The elusive resplendent quetzal
The elusive resplendent quetzal

Birdwatching in Arenal Mundo Aventura Park, Arenal/La Fortuna

Get an "early bird" start for this popular bird-watching excursion to Arenal Mundo Aventura Park.

Overview

Get an "early bird" start for this popular bird-watching excursion to Arenal Mundo Aventura Park. There's a good reason for the early wake-up time: the park is home to a stunning variety of birdlife, and most species are at their most active in the morning. Follow a naturalist guide through the park's different ecosystems, including a new tree-planting zone, open pastures, regenerating forests, and small streams. The mix of terrain allows for optimal bird viewing. You'll likely spot the great kiskadee, tropical kingbird flycatchers, black-cheeked woodpecker, and possibly the red-billed pigeon. An included breakfast follows the birding hike.



Highlights

  • Spot an incredible variety of birds in Arenal Mundo Aventura Park
  • Hike through several bird habitats with a naturalist guide
  • Look for rare species like the laughing falcon and the slaty spinetail
  • Enjoy an al fresco breakfast after the hike

Know before you go

Duration
4 hours
Recommended for
2 years old & up
Group
Small group
Food & Drink
Breakfast Included. Fresh fruit is included

What you'll do

Be sure to set your alarm — this popular tour starts with a pick-up at your accommodations around 5:15 am. It's a short drive to your destination, Arenal Mundo Aventura Park, which is located less than 1 mile (2km) from downtown La Fortuna. Meet your naturalist guide, who will share information about the park's bird habitats before the hike begins.

Follow your guide along the trail, staying as quiet as possible to maximize your chances of spotting some of the park's exotic birds. You'll pass through a regenerating forest, open grasslands, and green pastures, passing by small brooks where you might see aquatic birds like the white-throated fledgling. Expect to see great kiskadees, tropical kingbird flycatchers, Montezuma orioles, red-billed pigeons, and more. Keep your eyes open for rare birds like laughing falcons, who feed on snakes, and black-cheeked woodpeckers. Though travelers are welcome to bring their own binoculars, you'll also have the opportunity to view birds through the guide's large telescope.

After the hike, enjoy an included breakfast featuring fresh tropical fruits. It's also a great time to talk more with your guide about the region's wildlife before you head back to La Fortuna.

Start times

  • Daily
    5:15 am

What's included

  • Equipment
  • Mineral bottled water
  • Fresh fruits
  • Snacks
  • Experienced bilingual guide
  • Entrance fee
  • Transportation

Traveler reviews

4 total ratings, 4 with reviews
4.8 out of 5
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.8
Food
3.5
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
5.0
J
Jackson T.
Grand Junction, CO | Reviewed on Mar 26, 2023
We had a great morning looking at birds with our guide. This trip isn't a hard-core birding experience and is meant for a mixed group of birdwatchers, but we knew that ahead of time, and the guide pointed out many great birds and knew places to stop for specific species that they had pre-prepared. The guides had extra binoculars for anyone who didn't have them along. Read more

We had a great morning looking at birds with our guide. This trip isn't a hard-core birding experience and is meant for a mixed group of birdwatchers, but we knew that ahead of time, and the guide pointed out many great birds and knew places to stop for specific species that they had pre-prepared. The guides had extra binoculars for anyone who didn't have them along.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Seth
Seth E.
Garberville, CA | Reviewed on Sep 24, 2022
Amazing diversity of birds Read more

Amazing diversity of birds

Tips for future travelers

Excellent birding. Our best view of toucans during our entire week. They offer a breakfast, but as our hotel has such an excellent breakfast we preferred to get home in time to catch this.

Quality of Experience
Food
I think in future might have been nice to have coffee snack *before* starting (it's 530am!) and then get back for hotel breakfast after birding.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
F
Félix C.
Santa Clara, CA | Reviewed on Sep 10, 2022
Beautiful birds! My guide was knowledgeable with bird identification. The area, Mundo Aventura Park, was a good location for birds, especially as the tour is allowed to begin before the park normally opens for visitors. Read more

Beautiful birds! My guide was knowledgeable with bird identification. The area, Mundo Aventura Park, was a good location for birds, especially as the tour is allowed to begin before the park normally opens for visitors.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shochet
Shochet M.
Broomfield, CO | Reviewed on Feb 22, 2022
We saw about 50 species of birds and then more on the way back to the hotel! The first bird we saw was a toucan! You get up early but it's worth it. It's a birdwatcher's paradise in Costa Rica. Read more

We saw about 50 species of birds and then more on the way back to the hotel! The first bird we saw was a toucan! You get up early but it's worth it. It's a birdwatcher's paradise in Costa Rica.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport