Northern Costa Rica is one of the most rewarding birdwatching regions in the Americas — and the Arenal–San Carlos corridor puts toucans, motmots and hundreds of other species within a morning’s walk of your room. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Why San Carlos is a birder’s base
The northern lowlands sit at a biological crossroads: rainforest, wetlands and volcanic foothills meet, and the bird list explodes. At El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa, the resort’s own 24 acres of primary forest function as a private reserve — you can bird from the breakfast table, and yes, the hotel’s namesake toucans do fly overhead.
Birds to look for around the resort
- Toucans and aracaris — listen for their croaking calls in the canopy at dawn
- Motmots — watch for the pendulum tail in the mid-story shade
- Hummingbirds — constant visitors to flowering plants along the trails
- Tanagers and euphonias — color in motion at fruiting trees
- Raptors — riding thermals above the forest gorge on clear mornings
The golden hours
Bird activity peaks from first light to about 9:00 and again before dusk. The luxury of staying inside the forest is that you’re already there — no drive, no gate times. Walk slowly, stop often, and let the mixed flocks come to you. Between sessions, the thermal pools are the finest birder’s lounge imaginable.
Practical tips
- Bring binoculars (8×42 is the sweet spot) — and a dry bag for them; this is rainforest
- Neutral clothing, quiet fabric, no strong scents
- A local guide for one morning multiplies what you’ll see — the front desk can arrange it
- Combine with the Arenal Volcano trails for highland species
Make it a birding-and-wellness trip
The ideal rhythm: birds at dawn, Selva Spa at midday, thermal river at dusk. See our 7-day itinerary for how it all fits together, and book direct for the best rate — live pricing, taxes included, instant confirmation.
