Why Costa Rica is the best birdwatching hotspot!

Did you know that Costa Rica is considered one of the top ecotourism destinations and one of the top three birdwatching spots in Latin America?

Welcome to Costa Rica, one of the best places in the world for birdwatchers and enthusiasts! This small country is a hotspot for observing a wide variety of endemic and migratory species that can be enjoyed up close or from a distance. Let’s explore this bird-loving region and understand why Costa Rica is the ultimate birdwatching destination.

Costa Rica also offers ideal conditions for birdwatching tourism. This includes specialized naturalist and ornithology guides who are passionate about taking fellow bird lovers to the best birdwatching spots in Costa Rica. Selvatura Adventure Park in Monteverde boasts a team of professional naturalist guides who will showcase the best of the cloud forest with their eagle-eyed skills in bird spotting.

Why Choose Costa Rica for Birdwatching?

For many years, Costa Rica has established itself on the global map as a premier destination for birdwatching, and there are excellent reasons for this distinction. Over 900 species of birds have been recorded in this small country situated between North and South America.

Not only are there countless birds to observe, but they also inhabit a relatively small area, increasing your chances of encountering hundreds of feathered friends during your travels in Costa Rica.

Some prime birdwatching hotspots are conveniently located near the two international airports, including Monteverde, which lies centrally between them. This means you won't have to travel far to enter a world of forests, clouds, adventures, and mountaintop birds, whether you fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport.

Why Are There So Many Bird Species in Costa Rica?

One reason Costa Rica is so beautiful is its rich biodiversity. It starts with its privileged location in the world, featuring mountains, lowlands, wetlands, volcanoes, beaches, rainforests, cloud forests, mangroves, rivers, and many more stunning landscapes. This diversity provides numerous habitats for countless bird species to thrive.

Costa Rica is also the perfect pit stop for birds migrating north and south along their annual migratory routes. These birds are the true jet-setters of the avian world, and Costa Rica serves as their temporary haven during their seasonal journey to warmth and diversity.

What Are the Best Birdwatching Spots in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica boasts epicenters for birdwatching throughout the country, allowing you to stop at several locations during your visit, depending on your enthusiasm for birds. For bird lovers, there are never enough opportunities to see them, and Costa Rica guarantees endless chances to enjoy this beloved activity.

Experiencing the thrill of spotting birds in the forest, on mountain hillsides, wetlands, or the cloud forest, identifying their songs amidst nature's symphony, and the joy of spotting a familiar or new species is all part of the adventure.

High-altitude birdwatching hotspots include Monteverde Cloud Forest, Santa María de Dota, and the Central Valley.

Low-altitude birdwatching hotspots include Carara National Park, La Selva Biological Station, the Osa Peninsula, and Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.

What’s Our Favorite?

While Costa Rica is beautiful wherever you go—from palm-fringed beaches for relaxation to active volcanoes with adventure-filled slopes—there’s always a favorite. Our top birdwatching destination for experiencing a mystical and magical beauty immersed in nature, excellent hotels, delicious restaurants, and thrilling adventures is Monteverde!

This unique destination sits atop the continental divide and is aptly named "Green Mountain." It is also home to the enchanting cloud forest protected within a network of nature reserves, including Selvatura Adventure Park, where you can experience the cloud forest through thrilling zip lines or from the treetops on hanging bridges, all while spotting birds in their natural habitat.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is the perfect backdrop for birdwatching excursions or simply enjoying the pleasure of watching and listening to birds from the comfort of your hotel located on the mountain slopes, like Ficus Sunset Suites, Hotel Heliconia, or Jaguarundi Lodge, or while exploring the cloud forest on foot or from above.

With over 400 bird species, 160 amphibian and reptile species, and 100 mammal species, Monteverde’s unique ecosystem is unparalleled. It is also a favored site for bird species like the Resplendent Quetzal, Three-Wattled Bellbird, Bare-necked Quail, and Azure-hooded Jay, just to name a few.

Bring your hiking boots, binoculars, camera, and sense of adventure when visiting Monteverde. Selvatura Adventure Park will show you how to enjoy the cloud forest from a completely new perspective as you explore the nature reserve.