
Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 33 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour worth booking?
Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour is a 4-hour experience in Quepos, Costa Rica, from $135 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 33 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (33)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $135 per person
As stated in the tour title, this activity can be personally customized to suit any lineage of tour preference based on your birding experience, knowledge, priority target species request, bird photography or just to have an excellent day of organic bird watching in Costa Rica. You are free to spend more or less time photographing birds at the bird feeders (breakfast area), spend the full 4 hours bird watching to create a "large numerous" list of observed species, or spend time searching for any missing personal target species. Today, we are proud to operate a birding tour geared toward satisfied travelers with any level of birdwatching experience, for those simply looking to see their first macaws and toucans in the wild. Ornithophiles looking to observe and complete any personal record of missing species "LIFERS", or to develop a professional tour for the intense bird watcher with solid and vast knowledge in the field of ornithology and tropical biology.
What you get
About this experience
As stated in the tour title, this activity can be personally customized to suit any lineage of tour preference based on your birding experience, knowledge, priority target species request, bird photography or just to have an excellent day of organic bird watching in Costa Rica. You are free to spend more or less time photographing birds at the bird feeders (breakfast area), spend the full 4 hours bird watching to create a "large numerous" list of observed species, or spend time searching for any missing personal target species. Today, we are proud to operate a birding tour geared toward satisfied travelers with any level of birdwatching experience, for those simply looking to see their first macaws and toucans in the wild. Ornithophiles looking to observe and complete any personal record of missing species "LIFERS", or to develop a professional tour for the intense bird watcher with solid and vast knowledge in the field of ornithology and tropical biology.
What's included
Included
- Swarovski Optik: Get a closer, HD detailed view, videos/photographs of the species spotted on tour.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from your selected accommodation (Manuel Antonio and Quepos hotels ONLY)
- One-day entrance pass to Esquipulas Private Reserve (use of its facilities, bird feeders and trails)
- Breakfast: A delicious Costa Rican breakfast, tropical fruits and premium coffee included.
- Local bilingual guide, birding specialized (Certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute)
Not included
- Bottled water
- Binoculars
- Transportation from accommodations outside Quepos and Manuel Antonio areas.
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Quepos
If you are staying in Manuel Antonio or Quepos, we recommend our main office as a meeting point, but if you are driving from outside of Quepos (Jaco or Dominical) we recommend meeting us at the Delta La Managua gas station, as it appears on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AaTwib9kj4J3SsVBA
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.
Ends at
If you are staying in Manuel Antonio or Quepos, we recommend our main office as a meeting point, but if you are driving from outside of Quepos (Jaco or Dominical) we recommend meeting us at the Delta La Managua gas station, as it appears on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AaTwib9kj4J3SsVBA
Options you can book
Esquipulas Rainforest Reserve, Private Birding Tour.
Pickup included
El Rey Birding (2 Extra Hours)
Playa El Rey Birding : Located just 12 miles south of Quepos, Playa El Rey (Swamps and Rice Paddies) can be added to our Esquipulas Birding Tour. Duration: 2 hours: As a complement to our Esquipulas Tour, El Rey offers a variety of species associated with swamps and rice paddies. Pickup included
Your own transportation
Your own transportation : Our tour guide must accompany you in your vehicle.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Manuel's Tours, Costa Rica.
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A light cotton t-shirt, tanktop, leggings or shorts are ideal to wear during the walk, comfortable clothing is recommended (long-sleeved shirts and long pants are not necessary) Dress in muted colors (brown, green, etc.) Think blending in!
- Closed-toe footwear (sneakers, hiking boots, Keens or Tevas) is required to participate in the tour (No beach sandals or flip flops allowed)
- Pack sunscreen, and bug repellent, (try to find an organic one)
- Please bring rain protective gear for your camera and optics, rain jacket, and umbrella (early May to late December)
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 33 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
33 verified traveler reviews for Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Time Wasters!
Would like to leave zero stars! Tour operator did not show up, did not respond to messages. Waited over an hour and nothing. Do not book this tour as they will waste your time!
via Viator
No Show.
No response from the tour operator the days before or on the day of. When we found the tour company, it was closed and there wasnt anyone there. We texted and called and still have not received a call from the company. We have also not been issued a refund yet from Viator. We were sad to miss this experience.
via Viator
Find another tour
We will never know how good a tour it was because no one picked us up. We got up at 0415 to be ready for our 0500 pick up. We called and left a message but nothing. Thankfully Viator was able to refund us our money. The tour company didn’t even bother to return our message to give an explanation or apology. Find another tour.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour! I am a...
Great tour! I am a wildlife biologist and birding enthusiast so this was a must for me. Manuel is a very knowledgable guide who put us on a lot of great birds and shows a lot of pride in all the flora, fauna, and natural beauty that Costa Rica has to offer. He and the driver Carlos were very friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend!
via Viator
The Michael Jackson bird!
Dylan, our guide was amazing and very enthusiatic about his job. He persevered several times in finding/locating different species of birds. We finally saw the Michael Jackson bird in action (red capp!ed manakin). Highly recommend doing this tour!!!!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $135 to $195
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Manuel's Tours, Costa Rica., who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.5.
See everything Manuel's Tours, Costa Rica. runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quepos.
How much does Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour cost?
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Prices start at $135 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quepos usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quepos is not rushed.
Is Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 33 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Quepos, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour?
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Around 12 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quepos can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quepos and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quepos within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Quepos?
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On Outty we rank every Quepos experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Full Day Waterfall Adventure, Manuel Antonio Canopy Tour - Longest Twin Zip Line in Central America, Manuel Antonio Park Tour and its Amazing Wildlife and Beaches. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Quepos?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Quepos?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour?
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Included: Swarovski Optik: Get a closer, HD detailed view, videos/photographs of the species spotted; Hotel pickup and drop-off from your selected accommodation (Manuel Antonio and Quepos hote; One-day entrance pass to Esquipulas Private Reserve (use of its facilities, bird feeders a; Breakfast: A delicious Costa Rican breakfast, tropical fruits and premium coffee included; and Local bilingual guide, birding specialized (Certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute. Not included: Bottled water; Binoculars; Transportation from accommodations outside Quepos and Manuel Antonio areas; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 32 listed pickup locations in and around Quepos. Be ready about 45 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour?
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Across 33 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Esquipulas Rainforest - Private Birding - Fully Customizable Tour?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Esquipulas Rainforest Reserve, Private Birding Tour., El Rey Birding (2 Extra Hours), Your own transportation. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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