I have put together a special trip to Costa Rica just for friends -- if you visit my website, you qualify as a friend!  Timed for the exciting spring migration through the Caribbean lowlands, the basic trip features visits to two areas in the country’s eastern rain forest region, La Selva in the inland north and Villas del Caribe right on the coast in the south.  Between these two destinations we’ll visit the marvelous Savegre Mountain Lodge, where the Chacón family pays special attention to the valley’s Resplendent Quetzals (and careful attention to human guests, too).  The optional extension heads to another montane setting, Poas Volcano Lodge.

While birds will be a major focus of the trip, as on all of my trips to Costa Rica we’ll also watch for mammals and other wildlife, discuss Costa Rican history and culture, and do everything we can to have great fun every day!

Red-headed Barbet

Our guide will be Costa Rican legend Carlos “Charlie” Gómez, considered one of his country’s top guides for nature and birding trips for over 25 years.  Marco “Niño” Morales is officially our “bus driver,” yet he is also a skilled and experienced naturalist and birder.  I’ve been working with these two guys for many years -- surf around this site to reports from past Costa Rica trips and you’ll see more images of the guys at work.

Cost of the trip will be $2500 per person, double occupancy, plus $850 for the optional extension.  All meals, transportation by private mini-bus, admissions, and expert leadership included.  Want to come along?  Hold your space with a deposit of $500.  Make your check payable to “Costa Rica Expeditions” and send to:

    Costa Rica Trip

    PO Box 154

    Cape May Point, NJ  08212

If you’d like a formal copy of the itinerary and/or registration form, drop me a note by e-mail and specify whether you prefer a paper copy or an electronic version by e-mail.

Capsule Itinerary

March 28: Arrival in San José, dinner & orientation.

March 29: Day trip to La Selva Biological Station, a pristine area of interior Caribbean rainforest habitat.

March 30: Travel to Savegre Valley, high in the Talamanca Mountains, search for Resplendent Quetzal.

March 31: Full day in and around the Savegre Valley.  These mountains are home to many endemic species of birds.

April 1: Descend from the mountains to the southern Caribbean resort Villas del Caribe, right by the sea.

April 2: Explore the lush coastal rain forest and the waterfront; take a midday break for a swim if you wish.

April 3: Another day of walks in the forest or along the coast, watching especially for northbound migrants.

April 4: Return to San José, stopping at Braulio Carrillo National Park to seek species of the lower Caribbean slope.

April 5: Fly home, or if continuing on the extension visit Poás National Park and then continue to Poás Volcano Lodge.

April 6: Visit La Paz Waterfall Garden, featuring primary forests on the upper Caribbean slope and lively bird feeders.

April 7: Walk the back road leading to La Virgen del Socorro, watching for tanagers, raptors, and migrants.

April 8: Return to San José in time to catch flights home.

Streak-headed Woodcreeper

Violet-crowned Woodnymph

Green Iguana (above),

Three-toed Sloth (below)

Charlie & Niño