Private Birdwatching Tour in Monteverde with Entrance Fee Included

Overview

This is the all-inclusive version of our private birding morning: your own certified naturalist guide, a spotting scope and the reserve admission already bundled into the price. You book once and on the morning of the tour there is nothing to buy at the gate — you walk straight in at opening time, when the birds are most active.

The tour starts at 6:10 am in Curi-Cancha Reserve or the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, depending on which is producing better that week; we confirm the reserve with you before the tour. Fruiting trees are worked first — that is where quetzals, bellbirds and guans feed — and the scope turns a distant silhouette into a full-frame view.

Nothing with wild birds is ever guaranteed, but a private departure means the morning bends around your target list: if the resplendent quetzal is the priority, the guide builds the route around the trees it is using. The walk finishes between 10:00 and 10:30 am.

Guided by Nasua Tours' certified naturalist guides, led by founder Oscar Castillo Mejía (license #1090) — read more about the team. Still comparing options? The Monteverde planning guide explains how this tour differs from the others. Travelling for birds? Check the quetzal, bellbird and manakin seasons.

Itinerary

What to expect

On this product the reserve admission is already included in the price — there is nothing to pay at the gate.

Booking & cancellation policies

These terms apply to every Nasua Tours booking and you accept them before your request is sent.

• Booking cutoff: 24 hours

  Requests close 24 hours before the tour starts, so admission and guiding can be arranged in time.

• Reserve admission is refundable up to 48 hours before the tour

  Cancel at least 48 hours before the tour starts and the reserve admission (entrance tickets) is refunded. With less than 48 hours' notice the entrance tickets are no longer refundable.

• Rain or shine — 50% of the guide service is non-refundable

  Monteverde weather is unpredictable, so tours run rain or shine. If the tour is cancelled, 50% of the guided-service charge is non-refundable, and entrance fees already purchased are non-refundable.

• Minimum booking: 2 people (solo guests welcome)

  Every tour is sold from a 2-person minimum, so a solo guest books the service for 2. If only one guest travels, Nasua Tours refunds 50% of the extra charge for the second person.

Questions about this tour

Does the price include the reserve entrance?

The reserve entrance fee is already included in the price of this product, so there is nothing to buy at the gate on the day of your tour.

Which reserve will we bird?

Curi-Cancha Reserve or the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Your guide recommends the one that is producing better that week and confirms it with you before the tour.

Is this the same tour as the guided-only private birding?

Yes — same 6:10 am start, same guide and scope, same pace. The only difference is that here the reserve admission is part of the price instead of being paid at the gate.

Can we stay in the reserve after the tour ends?

It depends on the reserve. In the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve you leave the reserve when the tour ends — staying on afterwards is not allowed. In Curi-Cancha Reserve you are welcome to stay on your own after the tour; the reserve closes at 4:30 pm.

What time does the birdwatching tour start and how long is it?

The private tour begins at 6:10 am and finishes between 10:00 and 10:30 am — the early start is when bird activity in Monteverde is highest.

Which reserve will we bird?

Either the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve or Curi-Cancha Reserve. Your Nasua Tours guide recommends the better option for your target species and expectations, and you can also state a preference.

Will we see a Resplendent Quetzal?

Sightings are never guaranteed with wild birds. Your guide knows which trees are fruiting and where birds have been nesting, so those areas are prioritised — Quetzals, Bellbirds and Guans feed on fruiting Lauraceae trees in the area.

Is a spotting scope provided?

Yes. A professional bilingual naturalist guide certified by Costa Rica's tourism chamber and a spotting telescope are included.

Are reserve entrance fees included?

You choose. "Tour with admission included" covers the guided service plus the applicable reserve or activity admission with 13% tax, so there is nothing to buy at the gate. "Tour without admission" covers the guided service with 13% tax only, and you pay the reserve entrance yourself. Infants 0–3 are free on both options.

How much does the tour cost?

Both options show a live total in the request panel, with 13% tax already included. Prices per guest depend on group size, whether the tour is private or shared, and — for the all-inclusive option — which reserve you visit, since admission differs by reserve and age. Children 4–10 have their own rate and infants 0–3 are free. You confirm the exact total with Nasua Tours before anything is booked.

Is a birdwatching tour in Monteverde worth it?

If you enjoy wildlife, yes. Monteverde's cloud forest holds a high diversity of birds, and a guide who knows where birds are currently feeding and holding territory finds far more than most visitors spot on their own. Nothing is guaranteed with wild birds, but the tour is built around the early hours when activity is highest.

Do I need previous birdwatching experience?

No. The tour is guided in English or Spanish and works for complete beginners as well as experienced birders — your guide adjusts pace, explanations and target species to the group.

Do I need to bring binoculars?

A professional spotting telescope is included so everyone gets a clear view. Bring your own binoculars if you have them; if you do not, mention it in your request and Nasua Tours will confirm what can be arranged.

How many bird species will we see?

It varies with season, weather and reserve, so no number is promised. The early start and your guide's knowledge of current activity are what make the list as long as conditions allow on the day.

Continue your Monteverde experience

You can combine tours to see different sides of Monteverde. These pair well with this one: