SIGNATURE MOMENT

Waking up to the dawn chorus of howler monkeys

SIGNATURE MOMENT

Watching tanagers and toucans as the sun rises over the Arenal Volcano

SIGNATURE MOMENT

Experiencing the dramatic differences in flora and fauna at different elevations

SIGNATURE MOMENT

Witnessing first-hand the major role army ants play in the rainforest ecosystem

SIGNATURE MOMENT

Observing Resplendent Quetzals feeding on fruit trees at Paraíso del Quetzal

Classic Costa Rica: Quest for the Quetzal

Jan 24 - Feb 04, 2027

11 days | Costa Rica | Quest Nature Tours

With such an amazing biodiversity within a small country, Costa Rica is an ideal ‘first ambassador’ for travellers looking to explore Central America. On this tour of discovery, we venture from the country’s Central Valley down the Caribbean foothills into the eastern lowlands; cross the Continental Divide to the Pacific lowlands and the wetlands of the dry northwest; ascend to cloud forests and climb even farther up into the stark páramo above the tree line. By visiting so many unique ecoregions, the landscape will always be changing, and the cast of animals and plants will change with it.

The attendant (and substantial) diversity of bird life will be readily apparent as we explore. Standouts will include macaws, toucans, trogons, motmots, tanagers, hummingbirds, antbirds and manakins. Butterflies are similarly impressive, with slick heliconians and giant blue Morphos catching our attention. Though more secretive or cryptic, we can expect to encounter numerous interesting mammals, reptiles and amphibians, especially on our exciting night walks. From the captivating beauty of a Resplendent Quetzal to the subtlety of a tiny orchid clinging to life in the canopy of a fallen rainforest tree, this will be an invigorating experience for the senses.

We are offering a 3-night post-trip extension to the fabulous Osa Peninsula. Please read the itinerary for more information.

Pura Vida!    

Tour Cost (per person):

US$6395 includes taxes and gratuities

Group Size:

10 - 12 participants

What’s included: Airport transfers on tour start and end dates; accommodations based on double occupancy in hotels listed or similar; ground transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle; all activities as described in the detailed itinerary; entrance fees; meals as specified in the detailed itinerary; water available throughout (to be used with a refillable bottle); coffee, tea, and water at meals; services of local English-speaking guides; porterage of one standard piece of baggage per person;  gratuities for guides, driver, and included meals; all taxes; services of your Quest leader Kyle Horner; fully escorted by our English-speaking local guide

"In the company of an excellent driver and local guide we covered a variety of terrain and habitats without feeling road weary, and felt welcomed in the carefully chosen accommodation that reflected the community and culture around it. And we met the Tour's title: Quest for the Quetzal...and resplendent they were!" - Amanda Hey

"[Kyle Horner] Enthusiastic, well spoken, approachable, went out of his way to ensure everyone had a chance to see the bird of the moment." - Anne and Michael

Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Activity
1	Arrive in San José
2	Travel to the Caribbean Lowlands
3	Exploring the Arenal region
4	Travel to the Pacific Lowlands
5	Day trip in the dry Northwest
6	Travelling along the Pacific Coast
7	Mangrove Tour and the Pacific Coast
8-9	Los Quetzales National Park and Paraíso del Quetzal
10	Travel to San José via Tapantí National Park
11	Depart San José
Optional Extension: Four nights in the Osa Peninsula

Download Itinerary

Your Tour Leader

A graduate of the University of Guelph, Kyle Horner is a consummate environmental educator and well-travelled, lifelong naturalist who can proudly say he’s been birdwatching since before he could walk! He has also worked as a field technician for a variety of research projects. He is currently the NatureCounts Engagement Coordinator at Birds Canada, where he helps to build awareness and adoption of that innovative bird data platform. In 2024, Kyle published a book on turtles of North America.

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