Tortuguero

Tortuguero, as it is often called the “Amazon” of Costa Rica, is only accessible by boat or by plane. It lies on the North Caribbean.  The coast is a critical sea turtle nesting sites in the country. The lagoons and the rainforest are home to hundreds of birds, amphibians, reptiles. You can also find mammals in great numbers, most commonly, howler and spider monkeys, sloths, and anteaters. The national park is also home to the elusive Jaguar, although you have to be super lucky to spot one.

Sarapiqui

Sarapiqui is located on the Caribbean lowlands around a 3-hour drive away from Sa Jose. The location includes primary and secondary rainforests, marshes, and rivers. This rainforest is another biodiversity hotspot in the country and an excellent birding site with 450 species of birds and 80 species of mammals.

Cano Negro

Cano Negro is the most extensive wetlands in the country. It is an excellent birding hotspot, especially during the winter months when migratory birds occupy the trees and bushes. Other than birds, you can find spider and howler monkeys, sloths, spectacled caimans, and many other exciting species. It is an excellent alternative to Tortuguero.

Monteverde

Monteverde lies around 1400 metres above sea level. The higher elevation has created a unique ecosystem that is home to more than 500 different birds. There are two famous reserves in the area: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Travellers can discover the national parks with local guides who can help to spot some incredibly unique wildlife.

The cloud forests are home to the magical Resplendent Quetzal, and 27 different hummingbirds, and elusive pumas.

Osa Peninsula- Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park is one of the most biologically diverse places in the World. The park is very remote and is only accessible by boat. It is one of the best places in Costa Rica for wildlife encounters. It is also an excellent place to enjoy the Pacific Ocean on one of its sandy beaches.

Most of the country’s cats (Jaguar, puma, ocelot, jaguarundi, margay), tapirs, squirrel monkeys, toucans, and macaws can be found here.

Los Quetzales National Park

Los Quetzales National Park and its surroundings is another birding hotspot of the country. Los Quetzales National Park was established along with the Talamanca mountain range between 2000 and 3000 metres above sea level. There were over 200 bird species recorded here; you can spot many different hummingbirds and the country’s most famous bird, the Resplendent Quetzal.

In general the country has two seasons; a dry and a wet. Tortuguero has its microclimate, so it varies a bit from the rest of the country. The Caribbean side experiences precipitation year-round.

December to April

The Dry season: These are the driest months in the country. It can still rain, but it will be much shorter and probably not every day. The chances of having a lot of sunshine and clear skies are incredible. This season is also the prime time for wildlife viewing and bird watching. The trees are fruiting, which attracts birds and primates. It is also an excellent season for scuba diving in the South Pacific.

May to November

The wet or green season in the country. Usually, the mornings are sunny and humid; the rain usually comes in the early afternoon. The rainiest months are between July and October. The wet season is the primary turtle nesting season, and you can also spot humpback whales on the Pacific side during the rainiest months. Amphibians and reptiles are also more active during the green season, so it is a great option to attend on a herping holiday.