Central and South America

Costa Rica | Birder’s Paradise: Savegre, Sarapiquí, Arenal, and Carara

Activity Level:
MODERATE
Duration:
12 Days
Price:
From $4,275
Interests:
Birding
Organize This Trip Print Itinerary
Crimson-collared Tanager
Birders at La Selva Biological Station
Sunbittern
Fiery-billed Aracari
Orange-collared Manakin
Arenal Volcano
Volcano Hummingbird
Costa Rica's Talamanca Mountains
White-throated Magpie-Jay
Organize This Trip
Organize This Trip

About this trip

Embark on a comprehensive excursion perfect for avid birders wishing to add to their life list: You’ll be rewarded with ample opportunities to seek out some of the hundreds of avian species that call Costa Rica home. Visit hotspots encompassing a variety of habitats—such as Caribbean lowlands, premontane forest, tropical dry forest, mangroves, páramo, and more. Accompanied by one of our expert Costa Rican birding guides, you'll look for sought-after resident and migratory species and experience the breadth and depth of the country's diverse natural beauty.

Highlights

  • Hike the trails of the world-renowned La Selva Biological Station, where more than half of Costa Rica’s avian species have been recorded.
  • Enjoy birding from excellent vantage points—including grassland, secondary forest, a river, and a natural spring—at EcoCenter Danaus, a private ecological reserve near Arenal Volcano.
  • Take a boat ride on the Tárcoles River, known for its population of American crocodiles, as well as mangrove specialties like the Rufous-necked Wood-Rail, Mangrove Hummingbird, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Panama Flycatcher, and Mangrove Vireo.
  • Visit Carara National Park, an ecologically diverse hotspot due to its location at the convergence of northwestern tropical dry forest and humid southern Pacific rainforest.
  • Seek out regional endemics like the Volcano Junco and White-throated Mountain-gem, plus the highly coveted Resplendent Quetzal, in the temperate forest and páramo habitats of Cerro de la Muerte​​.

Activity Level 3: Moderate

This journey exposes you to prime birdwatching habitats in Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands, volcanic Arenal region, Pacific coast, and Talamanca Mountains. It also features Carara National Park, one of the country’s most ecologically diverse birding hotspots. Daily guided birdwatching excursions are conducted at an easy pace, lasting up to 4 hours each; some days offer multiple excursions for up to 8 total hours of birding. You’ll walk up and downhill along paved and unpaved trails within national parks and our hotels’ forest preserves. Some trails have uneven or slippery surfaces. Two 2-hour boat trips showcase aquatic birds. Elevation changes take you from 180 to 10,400 feet. Expect high humidity with temperatures ranging from 60 to 86 ˚F. You’ll travel between sites aboard private, air-conditioned motorcoaches along curvy mountain roads, with stops en route. The longest drive will be about 4 to 5 hours.

9 Travelers

$4,275

Land Cost

Group size

Book 8 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

What makes us different

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Sustainable travel

We believe travel should have a positive impact on the world. We are committed to maintaining responsible travel practices and partner with ClimateSafe to provide carbon offsetting.

Custom-tailored trips

We can customize your itinerary so that it’s the ideal match for your interests, travel dates, and budget

Expert guides

We take pride in hiring local guides who are carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the field

Support local communities

We work with local guides and organizations so your trip includes authentic cultural experiences while supporting the economy of the region

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with arranging the flights for your group if desired

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
San Jose
Day 1
Upon arrival in San José, you will be met and taken to your hotel. Meet your guide at 6 pm in the hotel conference room for a welcome orientation followed by a welcome dinner. Check-in is at 3 pm.
Dinner included
Hotel Bougainvillea
San Jose
Arrive in San Jose and transfer to Hotel Buena Vista situated just minutes from the airport in the charming town of Alajuela. Check in at the hotel and enjoy the stunning views San Jose's central valley. Elevation is 3,100 feet.
Hotel Buena Vista
Sarapiqui
Day 2
This morning, meet for breakfast in the hotel restaurant, followed by an introductory presentation on tropical birding from a local expert. Check out of the hotel and start your journey to Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve. En route, stop for lunch and birding at Cinchona and Virgen del Socorro if road conditions permit. Selva Verde Lodge is situated in the Caribbean lowlands, at elevations ranging from 180 to 220 feet. Established by the Holbrook family in 1985, the lodge is renowned for its commitment to ecological preservation and sustainability. The reserve is home to a large assortment of avian life, including several types of herons, egrets, hawks, falcons, macaws, hummingbirds, flycatchers, warblers, sparrows, and tanagers. Specific species often spotted at Selva Verde include the Keel-billed Toucan, Sunbittern, Crimson-collared Tanager, Wood Thrush, Crowned Woodnymph, and Russet-naped Wood-Rail. Selva Verde is also home to the endangered Great Green Macaw, a species that seems to be recovering thanks to area conservation efforts. They can occasionally be found feeding on the giant fruiting almond trees in the rainforest. Have a brief orientation to get acquainted with the facilities before birding on the lodge trails.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Selva Verde Lodge
Sarapiqui
This morning check out of the hotel and then transfer to Selva Verde Lodge and Reserve, situated in the Caribbean lowlands at elevations of between 180-220 feet. En route birding at Chinchon and Virgen del Soccoro. Founded by the Holbrook family in 1985, Selva Verde Lodge is renowned for its commitment to ecological preservation and sustainability. The reserve is home to a large assortment of avian life including several types of heron, egret, hawk, falcon, macaw, hummingbird, flycatcher, warbler, sparrow, and tanager. Specific species that are often spotted at Selva Verde include the Keel billed Toucan, Sunbittern, Crimson Tanager, Wood Thrush, Violet Crowned Woodnymph, and Grey necked Wood Rails. Selva Verde is also home to the endangered Great Green Macaw. The Great Green Macaws can occasionally be found here, feeding on the giant fruiting almond trees in the rainforest. Upon arrival have lunch at the elevated, riverside restaurant. After a brief orientation to the facilities, afternoon birding on the lodge trails. This evening after dinner walking in search on nocturnal species.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Selva Verde Lodge
Sarapiquí
Day 3
Depart at dawn for the world-famous Organization for Tropical Studies La Selva Biological Station for early morning birding in the tropical wet forest. La Selva consists of nearly 4,000 acres of land, more than half of which is virgin forest. The area averages more than 13 feet of rainfall each year and is one of the longest-studied rainforests in the world. More than half of Costa Rica's recorded bird species have been spotted at La Selva, including the Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Red-capped Manakin, Great Antshrike, Chestnut-backed Antbird, Slaty-tailed Trogon, Striped Cuckoo, Slaty Spinetail, Yellow-tailed Oriole, and Rufous-tailed Jacamar. Return to the lodge for lunch. Your afternoon is free to participate in optional activities such as a boat ride on the Sarapiquí River, whitewater rafting or horseback riding (arranged at reception upon arrival and paid on-site), spending time by the pool, or looking for avian visitors in Selva Verde's botanical garden area. Later this afternoon, enjoy a guided birding hike, or take in the river views from the patio overlooking the Sarapiquí River.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Selva Verde Lodge
Sarapiqui
Depart at dawn to journey to the world famous La Selva Biological Station for early morning birding in the tropical wet forests. La Selva consists of approximately 2,500 acres of land, over 90% of which is virgin forest. The area averages over 13 feet of rainfall each year, making it a prime spot to observe water birds. Over half of Costa Rica's 895 recorded bird species have been spotted at La Selva, including the Bare necked Umbrellabird, Red capped Manakin, Great Antshrike, Chestnut backed Antbird, Slaty tailed Trogon, Striped Cuckoo, Slaty Spinetail, Yellow tailed Oriole, and Rufous tailed Jacamar. Return to the lodge for lunch and have free time.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Selva Verde Lodge
Sarapiquí
Day 4
Begin the day with birding around Selva Verde's grounds and reserve. Later this afternoon, take a boat ride on the Sarapiquí River. While winding down the river bordered with forests and cultivated fields, look for aquatic animals, birds, and reptiles in their natural habitat. You may also see residents going about their daily lives and witness the impact local banana plantations have on this watershed. This evening, take a walk around the lodge grounds in search of nocturnal species.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Selva Verde Lodge
Sarapiqui
Birding around Selva Verde grounds and reserve. Late afternoon boat ride on the Rio Sarapiquí. While winding down the river bordered with forests and cultivated fields, aquatic animals, birds, and reptiles are abundant in their natural habitat. You can also view native residents going about their daily lives and witness the impact of local banana plantations on this watershed.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Selva Verde Lodge
Arenal
Day 5
Check out and depart for Arenal Observatory Lodge this morning, with a stop along the way at EcoCenter Danaus in the town of La Fortuna. This private ecological reserve also develops programs for conservation, training, environmental education, and sustainable production. There are a number of optimal birding locations to explore; the grassland areas, the bridge over the Burío River, the secondary forest, and the natural spring are all excellent vantage points to seek out some of the 150 species found here. Have lunch in La Fortuna and continue to the hotel. Arenal Observatory is the only eco-lodge situated between Lake Arenal and the massive Arenal stratovolcano, and the only hotel within the boundaries of Arenal National Park. Set on a ridge amid towering pine trees on the south side of the volcano, the lodge offers seven miles of well-maintained trails on more than 800 acres. It is a birder's paradise, with more than 500 species being recorded here. Some of the more spectacular local residents include the Three-wattled Bellbird, Fasciated Tiger-Heron, Laughing Falcon, Red-lored Parrot, Great Curassow, Northern Jacana, Steely-vented Hummingbird, and Keel-billed Toucan. There is also plenty of other wildlife in the area, including three species of monkeys. Elevations range from 1,650 to 2,950 feet.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Arenal Observatory Lodge
Arenal
This morning after breakfast depart for Arenal Observatory Lodge with a stop at La Fortuna's The Eco Center Danaus a private ecological reserve where programs for conservation, training, environmental education and sustainable production are developed. Here there will be birding along the grassland areas, the bridge over the Burío river, in the secondary forest and the natural spring in search of some of the 150 species recorded here. Have lunch in La Fortuna and continue to the hotel. Arenal Observatory is not only the only eco lodge situated between Lake Arenal and the massive Arenal stratovolcano, it is also the only hotel situated within the Arenal National Park. Situated on a ridge amid towering pine trees and beautiful rainforest on the south side of volcano, the lodge boasts 7 miles of well-maintained trails on over 800 acres. A birders paradise, more than 400 species of birds have been recorded here. Some of the more spectacular local residents include: Three wattled Bellbirds, Fasciated Tiger Herons, Sunbitterns, Laughing Falcons, Red lored Parrots, Great Curassows, Northern Jacanas, Steely vented Hummingbirds and Keel billed Toucans. There is also plenty of other wildlife in the area, including 3 species of monkeys. Elevations range from 1650 2950 feet.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Arenal Observatory Lodge
Arenal
Day 6
Today spend the morning birding on the lodge's trails. Look for Lovely Cotinga, Black-crested Coquette, Yellow-eared Toucanet, Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Cinnamon Becard, and many more. This afternoon, go birding along Bogarín Trail in La Fortuna. This easy trail takes you through secondary forest where it's possible to see Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Broad-billed Motmot, Barred Antshrike, Uniform Crake, White-collared Manakin, Gray-headed Chachalaca, Black-and-white Owl, and a variety of tanagers. The trail is also a great place to look for both two-toed and three-toed sloths. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Arenal Observatory Lodge
Arenal
This morning birding on the lodges trails followed by breakfast. After breakfast, transfer to Arenal Hanging Bridges for birding along the 15 bridges of which 6 are suspended in the upper canopy of this mature forest trail system. The elevation is approximately 1900 feet. The trail system straddles types of ecosystems forming a transitional vegetation strip with high biodiversity where both highland and lowland species occur. There is an excellent chance to see motmots and jacamars. Return to the lodge for lunch and this afternoon continue birding on the lodge's trails.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Arenal Observatory Lodge
Carara
Day 7
Travel to Villa Lapas today. En route stop for a boat ride along the Tárcoles River to watch for both water and shore birds, like the Double-striped Thick-knee, Roseate Spoonbill, jacanas, and ducks. The Tárcoles River basin is one of the most important in the Pacific coastal region; it drains virtually the entire western side of the Central Valley. Tárcoles hosts an amazing diversity of wildlife along its banks. The river is a perfect place to catch a glimpse of mangrove specialties such as the rare Rufous-necked Wood-Rail, Mangrove Hummingbird, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Panama Flycatcher, Mangrove Vireo, Mangrove (Yellow) Warbler, and Scrub Greenlet. Perhaps the most famous of all its inhabitants are the enormous American crocodiles that live on its banks. Have lunch then continue to the hotel. Later, take a guided night walk to observe owls.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Macaw Lodge or similar
Carara
Travel to Villa Lapas today, arriving in time for lunch at the lodge. When it cools off a bit, later this afternoon experience a boat ride along the Tárcoles River to watch for both water and shore birds like Double-striped Thick-knee, Roseate Spoonbill, jacanas, and ducks. The Tárcoles River basin is one of the most important in the Pacific coastal region, virtually draining the entire western side of the Central Valley. Tárcoles hosts an amazing diversity of wildlife along its banks the river is a perfect spot to catch a glimpse of mangrove specialties such as the rare Rufous-necked Wood-rail, Mangrove Hummingbird, Pygmy Kingfisher, Panama Flycatcher, Mangrove Vireo, Mangrove (yellow) Warbler and Scrub Greenlet. Perhaps the most famous of all its inhabitants are the enormous crocodiles that live on its banks. Later take a guided night walk to observe owls.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Villa Lapas
Carara
Day 8
Spend a full day birding at Macaw Lodge. The lodge is located between two different types of forests: humid tropical forest and very humid forest. The varied climates, ecologies, and terrains support a wealth of birds that easily exceeds 350 migratory and resident species, including the Scarlet Macaws for which the lodge is named, plus Fiery-billed Aracari, Yellow-throated Toucan, Orange-collared Manakin, White-throated Magpie-Jay, and Amazon Kingfisher, among others. The lodge's 264-acre property offers eight acres of cultivated trails, a giant black bamboo forest, and a 12-acre tropical botanical garden with more than 500 species of heliconias and bromeliads from all over the world, including ornamental, medicinal, and agricultural plants. There is also the opportunity to hike to a waterfall or watch for avian visitors at the property's lagoon.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Macaw Lodge or similar
Carara
Take an early morning bird walk before breakfast. Later visit Carara National Park for the day, one of the birding hotspots of Costa Rica. The park is located in Costa Rica's Central Pacific region, which is one the most ecologically diverse areas of the country. The intersection of the northwestern tropical dry forest habitats with the humid rainforests of the South Pacific region in a relatively small area produces a very interesting combination of species from both ecosystems. Keep your eyes peeled for Golden-naped Woodpecker, Baird's Trogon, Orange-collared Manakin, Riverside Wren, Black-hooded Antshrike, Dot-winged Antwren, Long-billed Gnatwren and Chestnut-backed Antbird. Before dinner at the lodge, watch for macaws from a nearby bridge.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Villa Lapas
San Gerardo de Dota
Day 9
Begin the day with an early breakfast, then check out of the hotel and set out for a morning visit to Carara National Park, one of Costa Rica's birding hotspots. The park is located in the Central Pacific region, one of the most ecologically diverse areas of the country. The intersection of northwestern tropical dry forest with the humid rainforest of the South Pacific region, concentrated in a relatively small area, produces an interesting combination of species from both ecosystems. Keep your eyes open for Golden-naped Woodpecker, Baird's Trogon, Orange-collared Manakin, Riverside Wren, Black-hooded Antshrike, Dot-winged Antwren, Long-billed Gnatwren, and Chestnut-backed Antbird. Continue to Cerro de la Muerte, an area at the top of the Cordillera de Talamanca that is famous for its diversity of endemic wildlife. Consisting of temperate forest and páramo habitats, the natural vegetation attracts species such as the rare Red-fronted Parrotlet, Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl, Dusky Nightjar, Fiery-throated, Volcano, and Scintillant Hummingbirds, White-throated Mountain-gem, Ruddy Treerunner, Buffy Tuftedcheek, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Ochraceous Pewee, Silvery-throated Jay, Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatcher, Volcano Junco, Timberline Wren, Wrenthrush, and Resplendent Quetzal. Look for these species and others at Cerro de la Muerte en route to Savegre. Check in and have dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa
San Gerardo de Dota
After breakfast continue to Cerro de la Muerte, an area located at the top of the Cordillera de Talamanca that is famous for its diversity of endemic wildlife. Consisting of temperate forest and páramo habitats, the natural vegetation attracts species such as the rare Red-fronted Parrotlet, Costa Rican Pygmy-owl, Dusky Nightjar, Fiery-throated, Volcano, and Scintillant Hummingbirds, Gray-tailed Mountain-gem, Ruddy Treerunner, Buffy Tuftedcheek, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Ochraceous Pewee, Silvery-throated Jay, Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatcher, Volcano Junco, Timberline Wren, Zeledonia, and Resplendent Quetzal. Look for these species and others at Cerro de la Muerte and La Georgina en route to Savegre. Afternoon birding at the lodge before dinner. Take some time to visit the hummingbird feeders in front of reception and off the balcony of the lounge. The feeders are often active with resident Magnificent Hummingbird, Green Violetear, Gray-tailed Mountaingem, Volcano Hummingbird, and tiny Scintillant Hummingbird.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Savegre Mountain Hotel
San Gerardo de Dota
Day 10
Savegre is located in a small community in the Talamanca Mountains and houses its own private biological reserve. This high-elevation habitat of mostly oak and highland cloud forest attracts a huge variety of avifauna. The large centennial oaks that cover the forest are laden with lichens and mosses that contrast with the colorful bromeliads. The forest is rich with insects, mammals, amphibians, and 170-plus bird species. Spend today exploring the reserve's upper and lower trails. In the morning, look for Spotted Wood-Quail, Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl, Collared Trogon, Barred Becard, and Golden-browed Chlorophonia. In the afternoon, search for the Resplendent Quetzal. Dinner is followed by a guided night walk.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa
San Gerardo de Dota
Savegre is located in a small community in the Talamanca Mountains and houses its own private biological reserve. The high elevation habitat of mostly oak forest and highland cloud forest attracts a huge variety of avifauna. The large centennial oaks that cover the forest are laden with lichens and mosses that contrast with the colorful bromeliads. The forest is rich with insects, mammals, and amphibians, and 170+ bird species. Spend the morning birding in search of Spotted Wood-Quail, Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl, Collared Trogon, Buffy Tufted-cheek, Ruddy Treerunner, Ochraceous Pewee, Barred Becard, Zeledonia and Golden-browed Chlorophonia. Head to Los Lagos in the afternoon in search of the Resplendent Quetzal. Dinner is followed by a guided night walk.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Savegre Mountain Hotel
San Jose
Day 11
After some early morning birding around the lodge, have breakfast and begin the journey back to San José. En route, stop at Paraíso del Quetzal for lunch. Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and take some time to freshen up and relax. Attend a farewell dinner this evening.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Buena Vista Chic Hotel
Early morning departure for San Jose and the airport. Flights should be scheduled to depart after 1:00 p.m. this afternoon.
Breakfast- included
Depart
Day 12
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Check-out is at 12 pm.
Breakfast- included
9 Travelers

$4,275

Land Cost

Group size

Book 8 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

What's Included
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Full time expert birding naturalist guide for duration of program
  • Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
  • Accommodations with private bathrooms
  • Bottled water or water refill station during transfers
  • Carbon Offset
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Rates are based on double occupancy for participants.

Prices are valid for travel from Jan 1, 2025 - Dec 15, 2027. Holiday surcharges may apply.

Travel Info

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Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Passports must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. As this requirement is subject to change at any time without notice, we recommend at least 6 months' validity.

A visa is not required for visits up to 90 days.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Costa Rican Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Costa Rica, unless you are traveling from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk. Though not required for entry, the CDC recommends vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Costa Rica.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC advises that malaria transmission is present in certain regions of Costa Rica, primarily in the provinces of Alajuela and Limón. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. If you are visiting areas where malaria is present and choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your doctor for a prescription.

To protect against mosquitos, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.

Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, binoculars, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.

OTHER INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES

Other insect-borne illnesses are known to occur in Costa Rica, including dengue fever, leishmaniasis, Zika virus, and others. Travelers to Costa Rica should protect themselves against insect bites using the measures described above.

After spending time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.

As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

OTHER NUISANCE PESTS

In places with rich vegetation and proximity to bodies of water, you may encounter chiggers. These are mites that can superficially attach to skin and leave behind itchy red bumps that appear 3-6 hours after initial contact. Their bites are sometimes mistaken for those of bed bugs or other insects; however, unlike bed bugs, which tend to target exposed skin, chiggers look for skin folds or areas where clothing fits tightly, like the ankles, waist, underarms, elbow creases, and the back of the knees to feed on broken down skin cells. They do not transmit any illnesses in Costa Rica.

We recommend that travelers to Costa Rica protect themselves against chigger bites using the measures noted above. Additionally, if potential exposure occurs, we recommend showering and scrubbing skin with soap and hot water as quickly as possible. If that is not immediately feasible, promptly rub skin with a dry towel or cloth and place any exposed clothing in a zip-top bag until it can be washed. To treat any itchiness, we suggest over-the-counter anti-itch lotion and/or oral antihistamines.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

If your itinerary includes locations at high elevation (above 5,000 feet), altitude sickness is a possibility. Stay hydrated and well-rested, and avoid heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arrival. Consult your physician prior to travel for advice specific to your situation.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Resources

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Packing Recommendations

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities in Costa Rica. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at additional cost. If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Costa Rica’s rainy season is May through November, but it can rain at any time. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

If your program includes visits to higher elevations (e.g. Savegre, Monteverde, or Cordillera de Talamanca), warm clothing is strongly recommended. Temperatures can get quite chilly, especially at night and early in the morning, and hotel rooms don’t always have heat. It can also be windy at times. Consider packing a warm underlayer, as well as a warm, protective outer layer.

For birding programs, pack muted colors such as khaki, olive, and forest green.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and mosquito protection
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection; jeans tend to be uncomfortable in hot and humid conditions, but are fine in the cooler highlands.
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt (or heavier weight if visiting high-elevation areas)
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s) for the beach, if applicable, plus many hotels have pools
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs. If your itinerary indicates muddy hikes with rubber boots provided on-site, pack a few pairs of knee socks to prevent blisters.
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals. If you’re whitewater rafting or visiting the beach, you may also want a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites (and to be considerate of you fellow travelers).
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap. Most—but not all—hotel rooms provide a hair dryer, but you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – If you’ll be in the ocean, we recommend reef-safe sunscreen.
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, powdered electrolyte packets to prevent dehydration, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, aloe vera gel for sunburn, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle – especially important in national parks, which do not permit single-use plastic bottles or containers
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Travel-size umbrella – Some people find this unwieldy to carry, while others find it offers better protection than a rain jacket alone.
  • Money belt
  • Chargers for electronics
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