Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Wildlife Holidays in Costa Rica: Bright Birds and Nesting Turtles

Author: Lisa Jeeves
by Lisa Jeeves
Posted: Aug 28, 2014

Wildlife holidays in Costa Rica take nature enthusiasts to a small but vibrant biodiversity hotspot in Central America. Varied topography and two coastlines ensure that this tropical nation is rich in animal life, whether in the Talamanca Mountains’ cloud forests, Carara National Park, overlooking Arenal Volcano or in Tortuguero National Park.

Talamanca Mountains

In the cloud forests of the Talamanca Mountains, bird watchers will be able to look for a bird that is often described as the world’s most beautiful: the Resplendent Quetzal. Its bright plumage is a spectacular sight. The cloud forests, wet and moss-draped, are home to a dizzying array of bird species, including the hummingbirds Purple-throated Mountain-gem, Fiery-throated and Magnificent, mixed warbler and tanager flocks with Spangle-cheeked Tanager, Flame-throated Warbler and Collared Whitestart, and the soaring Swallow-tailed Kites.

Carara National Park

On the Pacific coast, Carara National Park’s lowland rainforests are another nature haven. Searching the forests and mangroves will reveal many bird species, including Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, Fiery-billed Aracari, Boat-billed Heron, Scarlet Macaw and Slaty-tailed Trogon. The density of forests always makes it more difficult to track down mammal species, but under the guidance of an expert naturalist and with some patience and good fortune, enthusiasts may get a glimpse of a White-faced Capuchin or a Southern Tamandua. Whatever animals are seen, a visit to Carara National Park is sure to be rewarding on wildlife holidays in Costa Rica.

Arenal Volcano

On the way to the Caribbean coast of the country, nature enthusiasts can spend a very pleasant night at a lodge overlooking Arenal Volcano. There, feeders draw in bird species including Montezuma’s Oropendola and Emerald Tanager, and sometimes the ever-inquisitive White-nosed Coatis will come to the lodge in groups. It is a wonderful and relaxed way to enjoy a sighting of these species on wildlife holidays in Costa Rica, with an exciting twist — on clear nights, it may be possible to see a small eruption in the volcanic cone.

Tortuguero National Park

Only accessible by plane or boat, Tortuguero National Park is a remote haven of waterways and beaches — most importantly, its black-sand beaches are where many of the Green Turtles of the Atlantic Ocean come each year to lay their eggs. Visiting the national park is the perfect way to end wildlife holidays in Costa Rica. Between June and October, visitors can go out at night to see these endangered turtles emerge from the sea to lay their eggs in the sand. It is also possible to see newly hatched young climb out from nests laid early in the season and make their dramatic dash for the safety of the sea. This stunning experience will stay with travellers for the rest of their lives. By day, the national park is no less exciting, with boating and walking excursions in search of Keel-billed Toucan, Mantled Howler Monkey and a great number of waterbirds.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you’re looking for wildlife holidays in Costa Rica Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to polar expeditions and tours to other spectacular regions on Earth.

About the Author

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
Author: Lisa Jeeves

Lisa Jeeves

Member since: Oct 18, 2013
Published articles: 4550

Related Articles