The Costa Rica Experience II
17-25 October 2026 (tentative)
Back again! This time in Costa Rica, we’re blending a mix of family-owned reserves, research stations, and classic birding locales at the peak of hawk migration.
Partners:
Cost: $2,795
Length: 9 days
Dates: 18-26 October 2025
Size: 8 people
Activity Level: Moderate
On this new tour, led by co-op board member Cedar Stanistreet together with local guides from Birding Experiences Costa Rica, we’ll head eastward from the central valley, birding a variety of habitats down towards the Caribbean. Since Costa Rica hosts an impressive number of migrating raptors in October, we’ll spend some time looking up at the sky as well!
Costa Rica has a diverse array of birding lodges, reserves, and parks, and on this tour we’ll get a taste of some of the behind the scenes work that supports it all. We’ll help with trail work, connect with the communities around these birding sites, and be immersed in the amazing nature and birds.


And yes, there will be birds!
As we experience the diverse habitats and communities in Costa rica, we will also target some highly sought-after species, led by an expert guide from our partner organization, Birding Experiences Costa Rica.
Some of the amazing birdlife we’ll be looking for on this tour include Keel-billed Toucan, Snowcap, Sunbittern, Bare-necked Umbrellabird, and a huge variety of Hummingbirds, Tanagers, Antbirds, Woodcreepers, and more.


Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in San Jose, stay overnight in the Central Valley
Day 2: Early departure, birding the grounds of Hotel Quelitales and then continuing on to Reserva El Copal.
Day 3: Full day of birding at El Copal
Day 4: 2nd full day at El Copal, birding and learning about trail maintenance
Day 5: Early morning at El Copal, then heading down to the Caribbean foothills
Day 6: Full day at Centro Manu
Day 7: 2nd day at Centro Manu, as well as connecting with the local community
Day 8: Early departure to spend the day birding at La Selva Biological Station
Day 9: Say goodbyes, fly home
Cost:
The cost per person for this trip is $2,795, based on a group size of 8 people and double occupancy rooms. A single supplement is an additional $115.
This includes:
• 8 nights Lodging in double or single occupancy.
• Private guide services from day 1 through day 9.
• Private transportation in comfortable vehicle with a/c day 1 through day 9.
• All meals, from dinner day 1 through breakfast day 9.
• Water during the trip.
• Entrance Fees to Nature Reserves
Not Included:
• International Airfare
• Tips for hotel staff, waiters, guides and drivers during the trip.
• Items of personal use, toiletries
• Travel insurance
• Medical expenses, prescription drugs and other items of personal use
• Additional services offered in hotels (Spa, massage, etc.)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Laundry
• Souvenirs
• Any other expense or extra tours not listed as included above
Want to join us?
Registration is open! Sign up using the form below.