Juan Castro Blanco Park overnight
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This tour departs from La Fortuna at 3:00pm, in order to spend the evening bird watching near the Montereal Mountain Lodge, where we will spend the night. In this late afternoon bird watching we will observe the birds´ activity prior to sunset. The lodge is in the Juan Castro Blanco National Park, which is comprised of 14258 hectares or primary and secondary forest, primarily tropical cloud forests. The park was founded in 1992 to protect the forest and aquifers which form in these beautiful mountains. |
In the evening we will have dinner at the lodge, and take an optional night hike to observe nocturnal birds and animals.
In the morning, we will get an early start, to begin bird watching at sunrise; the birds´ most active period.
We will begin our hike in the Quetzal trail, which combines forested areas with wide open areas where it is common to spot: Common Bush-tanager (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus), Slate-throated Redstart (Myioborus miniatus), Black-faced Solitaire (Myadestes melanops) a bird of beautiful song which is very distinctive to the Cloud Forest, Grey-breasted Wood-Wren (Henicorhina leucophrys), Purple-throated Mountain-Gem (lampornis calolaemus), as wall as less common species like: the Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) a breathtaking bird, considered one of the most beautiful birds in the continent and compared to the birds of paradise, due to its striking colors. The best season to located Quetzal is between mid-February and May, during its mating and nesting period, Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher (Ptilogonys caudatus), Golden-browed Chlorophonia (Chlorophonia callophrys), American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus), Buffy-crowned Tree-quail (Dendrortyx leucophrys). With great luck, you can observe species like: the Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus) or the Highland Tinamou (Nothocercus bonapartei).
After 3 hours of hiking through the forest trails and pastures, we will return to our starting point to enjoy fresh coffee and a traditional Costa Rican breakfast, before returning La Fortuna.
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Duration: We depart from La Fortuna at 3 pm Day 1 and return at 11 am on Day 2. |
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What to Bring: Binoculars, Costa Rican Bird books, Poncho, Warm Clothing, Hiking Boots, Lantern. |
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What’s included?: Transportation, Specialized Guide, Park Entrance free, Bottled water, 1 night lodging, Breakfast , Dinner.
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