Photo by Chuck Carlson // Coffee & Birds in Paradise III Dec 2024
January 9-18 2027 Costa Rica
“To travel is to live”
Join us for the seventh edition of our signature journey—Coffee & Birds in Paradise—a curated small-group experience exploring the lush cloud forests, coastal jungles, and shade-grown coffee fincas of Costa Rica.
This is a trip for bird lovers, slow travelers, and anyone seeking a deeper connection with nature. We’ll rise with the birds, walk among howler monkeys and toucans, sip freshly roasted bird-friendly coffee, and unwind in boutique ecolodges tucked into the rainforest. Along the way, you’ll meet passionate conservationists, explore biodiverse microclimates, eat amazing food, and witness the quiet magic of Costa Rica’s biodiversity and natural secrets. We'll be exploring many sides of paradise— from the central volcanic range to rich, tropical coastlines to the verdant mountains of the cloud forest.
“The trip made me more open to new experiences, more optimistic about people and simply more happy the weeks and months that followed.”
A Birding Journey Like No Other
Photos by Dreamcatcher Dave Tucker // Coffee & Birds in Paradise II April 2024
This is not your typical birding trip.
It’s deeper, richer—and designed for those who care about more than just checklists.
Coffee & Birds in Paradise is a 10-day immersion into the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica, guided by renowned naturalist Phil Brown. With many years of experience leading birding expeditions, Phil brings not only deep knowledge but a calm, intuitive presence that makes every walk more meaningful.
Over the course of the journey, you’ll travel through a vibrant tapestry of distinct microclimates—each offering its own light, sound, and birdlife. From misty highlands to sunlit valleys, quiet fincas to forested river trails, the diversity of landscapes opens the door to an equally diverse array of birds.
Expect encounters with a broad spectrum of species—from dazzling hummingbirds to charismatic toucans, elusive endemic birds, and the steady rhythm of migratory visitors passing through. Every location reveals a new rhythm, a new chorus, and a new opportunity to witness Costa Rica’s extraordinary avian life.
But what sets this journey apart is how it feels.
You’ll rise early for birdsong, then return to comfortable lodges, delicious meals, and the warm company of others who share your love for the natural world.
Whether you’re building your life list or rekindling your sense of wonder, this is a birding experience designed to inspire, restore, and connect.
“I came to see birds, but I left with so much more—new friends, new perspectives, and a renewed sense of wonder.”
TESTIMONIALS ★★★★★
𖧶
Click here to read all our testimonials
★★★★★
Highlights of Coffee & Birds in Paradise
𖧶 Explore a Breathtaking Display of Biodiversity
Costa Rica is home to over 850 bird species and contains some of the richest biodiversity on the planet! We’ll search for and appreciate the wide diversity of unique birds including hummingbirds, parrots, antbirds, herons, hawks, and so many more. Past trip lists have tallied well over 200 bird species. We’ll venture beyond the usual tourist spots and uncover some of our favorite off-the-beaten-path birding hotspots.
Traveling Costa Rica’s winding roads is a journey in itself. As we move between destinations, we’ll pass through some of the country’s most stunning and lesser-known landscapes, with handpicked scenic routes that reveal unexpected moments—local art tucked into hillsides, roadside nature trails, and unforgettable bites of regional cuisine. We’ll ride in a spacious, air-conditioned deluxe van, always stocked with cold drinks, fresh fruit, and snacks, so you can stay comfortable and refreshed along the way.
“Every day was a surprise, and each one was better than the last. I didn’t know travel could feel like this.”
𖧶 The Bird-Friendly Bean: A Journey into Costa Rican Coffee
Costa Rica produces some of the best coffee in the world, and you’ll see why as we explore the majestic highlands of the Valle Central—the heart of the coffee region. You’ll witness the massive impact this simple bean has had on the history, culture, and economy of Costa Rica. On this trip, we’ll dive straight into the wonderful world of coffee by visiting a small traditional Costa Rican coffee farm, where we’ll learn about growing and processing high-quality coffee, and better understand the bird-friendly practices that make it all possible.
𖧶 Up-Close Encounters with Wildlife
Get ready for breathtaking bird photography opportunities! Our expert guides will position you for incredible views of howler monkeys, macaws in vibrant flight, and even the occasional glimpse of a camouflaged sloth.
𖧶 Relaxation & Camaraderie
Unwind after a day of birding adventures in comfortable, unique accommodations. Savor delicious, authentic Costa Rican cuisine and enjoy the company of fellow bird enthusiasts, sharing experiences and forging new friendships.
“I didn’t want to go home. Something about the pace, the people, the places—it felt like how life should be.
”
“Magic Carpet” Dreamcatchers treatment from beginning to end.
Beautifully curated natural adventures & excursions each day
Travel like a local and discover some of the most unique natural sites and secrets of Costa Rica that tourists never see
Enjoy gorgeous scenic drives that will inspire awe
A naturalist guide, adventure guide, and our bilingual private driver will be taking care of you the entire time
Explore Costa Rica’s national parks and biological reserves
Visit active volcanoes, waterfalls, and natural hot springs
Travel in a state of blissful comfort
Stay in unique, comfortable accommodations
Visit a variety of unique microclimates and natural habitats
Visit and learn about bird-friendly cacao and coffee farms
Meet and interact with inspiring local artists and their work
Eat delicious, healthy, and authentic food from the moment the sun comes up until the sun goes down
Get up close with local wildlife including monkeys, toucans, hummingbirds, and sloths
Have piles of fun, good conversation, and new connections with positive like-minded adventurous individuals
Fully relax your body & mind
Let go and feel The Dreamcatchers Experience.
“I’ve been on birding trips before, but never like this. There was soul here.”
Smiles Are Our Compass
Smiles Are Our Compass
Your happiness is our priority. We'll curate unforgettable experiences that surprise and delight you. Discover hidden waterfalls, see incredible birds and wildlife up close, encounter warm and welcoming locals, and savor soul-nourishing Costa Rican cuisine. Prepare to fall in love with this extraordinary country or to reignite your passion for a place you’ve been dreaming of getting back to.
The pace of this trip is both active and relaxed, with ample time dedicated to easy physical adventures combined with relaxing time off to enjoy the calm beauty of nature. Balance and flow are the key elements of the Dreamcatchers experience.
Coffee & Birds in Paradise VII will open up a world that we’ve been exploring for decades and which hopefully helps you discover not just Costa Rica, but perhaps even parts of your very self.
“I didn’t expect to laugh so much. The group became a little family by the end.”
Availability: January 9-18 2027
Cost: $5,499 (double) / $5,999 (single) (Click here for payment details)
Includes: All meals, transportation, accommodations, drinks, snacks, airport pickup, and all tours & activities.
Duration: 9 nights, 10 days
Maximum number of guests: 12
Guide: Ignacio Oreamuno + Phil Brown
Driver: Javier Solano
Transportation: Private Deluxe Bus “The DreamMachine”
Questions? ignacio@thedreamcatchers.co
The Dreamcatchers Team : Javier Solano, Ignacio Oreamuno & Phil Brown, your guides in paradise.
Photo by Phil Brown
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should come on this trip?
"Birds & Coffee in Paradise" is designed for adventurous travelers that love comfortably exploring the beauty of nature, meeting new people and eating delicious food while adventuring in the most beautiful country in the world.
This trip is suited for anyone that wants to get a true insider's view into Costa Rica's ecological wonders, culture and food. The trip will have be especially geared toward finding and enjoying the diversity of birdlife the country’s varied habitats host, and we will also spend time visiting and learning about bird-friendly practices on coffee farms.
What level of physical activity is required for this Dreamcatchers trip?
This trip is a perfect balance between relaxed comfort and light nature trekking. Most walks will be easy and accessible to all ages.
Is there free time?
Yes. the rhythm of the trip allows for free time each day to relax, nap, call home, or do anything you please. We will take great care not to over book each day and provide you with ample alone time – if that is what you seek.
I have food and dietary restrictions, am I going to be ok?
Yes. Prior to the trip we'll be collecting your dietary preferences and restrictions and we’ll cater to these needs as best as possible.
Will I be able to connect with my phone?
Yes. Costa Rica has a strong mobile network and most phones will have coverage even in the most remotes part we'll visit. In addition to that most or all of the places we'll be staying will have wifi. We'll ensure you have connectivity most of the time.
Do I need to know Spanish?
Not at all! You'll be in the company of two guides that are all fluent in English and Spanish. In addition, a lot of people speak English in Costa Rica. By the end of the trip however, we expect you'll know many new words!
Pipa = Coconut in Costa Rica. Vamos a tomar muchas pipas frias en la playa! We're going to drink a lot of cold coconut water at the beach!
What is our transportation like?
We will be traveling on the awesome deluxe Dreamcatchers bus (AKA The DreamMachine). It's got great comfortable seating, air conditioner, good music, snacks, and Javier our awesome full-time professional driver.
We'll be driving leisurely and making lots of pitstops along the way for snacks, coffee (of course) and bathroom breaks.
What kind of gear do I need for this trip?
We will be providing all our guests with detailed list of gear for each specific trip. I will be very specific about what you need so you won't need to worry about being under or over packed.
What is your all inclusive policy?
We want to minimize the amount of times you reach for cash. All hotels and accommodations, meals, tours, outdoor activities, bus snacks, fruit, and water, will all be included!
What is not included?
Tips, alcoholic beverages, items of personal nature, and flights to and from Costa Rica. In addition it's important that you arrive a day or two before the trip begins and the cost of that hotel night and meals is not included.
What happens when I arrive in Costa Rica?
We will personally be there to pick all our guests at the airport and whisk you off on the adventure. At the conclusion of the trip we will also drop off all our guests at the airport. We'll always be there taking good care of you.
What's the weather like?
The temperature can vary drastically depending on where we are, ranging from high 80's (30° Celcius) in the beach, to a cool 65 in the high altitudes of the mountains (18°). Costa Rica is well known for its very comfortable temperatures throughout.