Hi everyone, I am in San Jose for business but have managed to spend a few nights at Nosara and a night up up at Poas (at Altura Hotel). I have one day free (a Saturday) before I leave, and I really want to do a cool day tour. I was thinking about a trip to the beach, but I've lived near beaches all my life. I'm a birder (obviously, by my name), although kids and international moves have led me to put that on that backburner for a while. So I would love to see birds but I don't have my binoculars, a proper guide book etc. But I love nature in general. I'm thinking of maybe up to Monteverde or some other amazing nature place that is uniquely Costa Rican? I'm sorry for being so vague, but I have had little time to think of tourism, and so I would doubly appreciate any recommendations - both for areas to visit and specific companies/tours. I'm happy to pay up to $200 if needed as I won't be back to Costa Rica for a while (and when I do come back, I'm bringing the family!).
Best One Day Tour From San Jose
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I know this isn't exactly what you were requesting, but we are planning to visit the Tucan Rescue when we are in the area next month.
Hi sparklegem, thanks for the response! Could you tell me a little about it? I will look it up. Are you using a tour company?
Monteverde is a good spot for birders. We saw quetzals there, and it was amazing. There's nice hiking in the reserve. Did you already go see Poas volcano? There's also the Doka Coffee Estate tour. You can see a lot of cool birds at the Waterfall Gardens, but they're in a huge aviary so not quite the same as seeing them in the wild; they do have a very cool hummingbird garden where you can hand feed hummingbirds. If you go birding with a guide, they usually have a nice scope and binoculars.
Also check out Villablanca Cloud Fort Reserve. It's only about an hour from San Jose. It's on our short list of places to visit in CR eventually.
I like Cattail's idea--or Bosque de Paz for highland birding.
Bosque de Paz and Bajos del Toro - amazing hummingbird sightings and very close to each other.
I would also think about La Selva OTS - great birding there, about two hours from the city, maybe a bit more.
Monteverde is pretty far for a day trip.
Monteverde isn't a day tour from San Jose--4 hours plus each way.
Better options would be:
1) Tarcoles river/crocodile tour--there are actually a ton of birds on this tour--including scarlet macaws and osprey
2) Sarapiqui area--La Selva biological station is doable as a day tour from SJO, and offers a ton of trogons, toucans, and parrots, among others.
We had some good sightings at La Selva as well, including toucans and a fer de lance. I probably wouldn't do Monteverde unless you can spend a couple of nights there.
All good suggestions. In terms of closeness to San Jose, Los Angeles/Villablanca is probably the best bet.
I'd also add, you can get to a bunch of the Quetzal viewing spots in Cerro de la Muerte/Dota area in under 2 hours from downtown San Jose...
Hi Birder!
Here is a link to the Toucan Rescue:
http://toucanrescueranch.com/
We have hired Wilson to drive us for several of our days out and about. Here is a link to his company:
http://coatitours.com/
Thank you everyone! Great ideas!
Hello! Years ago I was in Costa Rica For business, I had only 1 day without Meetings , so what I'd like to say is that from san jose you can get many one day tours, rives, mountains, volcanoes, wildlife , adventure what ever you want. I organized my trip with this help: http://valledoradotours.cr/en/island-cruise.html there is many one day tours from SJ.
Hope this helps!!