This trip combines birding at top locations in Costa Rica with the opportunity to learn about research and education programs within the Bird Route. Costa Rica holds 5% of the world’s biodiversity, and research and education are two important tools for ensuring the conservation of the country’s natural resources.
This tour will take you to the world famous La Selva Biological Station, Tirimbina Rainforest Center, and the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center (SCLC). The SCLC is a non-profit organization that works to link communities and conservation through education and ecotourism. Here you will learn about their various programs, as well as have the opportunity to learn what life is like as an ecologist, gathering data in the field!
- Excellent birding in large, old-growth rainforest preserves, and higher elevations
- Opportunity to learn about education as a tool for conservation in the tropics
- Experience first-hand the research efforts being conducted in northeast Costa Rica
- This trip is designed for everyone, but would also be great for teachers looking to bring students
Day 1 .......... Selva Verde Lodge
Travel to Selva Verde Lodge and arrive in time to enjoy a buffet lunch, overlooking the river. Walk over to the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center (SCLC), located on the grounds of Selva Verde and take a tour of the center and learn about the education programs that they conduct. Spend the rest of the day living the life of a tropical field ecologist. Assist the SCLC staff and local community members with the Center’s on-going conservation monitoring projects. Have dinner and spend the rest of the evening relaxing at Selva Verde.
Day 2 .......... Albergue el Socorro
Head north to the remote site of Albergue el Socorro, a fantastic hideaway for the bird and nature enthusiast. This site boasts the highest elevation of all the Bird Route sites, making it possible to see bird species one would not see at the lower elevation sites. Spend the day exploring the trails and learn about this landowner’s conservation efforts. Enjoy a home-cooked feast, and then head back to Selva Verde for the night.
Day 3 .......... La Selva Biological Station
Get an early start to the day to enjoy as much as possible the amazing species diversity at La Selva, a world famous research site. Take a guided tour through the reserve and learn about some of the research being conducted, all the while keeping your eye out for the Bare-necked umbrella bird, the red-capped manakin, or the great antshrike, just a few of the emblematic species at this site. Have lunch and then head to Tirimbina Rainforest Center, another Bird Route site dedicated to research and education. Spend the afternoon exploring the suspension bridges and trails of this 850 acre preserve. After dinner, learn about the amazing world of bats on this guided tour with a Tirimbina guide. The tour includes the opportunity to watch how scientists capture and handle bats! Overnight at Tirimbina.
Day 4 .......... Tirmbina Rainforest Center
Spend one last morning birding before returning to San Jose or the next location on your itinerary.
This Tour Includes:
- Accommodation as specified
- All private transportation or car rental (the car rental insurance is NOT included)
- All activities
- Daily breakfast and lunch
- $20 donation to Rainforest Biodiversity Group
- Costa Rican Bird Route Map and Guide
OPTION 1 – Private Transportation
| # of People* | With Guide | Without Guide |
| 2-3 | $ 615.00 | $ 585.00 |
| 4-5 | $ 497.00 | $ 482.00 |
| 6-7 | $ 517.00 | $ 467.00 |
| 8-9 | $ 482.00 | $ 444.00 |
| 10-12 | $ 455.00 | $ 422.00 |
OPTION 2 – Car Rental (Insurance is not Included)
| # of People* | Without Guide |
| 2 | $ 511.00 |
| 4 | $ 445.00 |
* Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single occupancy supplement is $156.
To sign up for this tour, or if you have questions, please contact Raquel Gomez at Raquel@costaricanbirdroute.com.
