Which toucans live in Manuel Antonio?
Two toucans are seen around Manuel Antonio: the yellow-throated toucan (Ramphastos ambiguus), the big one with a two-tone yellow and chestnut bill, and the smaller fiery-billed aracari (Pteroglossus frantzii), a regional specialty of Costa Rica’s southern Pacific slope with an orange-red bill.
Where and when to see them
Toucans are seen year-round. Early morning is best, when they move through fruiting trees along the forest edge, inside the national park and in the hills around Quepos. They are often heard before they are seen: the yellow-throated toucan gives a loud, yelping call from the canopy.
Why a guide and a scope help
Toucans perch high and move fast. Our naturalist guides carry a Swarovski spotting scope to frame the bird so you see the bill, the eye ring and the colors, and you can take photos with your phone through the scope. For birders, our Manuel Antonio bird watching tour starts at 6:30 a.m.; for a mixed wildlife walk, the national park guided tour starts at $30 per person.
Respect the birds
Do not feed toucans or use playback to call them in. Keep a distance and let the guide find the bird in the scope.