Birding on a Budget Costa Rica

Overview

Description

Costa Rica has more than 900 species of birds, one of the highest densities in the Western Hemisphere. We visit the top birding sites throughout Costa Rica, including cloud forest environments to seek the resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), lowland tropical forests to find antbirds and scarlet macaws (Ara macao), as well as mangrove and mid-elevation forests on both the Pacific and Atlantic slopes. We stay at eco-friendly, locally-owned lodges that support local conservation efforts.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 2

Our business brings birding tour groups to various birding sites throughout Costa Rica. Each site that we visit is Costa Rican-owned and dedicated to the cause of conservation in Costa Rica. We take most of our tour groups to visit the Costa Rican Bird Route, a project of the Rainforest Biodiversity Group. The sites on the Bird Route are businesses that have dedicated themselves to Costa Rican conservation and to the particular cause of saving habitat for the great green macaw.

Many of the sites are remote, and not easy for tourists to reach on their own. Therefore, we take groups there to experience first-hand the warmth of the people in the Costa Rican countryside, the spectacular scenery—rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and lush jungles—and the opportunity to see some very rare birds such as the endangered great green macaw. By bringing tourists and tourist dollars to these sites, we make it possible for the local owners to keep their lands in conservation and make a living catering to birding tourists.

Rates

We offer a variety of tours. Please visit our Web site to learn more about our packages and rates.

Getting There

Nearest international airport: San José (SJO)

Nearest local/national airport: Tobías Bolaños (SYQ)

Travel time to nearest airport: 30 minutes

We provide all transport.

Additional Information

Additional Web sites

• www.facebook.com/pages/Birding-on-a-Budget-Costa-Rica/239431476098 (available in English). Birding on a Budget's Facebook page.

Date This Information Was Provided

October 2010.

Photos courtesy of Birding on a Budget Costa Rica, Costa Rica, for SustainableTrip.org.