Caribbean Foothills and Talamancan Cloud Forest - 5 Day Birding Tour

Day 1: Rancho Naturalista - Caribbean Foothills You will leave from a San José area hotel and drive into the lush green valleys of the Orosi area until you reach the famous Rancho Naturalista on the edges of a lush pre-mountain rain forest in the Caribbean zone at 3000 feet. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded by guests locally. Rancho Naturalista is nowadays the best spot to see the Snowcap (Microchera alborocoronata). This afternoon enjoy the numerous species that come near the balcony of the main lodge: Snowcap, White-necked Jacobin, Green Thorntail, Black-crested Coquette, White-lined Tanager, Brown Jay, and White-throated Crake, just to mention a few. You will for sure enjoy your two nights in Rancho Naturalista. Birding is wonderful here! (L,D)

Day 2: Rancho Naturalista - Caribbean Foothills

Early in the morning your guide will be waiting for you on the main lodge's balcony, a good fresh cup of coffee will be ready for you. At around 7 a.m. you will enjoy breakfast and then begin your hike through the different trails on the property. Lunch back in the lodge. More birding in the afternoon in some of the surrounding areas of the lodge.
Night in Rancho Naturalista. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Savegre Mountain Hotel- Savegre Cloudforest

Early birding from the balcony. Breakfast and depart towards San Gerardo de Dota, a small community in the Talamanca Mountains in the midst of a precious ecosystem, the Tropical Cloudforest, filled with massive oaks and other native species. The woods serve as a sanctuary for a large number of mammals and innumerable species of insects, amphibians, amazing plants and of course, the abundant beautiful birds. The Savegre Cloudforest is definitely a paradise for birdwatchers, where the Resplendent Quetzal can be seen all year around and hummingbirds fly everywhere. A few birds include: White-throated Mountain-gem, Volcano Hummingbird, Scintillant Hummingbird, Collared Trogon, Acorn Woodpecker, Yellow-thighed Finch, Dark Pewee, Emerald Toucanet, Sulphur-winged Parakeet, Dusky Nightjar, and Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl. You will be arriving at this destination before noon, have lunch and then an afternoon birding walk. Night at Savegre Mountain Hotel.  (B,L,D)

Day 4: Savegre Mountain Hotel- Savegre Cloudforest

You will have the entire day to bird with your guide in this excellent location. Right after breakfast you will concentrate on finding the Resplendent Quetzal, and then continue to explore the different areas in the Savegre Valley. Some more birds include: Yellowish Flycatcher, Flame-throated Warbler, Barred Becard, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Wren thrush, Torrent Tyrannulet, Spangled-cheeked Tanager, Black-thighed Grosbeak, and Large-footed Finch.
Night at Savegre Mountain Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Savegre - Return to San José

You will have plenty more time to explore this bird hot spot of the country before having to return to San José, which is just 2 hours away or you can proceed to one of our other tours instead. (B)

Rates:
1 person: US$1366
2 persons: US$1019 / person
3 persons: US$889 / person
4 persons or more: US$819 / person.

Single Supplement: US$219
 
Rates valid until April 30th 2008
 
Includes:
2 Nights in Rancho Naturalista.
2 Nights in Savegre Mountain Hotel.
Meals as indicated in itinerary (B,L,D).
Birding guided walks with bilingual guides at locations as noted.
Private Transport from location to location.
Could also include full trip private guide and private transport - please ask for pricing.