Colorful blue bird with a golden head and black mask sits on a wooden branch. Bird-watching is also one of the most popular things to do in La Fortuna.
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Plan the perfect 2 week Costa Rica itinerary with wildlife, birds, waterfalls, and natural beauty at every stop.

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica and you love birds, wildlife, rainforests, and jaw-dropping natural beauty—this 2 week Costa Rica travel itinerary is for you.

Bill and I are serious nature lovers who’ve spent almost 2 months in Costa Rica seeking toucans, sloths, monkeys, frogs, and those misty cloud forests you always hear about.

Skip the generic itineraries packed with ziplining, ATV rides and beach bars. This one’s all about wildlife-rich national parks, quiet birding trails, and knowledgeable local guides.

You’ll explore three top regions—Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and La Fortuna—with the best cloud forest hikes, reserves, and birding hotspots, based on our firsthand experience. You should fly in and out of San Jose (airport code SJO) and book a rental car for this itinerary.

Affiliate disclaimer telling readers that if they click on any of the red links on my website, I may receive a small bit of compensation at no additional cost to them.
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PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH OUR
FAVORITE TOOLS

– Best Lodging site: Booking.com
– Book Day Tours here: Viator.com
– Rent Cars here: DiscoverCars.com

Red links are provided throughout to help you find information and book tours.

All photos in this guide were taken by Kari or Bill except where noted.

Manuel Antonio Area

Along Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, this region is known for its beaches and dramatic rainforest cliffs—but it also offers exceptional wildlife viewing. This 2 week Costa Rica travel itinerary for nature lovers begins here, where you’ll find rich biodiversity in the national parks, mangroves, and coastline.

Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica & Drive to Manuel Antonio

Welcome to Costa Rica! After landing at San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) no later than mid-day, pick up your rental car and begin the 3-hour drive to Quepos/Manuel Antonio. This stretch of road is a great introduction to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Stop 1: Make a quick stop at the famous Crocodile Bridge over the Tárcoles River to see massive American crocodiles basking below.

A muddy river with dark shapes in it. The dark shapes are crocodiles submerged.

Stop 2: Pull off for a quick photo at the colorful JACO town sign along the highway and try to spot the Scarlet Macaws flying between the trees—especially in the late morning or mid-afternoon.

Huge colorful letters spell out the town name of Jaco, right above the beach and the Pacific Ocean.
A colorful red, yellow and blue Scarlet Macaw bird hangs in a tree, looking for his next meal.

Arrive in Quepos and check in to your hotel or vacation rental. (Need help choosing a place to stay? Check out our lodging recommendations here)

Evening: Head to the Marina Pez Vela for a scenic dinner and sunset views. We recommend The Runaway Grill. Walk along the waterfront and watch for iguanas and shorebirds.

Rope lights twist around the railing as the light fades over the skyline at the Marina in Quepos, Costa Rica.
A black-spiny iguana sits on the rocks with his sharp claws.

Day 2: Explore Manuel Antonio National Park

Spend today exploring one of Costa Rica’s most beloved parks: Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s the smallest national park in Costa Rica, but it packs a big punch with so much wildlife!

Start your morning with a guided nature walk—a must if you want to see the most wildlife. A knowledgeable local guide will help you spot three-toed sloths, white-faced capuchins, racoon-like coatis, basilisk lizards, and colorful birds you might otherwise miss.

Book a Guided Tour to Manuel Antonio National Park

After your tour, enjoy time on your own to hike one of the park’s scenic trails, visit the pristine beaches, or go for a swim in the clear Pacific waters. Be sure to pack a swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, and plenty of water. Here’s my complete guide to Manuel Antonio.

Kari’s Travel Tip: The Park is closed on Tuesdays. And you must purchase your admission tickets in advance – learn more about that here.

  • A close-up of a 3-toed sloth hanging in the trees
  • Capuchin Monkey walks along a bright yellow handrail on one of the trails at Manuel Antonio.
  • A video of a Hermit Crab coming out of his shell and scurrying away.
  • A large Green Iguana climbs straight up a tree trunk.
  • A black-backed crab with red and yellow legs on the dirt of the forest floor.
  • A two-toed sloth hides in the leaves of the jungle vegetation.
  • Beautiful tree-lined beach with turquoise water in the distance
  • A Common Baskalisk rests in the shade on a rock
  • A grey weathered sign for Manual Antonio National Park features an outline of a capuchin monkey.

    • Nature Terms in Spanish: Here are some terms to know for nature based activities in Costa Rica:

    • Playa = Beach
    • Sendero = Trail
    • Mirador = Overlook
    • Rio = River
    • Parque = Park
    • Lago = Lake
    • Catarata = Waterfall

    Day 3: Whale & Dolphin Watching in Uvita

    Today, drive about 1 hour south to the town of Uvita, home of the famous Marino Ballena National Park—one of the best places in the world to see migrating Humpback Whales (especially from July to October and December to March).

    Take a whale watching tour for the chance to see these majestic creatures breach and play in the warm coastal waters. You might also spot dolphins, sea turtles, and flocks of frigatebirds overhead. We saw brown-footed boobies on our tour!

    Book Whale Watching Tour

    Tours usually include snorkeling or swimming if the currents are safe, and a scenic ride along the famous Whale Tail Beach.

  • Dramatic cliffs along the Pacific coastline, seen from a boat during whale watching in Costa Rica.
  • Whale watching boat preparing for launch at low tide in Marino Ballena National Park, Costa Rica.
  • Brown-footed booby perched on a floating log in the Pacific waters off the coast of Marino Ballena.
  • Magnificent frigatebird soaring overhead against a blue sky, spotted during the boat tour.
  • Tour participants floating in the ocean during a whale watching excursion in Costa Rica.
  • Dense rainforest rising above coastal cliffs on a sunny whale watching day
  • Entrance sign for Marino Ballena National Park, a premier destination for whale watching in Costa Rica.

    • After your tour, grab lunch in Uvita or Dominical. We spent a whole day in Domincal on our trip, walking the beach and looking for birds. I found lots of herons and gulls where the River Baru (Rio Baru) flows into the Pacific ocean. Enter “Hona Beach Hotel” into your Google Maps and then walk over to the delta from there.

    Day 4: Birding in Carara National Park & Tarcoles River

    Today is for serious bird lovers. Located about 90 minutes north of Quepos & Manuel Antonio, Carara National Park is a birding hotspot at the transition zone between dry and wet forest ecosystems.

    Carara is famous for its large population of scarlet macaws, which nest in the park’s ancient trees. You might also find manakins, motmots, trogons, and even the elusive rufous-tailed jacamar. And look up – there are monkeys in the tree canopy, swinging by their tails.

    Hire a specialized birding guide to help you spot Scarlet Macaws, Royal Flycatchers, Motmots, and Trogons.

    Book a Birding Tour at Carara

    Kari’s Travel Tip: Pack a spotting scope or strong binoculars for this stop.

    The nearby Tarcoles River is also excellent for birding, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. We saw scarlet macaws, kingfishers, herons and sandpipers in the area where the river flows out to the ocean.

  • The Gartered Trogon sits on a branch, showing us his beautiful green and black backside, with his bright yellow belly just visible.
  • A long narrow colorful bird up high in the tree branches is the Scarlet Macaw at Carara National Park in Costa Rica.
  • Two rusty-brown monkeys climb in the trees at Carara National Park.
  • A black spiny-tailed iguana lounges on a cracked concrete surface, its thick body and ridged tail blending with the rocky textures and scattered greenery.
  • The Turquoise-browed Motmot shows us his bright blue features on his head, his rump and at the end of his long tail.
  • The Amazon Kingfisher sits perched on a branch overlooking the river, watching for fish to catch.
  • The Stripe-headed Sparrow, with distinctive stripes around his eyes and head, perches on a wooden fencepost.
  • The Bare-throated Tiger-Heron has thin black bars on his brown skin as he walks in the riverbed.
  • The Spotted Sandpiper has a brown-ish gray body with a white belly and yellow legs.
  • A gray wooden sign annouces Parque Nacional Carara and features a bright red and orange Scarlet Macaw bird taking flight off the side of the sign.

    • Day 5: Free Day or Choose One of These Wildlife Alternatives

    Use today to customize your adventure with one of these excellent nature-based experiences:

    HACIENDA BARU + ALTURAS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

    A great combo for seeing rescued animals and hiking forest trails with coastal views. Both are located near Domincal, just south of Quepos (and not too far from where you went Whale Watching on Day 3).

    Hacienda Barú is much quieter than the big national park, but so rewarding. With 350 bird species on over 330 hectares of protected land, it’s perfect for bird lovers who want a slower pace. You can walk the trails on your own or hire a local guide. Or climb the canopy tour to get amazing treetop views.

    Then head over to the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary – a rescue and rehab operation for injured or orphaned wildlife. They offer guided tours three times a day on Tuesday – Sunday (they are closed Mondays).

    RAINMAKER CONSERVATION PROJECT

    Less crowded than the national park, this reserve just north of Quepos features hanging bridges, waterfalls, and rainforest trails. Head to Rainmaker Park for a tour that includes:

    • Suspension bridge walks through the canopy
    • A waterfall pool for swimming
    • A wood-fired Costa Rican lunch
    • Quiet jungle trails
    Check Availability & Pricing for Rainmaker Tour

    ESQUIPULAS RAINFOREST BIRDING TOUR

    This is my favorite place to go birding near Manuel Antonio! A smaller reserve about 45 minutes northeast of Quepos, the Esquipulas Rainforest might be the region’s best-kept secret for bird lovers.

    We visited twice and saw a rainbow of species—honeycreepers, tanagers, woodpeckers, euphonias, and even the rare violet-headed hummingbird. You can hike, or simply relax at their observation deck while colorful birds flock to fruit set out for them.

    Book a Guided Tour of Esquipulas Rainforest
  • A yellow-throated toucan sits in the trees with it's bold yellow, black, green and maroon coloring.
  • The blue male Red-legged Honeykeeper perches on a branch, ready to take flight.
  • A male Blue Dacnis bird shows us his black and blue patterned backside and wings as he looks to the right.
  • The Male Green Honeykeeper is a beautiful shade of blue mixed with green, a black face mask and a bright yellow bill.
  • This bright colored Golden-naped Woodpecker has a brown body, black wings on his back, a black eye patch, yellow-patch above bill, red cap and red patch on belly.
  • The scarlet-rumped tanager is all black except for his silver beak and his bright red rump feathers.
  • The pale gray and brown Palm Tanager.

    • SAIL & SNORKEL CRUISE

    See the scenic coastline from a different perspective, with chances to spot dolphins and sea turtles while enjoying a relaxing sail. This sailing tour includes a stop for snorkeling at Playa Biesanz, an onboard meal and an open bar.

    Beautiful, relaxing, and maybe a little indulgent — it’s a perfect way to bookend your time in Manuel Antonio.

    Book the Snail & Snorkel Cruise

    Kari’s Travel Tip: If you choose the afternoon tour, you get to enjoy the sunset too!

    Monteverde Cloud Forest

    High in the misty Tilarán Mountains, Monteverde is one of the most iconic cloud forest destinations in the world. This 2 week Costa Rica travel itinerary for nature lovers continues in Monteverde, where the elevation and ecosystem diversity make it a birder’s paradise and a top location for slow nature travel.

    Day 6: Scenic Drive to Monteverde (with a Birding Stop!)

    Say goodbye to the Pacific coast and leave early to head inland toward Monteverde. The drive will take about 5-6 hours with the recommended stop. This drive includes a 56 km stretch along the legendary Pan-American Highway, the longest motorable road in the world.

    Stop: Schedule a stop to visit the Reserva Natural Valle de los Quetzales near San Ramon. This hidden gem sits off a winding mountain road and features fruiting trees, bird blinds, and a peaceful setting where hummingbirds, tanagers, and woodcreepers can be spotted.

    A day pass costs approximately $30. Just call or text ahead on WhatsApp to let them know you are coming. +506 8875 1498

    I saw over 10 new life birds in a single afternoon, including my first Lesson’s Motmot, my first Montezuma Oropendola and my first Northern Emerald Toucanette!

  • The Montezuma Oropendola is a large chocolate brown bird with a black head, orange beak and yellow tail feathers.
  • The Male Baltimore Oriole perches on a thin tree branch, with his bold orange chest puffed out and his black head and feathers.
  • The royal blue and black male Red-legged Honeykeeper perches on the edge of a white wire rack
  • The female Green Honeykeeper is the most green of the three we saw, sitting in the branches of a bush, looking to the left.
  • The beautiful female Baltimore Oriole shows us her yellow features and her black and white striped wings.
  • The Brown Jay perches on a branch, getting ready to take flight.
  • The Black-headed Saltator perches on a wooden bar, observing the action around him.
  • The Blue-Gray tanager has a light gray body with distinctive blue and brown wings.

    • Arrive in Monteverde in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel or vacation rental—this area has so many lodges and eco-resorts that are great for spotting birds right from your deck! See my top lodging picks.

    Dinner: We ate at Restaurante DeLucia, just a 3-minute walk from our lodging. Great prices, wide menu, and cozy atmosphere.

    Day 7: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve + Hummingbird Garden

    Start your day early with a visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve—one of Costa Rica’s most iconic nature destinations.

    This reserve is known for its misty trails, epiphytes, and elusive Resplendent Quetzals. Guided tours are highly recommended for identifying rare birds and mammals. This tour features a local birding expert named Dennis who is very well regarded.

    Book the Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour

    Important: If you go on a guided tour like the one above, check to determine whether the entrance fee is included. If it is not, the park requires advance reservations due to daily visitor limits. Book at least a few days in advance.

    After your tour, walk next door to the Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery. This free garden overflows with colorful hummingbirds like the Violet Sabrewing, Purple-throated Mountain Gem, and Green-crowned Brilliant. The feeders are buzzing all day! Great opportunity to get awesome photos!

  • The brightly colored Purple-throated Mountain-gem Hummingbird hangs out on the red feeder, showing us his orange chest, green back and feathers and bold black and white pattern on his face.
  • This large dark purple hummingbird is the Violet Sabrewing.
  • The male Green-crowned Brilliant sits on a tree branch with his green iridescent feathers glowing.
  • The Lesser Violet Ear is a beautiful blue hummingbird, perched on a red and yellow hummingbird feeder.
  • The Green-crowned Brilliant faces towards us to show some of his facial features, such as the white moustache stripe and white spot behind the eye.
  • The Lesser Violetear is perched on a wooden branch, showing off his beautiful blue-green colors with a purple spot, right behind his ear.
  • This Magenta Throated Woodstar has both a dark red patch and a white patch on his throat as he hovers in a field of purple flowers.
  • The very colorful Blue-vented Hummingbird is a kaleidoscope of pastel iridescent colors.

    • Kari’s Travel Tip: Support the cafe or gift shop while you’re there.

    Day 8: Full Day at Finca Ecologica San Luis + Sunset Overlook

    After having breakfast at Stella’s Cafe, drive 25 minutes southeast to Finca Ecologica San Luis Reserve for an entire day of birding and nature immersion.

    This is my favorite place to bird in all of Monteverde! We liked it so much that we went there twice. Once on our own and once with a local birding expert named Dulce Wilson. You can contact her on WhatsApp at +506 8739 4345 to check her availability.

    This private reserve features miles of trails and several covered view platforms with feeding stations that draw in a variety of birds. I like the covered platforms to keep me dry, even when it rains.

    Birds we saw here include the Keel-billed Toucan, Motmots, tons of different Tanagers and Flycatchers, Squirrel Cuckoo, various birds of prey and Woodpeckers. There’s also an on-site restaurant with traditional Costa Rican meals and great pizza.

  • Bright green bird with a colorful bill perches on a branch in the sunshine.
  • The Lesson's Motmot has blue and turquoise coloring
  • A colorful Keel-billed Toucan sits on a wooden branch with his colorful bill, his yellow throat and black body.
  • A reddish brown bird sits in the leaves of a tree.
  • The bright yellow and dark blue male Yellow-crowned Euphonia sits on a wooden tree branch.
  • The Great Kiskadee Flycatcher is a brown with black and white stripings on his face and a bright yellow belly.
  • The Montezuma Oropendola flies with his brown feathers on top and the yellow tail feathers displayed.
  • A multi-colored bird with hues of golden buff and shades of blue sits on a wooden branch
  • A golden yellow woodpecker with black and white wings perches on the side of a tree trunk.
  • The rarely seen Ornate Hawk-Eagle soars over head, showing off his boldly barred plumage.
  • The Black Hawk-Eagle soars in the cloudy sky, displaying her bold white checkered patter under the wings.
  • A royal blue bird with a bright yellow belly stands on a thick tree branch in the pouring rain. This is the Yellow-crowned Euphonia
  • A very chubby blue-gray tanager sits on a metal bar at Stella's Restaurant of Monteverde
  • The royal blue and yellow Thick-billed Euphonia perches on a tree branch.
  • The Tennessee Warbler is green and gray with white underparts
  • This video of the Boat-billed Flycatcher shows him on a thin tree branch, surveying the birds around him.
  • a large brown bird with a gray head and a sharp curved silver beak sits amongst the green leaves and wooden branches of a tree.

    • Kari’s Travel Tip: The final few miles of roads are really bumpy—If you don’t have a 4×4, just go slowly over the ruts.

    Wrap up your day with sunset views at Mirador Cerro Plano, a picturesque overlook between Monteverde and Santa Elena. Come early to get a spot – it’s a popular place for locals and tourists alike!

    The valley glows as the sun goes down over the Valley of Escondido.

    Day 9: Curi-Cancha Reserve + Monteverde Art House

    Morning: Visit the Curi-Cancha Reserve, a hotspot for Resplendent Quetzals and over 200 other bird species. Book a guided tour in advance to secure your time slot.

    Book the Curi Cancha Tour

    Start at the “Million Dollar Tree,” a wild avocado tree known for attracting quetzals.

    Brilliantly red and green colored bird is the Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most sought after birds of Costa Rica.
    Photo credit: Dulce Wilson

    Wrap up your afternoon exploring at the Monteverde Art House, which has forest trails and local artwork. The mistletoe tree across the street is often full of small forest birds.

    Colorful blue and green bird with a dark eyepatch sits on a branch in a tree.
    Lesson’s Motmot

    Day 10: Optional Activity + Drive to La Fortuna

    Use your last morning in Monteverde for a lighter activity:

    Then begin the 3.5–4 hour drive to La Fortuna, passing by Lake Arenal and stunning volcanic scenery. If the volcano is showing, be sure to snap pictures of it! The first part of this drive, the roads can be rough and bumpy. But the second half, all smooth and paved.

    Upon arrival in La Fortuna, check into your hotel and rest up for the final 4 days! Here are our recommendations for the best places to stay in La Fortuna, organized by different budget levels.

    For dinner, we recommend a soda called Tiquicia Restaurante – nice atmosphere, good food. It took awhile for our food to come, but once it did, it was very good.

    Curated for Nature Lovers

    This 2 week Costa Rica travel itinerary for Nature Lovers is intentionally curated to help travelers prioritize wildlife-rich regions over beaches or party towns. You’ll go beyond typical tourist hotspots and immerse yourself in cloud forests, national parks, and biodiverse reserves.

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    La Fortuna & Arenal Area

    In the northern lowlands beneath the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, the final leg of your 2 week Costa Rica travel Itinerary, blends jungle, rivers, and volcanic landscapes.

    Day 11 – Explore the Arenal Observatory Lodge

    Start your La Fortuna stay with one of the best nature experiences in the region: the Arenal Observatory Lodge. Even if you’re not staying overnight, a Day Pass gives you access to a network of scenic trails, the stunning Observation Deck, and “The Nest”—an elevated birdwatching tower that puts you eye-level with the canopy.

    Guests enjoy the panoramic volcano view from the Arenal Observatory Lodge’s spacious deck—perfect for sunrise or sunset

    Expect to see toucans, tanagers, and hummingbirds galore.

  • A small bright green bird with a yellow crown on top of his head and black markings on his face and wings.
  • Colorful blue bird with a golden head and black mask sits on a wooden branch. Bird-watching is also one of the most popular things to do in La Fortuna.
  • The deep brown feathered Montezuma Oropendola has a black head multi-colored face and bill
  • This beautiful green scaly-breasted Hummingbird blends into the green leaves he's perched on - you almost can't see him!
  • The Black-striped Sparrow on the ground has a gray body, green back and black-stripes on his head.

    • And the biggest surprise? The Great Currasow – oh my goodness, this large chicken-like bird has the most fascinating feather patterns!

    A brown and gray chicken-like bird with a spiky plumage on top of his head walks amongst the ferns on the ground.
    The Female Great Currasow spreads her feathers around her as she sits on the ground.
    The male currasow has all black feathers, a spikey crest on top of his head and a yellow and silver beak.

    The lodge also offers a full services restaurant, several kilometers of well-maintained trails, including ones that lead to waterfalls and suspension bridges.

    A couple pauses on the private hanging bridge trail, a rare amenity exclusive to this rainforest lodge.

    If you’re a birder, this place is an absolute must. Even if you’re not, the scenery and views of Arenal Volcano are still unforgettable.

    Book a Day Pass to Arenal Observatory Lodge

    Day 12 – Caño Negro Wildlife Boat Tour

    Today, head north to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge for a peaceful yet wildlife-rich boat tour. This 2.5-hour cruise on the Río Frío is one of the best ways to spot birds, reptiles, and mammals in their natural habitat. On our visit, we saw kingfishers, egrets, monkeys, tons of iguanas, and even a caiman sunning itself along the riverbank.

  • A blue. white and orange colored bird with a huge bill sits on a branch over the river, waiting for a fish to swim by.
  • A huge iguana with striking pops of green and orange coloring rests lazily on a large branch, high up in a tree.
  • A Cayman rests on the shore of the river, waiting for his next meal to get close enough. A cayman is the South America version of an Alligator.
  • A large black bird with white streaks on it's back sits on bare branches by the river
  • A white bird with bright yellow feet perches on a branch above the river, waiting for a fish to come nearby
  • Take a scenic river cruise in Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge near San Carlos, Alajuela Costa Rica

    • This tour is especially appealing if you prefer a low-effort, high-reward activity. The knowledgeable guides and included lunch round out a fantastic day of wildlife viewing. It’s a long tour, so plan for a full day and don’t forget your camera.

    Book the Caño Negro Wildlife Boat Tour

    And for dinner, check out Travesía Restaurant, in downtown La Fortuna. A very popular place – reservations are strongly recommended!

    A plate full of plantains, salad, chips and guacamole.

    Day 13 – Birding at Mistico Hanging Bridges

    Wrap up your time in La Fortuna with an early morning 6:00 AM guided birding tour at Mistico Hanging Bridges Park. A naturalist guide will lead you across suspension bridges and forest trails, helping you spot everything from motmots and trogons to tiny grassquits and colorful woodpeckers.

  • Lush tropical rainforest goes up the side of the mountain.
  • A bright orange bird with a black mask and beak perches on a tree branch.
  • A regal bird with variable gray feathers and a sharp beak sits on a pole.
  • A yellow-bellied king-bird bird sits on a wire.
  • A black bird with a gray beak and a little white on his wing sits on a green metal wire.
  • Kari stands in the middle of a metal suspension bridge in the rainforest.
  • A woman stands beside a powerful spotting scope on a trail in the rainforest.
  • Kari waits her turn to enter the hanging bridge.

    • Early morning is the best time for bird activity, and this misty rainforest setting is both peaceful and thrilling. It’s a great way to reflect on the biodiversity you’ve seen throughout your trip.

    Book the Birding Tour at Mistico Hanging Bridges

    If you have extra time this afternoon, here are a few more nature-based activities:

    • Bogarin Trail Sloth Tour – A relaxing walk with a guide who knows where the sloths hang out. Right in downtown La Fortuna!
    Book the Bogarin Trail Sloth Tour
    • Tabacon Hot Springs – You can’t come to Arenal and not spend some time soaking in the hot springs, heated by the volcano. Tabacon is one of the most popular and often sells out in advance.
    Book the Tabacon Hot Springs
    Book the Horseback Ride Around Arenal
    • Cooking Class at El Fogón de Chela – Learn to cook Costa Rican favorites in a farm setting. This is the most popular cooking class in Costa Rica and we had so much fun with it! You get to pick the vegetables out of the garden and then prepare a meal. Ask for the Hibiscus wine – it was so delicious!
    Book the El Fogon de Chela Cooking Class
    Kari & Bill each work on chopping different vegetables with knives.

    Day 14 – La Paz Waterfall Gardens + Return to San José

    Leave La Fortuna early in the morning and plan to spend 4–5 hours exploring the La Paz Waterfall Gardens on your way back to San José. This stunning nature park is packed with five beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforest trails, and a wide range of animal exhibits.

    You’ll find a Bird Aviary, Hummingbird Garden, Butterfly Observatory, Jungle Cat Sanctuary, and exhibits featuring monkeys, snakes, and frogs. The trails are paved and well-marked, making it easy to explore at your own pace.

    Don’t miss the jungle cats and the magnificent waterfall views at the end of the trail. Here’s my guide to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

    La Paz is a fantastic finale to your Costa Rica adventure.

    Book your La Paz Day Pass
  • The La Paz Waterfall Gardens features a multi-level waterfall that cascades down a steep embankment with green plants in the foreground.
  • A staircase climbs through the jungle with a moss-covered handrail.
  • A close up shot of a Big black toucan sits on a branch with his yellow throat, bright green coloring around his eye, his bill with yellow on top and burgundy on the bottom.
  • A river tumbles over rocks creating a small waterfall in the jungle.
  • A smaller female Margay, also known as a Tree Ocelot, sits on a wooden platform, looking to his left.
  • Morph Butterfly shows his beautiful bright blue wings in the Butterfly Observatory at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens
  • Morph butterfly with its wings closed, displaying a beautiful brown and buff pattern.
  • Bill poses with the Keel-billed toucan, perched on the tree branch above him.

    • FAQs About Planning a Costa Rica Travel Itinerary for Nature Lovers

    What’s the best time of year to visit Costa Rica for wildlife and birdwatching?

    December to April is the dry season, and it offers the best visibility for spotting wildlife. Migratory birds are often present in January and February. That said, the green season (May to November) brings fewer crowds and more active wildlife—just be ready for afternoon rains.

    Birdwatching in particular is highly dependent on what food sources are available at different times of the year. Fruit trees are plentiful, but some only bear fruit every couple of years while others bear fruit multiple times a year.

    How many days should I spend in each destination?

    This 2 week Costa Rica travel itinerary suggests about 4-5 days in each of the main regions (Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and La Fortuna) to allow time for both guided tours and relaxed, self-paced exploration. We’ve tested this flow ourselves and found it to be the right balance for nature lovers who want to see more and rush less.

    Should I hire a Guide? Or just go on my Own?

    As your budget allows, I would always choose to hire a guide. You are guaranteed to see more wildlife with a guide than without. But there are some places like the Arenal Observatory Lodge or Reserva Natural Valle de los Quetzales where the birds are right there in front of you so a guide is not necessary.

    How to find a reputable guide? Here are some options:

    Is Costa Rica a good destination for beginner birders?

    Absolutely. Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to get into birding. Local guides are knowledgeable and patient, and even beginners can easily spot toucans, hummingbirds, motmots, and quetzals.

    Should I rent a car for this itinerary?

    Yes. While shuttle buses and transfers are available, having a rental car gives you maximum flexibility to explore early morning birding spots and off-the-beaten-path trails. We have used RentalCars.com and been happy with the experience. Here’s everything you need to know about driving in Costa Rica.

    Where should I stay in each location?

    We spent many hours doing the research and reading the reviews so we can make solid recommendations for each area. Many of these properties are surrounded by nature and offer excellent on-site birding.

    Do I need to book tours in advance?

    Yes, especially for national park entries and specialized birding tours. Manuel Antonio National Park, the Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Caño Negro tours often sell out in high season. Book as early as possible using the links provided above.

    Final: Why This 2 Week Costa Rica Travel Itinerary is Perfect for Nature Lovers

    From Scarlet Macaws at Carara to Quetzals in Monteverde and sloths in La Fortuna, this small country packs a biodiversity punch like no other.

    While we covered three major regions in this itinerary, there’s still so much left to explore. If you’re already dreaming about what to see on your next trip, come back and stay for a month or more.

    Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler looking to deepen your connection with Costa Rica’s natural beauty, we hope this Costa Rica Travel Itinerary helped you craft a trip that feels both magical and meaningful. Pura Vida!

    More Info on Costa Rica

    Here are some more posts about Costa Rica, including some that I’m still working on. If you’d like to receive emails when I’ve posted new content to the site, please complete the short form above.

    La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano Area

    Manuel Antonio / Quepos Area

    Monteverde / Santa Elena Rainforest Area

    More on Bird and Wildlife Watching Around the World

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