Tailormade Holidays in Costa Rica

Tour Code: TCRI

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Sample Itineraries

Create your own Tailormade holiday to Costa Rica with dates and an itinerary to suit you. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

When to Go

Good Time to Go

January to April, October to December

Best Time to Go

January to April, December

Speak to a Costa Rica expert

Paul Stanbury

Operations Manager

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

Savegre
Carara National Park
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Arenal Volcano
+5 more

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Summary

Costa Rica has coastlines on both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and forest types ranging from lush, moss-draped cloud forest in the highlands to dense tropical rainforest and dry deciduous woodland in the lowlands. It boasts marshes, rivers, mangroves and even subalpine páramo – all of which are bursting with life and packed into a country less than half the size of England. For a country of this size, Costa Rica boasts one of the richest avifaunas in the world, with over 850 species recorded – a consequence of its wide range of habitats and special geographical location on the narrow isthmus of land that joins North and South America. Here, it’s guaranteed that birders will be in their absolute element! However, a wealth of other wildlife also occurs in Costa Rica, from nesting sea turtles to noisy Mantled Howler Monkeys, snoozing Three-toed Sloths and an untold number of amphibians and invertebrates to excite the all-round naturalist. Costa Rica is also perhaps the safest Central American destination, and English is widely spoken, making it a natural choice for families and those who are less accustomed to more adventurous styles of travel. With so much wildlife, beautiful scenery, beaches and a peace-loving people it is perhaps no wonder that Costa Ricans invariably feature amongst the happiest people in the world and affectionately refer to themselves as ‘Ticos’, a colloquial term that purveys a sense of warmth, affection and open-heartedness.

Our Locations

The Savegre Valley is a part of the larger Cerro de la Muerte Highlands and can be easily accessed by road from Costa Rica’s capital city, San José. Unlike the well-known Monteverde Reserve, the cloudforests of Savegre attract far fewer tourists yet still boast an abundance of birdlife, including the Resplendent Quetzal, often touted as the most beautiful bird in the world! Other sought-after species in the area include Fiery-throated, Volcano and Magnificent Hummingbirds, Flame-throated Warbler and numerous colourful tanagers. On the higher slopes, cloudforests give way to páramo, a habitat more typically associated with the Andes of South America and which has a different set of bird and plant species that are well worth investigation.

Panamanian White-faced Capuchin, Costa Rica shutterstock_1013561362.jpg

Manuel Antonio National Park, located on the central Pacific coast, is one of Costa Rica’s most popular national parks. Spanning over 16 square kilometres of pristine wildlife habitat, Manuel Antonio covers a diverse range of ecosystems, from lush rainforests to pristine white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs. The combination of terrestrial and marine environments contributes to an exceptionally high level of biodiversity. Arboreal mammals are plentiful here, including mischievous Panamanian White-faced Capuchins, Central American Squirrel Monkeys, and both species of sloth. Birding can be productive, with more than 100 species possible in a single morning. Notable highlights may include White-crested Coquette, Fiery-billed Aracari, Spot-crowned Euphonia and Turquoise Cotinga, among others. For those seeking relaxation at the end of their holiday, this is a fantastic location in which to unwind.

Snowcap Hummingbird, Costa Rica shutterstock_1031784541.jpg

Turrialba is a city and canton situated in the eastern segment of Costa Rica's Cartago Province, renowned for its close proximity to the Turrialba Volcano, one of the country's most active. Although the volcano experiences periodic eruptions, volcanic activity can be safely observed from a distance and eruptions are closely monitored by experts. The Turrialba Valley is a picturesque landscape characterised by majestic mountains, meandering rivers and abundant greenery. The valley's fertile soil supports a diverse array of flora and fauna, with many species that are difficult to see elsewhere, making for an excellent wildlife stopover.

Accommodation in Turrialba

Rancho Naturalista

Details

The enchanting region of Boca Tapada is located in northern Costa Rica, near the border with Nicaragua and close to the San Carlos River. This captivating area boasts vast stretches of lush lowland rainforest and serves as an important wildlife corridor. The region is a key nesting site for the critically endangered Great Green Macaw – one of the largest parrot species in the world – which feeds on the seeds of native Dipteryx trees. With an additional 400 plus species gracing the forests, there is plenty to entice the keen birder. Yet the jungle is home to much more wildlife besides, including enigmatic mammals and a wide variety of herpetofauna. Additionally, this part of Costa Rica remains largely untouched by tourists, offering the serious naturalist a quieter and more serene retreat.

Resplendent Quetzal shutterstock_551809153.jpg

Accommodation in Talamanca Mountains

Savegre Mountain Lodge

Details

Baird's Tapir, Corcovado, Costa Rica shutterstock_1175457052.jpg

In the far south of the country the Corcovado National Park makes up about a third of the entire area of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica’s most remote wildlife haven. Corcovado’s extensive tracts of primary rainforest harbour over 350 species of bird and seven species of cat including Jaguar, Ocelot and Puma which, although difficult to see, make wildlife excursions all the more exhilarating! The miles of beautiful rainforest-fringed tropical beaches are another important nesting site for sea turtles, principally Olive Ridley and Green Turtles, while Scarlet Macaws are regularly to be seen overhead. The nearby Caño Island is an excellent spot for snorkelling and diving, and the Gulf of Dulce hosts both Northern and Southern Hemisphere populations of Humpback Whale, the former from December to April and the latter from June to October.

Accommodation in Corcovado National Park & the Osa Peninsula

Drake Bay Wilderness Lodge

Details

Las Cruces forms part of the larger La Amistad Biosphere Reserve and is one of the least-explored parks in the whole of Central America. This is certainly not on the usual tourist trail and will suit extremely keen naturalists and birders, in particular those looking for a unique and remote experience. The only place to stay is Las Cruces Biological Station which is an active research centre for tropical studies and this gives guests the chance to mingle with research scientists. There’s an excellent canopy tower and despite its remoteness the bedrooms have private bathrooms, comfy beds and balconies. Some of the exciting species that are possible here include Turquoise Cotinga, Fiery-billed Aracari, Charming Hummingbird, Brown-billed Scythebill, Golden-naped Woodpecker and Crested Oropendula … birders will surely be in their element!

Black-cheeked Ant-tanager, Costa Rica shutterstock_566910931.jpg

The Piedras Blancas National Park is one of the few remaining tracts of primary rainforest in southern Costa Rica and offers excellent Pacific slope birding. One of the most exciting possibilities is the endemic Black-cheeked Ant-tanager and there are also a number of near endemics (species that just extend into Panama) such as the Yellow-billed Cotinga, Spot-crowned Euphonia and Black-hooded Antshrike. This is one of the best all-round birding sites in the whole of Costa Rica, attracting, as it does, species from both North and South America. The scenery is outstanding and there are many kilometres of excellent trails which pass beautiful waterfalls and meandering rivers. The best place to stay here is the Esquinas Rainforest Lodge, a simple but wonderfully located lodge with lush tropical gardens and a small pool.

Accommodation in Piedras Blancas National Park

Esquinas Rainforest Lodge

Details

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, Tortuguero Shutterstock 87540475

The north-eastern flooded forests of Tortuguero National Park are just a short drive from San José – a scenic journey that winds for a couple of hours past mountains and volcanoes before descending through the tropical rainforest of the Caribbean slope. Tortuguero can only be explored by boat, via its network of flooded rivers and narrow waterways, and gently weaving through this flooded forest is an experience in itself. Amongst the range of intriguing wildlife here is the bizarre Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, plus Mantled Howler and Geoffroy's Spider Monkeys, Spectacled Caiman and Neotropical River Otter as well as a host of lizards, river turtles and Costa Rica’s ubiquitous plethora of birds. The beaches here are an important nesting site for three species of sea turtle: both Green and Hawksbill Turtles nest between July and October, while huge Leatherback Turtles visit the beaches from February to April.

Accommodation in Tortuguero National Park

Laguna Lodge

Details

Great Curassow, Costa Rica shutterstock_1299789730.jpg

The Sarapiqui region and the Braulio Carrillo National Park are located on the Caribbean slope of the central volcanic corridor north-east of San José. The region is clothed in luxuriant tropical rainforest and is home to a great diversity of life including 530 species of bird and 135 species of mammal! The La Selva Biological Station is the key site to visit here, and from it a good network of trails provides access to the 1,500-hectare reserve and an excellent opportunity to see a wide variety of birds including Great Currasow, Sungrebe, Great Green Macaw and Purple-throated Fruitcrow. The nearby Virgen del Socorro waterfall is another excellent area for mid-elevation species, especially hummingbirds, tanagers and mixed warbler flocks.

Accommodation in Sarapiqui & Braulio Carrillo National Park

Selva Verde Lodge

Details

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica shutterstock_120147223

The Arenal Volcano is a beautifully symmetrical cone that towers above the town of La Fortuna in the central northern highlands. Although it has been very active, at the time of writing, Arenal has been dormant for several years with no indication if or when it might start up again. Despite this, the area remains a pleasant place to stop for a night or two and its hot springs are a great place to soothe away any aches after a day’s birding on the many trails through the surrounding mid-elevation forest! The comfortable Arenal Observatory Lodge is one of the only lodges offering clear views of the summit of Arenal and is our recommended place to stay.

Accommodation in Arenal Volcano

Arenal Observatory Lodge

Details

Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s best known wildlife locations. The reserve straddles both the Pacific and Atlantic slopes at an average altitude of 1,400 metres and offers six distinct ecological zones and an exceptional biodiversity. Over 320 species of birds, 100 species of mammals, and in excess of 2,000 plant species have been recorded here … and that’s not to mention the invertebrates! Monteverde is also known as one of the best places to see Resplendent Quetzal – present here from January to July. Another highlight is the ‘hummingbird gallery’ near the reserve’s entrance where many species come to feed, including the spectacular Violet Sabrewing. The Three-wattled Bellbird is another sought-after species, while nocturnal birds such as Dusky Nightjar and mammals like the Prehensile-tailed Tree Porcupine may be seen on night-time spotlighting forays.

Accommodation in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens

Details

Scarlet Macaw shutterstock_1070879243.jpg

Carara protects one of the few areas of pristine lowland tropical forest left on the Pacific slope. As well as lush primary rainforest, it holds areas of secondary forest and scrub, wetlands, mudflats and mangrove thickets, each of which has its own range of species. Boat-billed Heron, Fiery-billed Aracari, Northern Royal Flycatcher and Turquoise Cotinga are just a few of the many avian highlights on offer. There is also a huge diversity of insects, amongst these the striking Blue Morpho butterfly, plus an interesting range of reptiles and amphibians which include the famous Common Basalisk or ‘Jesus Lizard’, so named for its ability to run on water! A boat trip around the mangroves and mudflats of the Tarcoles Estuary adds diversity, and at the end of the day we’d recommend watching from the nearby Tarcoles Bridge as the Scarlet Macaws fly in from the forest to their night-time roosts.

Accommodation in Carara National Park

Villa Lapas

Details

Crystal-clear turquoise water complementing palm-fringed, golden sand beaches – this is the draw of Punta Uva. Situated on the Caribbean coast, between the towns of Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo, the small fishing village of Punta Uva offers a postcard-perfect tropical paradise, combining rich natural and cultural heritage with a breathtaking coastline. The local Afro-Caribbean community inspires delicious cuisine, exquisite artworks and a laid-back vibe, while a shallow reef just offshore makes for some exceptional snorkelling. All of this, combined with wildlife-rich verdant forest and top hospitality, makes Punta Uva an excellent destination to cap off a wildlife adventure.

View Map

View key locations on the map.

Sample Itineraries

A classic itinerary visiting some of Costa Rica’s best wildlife and most bird-rich locations.

Day

Depart UK; arrive San José

Days

2 - 4

Savegre

Days

5 - 6

Carara National Park

Days

7 - 8

Arenal Volcano

Days

9 - 11

Sarapiqui and Braulio Carrillo National Park

Day

Depart San José

Day

Arrive London

13 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Optionally Extend Your Holiday:

Experience flooded forests and search for nesting sea turtles on Caribbean beaches

Days

12 - 14

Tortuguero National Park

Day

Depart San Jose

Day

Arrive UK

If you’re seeking a little extra excitement this is the perfect itinerary that ventures off the tourist trail to Costa Rica’s remote south.

Day

Depart UK; arrive San José

Days

2 - 4

Piedras Blancas National Park

Days

5 - 6

Las Cruces Biological Station

Days

7 - 9

Corcovado National Park and Osa Peninsula

Day

San José

Day

Depart San José

Day

Arrive London

12 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Optionally Extend Your Holiday:

Option 1 – add a few nights at the relaxing and accessible Savegre Mountain Lodge

Days

11 - 13

Savegre Mountain Lodge

Day

Depart San Jose

Day

Arrive UK

Option 2 – experience flooded forests and search for nesting sea turtles on Caribbean beaches

Days

11 - 13

Tortuguero National Park

Day

Depart San Jose

Day

Arrive UK

Reviews

C.J., Oxfordshire, Apr 2026

“The service was absolutely first class, we couldn’t have asked for more help from the office. All the lodges that we stayed in were well above our expectations, beautiful locations, high standard. The guides were all incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and helped us to understand the country and its wildlife. I would give it 6 stars if I could. It really was the holiday of a lifetime.”

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The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

Good quality local naturalist guides are available at most of our selected lodges and hotels. However, should you require a dedicated expert birding guide to accompany you throughout your holiday we will be pleased to arrange this for you.

When to Visit

As a tropical destination, rain is possible at any time of the year. Temperatures do not change much throughout the year, but they do vary with altitude, the higher elevations being distinctly cooler than the hot and humid lowlands and coastal zones. It is possible to visit throughout the year although the best season for birding is between December and April, and this period also coincides with the drier time of year, particularly on the Pacific side of the country. October and November are also possible, but outside these two periods, the country sees considerable rainfall and the mountains are invariably clothed in cloud.

Getting Around

Costa Rica is a small country in which travel is mostly by road using a car or a minibus (depending on your numbers). There is seldom any need to travel for more than a few hours at a time, meaning holiday itineraries can be conducted at a relaxed pace. The Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula is one notable exception to this rule and requires a little extra effort to reach.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!