Talamancan Cloud Forest and Central Pacific Lowlands - 5 Day Birding Tour

Day 1: Savegre Mountain Hotel- Talamancan Cloud Forest

You will leave from your San José hotel 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 arrive here before noon, have lunch and an afternoon birding walk.
Night in Savegre Mountain Hotel. (L,D)

Day 2: Savegre Mountain Hotel- Talamancan Cloud Forest

You will have the entire day to birdwatch with your guide in this superb location. Right after breakfast you will concentrate on finding the Resplendent Quetzal, and then continue to explore the different areas in Savegre.  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 in Savegre Mountain Hotel.   (B,L,D)

Day 3: Carara National Park - Villa Lapas

Descending from the cool, misty mountains, you will pass through middle elevation life zones where we might spot Three-striped Warblers and Golden-crowned Warblers before reaching your next destination: Carara National Park. This preserved area marks the northern limit of Pacific lowland wet forest in Costa Rica and it is home to Scarlet Macaws, Baird's Trogons, Fiery-billed Aracaris, Yellow-billed Cotingas, and Orange-collared Manakins -- as just a sample of the hundreds of possible species. Your lodging for the next two nights will be at the Hotel Villa Lapas, situated in a narrow valley along a rippling stream just minutes from the reserve. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Carara National Park - Villa Lapas

You will have the entire day to birdwatch the variety of habitats found in the area. In addition to primary lowland wet forest, you'll explore the Tárcoles River to look for shorebirds and some mangrove specialties such as Mangrove Vireo, Scrub Flycatcher, Panama Flycatcher, and the endemic Mangrove Hummingbird. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Carara - Return to San José

You will have plenty more time to explore this bird-rich region of the country before having to return to San José, which is just 90 minutes away or to continue to your next tour location. (B)

Rates:
 1 person: US$1296
 2 persons: US$928/ person
 3 persons: US$792/person
 4 persons or more: US$726/ person
 
 Single Supplement: US$112
 
 Rates valid until April 30th 2008.

Includes:
2 Nights in Savegre Mountain Hotel (local guide the afternoon you arrive and the next full day)
2 Nights in Villa Lapas in Carara
Boat Birding Trip in Tárcoles River Mangroves (guided: visitors need to get to River Dock on their own-ask in advance if transport needs to be arranged-priced separately)
Meals as indicated in itinerary (B,L,D)
Private Transport from location to location
Could also include full trip private guide and private transport - please ask for pricing.
(NOTES: this trip is significantly more productive if private guide comes along)