Wild Latitudes

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Costa Rica

Birding in a Neotropical Wonderland

Interested in this tour?

Wild Latitudes is thrilled to offer a tour to Costa Rica! This country is a naturalist’s paradise and a shining example of ecotourism at its best. This amazing trip’s highlights are the Monteverde Cloud Forest and the unique canals of Tortuguero National Park. You’ll get rich experiences across a diverse array of habitats in Costa Rica, from coast to coast.


Tour Highlights

 Searching for the Resplendent Quetzal in the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

 Experiencing the amazing cacophany of tropical birds singing their dawn chorus.

 Exploring the waterways of Tortuguero National Park.

MonteverdeSarapiquiLiberiaTortugueroCOSTARICAN

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Arrival to Liberia

Meet your guides at the airport and transfer to the lodge for dinner and rest. Welcome to Costa Rica!


Day 2: Morning birding and travel to Monteverde

Bird the coastal region in the morning, looking for waders, flycatchers, and the White-throated Magpie-Jay. Travel to the cloud forest of Monteverde in the afternoon.


Day 3: Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest

Spend the day birding Monteverde's cloud forests, with chances to see the Resplendent Quetzal and Three-wattled Bellbird. Visit preserves and local gems for a diverse birding experience.


Day 4: Further exploration of Monteverde Cloud Forest

Continue birding Monteverde's forests and gardens. Look for toucans, hummingbirds, and many species of tanagers.


Day 5: Travel to SarapiquĂ­

Journey from Monteverde to the lowlands of SarapiquĂ­, stopping for scenic views along the way. Arrive at the lodge with time for evening birding.


Day 6: La Selva Biological Station

Bird La Selva Biological Station, known for its rich biodiversity and over 500 bird species. Visit Laguna Hule and La Cinchona in the afternoon for more birding and scenic views.


Day 7: Travel to Tortuguero

Morning birding at Nectar & Pollen Reserve before taking a water taxi to the village of Tortuguero. Explore the town at your own pace in the evening.


Day 8: Explore Tortuguero National Park

Spend the day exploring Tortuguero’s canals by boat, searching for birds like Agami Heron and American Pygmy-Kingfisher. Visit a local chocolate maker for a demonstration and tasting.


Day 9: Further exploration of Tortuguero National Park

Continue exploring Tortuguero by boat and on foot, with chances to see Great Green Macaws and possibly a Jaguar.


Day 10: Return to the mainland and journey to San José

Take the water taxi back to the mainland and travel to San José, stopping for lunch and birding along the way. Final dinner together as a group at the hotel.


Day 11: Departures

Goodbyes and flights home or onward to other destinations.

COST: $4,995

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1,195

START DATE: Mar 29, 2026

DURATION: 11 days

GROUP SIZE: Up to 14

TRIP FOCUS: Birding

ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate




WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Guiding services
  • Double-occupancy lodging
  • Ground and water transportation
  • Breakfasts and lunches
  • Excursions and park fees


Get the brochure for this tour

The PDF brochure includes:

  • A detailed itinerary
  • Tour Map
  • Registration Info



YOUR GUIDES

Chris Payne grew up in rural Pennsylvania with two naturalists for parents, so he has been immersed in the natural world his entire life. Once he discovered the world of birds, he was hooked. After graduating with a degree in biology, he pieced together bird-related field work for several years before returning to school to work on an M.S. in biology. Leading nature tours is the best of both worlds for Chris: getting to work in nature surrounded by birds, but more importantly, getting to share that passion with others.

Rebecca Payne has always been avidly curious about the natural world. What started out as exploring the backyard of her childhood home led to an interest in exotic animals. While completing her B.A. in Zoo and Wildlife Biology, she was surrounded by teachers and mentors who nurtured her love for all things birds and birding. For several years, Rebecca worked in zoos across the country as an aviculturist, participating in breeding programs for endangered species, bird shows, and public outreach. Through these experiences, she discovered that her true passion lies in teaching others and fostering meaningful connections between people and wildlife. Rebecca has enjoyed many fulfilling teaching roles, from New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory, to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, to Pennsylvania State Parks. All the while, she has had her binoculars in hand, using birds and avian ecology to bring people closer to nature.

If you love nature travel, you’re in good hands with us

How We Travel

We gauge the success of a tour on how well it was enjoyed by all. Providing a rich, rewarding experience for each individual is our top priority. Our tours generally have an easy pace so that everyone gets to experience all a region has to offer.

We create a friendly, non-competitive atmosphere that encourages tour participants to help each other in the field. Just as safety and comfort are cornerstones of our tours, so are humor and the simple joy of learning. The good cheer and camaraderie on our tours often inspire post-trip get-togethers and new, life-long friendships.

Our Focus

We’re crazy about birds, but they are only part of the story.

Our tours offer a holistic experience by taking the time to appreciate all of the animals we encounter– including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. They all interact and play vital roles in their ecosystems. We also take time on our tours to explore the plants and geology of the regions we visit.

Fostering a deeper understanding of new cultures is one of our goals. On your tour, you’ll taste exotic cuisine and hear local music. You’ll have time to peruse the market, stroll through villages, and share stories with the people you meet.

Protecting the Wild

Ecotourism is a powerful tool for protecting the wild regions of the world. For example, parts of Uganda are now devoted to the conservation of the Mountain Gorilla. Though still endangered, ecotourism has pulled this species back from the precipice of extinction.

We aim to make a positive conservation impact wherever we travel. We often use local guides and stay in small, locally-owned lodges. On every trip, we donate to a local conservation organization that works to protect a native species or ecosystem. When you travel with Wild Latitudes you are helping to protect wild places and the amazing species that call them home.

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