Costa Rica had been on my bucket list as an avid birder since eternity. Every time I visited a wildlife lodge or met nature lovers and birders, Costa Rica would constantly pop up in conversations as a prime birding destination. Hence, when I planned my 3 month trip to the Americas, I knew it would be a crime to skip Costa Rica. I am so glad I made it to this beautiful country.
Costa Rica turned out to be one of the highlight of my last 3 months. I was lucky to find an excellent guide (Daniel) on my very first day in La Fortuna. This totally made my trip to La Fortuna – especially since I managed to spot around 30 lifers in just one birding trip..
My 10 days Costa Rican itinerary was pretty simple – San Jose – La Fortuna – Manuel Antonio – Puerto Viejo. I flew into Costa Rica from Mexico city and crossed the border out to Panama by road.
As a picky birder, I had around 100 questions for Daniel before I chose him to be my guide for La Fortuna. I, then, used his impeccable services for a birding tour to Bogarin Trail, a nature walk in Mistico Arenal hanging bridge park and finally a night trek.
What to expect while Birding in Bogarin Trail La Fortuna?
Bogarin trail is a short wildlife trail where you can spot sloths (we spotted 7 in one morning), frogs and birds. They have a bird feeder as soon as you enter so even before you pay the entrance fee, several feathery friends are waiting to welcome you.
From the go, I was super excited as all birds were absolutely new for me. All lifers. I have never been so excited and jumped with joy at every sight and sound. Costa Rican birds are colorful and stunning – beyond my expectations.
The trail was very well marked and even if you plan to go without a guide, it is impossible to get lost. Though, you probably wont spot half as many birds as I did.
My prime goal was to spot a Toucan. Due to sunny skies, we weren’t able to (I did see them later in Manuel Antonio and again with Jungle Joe in Minca, Colombia). However, even minus a Toucan spotting, this was one of my best birding trips ever.
Daniel kept pointing out new bird species and we excitedly clicked pictures and saw them through his telescope. I jotted down all names to add to my birding checklist later.
Some of my absolute favorite birds on this trail were – Rufous-tailed jacamar, Orange-billed sparrow, Rufous motmot, Honeycreepers, Squirrel cuckoo and Scarlet tanager, among others.Â
Pictures of Birds at Bogarin Trail
Since I wasn’t carrying my 50x zoom Canon camera for this trip as I hadn’t anticipated traveling to Costa Rica (yes my Americas trip was super unplanned and very impromptu); I was glad Daniel had a 60x Canon camera and he managed to get these astounding pictures for all of us to gawk at –
Birding in Costa Rica – To Hire a Guide or Not?
Long answer short – 100% yes! In the tall dense rainforests, I wouldn’t even spot a snake if it was literally hanging on a branch next to me. Wildlife has its way to blend into nature and Daniel showed us birdlife and wildlife, we would never spot on our own.
For example spotting a green frog on a green leaf or tarantulas in tree holes. Even when a big spider monkey was right above all of us at Mistico, we were all busy looking at birds to spot it.
Then once in Minca, we found one of the most venomous snake on the road (Who was playing dead). We would’ve not even spotted it (let alone carefully walk away from it) if it hadn’t been for our guide who caught a glimpse.
So for safety reasons and if you want to actually spot birds and animals, instead of simply enjoying a nice jungle walk and seeing trees (only) – I would highly recommend spending a few bucks more and hiring a talented guide.
What’s more, a good guide would always carry – a telescope, a pair of binoculars (or more if you ask them beforehand) and a zoom camera. Not only can you watch these wonderful birds and animals up close through the telescope, but also take away pictures as memories. You can even make lovely canvas prints from these awesome pictures and gift them as souvenirs of your adventures.
Cost for hiring a birding guide in Costa Rica can vary a lot. Luckily, Daniel offered me and my friends an excellent deal of just USD 10 per person for few hours of birding/ nature walks. This was a killer deal but if you go direct, you can expect to pay just a little bit more.
You can get in touch with Daniel through his Instagram if you have any questions about birding in La Fortuna or if you would like to use his services.
How to Reach the Bogarin Trail
I was putting up at the quaint and cute Arenal Container Hostel in La Fortuna. The hostel is very central and in general, La Fortuna is a small town (Esp the city center which is very much walkable!). From my hostel, the Bogarin trail was just a short 10 mins walk away.
Bogarin Trail on the Map
Important Information about Bogarin Trail –
Entrance Fee to the Bogarin Trail:Â 5000 Colones (Approx $9).
Opening Hours for Bogarin Trail, La Fortuna:Â Daily from 0530 till 1800 hrs
Address: Calle 480 La Fortuna de San Carlos, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
Phone: +506 8420 3661
If you are looking for best spots for birding in Costa Rica then Bogarin Trail should be on your list.
This alongside regular visits to Indian jungles in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger, fueled her zest for adventure, nature and wildlife.
Now she is a renowned travel blogger, outreach expert and has worked with over 500 travel brands in the last 15 years.
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