Resplendent Quetzal
Jewel of the Cloud Forest
WELCOME TO HOTEL RIVEL · TURRIALBA, COSTA RICA
Birds of
Birds of
Costa Rica.
Wake to the chorus of tropical birds in the heart of the Costa Rican jungle. At Hotel Rivel, nature's song greets you every morning.
900+ BIRD SPECIES
4 RAINFOREST ECOSYSTEMS
DAWN DECKS & GUIDED WALKS
WHY COSTA RICA
Why Costa Rica
Why Costa Rica
for birding.
Costa Rica is a global paradise for bird watchers, home to extraordinary biodiversity in one of the world's most pristine natural environments. From cloud forests to coastal lowlands, every ecosystem pulses with life.
- 900+ Birds Species
- A vibrant chorus of colors and calls — from tiny hummingbirds to majestic quetzals — thrive in Costa Rica's protected forests.
- 4 Rainforest Ecosystems
- Cloud forests, coastal mangroves, lowland jungles, and volcanic highlands — a mosaic of habitats teeming with diversity.
- 100% Pura Vida
- More than a saying — it's a way of life that celebrates harmony between people, wildlife, and the natural world.
FOREST PALETTE
A journey through
A journey through
the treetops.
Four icons of the Costa Rican canopy you may meet around the estate.
Keel-billed Toucan
The Smile of the Rainforest
Violet Sabrewing
A Flash of Purple in Morning Mist
Scarlet Macaw
Wings of Fire Against the Green
A DAY OF BIRDING
From first light to roost.
-
Dawn
First light
Bird calls build with the sunrise. Head to the observation decks with coffee for the most active hour of the day.
-
Morning
Guided walk
Follow a naturalist along forest trails to find understory birds, trogons, motmots and hummingbirds.
-
Midday
Rest & review
Cool off, recover at the spa and review photos and checklists over lunch.
-
Dusk
Golden hour
Return to the terraces as light softens and birds settle in to roost.
WINGED NEIGHBORS
Bird species around
Bird species around
Hotel Rivel.
A curated selection of the remarkable birds you may encounter.
Water & Wetland Birds
- Ducks, geese, & waterfowl
- Grebes
- Cormorants & shags
- Anhingas
- Herons, egrets, & bitterns
- Ibises & spoonbills
- Storks
- Rails, gallinules, & coots
- Plovers & lapwings
- Sandpipers & allies
- Oystercatchers
- Stilts & avocet
- Sunbittern
Seabirds & Shorebirds
- Shearwaters & petrels
- Albatrosses
- Northern storm-petrels
- Southern storm-petrels
- Tropicbirds
- Frigatebirds
- Gulls, terns, & skimmers
- Skuas & jaegers
- Pelicans
Forest & Understory Birds
- Tinamous
- Guans, chachalacas, & curassows
- New World quail
- Antpittas
- Antthrushes
- Tapaculos
- Typical antbirds
- Ovenbirds & woodcreepers
- Thrushes & allies
- Thrush-tanager
- Wrens
- Wrenthrush
- Cuckoos
Perching Birds
- Trogons
- Motmots
- Kingfishers
- Jacamars
- Puffbirds
- Toucans
- Toucan-barbets
- New World barbets
- Royal flycatcher & allies
- Tityras & allies
- Cotingas
- Manakins
- Tyrant flycatchers
FOR CURIOUS EYES
The birdwatcher's experience.
Immersive encounters with nature, guided by expertise and passion.
Guided Birding Tours
Led by naturalists and expert photographers
Private Observation Decks
Exclusive terraces for dawn and dusk watching
Photography Workshops
Learn rainforest photography from local guides
Eco-Conservation Programs
Support reforestation and biodiversity
Sunrise Bird Calls
Morning wake-up by nature's orchestra
Luxury Amenities
Spa, fine dining, and modern comfort
WAKE TO BIRDSONGS
Lodging for
Lodging for
bird lovers.
Three signature experiences, each a sanctuary in the forest.
Sky Lodge
Open-air design with sweeping views of the jungle canopy and endless open sky.
View Details
GOOD TO KNOW
Birding questions.
No. Guides adapt to your group, from first-time watchers to dedicated listers, and help with identification as you go.
Dawn and the first hours of the morning are the most active, with another window at dusk. Guided walks and deck sessions are planned around these times.
ASSUMPTION: confirm whether binoculars and spotting scopes are provided. Bring a camera or phone if you want to take photos.
Light, neutral layers, closed shoes with good grip and a light rain layer. Insect repellent and sun protection are helpful.
Yes. Birding fits naturally into wellness retreats, team offsites and celebrations. Request a proposal and we will build it into your program.
