Upon arrival in San José this afternoon, you will be met at the airport and taken to the hotel. Enjoy a welcome orientation followed by dinner at the hotel this evening. Check-in starts at 3 pm.

Early morning birding and photography on the lovely grounds of the hotel. After breakfast depart for Carara with lunch and a boat ride whenever the tide is the best (this afternoon or tomorrow morning) along the Tárcoles River to watch for both water and shore birds, like the Double-striped Thick-knee, Roseate Spoonbill, jacanas and ducks. The Tárcoles River basin is one of the most important in the Pacific coastal region; it drains virtually the entire western side of the Central Valley. Tárcoles hosts an amazing diversity of wildlife along its banks. The river is a perfect place to catch a glimpse of mangrove specialties such as the rare Rufous-necked Wood-Rail, Mangrove Hummingbird, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Panama Flycatcher, Mangrove Vireo, Yellow Warbler (Mangrove), and Scrub Greenlet. Perhaps the most famous of all its inhabitants are the enormous American crocodiles that live on its banks.

After some early morning birding and photography and breakfast, depart for Arenal Observatory Lodge. Arenal Observatory is the only eco-lodge situated between Lake Arenal and the massive Arenal stratovolcano, and the only hotel within the boundaries of Arenal National Park. Set on a ridge amid towering pine trees on the south side of the volcano, the lodge offers seven miles of well-maintained trails on more than 800 acres. It is a birder's paradise, with more than 400 species being recorded here. Some of the more spectacular local residents include the Three-wattled Bellbird, Fasciated Tiger-Heron, Laughing Falcon, Red-lored Parrot, Great Curassow, Northern Jacana, Steely-vented Hummingbird, and Keel-billed Toucan. There is also plenty of other wildlife in the area, including three species of monkeys.

Today spend the morning birding on the lodge's trails. More than 500 species have been recorded, such as: Lovely Cotinga, Black-crested Coquette, Yellow-eared Toucanet, Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Cinnamon Becard, and many more.

This morning after breakfast, check out and depart for Cano Negro, arriving in the afternoon. Take time to explore the property.

Early this morning take a boat ride in the wetlands for birding and photography opportunities. Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is a Ramsar wetland providing important habitat for thousands of migratory water birds including storks, spoonbills, ibis, anhinga, ducks, and cormorants. This afternoon take another boat ride in the wetlands.

After breakfast depart for Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve in the Caribbean lowlands, with elevations ranging from 180 to 220 feet. Founded by the Holbrook family in 1985, the lodge is renowned for its commitment to ecological preservation and sustainability. This afternoon take a leisurely boat ride on the Río Sarapiquí. While winding down the river, which is bordered with forests and cultivated fields, look for aquatic animals, birds, and reptiles in their natural habitat. You may also see residents going about their daily lives and witness the impact local banana plantations have on this watershed. This evening after dinner, join your guide for a photography walk

Begin the day with optional birding around Selva Verde grounds and reserve. Today visit the home and private reserve of Costa Rican naturalist and wildlife artist José Alberto Pérez, also known as Cope. Cope's property is designed to maximize opportunities for birding and photography. Have lunch and return to Selva Verde in the afternoon with time for a short break or photography around the grounds. This evening after dinner, join your guide for a photography walk.

After breakfast depart for San Jose, stopping at Cinchona Mirador for more birding and photography at this excellent mid-elevation hotspot. Continue on to Hotel Bougainvillea and take time to freshen up before a farewell dinner.

Travel to the airport for flights home or begin the Quetzal Extravaganza tour. Check out is at 12 pm.