Spend a day in Braulio Carrillo’s Atlantic foothills with a naturalist guide, an aerial tram and paved rainforest trails. This full-day tour is geared to birders seeking concentrated sightings of toucans, motmots and hummingbirds with hotel pickup from San José.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn breaks over the Caribbean foothills and the canopy stirs — a chorus of wings, rattles and quick metallic calls that draw a small group toward the tram. The aerial gondola slips through the midstory, giving a moving window into a forest that seems to pulse with birds: trogons perched like careful statues, motmots flicking their tails, and the flash of a keel-billed toucan on a high branch.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; able to walk ~3 miles (5 km) on mixed paved and dirt trails and climb short inclines
Wildlife
History
Braulio Carrillo encompasses diverse terrain between the Central Valley and the Caribbean slope; protected areas like this were expanded in the late 20th century to conserve critical rainforest corridors.
Conservation
Tours operate with eco-tourism principles—stick to trails, avoid feeding wildlife, and support local guides whose work funds conservation and community education.
Reserve your spot on the Braulio Carrillo Bird Watching Full Day Pass today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring good binoculars
A quality pair (8–10x) brings mid-canopy and canopy species into view during tram stops and trail sightings.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes
Trails are mostly flat but can be slippery after rain; hiking shoes with grip are recommended.
Expect midday rain in wet months
Carry a lightweight rain jacket and protect camera gear – tram rides continue but visibility may drop.
Protect against insects
Apply DEET or picaridin and consider long sleeves at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Binoculars (8–10x)
Essential for identifying canopy and midstory species during tram stops and along trails.
Lightweight rain jacket
Quick showers are common in the wet season; keeps you comfortable during tram rides and walks.
summer
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provide traction on wet pavement, mud and uneven rainforest trails.
Insect repellent
Reduces bites during early morning and late afternoon birding when mosquitoes are active.