Costa Rica: A Birder's Paradise, March 2025 - $1000 deposit/person

Tour Price/person*: TBA (2024 price: $4290)

Deposit: $1000/person

Single supplement: TBA

Final Payment: Due via check or ACH by December 10, 2024, or upon registration if after.

*Based on double occupancy at lodgings, with a group size of 6 to 8 registrants. Maximum group size is 8 registrants, plus guide(s) and driver(s). If there are fewer than 6 registrants, this tour may be canceled or re-negotiated. Note that if you want a roommate we can try to find you one, but we cannot guarantee all guests a roommate. If none is available, you will be charged the single supplement.

Pace, Rigor, Climate & Pests

• Ranges from very warm to cool and pleasant, with daytime highs between 65 and 85 F degrees.

• Cooler temps in the Talamanca Mountains where it’s warm and pleasant during the day, with cold and chilly nights down to 45 F degrees.

• Warmer temps in the lowland zones, with daytime highs in the mid-80s F

• Food is excellent throughout, with all meals having a great Gluten-free and Vegetarian option.

• Accommodations are 3 to 4 stars.

• No rigorous hiking required, most mornings of walking and birding along dirt roads and easy trails. 

• Elevation is from about sea level up to 8,000ft (2,500m) with a short visit to elevations above 11,000ft (3,400m)

• Only a couple drives of 4+ hours, otherwise mostly short drive times between sites.

• Early mornings, up before dawn. Usually back to the hotel by 12pm for lunch.

• Afternoon birding or relaxing after lunch, with a couple evenings of night birding.

Elevation is a consideration on this tour. Please consult your physician regarding travel to areas of high elevation. Elevations range from sea level to about 11,000 feet (3,400m) above sea level during our 12 day tour. Especially when up high, but really throughout the tour, we will take our time, and keep a slow and relaxed pace while we seek and enjoy birds and other wildlife.

Generally, nature enthusiasts visiting Costa Rica do not encounter diseases like Malaria, but it is possible, however extremely unlikely. We urge guests to consult a doctor about vaccinations and medications prior to travel.

Elevation sickness is possible given some of the areas we visit on this tour, so we urge guests to seek medical advice on spending time at high elevation as well.

The water is safe to drink everywhere in the country, but if you are ever unsure, we will make sure to get bottled/filtered water for you.

Packing

Please limit yourself to one suitcase/duffel and another daypack/backpack for daily outings from the lodge. Group travel dictates we consider our fellow traveler’s comfort, and this includes not over-packing.

Lightweight and breathable clothing good for warm climates is recommended, as well as neutral colors and earth tones to increase the chances of close bird encounters and reduce startling wildlife.
Rain jackets/rain shells are recommended as we may encounter light afternoon showers, but they usually don’t last long.
Warm layers for mornings and evenings in the Talamanca Mountains where it can be 45 F degrees at dawn, but it warms up quickly. A warm hat, gloves, and an inner sweater and outer jacket layer are recommended for those who are chilled easily. 

Comfortable trail or hiking shoes are recommended, as well as sandals or light shoes for wearing around the lodge and on travel days.

Power outlets in Costa Rica are Type A (2-prong) and Type B (2-prong with ground), the same plug configuration as the United States and Canada. 

Cancellation Policy

If a guest/participant cancels registration:

●      120 days or more prior to the start of the tour, a refund is issued minus a $500/person processing fee.

●      Between 119 and 90 days prior to the start of the tour, half of the tour fee will be returned to the registrant.

●      89 days or less prior to departure, no refund of payments or deposits are issued.

View Hillstar Nature’s Terms & Conditions of Booking