Top Birdwatching Spots in Cartago You Don’t Want to Miss 

Cartago, in the central highlands of Costa Rica, is an absolute hidden gem for nature and bird lovers! Whether you’re a passionate birder or just passing through, this paradise is perfect for you. It caters to both experienced birdwatchers and beginners, making it an ideal destination for all nature enthusiasts! 

Let’s explore the best birdwatching spots in Cartago and discover the astonishing species of this region. 

Best Birdwatching Spots in Cartago 

On birdwatching tours in Cartago, you don’t have to do much digging as this place is loaded with scenic birdwatching spots to start your adventure. From misty cloud forests to volcanic landscapes, it has a diverse environment for exploring various bird species in Costa Rica. 

Here are the top places for birdwatching in Cartago, where you can spot some stunningly beautiful and colorful birds you will never forget.  

Tapantí National Park 

Tapantí National Park is probably one of the most stunning birding sites in Costa Rica. It teems with astounding tropical biodiversity. This park is known for its misty, dense forests and flowing rivers, which host more than 400 species of birds. 

Whatever the location—Oropendola or Pava Trogon trail—you will be rewarded with some great views of the Resplendent Quetzal, Black Guan, and Spangle-cheeked Tanager.  

Due to its cloud forest environment, the park may have pretty vibrant scenery during the early morning hours. Come with a good rain jacket as it becomes foggy and rains.  

Turrialba Volcano National Park 

Want a birding adventure set against a volcanic backdrop? Take the one offered by Turrialba Volcano National Park. The high-altitude ecosystem here harbors avifauna adapted to cool climate conditions: Fiery-throated Hummingbirds and Volcano Junco, among others, make up the highland birding experience of Costa Rica. 

The best time to visit the national park for wildlife and birdwatching in Cartago is early morning or afternoon when the park is quiet and birds are active. Some zones are restricted, and access to some trails may be restricted in case of volcano activity.  

Ujarrás Ruins and Environs 

For those who want to mix a little history with some natural activities, the Ujarrás Ruins are very good. Imagine walking through ancient ruins while seeing a few of the rarest birds in Cartago, Costa Rica, such as the Emerald Toucanet or the Golden-browed Chlorophonia. It’s one of the most stunning Costa Rica birding hotspots for a quiet and surreal experience in such calm surroundings.  

As if all that weren’t enough, the lake offers more nearby birding opportunities from Cartago while bathing you in natural beauty. 

Prusia Forest Reserve 

One of the most stunning birding locations in Cartago, the Prusia Forest Reserve in Irazú Volcano National Park, is a tranquil retreat with fewer crowds than at many sites. It is especially known for peaceful trails where you can discover rare birds in Cartago, Costa Rica, such as the Black Guan and Resplendent Quetzal.  

Prusia is a good destination for anyone who wants some quiet time. It is always open from dawn to dusk and has a wide variety of bird species that might be seen with the naked eye. Do not forget the binoculars so you can get a better look at these creatures in all their glory. 

Orosi Valley 

Orosi Valley’s natural scenery is unbeatable. Its sweeping landscapes and rich biodiversity make it probably one of the best areas for birdwatching in Cartago. Two rare species can be seen here in particular: the Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher and the Lesser Violetear, which may also be seen in the valley’s forests and coffee plantations. 

It needs to be said why birders come here: catching up with some of the world’s rarest birds in Costa Rica amidst scenery that ranks among the most beautiful on Earth.  

Go to Cartago as the day breaks to appreciate the heavenly soundscape when birdsong infills the valley. You will have ample opportunities to wave hye to the rarest and most beautiful bird species in Cartago, Costa Rica.  

Well-known Bird Species in Cartago 

Now that you know where to see birds in Cartago, you might wonder about the common bird species and which make guest appearances. Some species really stand out when it comes to birding in Cartago. Not only are these birds beautiful, but they are also often the reason for visiting this region. 

Let’s look at the best bird species in Cartago, Costa Rica that you don’t want to miss. 

Resplendent Quetzal 

This is surely the crowning jewel of birding in Cartago. The resplendent Quetzal is known for its impressive color and long tail feathers. Any serious birder should not miss it. 

Your best bets for spotting the Quetzal are in Tapantí National Park and the Prusia Forest Reserve. These birds tend to be most active at the start of the day when everyone is still sleepily sipping coffee, and your best shot may be to get up early and gear up. 

You will want a camera with a really good zoom lens. You will love to have a photo or two of this stunningly beautiful bird after your trip is over! 

Emerald Toucanet 

A flash of emeralds in the trees will reveal that you are about to encounter the Emerald Toucanet. Bright plumage and large bill are the hallmark features of this gorgeous bird. You can always wave a hello to Emerald Toucanet at Ujarrás and Tapantí. 

The trick to seeing them is to listen for their guttural calls and then scan the treetops for movement. They are inquisitive but shy, so patience is key. 

Golden-browed Chlorophonia   

Among the smallest and equally beautiful birds in Cartago, the Golden-browed Chlorophonia can sometimes be found in the forests flanking Orosi Valley and Ujarrás. It is indeed a nugget of gold to the eye of a bird enthusiast with bright yellowness and greenness. 

Although their size makes it hard to spot them, studying their call and seeing it through binoculars will help in spotting them. 

Black Guan 

The Black Guan can be found foraging in forest floor habitats at higher elevations, including Tapantí and Prusia. Their dark plumage and blue facial skin sometimes make them skulking, but they are everywhere around these locations. 

Be slow and quiet around the Black Guan as it startles easily. Listen for rustling in the underbrush for a better find.  

Spangle-cheeked Tanager 

Bursting with color, the Spangle-cheeked Tanagers are a dashing sight high in the forests of Tapantí and Prusia. These social birds may travel in small flocks; therefore, you do not have to keep your eyes peeled for long once you catch a glimpse of one. 

Generally, they are most likely found at high canopy and are particularly active early in the morning. Once they cross your field of vision, their stunning mix of blues, yellows, and blacks should certainly draw your attention. 

Tips for an Amazing Birdwatching Experience   

Now, you are ready with some of the best places and birds to look out for, but here are a few tips to make your birding tours in Cartago even better: 

• Begin Early: Birds are most active near sunrise, so you should begin your day early.  
• Bring the Right Equipment: The basics are binoculars, a camera, and a field guide. A birding call app can help you identify species by sound. 
• Be Quiet and Patient: Birds are frightened away at times. The quieter and more patient you can be, the better your chances to see species you have read about.  
• Learn Calls: Familiarity with the sounds of the birds you are looking for may take you straight to some species hidden in branches. 
• Be Responsible: Conduct bird watching responsibly. Observe designated paths, disturb no wildlife, and leave no traces in the area. 

Conclusion 

If you are a serious birder or someone out to experience something unusual, like nature adventure, Cartago is as great as it gets. The incredible diversity of birds and stunning landscapes will keep you exploring. From the extremely rare Resplendent Quetzal to the ever-vibrant Spangle-cheeked Tanager, every tour on birdwatching in Cartago promises the discovery of something new. 

Pack your gear, drive to these high stops, keep the Cartago birding guide handy, and magic happens with nature. And your next great birding escapade may just be a click away—Cartago awaits.