Caribbean Foothills and Talamancan Cloud Forest - 5 Day Birding Tour

Day 1: La Selva Biological Station - Caribbean Lowlands

You'll leave from your San José hotel and drive into the warm and humid Caribbean lowlands where we'll spend two nights at the La Selva Biological Station. The more than 60 kilometers of excellent trails provide unparalleled access to tropical rain forest habitat that is home to such species as Great Tinamou, Great Curassow, Great Potoo and Great Ant shrike -- what can we say, it's "great" birding! (L,D)

Day 2: La Selva Biological Station - Caribbean Lowlands

An entire day to explore La Selva in search of the regionally endemic Rufous-winged Woodpecker, Snowy Cotinga, Stripe-breasted Wren, and Nicaraguan Seed-Finch, along with other tropical denizens including Keel-billed Toucan, Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, Collared Aracari, Oscillated Ant bird, Cinnamon Woodpecker, Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker, Bay Wren, Black-throated Wren, Yellow-tailed Oriole, Plain Tanager, and more.

Please note that La Selva is not a luxury tourist accommodation, but rather a tropical biological research station that allows natural history visitors the privilege of using the facility. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Savegre Mountain Hotel- Savegre Cloudforest

Early birding before breakfast. 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, lunch and afternoon birding walk.
Night in Savegre Mountain Hotel.  (B,L,D)

Day 4: 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 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 continue on to the next tour location. (B)

Rates:
1 person: US$1172
2 persons: US$822 / person
3 people: US$696 / person
4 persons or more: US$633 / person
 
Single Supplement: US$134

Rates valid until April 30th 2008.
 
Includes:
2 Nights in La Selva Biological Station (local guide one full day)
2 Nights in Savegre Mountain Hotel (local guide the afternoon you arrive and the next full day)
Meals as indicated in itinerary (B,L,D)
Private Transport from location to location
Could also include full trip private professional birding guide and private transport - please ask for pricing