environment and high humidity has created an ideal habitat for some of the rarest birds in the world including the Black-Faced Solitaire, Three-Wattled Bellbird and the striking Orange-Bellied Toucan.
For a comfortable and luxurious stay Fonda Vela Hotel or the Monteverde Lodge & Gardens can enhance not only your stay, but the overall Costa Rican birding experience as well as the lodge’s tranquil gardens are home to a number of bird species.
La Selva Biological Station
The La Selva Biological Station is an important center of research, located in the tropical low-land rainforest of Sarapiqui.
The station's primary and secondary forests are home to more than 500 bird species, the most one can find in any one region in Costa Rica. Some good sightings of Great Green Macaw, Rufous-tailed Jacamar and Snowy Cotinga have been reported here.
There are some excellent eco-friendly lodges in close proximity to the biological station such as Selva Verde Lodge and Paciate Lodge which offer guests a luxurious stay and make for an ideal base for birdwatching.
Carara National Park
Located along the central Pacific coast, the Carara National Park is a zone of dry forests of the North and the humid rainforests of the south.
This unique environment supports a rich diversity of birds including the Scarlet Macaw, Royal Flycatcher and the Orange-Collared Manakin, and some other drivers bird species.
If you want to combine your birdwatching with luxury, then one can opt to stay at the Villa Caletas and take part in guided birding tours at the nearby Tarcoles River, known for some excellent Scarlet Macaw sightings.
Rancho Naturalista
Located in the Turrialba region of Costa Rica, Rancho Naturalista is a prime private bird watching destination The ranch and the prime habitat surrounding it are home to as many as 450 bird species like the Snowcap Hummingbird, Lovely Cotinga and the impressive Tawny-Chested Flycatcher.
The renowned Rancho Naturalista Lodge offers luxury stay options and expert led birding tours in the surrounding area and other birding hotspots.
Moreover, the feeders placed along the trails provide an excellent opportunity to view a variety of bird species from close quarters.
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is located in the northern part of the country. The refuge is basically a wetland sanctuary that has become a home for a diverse range of bird species which can be seen especially during the dry season.
Some good birds you can tick off here are the Jabiru, Sungrebe and the Nicaraguan Grackle.
There is an excellent high+end lodge located nearby in the Tenorio Volcano National Park in a boutique hotel by the name of Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel. Apart from the stylish rooms the resort conducts regular guided tours to the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, making it the perfect base for birding.
Savegre Lodge
This is a luxurious property located high in the Talamanca Mountains, and a true gem for birders. This high-end birding destination is home to nearly 200 bird species and provides surreal views of the surrounding cloud forest from all parts of the lodge.
Savegre Lodge is also a haven for spotting some rare species like the Resplendent Quetzal, Black-Billed-Nightingale-Thrush as well as the Volcano Hummingbird.
Hotel Punta Islita
The ultra luxurious Hotel Punta Islita is located on the Nicoya Peninsula and offers wonderful views of the coastline as well as the surrounding rainforest.
There are over 150 bird species that have been recorded here notably the Orange Fronted Parakeet, White-Throated-Magpie-Jay and the Fiery-Billed-Aracari.
