VII · 11 days
Eleven days, six habitats, one list
Highland oak forest to Caribbean lowland to dry-forest wetland, built around the elevation gradient that gives this country more species per square kilometre than almost anywhere.
Day by day
1
San José, and an early night before an early start.
2
Up into the Talamanca oak forest. Resplendent quetzal, and the highland endemics.
3
Cerro de la Muerte at dawn for volcano junco and timberline wren.
4
Down the Pacific slope, stopping for tanagers as the habitat changes.
5
The transition zone — scarlet macaw, and both dry and wet forest species in one morning.
6
River boat for herons, ibis, and the mangrove specialists.
7
Cross to the northern lowlands and Caño Negro.
8
Wetland by boat — jacana, anhinga, and in season, enormous numbers of migrants.
9
Caribbean lowland forest. Great green macaw if we are fortunate.
10
The research station trails at first light, with a station guide.
11
Back to San José with the list.
Why it works
VII
Six short questions. The planner already knows which journey you came from.