Birdwatching at Nectar Pollen Reserve in Costa Rica
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Birdwatching at Nectar Pollen Reserve in Costa Rica

The Nectar Pollen Reserve is one of the best places to go birdwatching near San Jose, Costa Rica. With 300+ bird species recorded, it’s a must-see birding hotspot.

In this post, we will share our personal experience visiting Nectar Pollen Reserve for the day. We will also share:

Ready!? Let’s go birding!

ABOUT Birdwatching at Nectar Pollen Reserve in Costa Rica

Nectar & Pollen Reserve is located near the foothill rainforest of the Braulio Carrillo National Park. Managed by an experienced birder and naturalist, Miguel, it is a natural reserve with several areas of interest for birders. 

There are extensive hummingbird gardens and fruit trees planted by Miguel himself, to provide a source of food for many bird species. 

There are also beautiful pastures which provide excellent opportunities to spot a huge variety of raptors, and the rare King Vulture. You will also find well-maintained trails and can enjoy guided day and night tours of the grounds.

HOW To Get There – Driving Directions to Nectar Pollen Reserve

PLEASE NOTE:

Nectar & Pollen Reserve is only open by prior reservation – you must make arrangements well before arrival. See more about that further below, and contact us if you would like help to arrange a visit.

Map of Nectar Pollen Reserve in Costa Rica
Location of Nectar Pollen Reserve in Costa Rica

LOCATION

Just a short 45 minute drive from San Jose, Costa Rica, Nectar & Pollen Reserve is located just off the main highway #32 (Ruta 32), which connects San Jose to Limon on the Caribbean coast. It is a lovely drive through the lush rainforest of the Braulio Carrillo National park. 

Route #32 is also the gateway to Route #4, which will take you to Sarapiqui, and all the way over toward the town of La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano. 

This makes Nectar Pollen a perfect place for a birdwatching day trip from San Jose & Heredia areas, or also a great place to stop by on your way to the Caribbean, Sarapiqui or Arenal Volcano areas.

Birdwatching at Nectar Pollen Reserve off Route 32 in Costa Rica

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO NECTAR POLLEN RESERVE

FROM THE CENTRAL VALLEY: SAN JOSE, HEREDIA, ETC.

Driving directions from San Jose to Nectar Pollen Reserve
Route 32 from San Jose to Nectar Pollen Reserve

Take Route 32 north from San Jose toward Guapiles. There is a toll booth as you enter the Braulio Carrillo National Park, where you will need to pay 250 colones so have your coins ready, and make sure NOT to enter the “Quick Pass Only” lane as they do not accept cash there.
From the toll booth, drive approximately 31 kilometers. You will pass “Rainforest Adventures” on your right hand side, and just 1 kilometer further you will find “Nectar Pollen Reserve”, also on your right hand side.

DIRECTIONS FROM ARENAL & SARAPIQUI

Best route from La Fortuna to Nectar Pollen Reserve
Route 4 & Route 32 from La Fortuna to Nectar Pollen Reserve

Take Route 4 East/Southeast until you reach Route 32. Turn right at Route 32 to head south for just 4 kilometers, until you find Nectar Pollen Reserve on your left hand side. It will be a little harder to see from this direction, as it is just around a curve, on your left-hand side, so be careful with oncoming traffic. Nearby the entrance you will also see a little Soda called “Fogon de Mami”

DIRECTIONS FROM THE CARIBBEAN SIDE: CAHUITA, LIMON, SIQUIRRES, GUAPILES

Driving directions from Limon to Nectar Pollen Reserve in Costa Rica
Route 32 from Limon to Nectar Pollen Reserve

Take Route 32 South toward San Jose. As you start heading up the mountain out of the Caribbean lowlands and into the Braulio Carrillo National park, from that point you will only drive for about 4 kilometers, until you find Nectar Pollen Reserve on your left hand side. It will be a little harder to see from this direction, as it is just around a curve, on your left-hand side, so be careful with oncoming traffic. Nearby the entrance you will also see a little Soda called “Fogon de Mami”

PRO TIP:

If you are driving there, please use caution! We only recommend crossing the Route 32 during the daytime with good sunlight, as later in the afternoon you can expect more rain, fog, causing limited visibility and slippery conditions.

WHEN Is the Best Time for Birdwatching at Nectar Pollen Reserve?

There are opportunities for great birding all year long. From October to April you also have the chance to observe a stunning array of migratory birds that winter in Costa Rica (but then, don’t we all 😉 ).

PRO TIP:

With its location being on the mountainous hillside of Route 32, on the edge of the rainforest, expect rain. And with the rain, possible road closures, especially during the rainy season (Sept-Nov & May-July). Not sure what to do, or if the road will be open? Feel free to contact us and well be glad to check on current conditions for you.

WHICH Bird Species Can You See at the Reserve?

With more than 300 species recorded at Nectar Pollen, you are sure to add many lifers to your list!

HUMMINGBIRDS OF COSTA RICA

Hummingbird lovers – listen up! Nectar Pollen is the place for you. Naturalist and birder Miguel has planted a large variety of flowering bushes and tropical plants that the local hummingbirds go crazy over, such as porterweed and heliconias.

Violet-headed hummingbird sitting on a perch of a porterweed verbena bush in Costa Rica

And his hard work has paid off – both to our delight and to the hummingbirds! Set up your camera and make yourself comfortable on the edge of the gardens and you will be entertained for hours and be rewarded with captures of a memorable day.

Some of the most seeked out hummingbirds can be found here, including:

In total, 28 different hummingbird species have been reported at Nectar Pollen Reserve, out of the approximately 54 species found in all of Costa Rica.

RAPTORS AND FLYCATCHERS

Camera setup in the pasture area ready to look for raptor birds at Nectar Pollen Reserve in Costa Rica

Hawks, falcons, owls, vultures – including the most desired King Vulture, that is regularly spotted here. The open pastures provide the perfect habitat for raptors and excellent opportunities for photographing them both in flight and also perched high in the trees. Also very common here are many flycatchers, including the magnificent Long-tailed Tyrant.

TANGERS, HONEYCREEPERS, AND TOUCANS

While birdwatching, a palm tanager, red-legged honeycreeper, and black-cheeked woodpecker eat bananas from a fruit feeder at Nectar Pollen Reserve

All of these brightly colored, fruit loving birds are also regular visitors at Nectar Pollen Reserve. A bird photographers dream, these gorgeous birds love to pose for the camera.

PRICE How Much Does it Cost to Go Birdwatching in Costa Rica?

There is a very reasonable fee to visit. The exact price per person will depend on the size of your group. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED and the location is not open all day, every day. Nectar Pollen only opens when there have been prior arrangements made.

For more information feel free to contact us with the date you would like to visit and how many will be in your group, and we’ll be glad to help you make the arrangements to visit.

WHAT Should You Take – COSTA RICA BIRDWATCHING PACKING LIST

Keeping in mind the tropical rainforest conditions, we make the following recommendations:

PREPARE FOR: RAIN

Bring a rain jacket and/or umbrella, and rain protection for your birding gear, in case of a rain shower. There is a chance of rain all year round. Waterproof hiking boots are also recommended, especially if you are planning on hiking the trails.

BE READY FOR: HEAT

Wear cool, lightweight, loose fitting clothing. A hat may be useful on sunny days. Insect repellent may come in handy but isn’t usually needed. Also, sunscreen would be good for those sunny or overcast days.

QUENCH THAT THIRST

Bring plenty of water!

SATISFY YOUR HUNGER

Pack a snack!

PACK THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT

Don’t forget your binoculars, and camera if you have one. Also, a field guide book for Costa Rica will be very helpful. We recommend this one: 

DON’T FORGET: JOY

Bring your best smile, the birds will thank you for it and most certainly smile back 🙂

OUR Birdwatching Experience – Nectar Pollen Reserve Review

Here are a few details regarding our experience at Nectar Pollen Reserve. We also invite you to watch the video documentary we made on Youtube highlighting the different areas and bird species that we spotted!

Getting to the Nectar Pollen Reserve from Heredia, Costa Rica

We got up before the break of dawn, and wanted to start our day with a heart breakfast. So before we left the house, we made some hot Costa Rican coffee, Gallo Pinto and eggs. Then we packed our camera and birdwatching equipment in the car and got on our way.

Early morning drive on Route 32 from Heredia to Guapiles, to go birdwatching at Nectar Pollen Reserve in Costa Rica

Leaving Heredia, Costa Rica around 6:15am, we had a nice drive down the Route 32 mountain for about 45 minutes, before arriving at Nectar Pollen Reserve around 7:00am. You can find the location on Google Maps, and there is also very good signage at the location, so it is hard to miss.

When we went, and why?

October Big Day was coming up, so we decided to go to Nectar Pollen for the best chance at counting the greatest number of bird species in Costa Rica on that day. Also, we had never been, so we thought it was a good excuse to finally go.

We contacted Miguel during the week prior, and made plans to join him and a few of his birding friends for a very special October Big Day in Costa Rica.

Arrival at the Nectar Pollen Reserve in Costa Rica

We parked the car and Miguel was waiting for us. He is a very friendly, humble, knowledgable, and welcoming person. He brewed some coffee for all of us (see why I mentioned coffee!?) and we started our morning in the hummingbird gardens.

Hummingbird gardens – Will we spot the Snowcap Hummingbird?

While enjoying our coffee, we set up the camera at the edge of the gardens, and immediately spotted the Violet-headed Hummingbird, Blue-chested Hummingbird, and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird.

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Perched on a Branch in the Hummingbird Garden at Nectar Pollen Reserve
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Perched on a Branch in the Hummingbird Garden at Nectar Pollen Reserve in Costa Rica

It didn’t take long before the male Snowcap Hummingbird made a very brief appearance! We were thrilled as this was our first time seeing this gorgeous little bird – lifer! However the appearance was in fact so brief that we were unable to get a single photo or video of the little guy. Perhaps the next time.

On to the pastures – Can we find the King Vulture?

After finishing the coffee, we decided to head over to the pastureland to see if we could catch a glimpse of the infamous King Vulture. Sure enough, we spotted him flying over head, alongside other vultures. We also spotted an Osprey and other raptors.

Long-tailed Tyrant Flycatcher Bird Perched on a Branch in the pasture area at Nectar Pollen
Long-tailed Tyrant Flycatcher Bird Perched on a Branch in the pasture area at Nectar Pollen Reserve in Costa Rica

Perhaps the highlight in this area was the Long-tailed Tyrant. Flying from treetop to treetop with that long flowing tail, we had many great photographing opportunities and got some great video footage as well, which we included in our Youtube video.

A visit to the fruit trees & feeders – How many bird species can we count?

We were blown away by the bright colors of the honeycreepers, tanagers, orioles, and aracari toucans in this area. Another nice spot to set up for the camera and relax for a while, among all the birds.

Down to the hide – Another chance at spotting the King Vulture

Birding and photographing vultures from the hide
Photographing from the hide

From there, we took a little walk through the forest and down to a hide, which gives great viewing opportunities of the vultures. While unable to spot the King Vulture here, we did see Black Vultures. And in the trees nearby, we spotted a pair of beautiful Spangle-cheeked Tanagers – another memorable Lifer sighting to add to our list.

Back to the fruit trees and hummingbird gardens to observe the Annular Solar Eclipse

We came back up to the main area, and it was about noon. Also, about the same time that an Annular Solar Eclipse was to occur. It clouded over just enough that we were able to see the eclipse through the clouds- truly spectacular. 

Observing the birds behavior during the Annular Solar Eclipse in Costa Rica

As the sun was slowly covered by the moon, the daylight faded into darkness, although it was only 12:30pm. Noticeably, the bird activity quieted, as if they were all preparing to sleep for the night.

Watching the Annular Solar Eclipse in Costa Rica
Watching the Annular Solar Eclipse in Costa Rica

As the eclipse was passing and the light was coming back, again the birds began to come out and get more active. It was a fascinating occurrence and incredible to enjoy it during the October Big Day event.

Afternoon in the gardens – Counting more birds and great bird photography

We enjoyed the opportunities to continue photographing the birds in the gardens. As a group of 5 birders, we were nearing 100 bird species counted for the day. Finally, hunger got the best of us and we decided to call it a day, and go grab some lunch. Meanwhile, Miguel and his friends decided to hike the trails for a while and count a few more birds.

Late lunch near Nectar Pollen Reserve

More on this in the Where to Eat section below! We headed down the road toward Guapiles to eat at “El Fogon de Lola”. Kevin enjoyed a “Chifrijo” which is a bowl of rice, beans, chicharron (pork), pico de gallo, and avocado. Kelsey ordered Caribbean “Rice & Beans” that came with Chicken in coconut sauce, fried sweet plantains, and a cabbage salad. It was delicious!

Lunch at El Fogon de Lola, Chifrijo (top right), Caribbean Rice and Beans (bottom)
Lunch at El Fogon de Lola, Chifrijo (top right), Caribbean Rice and Beans (bottom)

After lunch, on our way back up the road, Route 32 toward San Jose, just as we were passing Nectar Pollen again, we spotted a flock of Great Green Macaws flying over head. What a great way to wrap up our day!

Final bird count for October Big Day 2023 in Costa Rica – birdwatching at Nectar Pollen Reserve

Watch our video to see some of the birds we observed and the final count at Nectar Pollen Reserve. Were Miguel and his friends able to reach 100 species?

View the October Big Day Nectar Pollen EBIRD checklist here!

HUNGRY? Best Restaurants Near the Nectar Pollen Reserve in Costa Rica

Since Nectar Pollen Reserve is located on a mountainside, there are very few restaurants very close by. There are more options off Route 32 on the San Jose side of the mountain in Santa Elena de Heredia, or on the Guapiles side of the mountain. Here’s where we go to eat! These are our top 3 soda & restaurant recommendations in the area:

On the San Jose side:

For the BEST home cooked food, delicious Gallo pinto breakfasts, typical Casado lunches, this is your place. Very reasonable prices. They are not open on Sundays or usually after 7pm.

Delicious wood fired pizzas, sandwiches, pastas, salads with organic ingredients straight from their garden. Only open for lunch & dinner.

On the Guapiles side:

Very delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Pretty extensive menu of Costa Rica traditional food, at reasonable prices. We recommend their Gallo Pinto breakfasts, Patacones, Chifrijo, and Casados. By the way, breakfast is served all day, in case you want Gallo Pinto for dinner 😉

FINAL THOUGHTS – Birdwatching at Nectar Pollen Reserve in Costa Rica

We had a great day at Nectar Pollen Reserve and hope to visit again soon. No doubt we’ll keep adding more lifers to our list every time we visit. Hope this overview was helpful and that you can make plans to go bird watching at Nectar Pollen Reserve in Costa Rica too!

Don’t hesitate to comment below with any questions you may have, or contact us via email, we’ll be glad to help you plan your day trip to Nectar Pollen Reserve. You can also find them on the Nectar Pollen Instagram and see Miguel’s photography here.

Pura vida and happy birding!

-Kevin & Kelsey, Wonders of Costa Rica

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