Itinerary - Rockjumper Birding Tours

Costa Rica & Nicaragua
Rancho Naturalista Extension
12th to 15th May 2017 (4 days)
Cloud Forest & Quetzals
15th to 28th May 2017 (14 days)
Rio Indio, Nicaragua Extension
28th May to 2nd June 2017 (6 days)
Resplendent Quetzal by Lou Hegedus
The small nation of Costa Rica has geared itself heavily towards avitourism and has developed a
superb infrastructure to service the numerous visiting birders, and with over 850 species it is easy
to understand why! The backbone of the country is formed by a scenic mountain range, and here
the cloud forests are home to exotic species including the unbelievable Resplendent Quetzal, Black
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Guan, Snowcap, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Golden-browed Chlorophonia and Spangle-cheeked
Tanager. A wide variety of habitats that include the Caribbean coastal plain and the northern
Pacific lowlands will be explored on our tour, and we can look forward to many striking species of
trogons, toucans, motmots, hummingbirds and migrant warblers, among many other spectacular
birds. Thrilling birding, quality lodges and a relaxed pace make this destination perfect for anyone
who has yet to experience the exciting avifauna of Central America!
Our short extension to Rio Indio in Nicaragua allows us to bird pristine forest while
opulently accommodated. While truly luxurious, this isolated lodge in the world’s second largest
rain forest is also very environmentally conscious, generating their own electricity, purifying their
own water and recycling all their rubbish. Most easily reached from Costa Rica, this is the perfect
end to an incredible few weeks in Central America.
THE TOUR AT A GLANCE…
RANCHO NATURALISTA EXTENSION
Day 1
Arrival in San José
Day 2
San José to Rancho Naturalista
Day 3
Rancho Naturalista
Day 4
Rancho Naturalista area and afternoon transfer to San José
MAIN ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrival in San José
Day 2
San José to La Selva via Mirador la Cinchona
Day 3
La Selva
Day 4
Braulio Carrillo NP or Aerial Tram Trails, El Tapir Gardens; La Selva
Day 5
La Selva to Arenal Volcano via Cataratas del Toro and Bogarin
Day 6
Sky Trek Arenal & Arenal Dam area
Day 7
Arenal Volcano Observatory to Monteverde via Santa Elena Preserve
Day 8
Monteverde area
Day 9
Monteverde to Gulf of Nicoya
Day 10
Gulf of Nicoya to Carara NP
Day 11
Carara NP area & Rio Tarcoles boat ride
Day 12
Carara NP to Savegre Mountain Resort via San Isidro del Valle area
Day 13
Cerro de la Muerte area
Day 14
Cerro de la Muerte to San José and final departures
RIO INDIO EXTENSION
Day 1
Arrival in San José
Day 2
San José to Rio Indio (Nicaragua)
Days 3 to 5
Rio Indio
Day 6
AM flight from Rio Indio to San Jose (Costa Rica) for final departures
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TOUR ROUTE MAP…
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Rancho Naturalista Extension
Snowcap by Adam Riley
Day 1: Arrival in San José. After arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José,
you will be transferred to a hotel near the city for an overnight stay. Today is scheduled as an arrival
day so you can arrive at any time you wish. This evening we will all meet at dinner to discuss our
forthcoming extension to Rancho Naturalista.
Day 2: San José to Rancho Naturalista. After breakfast we shall head to one of the premier
birding lodges in Costa Rica. Rancho Naturalista is the perfect introduction to our tour of the
country, relaxed, friendly and servicing delicious locally sourced gourmet food. Expect to be
enchanted by the view from the balcony, the distant, smoking
Turrialba Volcano on the horizon and numerous hummingbirds
at arms-length. With over 450 species recorded in the general
area, the next few days are sure to be packed with excitement.
Starting on the balcony, we shall work our way through
a myriad of hummingbirds that may include Violet-crowned
Woodnymph, White-necked Jacobin, Green Hermit, Green
Thorntail, Violet Sabrewing, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer and
Green-crowned Brilliant. Aside from the numerous
hummingbirds, we can also expect to see the brightly coloured
Passerini’s and Blue-grey Tanagers, Black-cheeked
Woodpecker, Montezuma Oropendola and bossy Collared
Aracaris.
Black-cheeked Woodpecker
by Adam Riley
Moving off the deck, our focus will remain on hummers as we
reach the Verbena hedges and search for one of the most
targeted birds in Central America, the Snowcap. It is a frequent
visitor along the flower laden hedges, where we may also find
Black-crested Coquette, Violet-headed Hummingbird and
possibly Garden Emerald.
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We will also spend some time near the
Hummingbird Pools, where any number of hummers
and other birds arrive in the afternoon for a dip in the
water or a drink. Aside from various hummingbirds,
we may also see such skulking species as Tawnythroated Leaftosser, Dull-mantled Antbird or Great
Tinamou venturing into the open, if only for a few
seconds.
Day 3: Rancho Naturalista. We have a full day to
fully explore the surrounding forests for as many of
the speciality birds as we can find. Taking advantage
of the early morning dapple light, we will search for
some of the true skulkers. Walking quietly along the
Spotted Tanager by Clayton Burne
trails is our best chance to find Purplish-backed QuailDove, while often heard calling, they are sometimes seen walking in the open. We visit a known lek
for the uncommon White-crowned Manakin, perhaps the most accessible site for this pitch black
manakin with a bright white crown. Delving deeper into the forest, we hope to track down a singing
Thicket Antpitta. A truly difficult species to see, we will need a good slice of luck to have views of
this species. While targeting the specialities, we shall also keep a keen eye out for Bicolored Hawk,
Rufous-winged Woodpecker, Zeledon’s Antbird, both White-collared and White-ruffed Manakins,
Slaty-capped Flycatcher, Brown-billed Scythebill and Scaly-breasted Wren. Having worked our
way through the forests, we shall also spend some time in the nearby swampy pastures searching for
the patchily distributed White-throated Flycatcher.
Moving into the secondary growth, we shall certainly hear Black-throated Wren before a
little work should produce good sightings of these birds feeding in vine tangles. At this time of year,
we stand a good chance of locating a Grey-headed Piprites, a poorly known and rarely seen species.
Tawny-chested Flycatcher is another rare and localised species that we shall pay special attention
to. Restricted to small patches of increasingly fragmented forest, our surroundings are perhaps the
best place in the world to see this species. Medium sized, dull brown and taxonomically
challenging, the Northern Schiffornis is another species located primarily by call. The more open
secondary growth areas also provide us with good chances of finding Grey-headed Chachalaca,
Brown-hooded Parrots and Finsch’s Parakeets overhead, Scarlet-rumped Cacique, Chestnut-headed
Oropendola, Black-headed Salta tor and a
host of tanagers including Black-and-yellow,
Carmiol’s, Speckled and Crimson-collared.
Violet Sabrewing by David Shackelford
Day 4: Rancho Naturalista area and
afternoon transfer to San José. We have
another morning to work our way through
the forest and mixed flocks in search of new
species or perhaps those we desire better
views of. After lunch, we will begin our road
transfer back to San Jose. This evening we
meet up with our fellow birders for a
welcome dinner and to discuss the
forthcoming weeks of adventure through
Costa Rica.
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Cloud Forest & Quetzals
Day 1: Arrival in San José. After arriving at Juan
Santamaría International Airport in San José, you will be
transferred to a hotel near the city for an overnight stay.
Today is scheduled as an arrival day so you can arrive at any
time you wish. This evening we will all meet at dinner to
discuss our forthcoming adventures.
Day 2: San José to La Selva via La Cinchona. Costa
Rica’s national bird, the Clay-colored Thrush, and also the
ubiquitous Blue-grey Tanager will likely be the first birds of
the morning while as we begin our journey up towards the
continental divide. More widespread species such as Redbilled Pigeon, Finsch’s (Crimson-fronted) Parakeet, Rufousbacked Wren, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Melodious
Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle and Rufous-tailed
Hummingbird are roadside residents along our route.
We will cross the continental divide, descending the
Caribbean slope, passing through high montane forest that
Blue-diademed Motmot
we will focus on later in the tour, on our way to the area
by Adam Riley
known to locals as “La Cinchona”. Although relatively close
to San José, a number of private enterprises here protect large tracts of Caribbean Foothill, and midelevation, habitat. We will spend a few hour’s birding nearby feeder setups and side-roads could
reward us with a huge number of possibilities! These include regional endemics such as the
dazzling Black-and-yellow and Blue-and-gold Tanagers!
Mixed flocks here are likely to overwhelm the senses, with noisy bird parties moving
through the forest’s various layers in flashes of movement that might include White-throated
Shrike-Tanager, Red-faced Spinetail, Buff-throated and Buff-fronted Foliage Gleaners, Sooty-faced
Finch, Rufous-browed Tyrannulet, and a host of lovely neotropical migrants. We expect to
encounter some twenty-odd passerine migrants during the
tour, many of which occur at the elevation we will be
visiting today. Rare migrants such as Cerulean, Goldenwinged or Blue-winged Warbler might be possible. White
Hawks are often seen soaring and this is one of the few
places in Costa Rica where Lanceolated Monklet has been
recorded, though an encounter with this retiring species is
unlikely. We will have our first experience with
hummingbird and fruit-feeder setups today, which are
numerous throughout the tour. Every location has its star
species, and some of the amazing birds we might encounter
at point blank range this morning include the localized
White-bellied Mountain Gem, gorgeous Violet Sabrewing,
and dainty Green Thorntail coming to nectar. Meanwhile,
Buff-throated Saltator, Passerini’s and Crimson-collared
Tanager, Black-cowled Oriole, and perhaps even the scarce
Red-headed Barbet visiting the fruit feeders for a plantain
and papaya breakfast! Upon arriving at the La Selva
Middle American Screech Owl
Biological Station this afternoon, our avian ‘welcoming
by David Shackelford
committee’ should include a profusion of parrots, trogons,
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toucans, flycatchers, honeycreepers, and tanagers that could well make it difficult to concentrate on
the tasks of checking in and unloading! If time allows we will begin birding this forest reserve
along the excellent network of trails. Tonight we can venture out for some night birding, with a few
possibilities including Middle American (split from Vermiculated) Screech Owl, Mottled Owl, the
outrageous-looking Spectacled Owl, and Short-tailed Nighthawk flying over the forest at dusk.
Day 3: La Selva area. We have an entire
day to explore the trail systems at La
Selva, allowing us to access a variety of
habitats ranging from primary forest to
river margins, although tearing ourselves
away from the morning bird activity
around the park’s secondary forest edge
can sometimes be a real challenge! The
haunting calls of Great and Slaty-breasted
Tinamou will likely be some of the first
sounds of the morning, while as the dawn
breaks there should be plenty to keep us
busy with noisy Great Green Macaws and
Olive-throated Parakeets cruising by
Sunbittern by Adam Riley
overhead, Blue-chested Hummingbird,
White-necked Puffbird, Chestnut-colored Woodpecker, Black-cowled and Baltimore Orioles,
Olive-backed Euphonia and, if we are lucky, the striking Snowy Cotinga.
The humid lowland rainforest habitat here allows us to search for Gartered, Slaty-tailed and
Black-throated Trogons, White-collared and Red-capped Manakins near fruiting trees and bushes,
while mixed flock activity can produce Fasciated and Black-crowned Antshrikes, the flock-leading
Red-throated Ant Tanager and family-oriented Blue-black Grosbeaks. Rufous-winged Woodpecker,
Black-throated Wren, Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Long-billed Gnatwren, the impressive
Rufous-tailed Jacamar and tiny Black-capped Pygmy Tyrant are all part of the diverse avifauna in
the mosaic of secondary and primary woodlands here, where mammals are also abundant and
fearless. Signs of digging along the trails are the tell-tale
markers of Collared Peccary and Central American
Agouti, while movements in the forest canopy above
could well signal troops of Central American Spider
Monkeys, or the massive Black Howler. Overhead we
will also keep our eyes peeled for soaring raptors such
as Short-tailed Hawk, Plumbeous Kite or even the
scarce Semiplumbeous Hawk.
Some of the species that are often encountered in
the more open, and secondary areas around La Selva
and nearby birding sites include Green Ibis, Blackcheeked and Pale-billed Woodpeckers, Collared
Aracari, Ringed and Green Kingfishers, Masked Tityra,
White-collared and Lesser Swallow-tailed Swifts,
widespread Roadside and Grey Hawks, Shining, Redlegged and Green Honeycreeper, Long-tailed Tyrant,
Chestnut-headed and Montezuma Oropendolas, and
Black-headed Saltator among many others.
Day 4: Braulio Carrillo, Aerial Tram, and El Tapir
Gardens. This morning we will set out early to reach
Red-capped Manakin
by Doug Weschler
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the famed Quebrada Gonzalez entrance to Braulio Carrillo NP. This is one of the top three birding
destination in Costa Rica, from a list standpoint. Admittedly, birding narrow forest trails does have
its obstacles, which we will overcome by focusing on some of the parks’ most-wanted species and,
likely, judicious use of Central American Pygmy Owl playback. This particular species is certainly
resident along the trail, which is evidenced by the often immediate and overwhelming response of
the forest’s other denizens to playback of the Pygmy-Owls song. Often, a dozen or more species
will come right in on top of us to mob and scold! Less likely, but always a possibility, is that the
enigmatic Owl comes in itself.
Wandering the trails along Quebrada Gonzalez
often turns up some fantastic flocks hosting Black-andye llow, Blue-and-gold, Tawny-crested, Carmiol’s,
Emerald, and Speckled Tanagers, Tawny-capped
Euphonia, Cocoa, Northern Barred, Olivaceous, or even
Long-tailed Woodcreepers. Understory flocks are
regularly seen, in which Streak-crowned Antvireo,
Checker-throated and White-flanked Antwren, and
Stripe-breasted Wren are often at the core. Another
species recorded here is the mythical Black-crowned
Gnatpitta (Antpitta), which, if calling, we have an
outside chance of actually setting eyes on! This will also
be our only chance (albeit an outside one) for the near
endemic Black-eared Wood Quail. Should we be able
to wander the wider, paved trails of the Aerial Tram, we
have a chance for the above species under somewhat
easier viewing conditions. Chances also increase for the
most-desired species of these two sites: Lattice-tailed
Trogon. Both sites are great for this Costa Rican
endemic, which is
Bat Falcon by Owen Deutsch
one of the tougher
endemics of our tour. The nearby El Tapir Gardens, named
after the localized and rare, Baird’s Tapir, is certainly not the
best place to see this elusive mammal. However, it is
undoubtedly the best place to see the spectacular, unique,
Snowcap! Depending on rains and time-of-year, we have
encountered as many as 3 adult males here feeding on the
flowering porterweed, a remarkable sight!
This afternoon we will continue birding through La
Selva, where potential new additions to our list of birds could
include some of the reserve’s more secretive residents such as
Olive-backed Quail-Dove or the striking Great Curassow.
Day 5: La Selva to Arenal Volcano via Cataratas del Toro
& Bogarin. Today we will venture higher up the cordilleras,
above 1500 masl, to the stunningly scenic Cataratas del Toro.
This special site, not yet as well-known as many other birding
hotspots in Costa Rica, is a must! Ignoring the numerous
viewpoints of the plummeting waterfall itself, set amidst
literally of thousands of acres of pristine Caribbean slope
montane cloud forest, the humble restaurant and abode of the
owners is surrounded by hummingbird feeders and is the hub
of a ridiculously productive loop trail that courses through a
Lesser Ground Cuckoo
by Adam Riley
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myriad of cloud forest habitats. One could easily spend one’s entire visit to this site marveling at the
colors and sound hovering around the numerous hummingbird feeders. Some of the highest quality
hummingbirds of our entire tour will be seen here: Green Hermit, Brown Violetear, Violet
Sabrewing, Purple-throated Mountain Gem, ountaingem, Green Thorntail, and two fine endemics –
Coppery-headed Emerald and Black-bellied Hummingbird – are all regular visitors in good number
here!
Wandering the trails here, mixed flocks are
practically an eventuality. Being at higher elevation, we
will be seeing a nearly new host of birds. Common Bush
and Silver-throated Tanagers will likely be the most
common birds of the mixed flocks. However, the nearendemic Spangle-cheeked Tanager is nearly as numerous!
Other species we may come across here include Red-eyed
and Warbling Vireos, Buff-fronted and Scaly-throated
Foliage-gleaners, Streak-breasted Treehunter, Spotted and,
if we are lucky, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Slaty-capped
Flycatcher, Rufous Mourner, Slaty Antwren, Ochraceous
Wren or even Black-thighed Grosbeak!
After spending ample time, and enjoying a
leisurely lunch viewing hummers, we will drive to La
Fortuna, at the base of the conical, iconic, Arenal Volcano.
We will stop briefly at another relative “hole-in-the-wall”
locally known as Sendero Bogarin. This small trail at the
edge of town runs adjacent to a heavily vegetated wetland
and thick tangles. Though not always cooperative, on
Lovely Cotinga by Adam Riley
previous visits we have seen both White-throated and
Uniform Crakes walking practically at our feet!!! Views like this, of Crakes, are rare indeed.
Hopefully the birds will oblige in short time, and we will arrive early our ideally located lodge. For
the next two nights we will be nestled in the foothills on the south side of the Arenal Volcano, with
commanding views of both the mountain (should the clouds oblige!) and Lake Arenal below.
Day 6: Sky Trek and Arenal Volcano area. We have a full day to bird the Arenal area, spending
much of our time on the trails, bridges and overlooks of the fabulous Arenal Sky Trek property.
Some of the many splendid birds that we have good possibilities of finding here are Grey-headed
Chachalaca, Bat Falcon, Keel-billed
and Black-mandibled Toucans,
White-crowned Parrot, Squirrel
Cuckoo, Rufous and Broad-billed
Motmots, the rare Yellow-eared
Toucanet,
Golden-olive
and
Lineated Woodpeckers, Bay and
Stripe-breasted
Wrens,
Slaty
Spinetail, Yellow-crowned, Yellowthroated,
and
Tawny-capped
Euphonias. We will also keep a
close eye out for Fasciated Tiger
Heron along the river course and
hope to locate the bright Lovely
Cotinga
that
often
perches
motionlessly in the canopy for long
White-bellied Mountaingem by Adam Riley
periods of time.
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Golden-hooded Tanager by Owen Deutsch
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Tanagers will continue to add
colour to the day with flocks containing
the
eye-searing
Crimson-collared,
Golden-hooded, Bay-headed, Black-andyellow, Blue-and-gold, and lovely
Emerald Tanager amongst others. The
call of Thicket Antpitta will no doubt
taunt us from the dense undergrowth,
though we will require a good dose of
luck
to
see
this
notoriously
uncooperative species! However, in the
end it might well be the hummingbirds
that steal the show with species
including Scaly-breasted and Steelyvented Hummingbirds, the boldlypatterned White-necked Jacobin, Greenbreasted Mango and delicate Black-
crested Coquette.
While the above list of birds make up a good array of high-priority, showy species, the trails
at Sky Trek also provide one our tour’s best opportunities for another host of birds – understory
flock followers. With luck, we will encounter an army ant swarm, accompanied by the
corresponding ant-following birds that are amongst the most famed of all neotropical specialty
species. In the Arenal area, the list of special understory and ant followers is huge, and impressive!
From the ground up, Spotted, Bare-crowned, and Ocellated Antbirds, Streak-crowned Antvireo,
Tawny-faced Gnatwren, Tawny-crowned Greenlet, White-throated Shrike-Tanager, Brown-billed
Scythebill and some 5 species of Woodcreepers are all regularly encountered here.
Day 7: Arenal Volcano area to
Monteverde via Santa Elena
Preserve.
Today we will travel
around Lake Arenal on the bumpy
road to the middle-elevation cloud
forests of Monteverde. Several
private reserves in the area protect
significant patches of forest. Here the
cloud forest gives way to semi-humid
evergreen forest, which in turn serves
as important breeding sites for a
number of bird species including the
dazzling Resplendent Quetzal, the
region’s most emblematic bird
adorned with spectacular, long
Wrenthrush by Adam Riley
glittering green tail trains. The
unbelievable call of the bizarre Three-wattled Bellbird is a regular sound in these forests, though it
might take some persistence to track down a bird perched in the canopy. Exploring the forest
through a series of trails winding through the epiphyte-laden forest, we can search for species such
as the secretive Black Guan, Golden-bellied Flycatcher, songster extraordinaire Black-faced
Solitaire, colorful Orange-bellied Trogon, Slaty Antwren, Eye-ringed Flatbill, Lineated Foliagegleaner and Streak-breasted Treehunter sifting through the moss-encrusted branches.
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Collared Aracari by Owen Deutsch
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Day 8: Monteverde area. We have a
full day in the Monteverde area to
continue birding through the forest. The
hummingbirds here include the
endemic Coppery-headed Emerald,
Purple-throated
Mountaingem,
Magenta-throated Woodstar and Stripetailed Hummingbird. Some of the more
secretive forest denizens we will be
searching for throughout the day
include Highland Tinamou, Blackbreasted Wood Quail, shy Buff-fronted
Quail-Dove, Grey-throated Leaftosser,
Silvery-fronted Tapaculo and the
unique Wrenthrush, which often crawls
like a mouse through the fern-covered
undergrowth.
Day 9: Monteverde to Gulf of Nicoya. Today we descend from the lush mountains to the northern
Pacific lowlands where the habitat will continue to become increasingly dryer. This will introduce
us to a new suite of birds that should include Orange-fronted Parakeets screeching overhead,
Cinnamon Hummingbird, the often confiding Turquoise-browed Motmot, Northern Beardless
Tyrannulet, noisy family groups of Banded Wren, Stripe-headed Sparrow and Scrub Euphonia. We
will also visit a site for the exquisite Long-tailed Manakin, which often gives away its presence with
its interesting lekking noises typically emanating from dense vine tangles.
If time allows we may also have our first opportunity to add a selection of shorebirds and
coastal species to our growing trip list including Brown Pelican, Neotropic Cormorant, Anhinga,
Magnificent Frigatebird, Snowy Egret, Tricoloured and Green Herons, Yellow-crowned Night
Heron, Semipalmated, Wilson’s and Collared Plovers, Laughing Gull and Royal Tern, before
finally reaching the shores of the Gulf of Nicoya for an overnight stay.
Day 10: Gulf of Nicoya to Carara NP. We
have another opportunity to search for dry
forest species, with possibilities including the
secretive Thicket Tinamou, Crested Bobwhite,
Double-striped
Thick-knee,
White-lored
Gnatcatcher, Olive Sparrow and both Whitefronted and the oversized Yellow-naped
Amazon. The sluggish Hoffman’s Two-toed
Sloth can sometimes be found literally
hanging around in this habitat, and we will
check a local roosting site in the hopes of
finding Black-and-white Owl. The haunting
calls of Lesser Ground Cuckoo might
eventually lead us to this sought-after species,
although far easier to find will be the brightlycoloured Streak-backed and Spot-breasted
Orioles.
Fiery-throated Hummingbird by Adam Riley
We’ll also explore some coastal
mangroves in search of specialties such as the endemic Mangrove Hummingbird, while more
common species include Panamanian Flycatcher, Mangrove Vireo, Mangrove Warbler, Common
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Black Hawk, and perhaps the rare and elusive Rufous-necked Wood Rail. Thereafter we continue to
Carara National Park in the central Pacific lowlands where we will spend the next two nights.
Day 11: Carara NP area & Rio Tarcoles
boat ride. The forest trails at Carara National
Park typically provide exceptional birding
even in the middle of the day due to its
excellent trail system! The healthy population
of Scarlet Macaw is one of the reserves star
attractions and we can expect to see them
flying gracefully over the treetops from one
feeding site to another. Strange snapping
noises from the dense undergrowth should
give away the presence of Orange-collared
Manakins displaying like ‘popping’ popcorn
along the branches, White-throated MagpieJays scold us from overhead branches and
perhaps we will be visited by the resident
Stub-tailed Spadebill by Adam Riley
White-nosed Coati. Some of our other targets
while birding through the mixed habitats include such regional endemics as the beautiful Baird’s
Trogon, Fiery-billed Aracari, Golden-naped Woodpecker, Rufous-breasted and Riverside Wrens
and Black-hooded Antshrike are often found moving through the thicker scrub.
Flocks might give away the presence of White-whiskered Puffbird, Northern Royal
Flycatcher, Long-billed Gnatwren, Pale-billed Woodpecker, Tawny-winged and Long-tailed
Woodcreepers, Dot-winged Antwren, Chestnut-backed Antbird, Rose-throated Becard, the boldypatterned Red-capped Manakin, Northern Bentbill, Streaked Flycatcher, Greenish Elaenia and quick
moving. Collared Forest Falcon and Crested Guan are both found here in lower densities than in the
Caribbean lowlands, and it will probably take some persistence to locate some of the more secretive
denizens of the forest floor such as Black-faced Antthrush and Streak-chested Antpitta.
Ferruginous Pygmy Owl will likely respond to an imitation of its call during the daytime, while a
night outing could produce nocturnal species such as Lesser Nighthawk and Spectacled Owl.
This afternoon we will take a
relaxing boat ride on the Tarcoles
River, a pleasant way to view the
region’s
birds
and
wildlife.
Possibilities include the impressive
Boat-billed Heron, Bare-throated Tiger
Heron, Wood Stork, America White
Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Northern
Jacana, the tiny American Pygmy
Kingfisher,
Mangrove
Swallow,
Mantled Howler Monkeys roaring
from the treetops, and American
Crocodile basking on the sandbanks.
This will be our only attempt for a
number of mangrove specialists, as the
Yellow-thighed Finch by Adam Riley
forests towards the delta are made up
of all 5 species of Mangrove!
Mangrove Hummingbird, Mangrove Vireo, Northern Scrub Flycatcher, Panama Flycatcher, and
Common (Mangrove) Black Hawk are all regularly seen.
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Day 12: Carara NP to Cerro de la
Muerte via San Isidro del Valle area.
Today we will undergo a memorable
journey from the lush Pacific coastal
lowland forests and secondary habitats
up through the foothills and midelevation forests into the high Cordillera
Central de Talamanca. Before we depart
the Carara area, we may do a bit more
birding at that highly productive sight
before breakfast for any desired species
that might be left behind. Shortly after
breakfast we will begin the drive
towards San Isidro del Valle de General.
As we head East up into the foothills,
Volcano Junco by Clayton Burne
the habitat will change. We won’t make
frequent birding stops, but if we have the good fortune to happen across a flowering Inga tree, there
is normally a huge host of new hummingbird species here that find the nectar-rich tree irresistible.
Garden Emerald, Snowy-bellied Hummingbird, Charming Hummingbird, and the delightful Whitecrested Coquette all inhabit this region! One of our longer birding stops will be our lunch stop in the
hills overlooking the city of San Isidro. This particular site will provide our best opportunity to see
Cherrie’s Tanager, Olivaceous Piculet, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Lesser Elaenia, Bran-colored
Flycatcher, Scrub Greenlet, and a few other species at the northern end of their ranges. We will
make sure to save time for a stop at the San Isidro ministry compound, or University campus, to
look for one of the most exciting birds in the whole Field Guide: Turquoise Cotinga! Hopefully, we
will be in luck.
Thereafter we’ll begin our journey up to nearly 3,300masl (11,000ft) as we climb into the
scenic Talamanca Mountains. Some of the specials we will seek out at the highest point here
include Timberline Wren, Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, Sooty Thrush and the localized
Volcano Junco, before dropping down to 2,200masl (7,200ft) in the valley of San Gerardo de Dota.
Our lodge for the following two nights is located in the midst of a beautiful cloud forest and
markets itself as an oasis of ‘warmth and tranquillity’. The surrounding forest is dominated by
massive oaks and harbours a huge variety of wildlife, including a wide selection of birds.
Day 13: Cerro de la Muerte area.
The region’s cool highland oak
forests will no doubt provide a
pleasant break after several days in
the warmer lowlands. A number of
species here are only shared with the
neighbouring temperate forest of
Panama and include Costa Rican
Pygmy Owl, the dazzling Fierythroated Hummingbird, Large-footed
and Yellow-thighed Finch, Greytailed Mountaingem, Long-tailed
Silky-flycatcher and Black-andyellow Phainoptila, Flame-throated
and Black-cheeked Warblers, and the
scarce Silvery-throated Jay. The
hummingbird
feeders
at
our
Large-footed Finch by Adam Riley
RBT Costa Rica and Nicaragua Itinerary
14
accommodation also provide excellent opportunities for studying Green Violetear, Scintillant,
Volcano and the oversized Admirable Hummingbird, as well as the outrageous Violet Sabrewing.
We will also spend some time along the pristine
Savegre River, where possibilities include American
Dipper, Torrent Tyrannulet and the migrant Louisiana
Waterthrush. Night birding this evening could reveal
Dusky Nightjar or Bare-shanked Screech Owl.
Spotted Wood Quail by Adam Riley
Day 14: Cerro de la Muerte to San José and final
departures. We have one final morning to enjoy birding
in the mountains, where continued searching might
produce the secretive Spotted Wood Quail, Sulphurwinged Parakeet, Ruddy Treerunner and Buffy
Tuftedcheek often found on branches covered with
bromeliads, Acorn Woodpecker, Black-capped Flycatcher,
Flame-colored Tanager, Ochraceous and Dark Pewees
sallying out for insects from exposed perches, Yellowwinged Vireo, the active Collared Whitestart, Sootycapped Bush Tanager, Black-thighed Grosbeak, Slaty
Flowerpiercer and Golden-browed Chlorophonia. This
afternoon we will return to Juan Santamaría International
Airport, San José for our departing flights, or head to our
local hotel in anticipation of tomorrow Rio Indio
Extension.
Rio Indio Extension
Ocellated Antbird by Adam Riley
Near a remote shore of the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, on the banks of the Rio San Juan, there
is a lodge. This isn’t some simple assemblage of bamboo trunks and palm fronds where locals might
retreat to for a weekend away. It is an opulent lodge. High-ceilinged halls adorned with large
RBT Costa Rica and Nicaragua Itinerary
15
chandeliers, floors of Spanish tile, enormous aquariums and ornate flower arrangements greet
guests as they enter. Four-course meal settings, immaculately ordered, sit atop handcrafted teak
tables awaiting the guests at mealtime. Custom framed Tempurpedic beds, screened-in porches, and
sweeping views of the river and surrounding forest tempt guests to simply relax, and enjoy the
luxury. The air-conditioned rooms and idyllic swimming pool offers respite from the tropical heat.
Created here, in the middle of one of the largest contiguous lowland rain forest outside the Amazon
Basin, a visit to the Rio Indio Lodge is one of the unique birding and wildlife holidays in this
hemisphere.
Day 1: Arrival in San José. Today is scheduled as
an arrival day in San José for newly arrived
participants and you so you can arrive at any time
you wish. Those on the main Costa Rican tour will
arrive in San Jose late this afternoon. This evening
we will all meet at dinner to discuss our forthcoming
extension to Rio Indio.
Day 2: San José to Rio Indio (Nicaragua). We
depart San José this morning and drive up into the
Cordillera Central and pass through the cloud forests
of Braulio Carrillo National Park, arriving in the
lowland port town of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui.
Here we board our covered boat and head down
river, traversing the Rio Sarapiquí before turning
Green-and-rufous Kingfisher by Adam Riley
onto the Rio San Juan. There is no need to land in
order to get into Nicaragua, as all customs will be handled on board. After a boat ride of roughly 34 hours we will step off our launch and into Rio Indio Lodge just in time for lunch.
This afternoon we will begin our birding exploration of this exquisite lowland forest, no
doubt having already seen many fabulous species during our boat ride.
Days 3 to 5: Rio Indio. While the gorgeous grounds, expansive pool, and multiple sitting rooms
appeal to those seeking rest and relaxation, there is much to see and do at Rio Indio! As the only
lodge with access to the 640 000acre Rio Maiz Biological Reserve, we have premier access to some
of the best birding and wildlife in all of Central America. A variety of habitats are accessible from
the beautiful facilities, chiefly
accomplished by boating the
endless series of canals and
waterways branching their way off
the Rio San Juan, and via trails that
meander through the primary
lowland rainforest and swampforest covering every inch above
water. These habitats are home to
more than 400 species of birds, 60
species of mammals, and countless
trees and plants.
During our time to Rio
Indio, we will take advantage of all
that the incredible surroundings
offer. We will enjoy boat rides
through a variety of riparian habitats
Great Green Macaw by Adam Riley
RBT Costa Rica and Nicaragua Itinerary
16
in search of numerous herons and egrets including Boat-billed and retiring Agami Herons and both
Bare-throated and Rufescent Tiger Herons, all six species of American kingfishers including the
beautiful American Pygmy and Green-and-rufous, dapper Pied Puffbirds, and the increasingly rare
Snowy Cotinga, which often takes advantage of high perches to show off its glowing white
plumage. Spectacled Caiman and enormous American Crocodiles inhabit the backwaters, shared
with Neotropical River Otter and the rare Baird’s Tapir, which is best encountered by stealthy
approach from the water. If we are very lucky, we may even encounter a shy Jaguar, Puma or
Ocelot as well as West Indian Manatee.
Sungrebe, Sunbittern, Limpkin and Green Ibis
nest along the banks of these backwater drainages,
while a huge variety of migratory shorebirds stop
over on their migrations. A plethora of colourful
psittacids reside here, whose raucous calls provide a
large portion of the soundtrack of Rio Indio, made up
of birds, frogs, and insects constantly sounding off in
the background. Red-lored and White-fronted
Amazons, along with Olive-throated and Orangechinned Parakeets are common. The possibility of
experiencing an encounter with the endangered Great
Green Macaw is, perhaps, higher at Rio Indio than
anywhere else on Earth! The prospect of this species,
alone, would entice many a birer into a visit. Throw
in the even stronger likelihood of not one, but several
run-ins with the stunning Scarlet Macaw and you
have in irresistible birding destination indeed! This is
but a tiny portion of the impressive array of birds that
occur here, most of which make their home in the
Purple-throated Fruitcrow by Adam Riley
forested habitats of the private reserve owned and
managed by Rio Indio, within the massive Rio Maiz
Biological Reserve.
Currently, some 8 kilometres of
trails offer an ever-expanding crosssection of the various microhabitats we
will investigate during our time here. The
edge forest and viny tangles that line the
riparian forests harbour the likes of the
handsome Laughing Falcon, Northern
Mealy Amazon, White-necked Puffbird,
massive Crimson-crested and Lineated
Woodpeckers, hummingbirds including
Purple-crowned Fairy, Blue-throated
Goldentail, Green-breasted Mango and a
number of fascinating passerines such as
Fasciated and Great Antshrike, Northern
Royal Flycatcher and Nicaraguan Seed
Finch. Raptors are especially well
Snowy Cotinga by Adam Riley
represented here at Rio Indo, as prey is in
good supply. With three species of
monkey (abundant, noisy Mantled Howler Monkeys, elegant Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey and Whitethroated Capuchin), two species of sloth, and an array of squirrels and rodents (not to mention birds,
RBT Costa Rica and Nicaragua Itinerary
17
which are often the main course for some raptors) predators need not be too picky in this lush part
of the world.
Ornate and Black Hawk-Eagles are at the top
of the avian food chain, though! Double-toothed
Kite, Tiny and Bicolored Hawks are the
representative accipiters here, preying primarily on
other birds. Semiplumbeous, White, Crane, Great
Black and Common Black Hawks, along with Greyheaded Kite, spend their time foraging for
amphibians and reptiles while Western Osprey and
Black-collared Hawk peer into the water for their
catch. Hook-billed, Swallow-tailed, White-tailed,
Plumbeous, and Mississippi Kites are all seen
regularly here, and the list of falcons, including Redthroated Caracara is equally impressive! Despite all
the sights and sounds nearer the ground, a glance up
to the skies is often rewarding.
Deeper into the forests, we get in to the most
interesting habitat for specialty species, and
heightened diversity. The variety of engaging
species we may come across is far too long to list
here. As always, the more time spent in good habitat,
the higher the likelihood of encountering some of the
real rarities. Among the more exciting birds we
could find here are Great, Little, and Slaty-breasted
Keel-billed Toucans by Adam Riley
Tinamous, Collared Forest Falcon, Short-billed
Pigeon, Olive-backed Quail-Dove, Blue-chested
Hummingbird, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer, Black-throated and Slaty-tailed Trogons, Rufous and
Broad-billed Motmots, White-whiskered Puffbird, Keel-billed and Chestnut-mandibled Toucans,
Cinnamon, Chestnut-colored, and Pale-billed Woodpeckers, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Whitecollared and Red-capped Manakins, Passerini’s,
Crimson-collared, and Golden-hooded Tanagers,
Red-legged, Shining, and Green Honeycreepers,
Black-faced and Blue-black Grosbeaks, and a number
of gorgeous icterids and euphonias! Mixed understory
flocks here are sure to add a number of interesting
birds to our list, including the likes of Buff-throated
Foliage Gleaner, Western Woodhaunter, Northern
Barred, Plain-brown, Wedge-billed, Cocoa, Blackstriped, and Ruddy Woodcreepers, Black-crowned
Antshrike, Streak-crowned Antvireo, Dot-winged,
Checker-throated, and White-flanked Antwrens,
Long-billed Gnatwren, Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher,
Olive and Tawny-crested Tanagers, Red-throated Ant
Tanager and a number of attending Neotropical
migrant warblers and flycatchers!
Skulking birds inhabiting the dense tangles and forest
undergrowth are often some of the most exciting
Grey-headed Kite by Adam Riley
RBT Costa Rica and Nicaragua Itinerary
18
species to tease into view, antbirds being the most ornate and charismatic of the lot.
We’ll have more than a few of these tricky
types to keep us entertained, as we wander the
trail system, which is constantly being expanded
to allow new access into special habitats. Some of
the species we are most likely to get views of
include Dusky, Chestnut-backed, and Bicolored
Antbirds, Golden-crowned Spadebill, Stripebreasted, Bay, and Black-throated Wrens, and
White-breasted Wood Wren. Among the more
difficult-to-see species that we’ll likely hear, and
try to get views of Scaly-throated Leaftosser,
bizarrely beautiful Bare-crowned Antbird, and
seemingly impossible Thicket Antpitta will be
priorities that, fingers-crossed, we’ll get to see!
Perhaps the prize bird of all skulkers in Central
America, Ocellated Antbird, with its complex
patterns and outrageous blue orbital skin, is also a
Long-billed Starthroat by Adam Riley
resident at Rio Indio, and will very much be on
our radar.
It’s not every day, or night, that one finds oneself accommodated, in luxury, deep in pristine rain
forest. Nearly half of all rain forest denizens are active mostly, if not solely, at night. As such, we
would be terribly remiss not to take the opportunity to head into the forest at night, in search of
some of these spectacular critters. Naturally, owls will be a focus. 6 species of owl occur at Rio
Indio, including the mythical Central American Pygmy Owl, which is seldom seen nor heard in its
tiny range. Spectacled and Striped Owls are both present, and quite a bit more likely for us, though
Crested Owl is probably the popular favourite. With its bizarre, long, shaggy eyebrows covering
deep, black eyes, it’s no wonder that people find themselves in awe, transfixed, upon seeing one.
Not to be discounted, Vermiculated Screech Owl is often seen very near to the lodge grounds as
well. While the nocturnal birds are being sought out, a parade of colourful and fascinating frogs,
lizards, snakes, and insects will certainly keep us more than entertained! Above all, our tour to Rio
Rio Indio at sunset by Adam Riley
RBT Costa Rica and Nicaragua Itinerary
19
Indio will be about making the most of being in one of the only truly luxurious, truly remote ecolodges in the Western Hemisphere. While Africa and Asia are relatively replete with opportunities
to enjoy birds and wildlife in absolute comfort, Rio Indio is one of but a few such establishments in
Central and South America. And there’s nothing quite like it anywhere in the World!
Day 6: AM flight from Rio Indio to San Jose (Costa Rica) for final departures. All good things
must come to an end unfortunately. After breakfast this morning we shall transfer to a nearby
airport for a short half hour flight back to Juan Santamaría International Airport, San José for our
departing flights.
FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS:
Tour dates, prices, single supplement rates, approximate flight costs and spaces available for
this tour are displayed on our website. (For the Rancho Naturalista tour, click here; for the
main Cloud Forest and Quetzals tour, click here; for the Nicaragua: Rio Indio Extension, click
here). Please see under IMPORTANT NOTES below.
This includes:
 On selected tours we are able to arrange free transfers to our specified hotel or airport,
within 3 days of the beginning or end of the main tour. However, since our capacity to offer
this service can vary from tour to tour, details of this option will be sent to you upon
confirmation of this tour;
 All meals from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 4 of the Rancho Naturalista extension, from
dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 14 of the main tour and from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on
day 6 of the Rio Indio extension;
 A bottle of purified water each day;
 All lodgings during the tour;
 All ground transportation;
 All national park and other reserve entrance fees; and
 All guiding services (including tips for local guides and services).
This excludes:
 ANY flights and airport/departure taxes;
 Visa fees;
 Any beverages;
 Special gratuities; and
 Telephone calls, laundry and other items of a personal nature.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
a) Due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, we quote our tours in 4 currencies. The tour
price is however fixed only in the currency printed in bold, and the actual cost in the other
currencies listed will be adjusted according to prevailing exchange rates at the time of final
invoicing (usually 4 months before the tour.) The same applies to approximate flight and
single supplement rates, which are also quoted in the respective fixed currency.
b) Rates are based upon group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration a small
party supplement will have to be charged.
c) Furthermore, these costs are subject to unforeseen increases in tour related costs and may
have to be adjusted as a result.
d) Lastly, we may be forced to change or alter the itinerary and / or the designated
Rockjumper leader/s at short or no notice due to unforeseen circumstances; please be aware
that we will attempt to adhere as close to the original program as possible.
RBT Costa Rica and Nicaragua Itinerary
20
Tipping:
As noted above, gratuities are included on this tour. However, this does NOT include your
Rockjumper leader. If, therefore, you feel that he has given you excellent service, it is entirely
appropriate to tip him.
Please Note:
 It is important for the comfort of your fellow travellers that you do not over-pack. Kindly
stick to 20kg (44lb) for check in luggage and 8kg (+-18lb) for hand luggage.
 It can be hot with harsh sun in some areas of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, especially along the
coast, so please come prepared with hats and sun cream for protection. Humidity levels are
also high throughout most of the country.
 It can be hot and humid with harsh sun in the lowlands, so please come prepared with hats
and sun cream for protection. Humidity levels are high for much of the tour.
 Mosquitoes and tiny bloodsucking flies can be numerous at times and it’s advisable to pack
a good supply of DEET or other effective insect repellent.
 Accommodation throughout the trip is quite comfortable and a variety of western and local
cuisines are available throughout the tour.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DETAILS:
This tour does not include any airfares. The Rancho Naturalista extension will start with a welcome
dinner on day 1. As this is an arrival day, you are free to arrive at any time before 17:00. We shall
return to our centralised hotel in San José in the late afternoon of Day 4 (Day 1 of the Main tour).
The Main tour will start with a welcome dinner in the evening of day 1. As this is an arrival day,
you are free to arrive at any time before 17:00. The Main tour will conclude in the late afternoon of
day 14 at Juan Santamaría International Airport, San José. The Rio Indio extension will start with a
welcome dinner in the evening of day 1 (day 14 of the main tour). As this is an arrival day, you are
free to arrive at any time before 17:00. The extension will conclude by 10:00am on day 6 at Juan
Santamaría International Airport, San José (Costa Rica).
The above information in respect of arrivals and departures is a guide only. Precise arrival
and departure information will be sent to you in your Tour Confirmation package once the tour
has been officially confirmed. If you wish to arrive early and/or depart late and would like
assistance in this regard, kindly contact the Rockjumper office.
FLIGHTS:
Juan Santamaría International Airport, San José (IATA: SJO) is the main port of entry for
international flights into Costa Rica and is serviced by several international carriers. As our guests
come from all over the planet we do not include international flights in our tour prices. We have the
capacity to advise you on the best route according to your preferences but your local travel agent
will best be able to book these flights for you. However, please DO NOT book your international
flights until you have consulted the Rockjumper office for confirmation on the status of the
tour.
Rockjumper Birding Ltd
c/o Summit Trust Mauritius Limited
Labourdonnais Village
Mapou
Mauritius
Tel (USA & Canada) toll free: 1-888-990-5552
Email: info@rockjumperbirding.com
Alternative email: rockjumperbirding@yahoo.com
Website: www.rockjumperbirding.com