The international community recognizes Costa Rica as a birdwatching paradise, with more than 940 species identified within its borders. Within this privileged setting, the canton of Turrialba stands out as a strategic location with enormous potential for this type of tourism, according to authorities and experts in the sector.

The Turrialba Chamber of Tourism promotes bird watching as a driver of sustainable economic growth, with the aim of attracting more nature-loving visitors and strengthening the region’s tourism identity.

In this process, a key step was the First Birdwatching Tourism Meeting, held at the Botanical Garden and supported by the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE).

With this first event, Turrialba reaffirms its potential as a leading birdwatching destination and invites nature lovers to enjoy unique experiences among its biodiversity, landscapes, and local culture.

Julio César Gamboa, president of the Turrialba Chamber of Tourism.

Birds of Costa Rica: biodiversity and unique conditions

Experts point out that Turrialba’s rich bird life is due to both natural and human factors. Its location, close to the Caribbean and the Central Valley, together with an altitude range from 200 to almost 3,800 meters above sea level, creates ideal habitats for a wide variety of species.

According to Rafael Soto, manager of the National Bird Watching Route at the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), the combination of the country’s small size, tourist infrastructure, and the quality of specialized guides allows domestic and international visitors to enjoy memorable experiences in regions such as Turrialba.

Besides, it was highlighted that conservation initiatives promoted by communities and private farms over the last few decades have been fundamental in protecting forests and promoting the recovery of bird populations.


Innovation and international reach

The meeting included training sessions for local guides and promoted coordination between national institutions, consolidating Turrialba as a leading destination for bird watching.

The use of technological tools such as the eBird application, developed by Cornell University, has also facilitated scientific documentation and global dissemination of the species present in the area, reinforcing its international positioning.

During the event, CATIE announced that in 2025 it will organize a technical-scientific conference on birds, with the participation of international experts. This event will strengthen Turrialba’s leadership in research, conservation, and specialized birdwatching tourism.

Sensorial Sunsets