Costa Rica
Remarkable Birds and Mammals of Diverse Forests
March 16 to 30, 2013

| At a Glance | Itinerary | Costs | Sign-up | Other Details |

Lush and verdant throughout the year, Costa Rica is a fantastic place to visit for the avid nature lover. This small Central American country holds some of the most productive ecosystems in the world. Our tour will explore these ecosystems with visits to rainforests such as Carara Biological Reserve, La Selva Biological Station, Braulio Carrillo National Park, and Tortuguero National Park; cloud forests such as Cerro de la Muerte and the Savergre River Valley; and dry forests such as Guanacaste. We'll also spend two exciting nights at Arenal Observatory Lodge, where we hope to experience the power of Volcano Arenal, part of the Pacific "Rim of Fire". March is the best time for exceptional weather and to see active animals, including migrating birds such as hawks as they journey along the Continental Divide, the backbone of Costa Rica. We also seek Resplendent Quetzals, colorful trogons and tanagers, jeweled hummingbirds, charming manakins, boisterous macaws, giant crocodiles, sloths, monkeys, river otters, sea turtles, reptiles, bats, butterflies and much more. Each morning we will get an early start to maximize our sightings when wildlife is most active. The people of Costa Rica are friendly, the food is delicious, and the lodges are brilliantly situated and comfortable. Join us as we explore this Central American hotspot.

At a Glance

Cost: $4,450 per person, double occupancy, not including airfare. Single supplement is $575. Review cost details.

Leader: Paco Madrigal.

Size: 10 plus leader.

Conditions: A non-smoking safari for people who are very interested in all wildlife and spending the maximum time in the field.

Update: This itinerary was updated in June 2011. View the plain text version, great for printing!

Synopsis:

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Detailed Itinerary

Note: Each morning we get an early start to maximize our field time and to maximize opportunities of seeing mammals and birds when they are most active. Optional nighttime owling will be available in some locations. Each evening there will be an optional meeting after dinner to review the species list.

Blue-crowned Motmot ©Bill Page

March 16, Saturday Arrive in San Jose for overnight
Arrive in San Jose by the evening of March 16, where you will be warmly welcomed by our chauffer and then escorted to the Hotel Bougainvillea, where you will meet our guide, Paco Madrigal. If you arrive before March 16, an airport taxi is readily available. Located about 25 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from downtown San Jose, the Hotel Bougainvillea offers ten acres of gardens and a free shuttle bus into town – very convenient if you want to spend extra days there on your own. The lodge grounds are a good place to see White-eared Ground-sparrow, Blue-crowned Motmot, hummingbirds, and possibly Prevost's Ground-sparrow. Review flight details.
Lodging: Hotel Bougainvillea

Resplendent Quetzal
©Barry Miller

March 17, Sunday: Finca Mirador de Quetzales and Cerro de la Muerte cloud forests
After an early breakfast, drive south of San José to Cerro de la Muerte to visit Finca Mirador de Quetzales (Quetzal Lookout Ranch) in the highland cloud forests along the Continental Divide at 8,500ft (2,600m). Enjoy the morning at Finca Mirador de Quetzales owned by Eddie Serrano and his family who are well known in Costa Rica for their preservation of this important Resplendent Quetzal habitat. The Serranos built their small lodge especially for visitors hoping to watch the beautiful quetzal. They left most of their 43 hectares (106 acres) as a sanctuary for birds, including Fiery-throated Hummingbirds that feed in the pendulous flowers near the dining room door. The surrounding forest contains huge ancient 'Mountain Cypress', oaks and members of the avocado family all festooned with layers of moss and other epiphytes. Avocados, about the size of small native figs, are the favorite diet of the Resplendent Quetzal and the Serranos have five species of native avocados growing in their forests.

This morning we will explore this misty highland cloud forest reserve at Finca Mirador de Quetzales, where up to 20 pairs of quetzals have been seen. And also watch Mountain Robins, Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, and Rufous-collared Sparrows come and go, and perhaps Yellow-thighed Finch, Black-and-Yellow Silky-Flycatcher, and several hummingbird species along the forest edge.

We will eat lunch, spend the afternoon and overnight at the Albergue de Montaña Savegre, nestled in a quaint highland valley nearby, also prime habitat of the Resplendent Quetzal. The afternoon at Montaña Savegre will be equally exciting to the morning at the Finca Mirador de Quetzales.
Lodging: Albergue de Montaña Savegre

March 18, Monday: San Gerardo de Dota in the Savegre River Valley
Also known as Cabinas Chacón, Savegre Mountain Lodge is located in San Gerardo de Dota, a small community in the Talamanca Mountains in the midst of a precious ecosystem. Here you will find a deep cloud forest filled with massive oaks and other native species. The woods serve as a sanctuary for a large number of species of insects, amphibians, amazing plants and colorful birds. Spend the day exploring the bird-rich habitat in the Savegre River Valley. Walking through the gardens and along the Savegre River, we can hope to see Flame-colored Tanager, Collared Trogon, Torrent Tyrannulet, Volcano Hummingbird, and Gray-tailed Mountain Gem, to name a few.
Lodging: Albergue de Montaña Savegre

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Orange-bellied Trogon
©Bill Page

March 19 - 20, Tuesday - Wednesday: Carara National Park, a unique climate zone
This morning, travel to Carara Biological Reserve, stopping along the way to look for Blue-winged Teals, Least Grebes, Northern Jacanas, Anhingas, and Cormorants. We will arrive at the Hotel Villa Lapas, situated at the edge of the reserve, in time for a delicious lunch.

Carara Biological Reserve is a national park with a unique climate zone that joins the humid southern coastal region and the dry climate of the northern Pacific area, creating a rich mix of species from both regions. The reserve is situated on the banks of the Tarcoles River near the Pacific coast. It is here we hope to find the Orange Collared Manakin dancing in their lek. We'll have time to explore the bird-rich trails through the forests, and hope to see Scarlet Macaws, Tiger Herons, antbirds, up to four different species of trogons, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, and even Royal Flycatchers. Several species of foraging woodcreepers in bird parties, and the tiny Northern Bentbill are some of our interesting encounters here. Blue Morphos and other beautiful butterflies are seen along Carara's trails in mid-day. Carara also has very important habitats for mammals such as Collared Peccaries, Tayras (a black weasel), Tamanduas (Banded Anteaters), and Agouti, a very interesting large rodent.

We will also enjoy a two-hour mangrove boat tour along the Tarcoles River with a local guide. During the tour we will not only be impressed by the giant crocodiles, Crocodylus acutus, up to ten feet or more in length that bask on the banks but also the variety of shorebirds, water birds, and raptors that we see from the boat.

One of the climaxes of our visit in Carara will be stops at the Tarcoles River bridge in the morning and evening to watch Scarlet Macaws fly to and from their nighttime roost in mangroves. The Scarlet Macaws, nesting in March, are only one gem in the treasure chest of rarities at the park.

We'll also visit the visitor center and walk through excellent habitat that is home to Great Curassow and Great Tinamou, both seen side by side on this trail! We will walk the bird-rich trails visits offer us and the that border the Reserve to look for shorebirds, macaws and raptors. It is here we can find Long-tailed Manakin and Ferruginous Pygmy Owl.
Lodging: Hotel Villa Lapa

Mantled Howler
©Bill Page

March 21, Thursday: Guanacaste tropical dry forests and the Madrigal Estuary
Travel to Guanacaste to explore the tropical dry forests, marshlands, estuaries, and mangroves, characteristic of the northern Pacific region. The drive through the Pacific Lowlands on the Pan-American Highway passes through the arid landscapes of the Guanacaste-Gulf of Nicoya region in the northwestern province, which has a distinctive flora and fauna type. Guanacaste is an ideal place to see water birds, raptors, and other species found only in this zone. Walking through the semi-deciduous forest, we are likely to see Turquoise-browed Motmot and Long-tailed Manakin. The dominant natural habitat is semi-deciduous forest, better known as Dry Tropical Forest. Situated in the province of Puntarenas on a lovely lagoon, we'll check in at La Ensenada Lodge to spend one night.

In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Madrigal Estuary at the Hacienda Solimar, a privately owned finca (ranch). The estuary is a prime wetland of great importance to nesting Wood Storks, Snail Kites, Limpkins, Roseate Spoonbills, Bare-throated Tiger-Herons, Boat-billed Herons, Green-backed Herons and Anhingas. Look for Double-striped Thicknees resting under a shady tree or Howler Monkeys resting on tree limbs overhanging the road. The climate is hot here, as it is in the rain shadow of the highlands. Explore the evergreen fringe alongside the estuary to look for Green and American Pygmy Kingfishers returning to their favorite perches. Two species of Sac-wing bats roost on huge tree trunks. Located not far from the town of Porozal on the Gulf of Nicoya, Hacienda Solimar is near one of the most important marshlands in Costa Rica, located in the lower Tempisque River Basin. More than 200 species of birds, including Collared Forest Falcon, are nurtured in this rich estuary. This rich riparian corridor at Solimar provides a striking contrast to the arid deciduous forest characteristic of Dry Tropical Forest. Listen for Howlers and look for other mammals including White-faced Capuchins, Tamandua, Prehensile-tailed Porcupine, Variegated Squirrels, Coati, and White-tailed Deer. Before departing, sightings should also include Pacific Screech-Owls and a Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. Spend the night at wildlife-rich La Ensenada Lodge, perhaps under a beautiful sunset.
Lodging: Ensenada Lodge

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March 22 - 23, Friday - Saturday: Arenal Volcano and surroundings
Before breakfast, walk the trails around Ensenada Lodge to find additional special bird species. After breakfast, drive east into the highlands over the Continental Divide. Hope for clear skies as we travel down the Caribbean Slope to Lake Arenal along with our first sights of one of Costa Rica's active volcanoes, Arenal Volcano. We will pause along the way for Collared Aracaris, Grey-headed Chachalaca, perhaps even a Crested Guan, a rare bird that can suddenly surprise us with an appearance over the course of our journey down Costa Rica's eastern side. By early evening we will pull into Arenal Observatory Lodge where we will spend two nights. The Arenal Observatory offers a fantastic geological experience, exceptional wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities. Of course, we cannot predict if the volcano will be active, but if it is, we are sure to an incredible sight! From our rooms under clear weather, you will have a stupendous view of the volcano; it could awaken you during the night with a big explosion followed by wonderful fireworks.

In this comfortable climate, 2,400 ft above sea level, you will enjoy wildlife viewing with Paco. The Howler troop vocalizations are fantastic, sometimes heard outside your window. Nesting bird species include Crimson-collared Tanager, Cinnamon Becard, Long-tailed Tyrant and Yellow-bellied Eleania. From the deck of Arenal Observatory, trays of goodies left out by the staff often attract tanagers, hummingbirds and several species of warblers. Extensive trails at the lodge give us opportunities to view the Crimson-collared Tananger, White Hawk, White-crowned and Brown-hooded parrots, Orange-chinned Parakeet, all three toucans and Golden-olive Woodpeckers. One night, we will go owling in search of the Black-and-White Owl, Mottled Owl and Striped Owl.
Lodging: Arenal Observatory Lodge

March 24 - 26, Sunday - Tuesday: Sarapiqui River riparian zone and La Selva Biological Station
This morning we will continue down the Caribbean side to Selva Verde Lodge in the tropical lowlands of Sarapiqui. We'll spend three nights at this lodge on 500 acres of tropical forest situated adjacent to Braulio Carillo National Park and the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) La Selva Biological Station. The altitude ranges from 37 m at La Selva to almost 3,000 m at the top of the highest peak in Braulio Carillo.

Strawberry Poison Dart Frog
©Bill Page

We will have plenty of time to explore the wildlife-rich riparian zone along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. This rain forest region at the base of the Caribbean slope is well known for hosting a great diversity of tropical flora and fauna. Here the Sunbittern, Black-faced Grosbeak, and Gray-necked Wood-Rail are a few of the inhabitants. This is the most likely spot on the trip to see the Great Green Macaw, an endangered species that depends on the Dipteryx tree for feeding and nesting. The Dipteryx is one of the emergent trees commonly found in the Sarapiqui River area. This large region on the Caribbean side has dense rainforest with the greatest diversity of tropical life, including the fascinating mini-communities found within Heliconia or Bromeliad plants. Lurking in the forest are Two-toed and Three-toed Sloths and three different species of monkeys. Two species of Dendrobates or poison dart frogs are abundant in the moist leaf litter. Howler and Spider Monkeys, and White-faced Capuchins may also be on the trails.

Braulio Carrillo National Park offers a dense Caribbean slope rainforest that hosts a diversity of birdlife, including Lattice-tailed Trogon, Tawny-capped Euphonia, Blue and Gold Tanager, Brown-billed Scythebill, Black-headed Nightingale Thrush, White-ruffed Manakin, White-shouldered Tanager, and Olivaceous Woodcreeper, to name just a few.

La Selva Biological Station is definitely a highlight of our tour. The station is among the four most famous tropical research facilities in the world. We will see an outstanding abundance of wildlife. The station is home to more than 420 species of birds, 500 species of butterflies, 55 species of snakes, 120 species of mammals and hosts a variety of different species of trees in their arboretum. This is the most likely place to make your tinamou dream come true, since three species of tinamou inhabit La Selva. The wildlife is protected here and the birds and mammals are not camera shy, so there will be exceptional photo opportunities. Birds here include woodpeckers, aracaris, and tanagers, Roufous Motmot, trogons, caciques, Purple-throated Fruit Crow, and Snowy Cotinga. We'll also be on the look out for peccaries (wild pig), agoutis, coatis, sloths, and the monkeys that frequent this area.
Lodging: Selva Verde Lodge

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Blue Iguana ©Bill Page

March 27 - 28, Wednesday - Thursday: Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean
Embark very early on a boat trip from Puerto Viejo down the Sarapiqui River to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean. The boat is covered and has plenty of room for our group. Keep your rain jacket handy in case of occasional splash coming over the side of the boat. This trip will take us through deforested, agricultural land and some good secondary forest. Wildlife may be active in some areas along the banks and overhead, including parrots and other birds.

At Tortuguero, we will explore the rich labyrinth of waterways, keeping an eye out for active wildlife along the banks and overhead. The area boasts 320 bird species, including Tiger Heron, Agami Heron, White-fronted Nunbird, and all six species of kingfishers belonging to the Americas. Along with birds, we may also see Three-toed Sloth, caiman, iguanas, poison-dart frogs, fresh-water turtles, basilisk lizards, the Honduran White tent-making bats, and three species of monkeys that frequent the banks.

Heliconia

While exploring Tortuguero's narrow canals by boat, we will look for Slaty-tailed Trogon, Montezuma's Oropendola, Pygmy Kingfisher, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, and Sungrebe. In the dense heliconia vegetation near the lodge several White-collared Manakin leks provide lots of action. The displays are rich with explosive song, while their dancing can be difficult to observe. Leks are display stations where males of some polygamous bird species gather to dance and display for females who are ready to mate.

We'll visit the Caribbean Conservation Center and enjoy the outstanding exhibit they have on display of nesting turtles and forest ecology. While there, we can inquire about recent Leatherback Turtle activity in the area.

In the evening we will venture out along the beach to look for the Green Sea Turtles, who come up to nest June-October. July is known to be an excellent month to see the Green Sea Turtle, while rare, it is also possible to see the giant Leatherback Turtles and the Hawksbill turtles at this time. Leatherbacks are the world's largest sea turtles and very endangered, so chances of finding one are remote. However, March is the best month to find a female Leatherback on this beach, almost always waiting until after midnight to come out of the ocean.

During another evening we will take a boat trip to look for Fish-eating Bats, Black-and-white Owl and other species active after dark.
Lodging: Evergreen Lodge

March 29, Friday: Return to San Jose
Depart by boat south to Matina, about 80 km north of Moin, downstream through Tortuguero National Park where Three-toed Sloths are sometimes visible in the trees. Drive from the Caribbean coast through Braulio Carrillo National Park and stop for lunch en route to San José. Check in at Hotel Bougainvillea and enjoy a farewell dinner and overnight stay.
Lodging: Hotel Bougainvillea

March 30, Saturday: Depart for home
We will arrange transfers back to the airport in San Jose for your flights homeward today.

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Costs

Payments and Cancellations: All reservations require a deposit due at the time of making the reservation. Upon receiving your deposit and reservation form, we will send trip materials with additional information to help you prepare for your safari. Until the final payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person. This fee may go toward another tour if reserved within six months of the cancelled trip's departure date. There are no refunds given after the final payment due date. We reserve the right to charge for cost increases that occur between now and the date of travel.

Included:

• All meals from dinner on March 16 through breakfast on March 30. All meals are pre-arranged.
• Transportation in Costa Rica in a modern and spacious air-conditioned vehicle with clear glass windows ideal for wildlife viewing.
• Airport transfers as listed on March 16 and 30 only.
• Full-time private bi-lingual professional guide specializing in birds and natural history.
• Entrance fees to parks and reserves.
• Three chilled bottles of water per day per client.

Not Included:

• International airfare between USA and San José, Costa Rica, is approximately $500 to $650 depending on departure point (quoted June 2011 and subject to change).
• Gratuities – Tipping is, of course, discretionary, however we suggest budgeting per participant about $150 for our leader, $70 for driver, $20 for our boatman at Tortuguero, plus a few $1 for incidental tips. Our leader will pay tips to the food service staff for our group meals.
• Bottled beverages beyond three bottles of water daily and items not on the regular menu (if you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your reservation form).
• Personal items, alcoholic beverages, and meals not on the regular menu (if you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your reservation form).
• Airport taxes.
• Travel insurance.

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Sign-up

Reservations: Please contact us to assure space availability and to let us answer your questions. Then, print our reservation form, fill out one form per person, and post it to us in the mail with your deposit. Or fill out our handy online information request and we will send you more information.

Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris
20800 Kittredge Road
Saratoga, CA 95070

Toll Free: (800) 527-5330
Local: (408) 741-5330
Fax: (408) 741-0358
Email: info@cheesemans.com

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Other Details

Paco Madrigal

Leader: Paco Madrigal has over 15-years experience guiding both birding and natural history tours throughout Costa Rica. He grew up in Sarapiqui very close to the Organization of Tropical Studies (OTS) Station. He was engulfed at a young age by his long family history of passionate interest in the diverse local plants and animals. Paco became the first resident naturalist guide at the nearby Selva Verde Lodge Tropical Reserve. He participated in the first four-month intensive training course for naturalist guides, sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund and the Organization for Tropical Studies. Paco studied English and Ornithology at the University of Florida and graduated with honors. Before starting his own tour company, Paco worked for five years at La Selva Biological Station in Sarapiqui.

Flights: Please contact us if you need more information or if you would like the assistance of our excellent airline ticketing agent. Arrive in San Jose (SJO), Costa Rica, by the evening of March 16. Depart from San Jose (SJO) anytime on March 30.

Travel Insurance: Emergency Medical Insurance is optional, but encouraged, for this tour. Read about travel insurance and our recommendations and requirements.

Climate: Temperatures vary greatly. The Pacific coast is often hot, while the cloud forests can be surprisingly cool. Rain can be encountered during any season, even in March during the "dry" season.

Health Concerns: Malaria prophylactic has not been necessary for this itinerary in the past, nor have any vaccinations or inoculations, however, please check for updates with a travel health clinic. The water at some lodges is from springs and excellent to drink. Jim will let you know where the water is good to drink.

Non-smoking Policy: We have a strict non-smoking policy - smoking is not permitted at any time or any place during our tours.

Mailing List: If you would like to be on our mailing list or request information, please use our online information request form or contact us to give us your name, address, email address and phone number. Please note we will never share your personal information with anybody!

Responsibility: Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris, Saratoga, California, act only as agents and shall not be responsible or become liable for any delay incurred by any person in connection with any means of transportation, nor for the loss, damage, or injury to person or property by reason of any event beyond the control of the agency or default of such agency suppliers. We reserve the right to cancel the tour prior to departure in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of booking. All rates are based on current tariffs, exchange rates and fuel prices and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. By sending your initial deposit, you agree to accept our payment schedule as a contract. If payments are still outstanding two weeks after the due date, your space may be forfeited. Baggage is at the owner's risk.

Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is registered as California Seller of Travel #2063050-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation (TCRC). In event of a client canceling where a refund is applicable in accordance with the schedule above, or in the event that CES needs to cancel the trip, all payments for transportation or travel service not provided to the client shall be promptly refunded, unless the client instructs us otherwise in writing. All client payments are deposited into a trust account in accordance with California law. If for any reason a valid refund is not forthcoming, the client may request reimbursement from the TCRC within six months of the scheduled end of the tour. Please feel free to ask us for more information.

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All material © Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris.
All photos © Doug or Ted Cheeseman, unless otherwise credited.
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