Costa Rica will host the North American Bird Fair Costa Rica 2026 from June 4 to 7 in Sarapiquí, bringing together birdwatchers, nature photographers, tourism operators, educators, naturalists and conservation groups for a four-day event focused on birding, conservation and nature-based tourism.
The event will take place in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, Heredia, one of the country’s best-known birding areas and a long-running destination for visitors interested in rainforest wildlife. The World Birdfairs Council lists the event for June 4 to 7 under “I The North American Bird Fair: Costa Rica,” describing it as a celebration of birds, nature and community in Central America.
The fair’s program is expected to include field activities, talks, educational spaces, photography experiences, exhibitions, meetings with experts and activities tied to conservation and nature tourism. Organizers are aiming the event at both specialized audiences and families, giving the fair a broader reach than a traditional birding conference.
Sarapiquí gives the event a natural setting. The region is known for its lowland rainforest, rivers, biological reserves and birding lodges, making it one of Costa Rica’s main gateways for visitors seeking wildlife without traveling far from the Central Valley or the Caribbean route. For tour operators and guides, the fair offers a chance to strengthen Sarapiquí’s position as a year-round nature destination rather than only a stop on multi-day itineraries.
Costa Rica is home to more than 900 bird species, a figure that has made the country one of the leading international destinations for birdwatchers and nature photographers. The event also gives local businesses, guides, lodges, photographers and conservation projects a platform to connect with visitors and industry professionals.
One of the family-focused programs is “El Pajarerito / The Little Birder,” designed for children interested in birds and wildlife. Activities are expected to include field outings, book presentations, talks, bird-song recording, games, crafts, contests and educational sessions built around nature learning.
For Costa Rica’s tourism, the fair arrives at a time when travelers are increasingly seeking experiences tied to wildlife, conservation and local communities. Birdwatching already brings visitors to areas such as Sarapiquí, Monteverde, the Osa Peninsula, the Caribbean lowlands and the Central Pacific, but international fairs can help spread that demand beyond the country’s most heavily marketed destinations.
The event also gives Costa Rica yet another opportunity to promote sustainable tourism in rural communities, where birding can support local guides, small hotels, restaurants, transportation providers and conservation groups. In Sarapiquí, that connection is especially important because much of the visitor economy is tied directly to forests, rivers and protected areas.
More information is available through the official North American Bird Fair website. The event is scheduled for June 4 to 7, 2026, in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.
