Birdwatching tours are booming in 2026, and here are some of the best places to see some of the world's most amazing birds.
Once considered a pastime reserved for retirees, birdwatching has changed dramatically. Today, luxurious villas, creatively designed hotels, and opulent bedrooms mark the beginning of a new type of birdwatching tourism that is emerging around the world .
From magnificent quetzals to red-faced malkohas, all sorts of stunning birds can be seen at the birdwatching hotspots listed below. This list was compiled by the American travel magazine CN Traveler:
Wilpattu, Sinharaja and Yala, Sri Lanka
In Wilpattu and Yala National Parks, visitors are quickly captivated by the rich birdlife, home to 34 endemic species, such as the rare red-faced magpie (pictured) and the striking blue magpie, as well as brightly colored bee-eaters and the fascinating Malabar hornbill.
PHOTO: Dy Ranasinghe
Langkawi, Malaysia
Located on the East Asia-Australia migration route (one of the main routes for migratory birds), Langkawi is home to over 260 species of birds, 30% of which are migratory. Some of the most beautiful birds can be found in the island's lowland rainforests, including the orange-bellied sunbird, the crimson sunbird, and the striped kingfisher (pictured), each with its own unique markings and vibrant colors.
PHOTO: The Datai Lankawi
Maasai Mara and Mount Kenya, Kenya
Waking up to the sound of birdsong in the forest or among the trees of Maasai Mara is truly a birdwatcher's dream. With over 1,000 species to observe, bird enthusiasts will love the country's stunning purple-breasted roller, as it is Kenya's national bird, the adorable D'Arnaud's woodpecker, the pretty brown-white Robin, and the tiny bee-eaters (pictured).
PHOTO: Helene Ramackers
Bandhavgarh, India
Notable bird species in Bandhavgarh National Park include the Brahminy starling, the Coppersmith's woodpecker, the Indian grey-billed bird, the Indian robin (pictured), the plum-headed parrot, the red-bellied bulbul, and rare vulture species.
PHOTO: Sanket Patel
Anjavay, Madagascar
As one of the world's last remaining unspoiled wilderness areas, Madagascar's Anjavay is home to rare bird species that thrive undisturbed in their natural habitat. The island was once home to the world's largest bird, the giant elephant bird. Today, one can find many smaller but incredibly beautiful birds, including the Eurasian crested ibis (pictured).
PHOTO: Panary
Spean Bridge, Scotland
For birdwatchers in cold climates, the Scottish Highlands are a perpetually captivating destination. The majestic landscape of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, and fertile moorlands is home to soaring golden eagles, snow geese, red-breasted sparrows, and falcons.
PHOTO: Ross McLaren
Monteverde and Limón Province, Costa Rica
Costa Rica boasts one of the most spectacular bird populations on the planet. From the cloud forests of Monteverde, home to the famously magnificent quetzal and hundreds of hummingbird species, to the province of Limón with its vibrant red macaws, frequently seen soaring through the air, every step is a breathtaking spectacle.
PHOTO: Senda Monteverde
Hue , Vietnam
From the chirping, almost unbelievably perfect-looking rasping drongos to the striking crimson sunbirds (pictured) with their shimmering, jewel-like plumage, central Vietnam is anything but boring when it comes to birdwatching, especially Hue. With over 900 bird species nationwide, including 18 endemic ones, Vietnam is a must-see destination.
PHOTO: Senda Monteverde
Bras d'Eau, Mauritius
Located along the northeastern coast of Mauritius, Bras D'Eau is renowned among birdwatchers, who come to the island hoping to spot a multitude of rare and endemic bird species.
PHOTO: Nilava Kundu
Northern Palawan, Philippines
The black-necked oriole, the long-tailed owl, and the olive-backed sunbird are just a few of the amazing creatures that can be spotted in the Philippines. Remarkably, the country is home to around 260 endemic bird species, 27 of which are found only on Palawan Island, earning it the nickname "Bird Capital of the Philippines."
PHOTO: phittavas
Chocó-Andino, Ecuador
Ecuador is not only home to the Galapagos Islands, where the vibrant blue-footed boobies pose for photos, but also to miles of remote cloud forests, where hundreds of hummingbird species soar through the woodlands. The yellow-necked tanager (pictured), cinnamon-colored macaw, rose-faced parrot, and barbet toucan are some of the most impressive species you can encounter here.
PHOTO: Tom Allport