Braulio Carrillo Bird Watching Full Day Pass
Active
9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
A must-see for bird-watchers: Catch aviary action on this day trip to a private nature sanctuary just outside of San Jose. With 365 different species of birds identified here, you’ll see plenty with and without your binoculars. Follow a naturalist guide into open areas and the rainforest, and fly high over the canopy on an aerial tram, to optimize your aviary sightings. Macaws, hummingbirds and motmots are just a few of the birds you can check off your list.
Available options
Tour Only
Bird-watching tour from San Jose
Tour with Transfer: 2 Pax min.
Tour with Transfer from SJ: We need at least 2 pax to operate this tour so, the reservation might be subject to cancellations or reschedules.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Expert certified naturalist bilingual guide
Bird Watching Tour
Aerial tram tour
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
Breakfast (if option selected)
What you'll see
After early morning hotel pickup in San Jose, take a pleasant drive northeast and arrive less than an hour later at Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Atlantic, an ecotourism reserve spanning 1,174 acres (475 hectares) of waterfalls, rivers and dense tropical forest.
During your bird-watching journey, you'll walk a total of 3 miles (5 km) on paved paths and flat dirt trails located in the Caribbean foothills, as well as primary and secondary tropical rainforests. Set up your tripod on the pavement, and have fun checking off the different birds you see from a list provided by your naturalist guide.
Follow your guide across a hanging bridge over Molinete River, where kingfishers usually are found snapping prey into their long, dagger-like beaks.
Then board an aerial tram and take a peaceful glide through the canopy. During this hour-long ride in an open-air gondola, see a bonanza of birdlife, with your guide explaining what you see along the way. The tram stops every so often to give you optimal opportunity to study birds and snap pictures. See if you can make out the resplendent plumes of a trogon, often missed as it usually perches very still in the mid-canopy.
Disembark deep in the rainforest and continue with your guide on a trail to an overlook point, where you’ll take a break and enjoy a box breakfast. (Breakfast typically includes rice and beans, scrambled eggs, sausages, bread, cereal, fresh fruit, juice, coffee or tea.)
Afterward, your guide takes you down a trail to catch more birds in their habitat, which might include a blue-crowned motmot, with its telltale bare feather shaft, and the keel-billed toucan with its multicolored beak. Perhaps you’ll hear parakeets and macaws before seeing them.
Continue your aviary adventure with your guide on another path toward the reserve’s observation center, a spectacular site with plants that attract hummingbirds. Maybe the lovely blue-gray tanager will flutter into view.
After a marvelous day of bird-watching, enjoy transport back to your San Jose hotel.
Note: Click on the 'View additional info' below to ensure your hotel is included in the pickup and drop-off zone.
What's not included
Gratuities
Binoculars and/or spotting scope
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
11 reviews
5★
9
4★
2
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 12 years
It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes
A good level of fitness is required
A minimum of 2 passengers per booking is required. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Meeting point
If you selected the option Tour Only (No transfers ), the starting point will be at the Park.
Important notes
• A minimum of 2 passengers per booking is required. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
• Tour starts at 7.30am, please allow 2 hours prior for Hotel pickup (if selected)
Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
About San José
San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. Nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, with nearby volcanoes and coffee plantations adding to its allure.
Top Attractions
Museo del Jade
This museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts, showcasing the rich history of Costa Rica.
Museum
1-2 hours
¢5,000 (CRC)
Mercado Central
A bustling market offering a variety of local foods, souvenirs, and crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture.
Market
1-2 hours
Free entry
Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica
A stunning example of neoclassical architecture, this theater hosts various cultural performances and events.
Historical
1 hour
¢6,000 (CRC) for tours
Parque La Sabana
A large urban park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Gallo Pinto
A traditional breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, and peppers, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Casado
A typical lunch dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish.
Lunch
Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications
Olla de Carne
A hearty beef and vegetable soup, often served with rice, tortillas, and salad.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian
Chifrijo
A popular bar snack made with fried pork, beans, rice, and avocado.
Snack
Can be made vegetarian with modifications
Popular Activities
Hiking in national parks
Zip-lining in nearby areas
Coffee tasting tours
Spa treatments
Museum visits
Historical tours
White-water rafting in nearby rivers
Coffee plantation tours
Best Time to Visit
December to April
The dry season offers pleasant weather with minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
22-28°C
72-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
San José is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Juan Santamaría International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
By bus
Cariari Bus Terminal, San José Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around San José. They cover most of the city and its suburbs.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Barrio Escalante
Barrio Amón
San Pedro
Day trips
Poás Volcano National Park
50 km (31 miles) • Half day
A stunning national park featuring the active Poás Volcano and beautiful crater lakes.
Irazú Volcano National Park
55 km (34 miles) • Half day
A national park featuring the Irazú Volcano, one of the highest peaks in Costa Rica, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Alajuela
20 km (12 miles) • Half day
A charming city known for its colonial architecture, museums, and the Juan Santamaría Museum, dedicated to Costa Rica's national hero.
Festivals
Fiesta de las Luces • December
Festival de las Artes • March
Pro tips
- Visit the Mercado Central early in the morning for the freshest produce and to avoid crowds.
- Try local street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
- Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's rich history.
- Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions, such as Poás Volcano National Park, for stunning views and outdoor activities.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
