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Home to over 600 species of bird and with 28 national parks across the country, Costa Rica has a wealth of opportunities for bird watching to please everyone from enthusiast to first-timer alike. But with so many to choose from, where do you begin?
Famously named by National Geographic as 'the most biologically intense place on earth', Parque Nacional Corcovado is the last remaining area of original tropical rainforest in Pacific Central America.
The vast range in biological diversity includes Costa Rica's largest population of scarlet macaws which attract many bird watchers every year. Besides, it is a good place for watching resplendent quetzals, a vibrant green and red coloured bird, sacred to ancient Mesoamerican people.
The national park covers an area of over 42,000 hectares, protecting eight distinct habitats including: mangrove swamps, primary and secondary rainforest, low altitude cloud forest and sandy coastline. Enter the park via Puerto Jimnez or Drake Bay.
Tortuguero National Park is one of Costa Rica's favoured ecotourism destinations. The area, which was originally an archipelago of volcanic islands, is home to over 300 species of bird and known for being the best place to see green macaws in Costa Rica.
These iconic birds mate for life, sharing food and mutually grooming each other. Reaching up to 90cm long, green macaws are one of the world's largest species of parrot; unfortunately they are also one of the most endangered - it is reported that only 30% of their original number remain.
There is no road to the national park or town of Tortugero; they are accessed by boat from Mon or small aircraft. For this reason it is advisable to book onto a tour.
Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve has increased in popularity over recent years. It's high altitude of 1,440m above sea level means it receives a steady supply of clouds and moisture, giving life to over 2,500 varieties of plants, tens of thousands of insect species, over 100 species of mammals and 400 species of birds.
Besides, it is regarded as the best place to see hummingbirds and resplendent quetzals in Costa Rica. Adventure seekers can also enjoy riding the longest zip line in Costa Rica. There are numerous organised tours which can combine coffee plantations and horseback riding too however, for independent travellers, buses leave daily from San Jose; and Puntarenas. Considering the variety of activities on offer, it is advisable to stay for a few days.
Although Ecuador and Peru tend to get all the credit for amazing South American holidays, don't forget the other countries. Get your Costa Rica eco tour by using a recommended Costa Rica travel agent.
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