Bird Watching

Our expert guide will lead you on a birdwatching experience

that is like nothing you will experience around the world

El Lugar is uniquely situated for birdwatching because it is bordered by the Braulio Carrillo National Park and the North Atlantic Biological Corridor.

That unique geological situation means we are at the epicenter for bird migration.

The northern and southern hemisphere of migratory bird patterns join here.  The microclimate of the Rainforest, at 600 feet above sea level, delivers the ideal climate, terrain and food sources for an overwhelming wealth of birdlife.  Bringing to reality John James Audubon’s wildest dream, the corridor is home to over 450 of the world’s 903 bird species!  In fact, new species have been discovered here this year!  130 species alone are listed here on the El Lugar property.

Bird watching
Bird watching

Birds at El Lugar

  • Great Kiskadee, Tropical Kingbird & Social Flycatchers
  • Blue-gray Tanager, Palm Tanager, Golden-hooded Tanager
  • Rufus-tailed Hummingbird, Jacobin Hummingbird & Little Hermit Hummingbird
  •  Gray Hawk & Road Side Hawk
  • Orange-chinned Parakeet & Red-fronted Parakeet
  • Chestnut-side Warbler, Black Warbler & White Warbler
  • Turkey Vulture & Black Vulture
  • Keel-billed Toucan & Yellow-breasted Toucan
  • Great Green Macaw & Scarlet Macaw
  • Green Parrot
  • Sort-billed pigeon & Pale Vented Pigeon

Bird watching

Experiences

Our expert guide, Alex Monge, will lead you on a birdwatching experience that is like nothing you will experience around the world. Tours are conducted from 6:00 – 8:00 am when the birds are at their most active.  We can accommodate two types of tours that last 2 hours.  There is an 8 person maximum with a minimum 10 years of age.   We are also happy to arrange private tours with advance notice.

Bird watching

El Lugar Birdwatching Tour

The El Lugar Birdwatching tour kicks off at El Lugar and winds through tropical paths that span over half a mile around the property.  This tour is best for our guests who are more physically limited.  We can arrange for a golf cart for guests that require it. 

Bird watching

El Encanto Birdwatching Tour

Our El Encanto Birdwatching Tour covers a mile of verdant jungle terrain around Finca El Encanto that is within the Biological Corridor.  This extensive tour cannot accommodate guests who are unable to walk for a mile as the terrain makes it unsuitable for golf carts.

Things to know

We recommend wearing close-toe shoes, bug spray and sunscreen.  Feel free to bring your own binoculars and optical equipment.  We do provide telescopes, laser pointers and optical equipment on the tour if you do not have your own. 

An enchanting experience for novices and veteran birdwatchers alike, one thing is certain, you will not walk away from this tour without a love for birdwatching in the Costa Rican Rainforest.

Reach out to us to schedule your Birdwatching Tour today!

Bird watching