Track toucans, motmots and canopy flocks from the shoreline into mature lowland forest on a guided day tour from Drake Bay. Expect varied habitats, an HD spotting scope for close views, and a local home-cooked lunch.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light spills over the Osa Peninsula and the mangrove channels outside Drake Bay, and the world wakes in calls: motmots tapping trunks, toucans debating the canopy. On the Corcovado Los Planes Birding Tour you track that chorus across shoreline, riverine edge and mature lowland forest, moving from salt-scented breezes into a humid green cathedral where birds visibly rearrange the air.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness — able to walk uneven forest trails and stand during scope viewing periods.
Wildlife
History
The Osa Peninsula has been sparsely populated and farmed for decades; conservation efforts around Corcovado date to the national park’s 1970s establishment to protect one of Costa Rica’s last Pacific lowland rainforest blocks.
Conservation
Small-group guiding and staying on marked paths reduce disturbance; visitors are encouraged to follow leave-no-trace practices and support local guides who invest in community-based conservation.
Reserve your spot on the Corcovado Los Planes Birding Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring close-focusing binoculars
A compact pair with good close-focus helps with mixed-species flocks near the understory and along river edges.
Wear quick-dry, grippy footwear
Trails include muddy riverbanks and exposed roots; trail shoes or light hikers with good tread reduce slips.
Pack insect repellent and sunscreen
Lowland rainforest and coastal areas combine mosquitos and strong sun during breaks in the canopy.
Use the spotting scope selectively
The tour provides an 85mm spotting scope—trade time at the scope for scanning with binoculars to cover more species.
Binoculars (8x-10x)
Essential for scanning canopy flocks and identifying small passerines.
Light rain jacket
Quick showers are common—stay dry and comfortable during forest sections.
summer
Trail shoes or light hiking boots
Provide grip on muddy banks and rooty forest trails.
Camera with telephoto or digiscoping adapter
Useful for close-up shots using the provided 85mm HD spotting scope.