Costa Rica is home to nearly 6% of the world's biodiversity, making it one of the best wildlife destinations on Earth. Designed by a zoologist, our Costa Rica Wildlife Holiday has been carefully created for travellers who want to experience Costa Rica's remarkable ecosystems while enjoying comfortable accommodation, expert guiding and responsible travel.
Over the course of this unforgettable journey, you'll explore some of Costa Rica's richest wildlife hotspots, from the pristine rainforests of Corcovado National Park to the misty cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota. Along the way you'll search for a wide range of animal species - from monkeys and sloths, to scarlet macaws and resplendent quetzals. With a little luck, you might even spot elusive species such as tapir and puma.
Over the course of this unforgettable journey, you'll explore some of Costa Rica's richest wildlife hotspots, from the pristine rainforests of Corcovado National Park to the misty cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota. Along the way you'll search for a wide range of animal species - from monkeys and sloths, to scarlet macaws and resplendent quetzals. With a little luck, you might even spot elusive species such as tapir and puma.
Trip At A Glance
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Why Choose This Tour?Unlike many standard group tours, every itinerary is designed around nature. ✔ Designed by a zoologist ✔ Small group experience ✔ Wildlife-focused activities ✔ Comfortable hand-picked accommodation ✔ Local expert guides ✔ Sustainable travel throughout ✔ Perfect for first-time visitors ✔ Ideal for wildlife photographers |
Is This Tour Right For Me?This isn't simply another sightseeing holiday. Every destination has been selected for its outstanding biodiversity, whilst each excursion has been chosen to maximise wildlife encounters throughout the year. Having lived and worked in Costa Rica for many years, our team understands biodiversity hotspots and works closely with experienced local naturalist guides. By travelling with Cecropia Travel, you'll not only discover Costa Rica's incredible wildlife but also support responsible tourism that benefits local communities and conservation initiatives. |
Tour Overview
Highlights✔ Witness turtle hatchlings (seasonal) near Quepos
✔ Take a guided hike through Manuel Antonio National Park ✔ Kayak through the diverse mangroves of Uvita ✔ Experience a two-night expedition into Corcovado National Park ✔ Spot resplendent quetzals in the cloud forests of San Gerardo ✔ Travel with experienced naturalist guides Price Includes:✔ In-country transfers
✔ Activities, excursions and conservation fees as detailed ✔ Meals as detailed ✔ All accommodation ✔ In-country support whilst travelling |
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2027 Group Departure Dates
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Our Wildlife of Costa Rica Group Tour is an exclusive small-group experience with just three departures each year.
By limiting the number of departures and keeping groups at 8 travellers, we're able to provide a more personal experience, greater flexibility during wildlife excursions, and access to smaller boutique lodges that larger tour groups simply can't use. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple or with friends, our small group size ensures everyone has the opportunity to enjoy Costa Rica's incredible wildlife without feeling like part of a crowd. |
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Departure |
Availability |
Season |
15th Feb 2027 |
8 Spaces Remaining |
Dry |
3rd May 2027 |
8 Spaces Remaining |
Transition |
16th Aug 2027 |
8 Spaces Remaining |
Green |
Only 24 places are available each year. Early booking is recommended.
Destinations You'll Visit
Manuel AntonioDespite being the country's smallest national park, Manuel Antonio boasts remarkable biodiversity. It blends rainforest and coastline to create exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing. One of the only places to see squirrel monkeys in Costa Rica
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UvitaLocated along the South Pacific coast, Uvita is famous for its pristine beaches, lush rainforest and the protected waters of Marino Ballena National Park - home to humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and sharks. There are also plenty of waterfalls
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CorcovadoConsidered one of the world's most biodiverse regions, Corcovado is home to upwards of 10,000 species. It protects the largest remaining tract of Pacific lowland rainforest in Central America and is home to tapir, jaguar, and macaws
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San GerardoFinish your journey in the cool cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota. Offering a complete contrast to Costa Rica's tropical lowlands, this high-altitude forest is one of the world's best places to observe the resplendent quetzal and other highland bird species
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Why Book With Cecropia Travel?
At Cecropia Travel, every itinerary is designed by a zoologist with years of experience living and working in Costa Rica.
Rather than simply ticking off destinations, we've created a journey that maximises wildlife encounters while supporting responsible tourism and local communities.
By travelling with us, you'll not only discover Costa Rica's most spectacular landscapes but also gain a deeper understanding of the country's remarkable biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Rather than simply ticking off destinations, we've created a journey that maximises wildlife encounters while supporting responsible tourism and local communities.
By travelling with us, you'll not only discover Costa Rica's most spectacular landscapes but also gain a deeper understanding of the country's remarkable biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for wildlife photographers?
Absolutely. Small group sizes, experienced guides and visits to some of Costa Rica's finest wildlife destinations provide outstanding opportunities for wildlife photography.
Will I definitely see animals?
Yes, we can guarantee you will see animals. However, we cannot control nature and we do not know exactly what animals you will see.
What animals am I most likely to see?
We have chosen destinations that have healthy populations of sloths, monkeys, scarlet macaws, and toucans, to name a few. You can also see species such as coatis and kinkajous, as well as many species of tropical birds. Larger mammals, such as tapirs, are regularly encountered in Corcovado.
Is Corcovado really worth visiting?
Absolutely. Not only is it one of our favourite places in Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park is widely regarded as Costa Rica's premier wildlife destination, protecting one of the most biologically intense rainforests on the planet.
When is the best time for wildlife in Costa Rica?
Wildlife can be seen year-round. Different seasons offer unique experiences, including humpback whale migrations, nesting sea turtles and breeding birds.
For us, February is one of the best times. Not only will you have the opportunity to witness whale sharks and humpback whales in Corcovado, it is also the start of the quetzal breeding season.
How physically demanding is the tour?
Expect moderate walks on forest trails, beaches and uneven terrain. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, but no specialist hiking experience is required. However, you will be walking up to 15km whilst in Corcovado.
Why choose a small group wildlife holiday?
Travelling with just eight guests creates a quieter, more flexible experience that improves wildlife viewing, allows for better interaction with your guide and makes photography easier.
Absolutely. Small group sizes, experienced guides and visits to some of Costa Rica's finest wildlife destinations provide outstanding opportunities for wildlife photography.
Will I definitely see animals?
Yes, we can guarantee you will see animals. However, we cannot control nature and we do not know exactly what animals you will see.
What animals am I most likely to see?
We have chosen destinations that have healthy populations of sloths, monkeys, scarlet macaws, and toucans, to name a few. You can also see species such as coatis and kinkajous, as well as many species of tropical birds. Larger mammals, such as tapirs, are regularly encountered in Corcovado.
Is Corcovado really worth visiting?
Absolutely. Not only is it one of our favourite places in Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park is widely regarded as Costa Rica's premier wildlife destination, protecting one of the most biologically intense rainforests on the planet.
When is the best time for wildlife in Costa Rica?
Wildlife can be seen year-round. Different seasons offer unique experiences, including humpback whale migrations, nesting sea turtles and breeding birds.
For us, February is one of the best times. Not only will you have the opportunity to witness whale sharks and humpback whales in Corcovado, it is also the start of the quetzal breeding season.
How physically demanding is the tour?
Expect moderate walks on forest trails, beaches and uneven terrain. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, but no specialist hiking experience is required. However, you will be walking up to 15km whilst in Corcovado.
Why choose a small group wildlife holiday?
Travelling with just eight guests creates a quieter, more flexible experience that improves wildlife viewing, allows for better interaction with your guide and makes photography easier.
