| COSTA RICA, RANCHO NATURALISTA
The premier birding lodge in Costa Rica, Rancho Naturalista is among the finest in Central America. Set at an altitude of between 2,528 and 3,850ft (766 and 1167m) on the Caribbean slope in the Cordillera Talamanca, Costa Rica, the lodge is 2 ½ hours (65 Km/40 miles) east of San Jose and about ½ hour (20Km / 12 miles) south east from the town of Turrialba. This makes Rancho Naturalista an excellent base to visit other sites on the Caribbean Slope. The lodge's balcony and many rooms provide stunning views of Volcan Turrialba (10,985ft, 3329m) and Volcan Irazu (11,325ft, 3432m).
Situated only a stones-throw from the lodge are several top birding sites, locations such as Rio Tuis, Cerro Silencio, La Mina and CATIE are all certainly worth spending some time. With such specialities as Boat-billed Heron, Sharpbill, Lanceolated Monklet, Sunbittern, Lovely Cotinga, Snowcap, Tawny-chested Flycatcher, Rufous-rumped Antwren and Zeledonia it is not surprising these trips are popular!
There are plentiful species of hummingbirds on the large, open upstairs balcony where you can view the distant smoking volcano. Over 430 species of birds have been recorded in their private forest reserve and within the local area. You can hike and bird the trails on your own and excellent guides are available. They will maximize your birding experience and can guide all levels of birder.
Download the Rancho Naturalista Bird Checklist here
For birding questions email: birding@ranchonaturalista.net
Other non-birding activities include butterflies and moths, white-water rafting, Guayabo National Monument and Lake Angostura.
Lodge Telephone: (011 506) 2554 8100
Email: info@ranchonaturalista.net
Telephone/Fax: (011 506) 2554-8101 or 8820-8167
Click here to see Rancho Naturalista
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| COSTA RICA, GOLFO DULCE LODGE IN THE PIEDRAS BLANCAS NATIONAL PARK
UPGRADED TO 4 GREEN LEAVES FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Golfo Dulce Lodge - great birding with comfort. A small, remote lodge (boat access only) surrounded by the clear waters of the Golfo Dulce and the primary rain forest of the Piedras Blancas National Park, an extension of the Corcovado. More than 340 bird species have been identified (including Red-fronted Parrotlet, Mangrove Hummingbird, Turquoise Cotinga, Black-cheeked Ant-tanager and Scarlet Macaw). For details see our bird list. With such an abundance of wildlife, this unique lodge offers a hidden heaven for both bird and nature lovers.
Spacious deluxe accommodation in airy, separate wooden bungalows, all with private bathrooms (solar heated water) and a private porch; ideal for listening to the exotic sounds of the jungle. Standard rooms are also available.
Attractions:
- Guided jungle hikes leading through various eco-systems of the private lodge reserve and into the national park
- Self-guided tour to a safe and easy accessible observation tower at the jungle edge, excellent for birding and nature studies
- Native plant section in the garden with descriptions
- Guided boat tours to the mangroves of the Rio Esquinas
- Snorkeling and kayaking
Since its foundation the lodge has dedicated itself to rainforest and wildlife conservation and has recently been certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Board with 3 Green Leaves for Sustainable Tourism. for more information contact the lodge at info@golfodulcelodge.com
Click here to see Golfo Dulce Lodge
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| COSTA RICA, LA CUSINGA LODGE NEAR UVITA AND DOMINICAL
Costa Rica is a great place to see the flora and fauna, and La Cusinga lodge has a great place to see birds. We have 500 plus acres of primary and secondary land, with lots of reforestations and a national park boarding us. La Cusinga Lodge (local word for Fiery-billed Aracari) in Ballena Bay borders the Ballena Marine National Park, is a rainforest coastal ecolodge dedicated to marine and terrestrial conservation and environmental education.
La Cusinga and Finca Tres Hermanas has been involved in the community for more than 30 years. We hire local people from our communities, most of whom have been with us for an average of 12-15 years. We are members of ASOPARQUE, the entity that co-manages the Ballena Marine National Park. We are very active in the conservation of the park, the humpback whales, the rain forest, our beaches, turtles and via educational programs, such as speakers, seminars, volunteer work, also financial investment and as an example of co-existing with nature.
Click here to see La Cusinga Lodge
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| • Approximately 50,000 birdwatchers every week.
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• Every one of our readers are birding enthusiasts from all over the world. Over 60% visit the site every day, making Surfbirds one of the most popular birding websites in the world .
• Only costs $100 or £75 or 100 Euros for a listing for a year!
 Email us for details on how to be included (click here)
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