Here's one possible Costa Rica ecotourism itinerary. It's a 10-day trip that highlights numerous birds including the nearly-extinct quetzal & gorgeous macaw. Other wildlife viewing opportunities include monkeys, crocodiles, manatees & snakes. This travel itinerary includes two return flights. You can add 3-4 days if you use ground transport.

• Day 1: San Jose. Arrive in San Jose and transfer to a hotel
• Day 2: Tortuguero National Park. Take an early-morning flight to Tortuguero National Park and arrange for a guide to take you on a wildlife viewing excursion via boat. Wildlife in Tortuguero includes turtles, crocodiles, monkeys, otters, manatees and birds.
• Day 3: Tortuguero to Zoo Ave. Return to San Jose on an early morning flight. Use a local tour, rent a car or navigate the public bus system and head to Zoo Ave.
• Day 4: Corcovado National Park. Fly to Puerto Jimenez in the Osa Peni­nsula.
• Day 5: Corcovado National Park: Spend the day hiking in Corcovado National Park. The wildlife list is extensive.
• Day 6: San Jose & travel to Monteverde. Take a flight to San Jose & transfer to Monteverde (best to rent a car) where you can spend two days exploring the world's most notorious cloud forest.
• Day 7: Monteverde & Santa Elena. Explore Costa Rica's infamous and phenomenal cloud forest including the Santa Elena Reserve with a naturalist guide. This is a must-see in Costa Rica.
• Day 8: Monteverde forest canopy & depart for Poas National Park.
• Day 9: Poas National Park. A great place to go bird watching and spot an emerald toucanet. Be sure to visit the nearby La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
• Day 10: San Jose. Return to San Jose and plan your international flight departure.

Monteverde Cloud Forest is a top ecotourism destination in Costa Rica. The biological diversity of this area of Costa Rica is exceptional. In fact, this is one of the best studied rain forests in the world.

Knowledge is the foundation for many of the interesting tourist attractions in Monteverde, including the availability of informed naturalist guides. Whether you visit the butterfly garden (a must-see) or go to the snake pit, you'll be learning about things that were originally discovered by scientists.

To truly appreciate Monteverde, be sure to plan 3 or 4 days in this area.