Bocas Tapada or Sarapiqui ? (1 Viewer)

[bsparks]

Hello all.

My first post here. I am visiting Costa Rica in February 2025. Along with other places, I want to spend 2 nights in this region and I am debating if I should stay at Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui or La Laguna del Lagarto.

Though La Laguna del Lagarto is little out of the way, but I heard all better things about this lodge. If anyone been to both places or searched about these spots, would like to pass on some help or opinion ?

Please advise.

Thanks

 

[TicoTyler]

If you're more focused on photography Boca Tapada. If just birding then Puerto Viejo area.

 

[TicoTyler]

PS I've got a bunch of guides to different spots around La Fortuna area on my website. If you have any questions feel free to ask here or DM me.

 

[bsparks]

If you're more focused on photography Boca Tapada. If just birding then Puerto Viejo area.

Wow. I will be going to La Fortuna as well later. I will DM you.

 

[bsparks]

I would anyway post here as well, if someone else would also like to comment.

When you say "If you're more focused on photography Boca Tapada. If just birding then Puerto Viejo area.", can you please explain this ?

Do you mean, La Laguna del Lagarto will have animals/mammals too, apart from Birds and Puerto Viejo is best for Birds ?

I do not know either of these two options, but when I was browsing some posts on dpreview, some of fellow members suggested and talked high about La Laguna del Lagarto, that it is best place to wildlife, after Osa. But I would like you hear from you as first hand experience. I will be coming from SJO, will stay 1 or most probably 2 nights in one of above option and then 3 nights at Arenal. From Arenal, I will do one boat tour at Cano Negro too.

 

[raymie]

I have no experience in Boca Tapada, but I can guess what Tyler means here.

When I was in the Sarapiqui area, generally there were tons of birds of many, many species, but the views weren't great. They were good enough to know what you're looking at, but I have very few photos of any birds in this area because it was difficult to photograph through the thick jungle.

I'm guessing the Boca Tapada area has far fewer species but better photography opportunities.

 

[bsparks]

I have no experience in Boca Tapada, but I can guess what Tyler means here.

When I was in the Sarapiqui area, generally there were tons of birds of many, many species, but the views weren't great. They were good enough to know what you're looking at, but I have very few photos of any birds in this area because it was difficult to photograph through the thick jungle.

I'm guessing the Boca Tapada area has far fewer species but better photography opportunities.

Then I guess, La Laguna del Lagarto should be my place to stay.

 

[TicoTyler]

I would anyway post here as well, if someone else would also like to comment.

When you say "If you're more focused on photography Boca Tapada. If just birding then Puerto Viejo area.", can you please explain this ?

Do you mean, La Laguna del Lagarto will have animals/mammals too, apart from Birds and Puerto Viejo is best for Birds ?

I do not know either of these two options, but when I was browsing some posts on dpreview, some of fellow members suggested and talked high about La Laguna del Lagarto, that it is best place to wildlife, after Osa. But I would like you hear from you as first hand experience. I will be coming from SJO, will stay 1 or most probably 2 nights in one of above option and then 3 nights at Arenal. From Arenal, I will do one boat tour at Cano Negro too.

Boca Tapada has a few areas (Laguna de Lagarto, Mirador Pizote, Adolfo's Feeders) that are set up for photography. Perches with clean backgrounds that are regularly visited by many species. And there are also setups for seeing King Vultures from a hide, and multi-flash photography for hummingbirds as well as photo setups for bats, amphibians, and reptiles if you want to do that.

If you're just focused on birding pretty much all the species you can see in Boca Tapada can be seen in Sarapiqui. There are a few feeder spots in Sarapiqui, just not quite as developed as the ones in BT. The main birding specialties for BT would be the Tawny-faced Quail (unpredictable and very hard to find and even harder to see) and the lone White-bellied Emerald that's been seen in Costa Rica in 100 years (if it is still there at some gardens near Pedacito del Cielo). Conversely, there's a feeder in Sarapiqui that is great for photographing the Dusky-faced Tanager (at Tico Rainforest B&B) and you have a better chance of spotting the Purple-throated Fruitcrow.

 

[bsparks]

Boca Tapada has a few areas (Laguna de Lagarto, Mirador Pizote, Adolfo's Feeders) that are set up for photography. Perches with clean backgrounds that are regularly visited by many species. And there are also setups for seeing King Vultures from a hide, and multi-flash photography for hummingbirds as well as photo setups for bats, amphibians, and reptiles if you want to do that.

If you're just focused on birding pretty much all the species you can see in Boca Tapada can be seen in Sarapiqui. There are a few feeder spots in Sarapiqui, just not quite as developed as the ones in BT. The main birding specialties for BT would be the Tawny-faced Quail (unpredictable and very hard to find and even harder to see) and the lone White-bellied Emerald that's been seen in Costa Rica in 100 years (if it is still there at some gardens near Pedacito del Cielo). Conversely, there's a feeder in Sarapiqui that is great for photographing the Dusky-faced Tanager (at Tico Rainforest B&B) and you have a better chance of spotting the Purple-throated Fruitcrow.

Hi Tyler.

Thanks for taking time to reply me and give great information. I really appreciate that.

Starting with my first question -
I am new to wildlife photography and since past one year or so I am taking more interest in this new region. So far, I was mostly into landscapes. And I am liking it a lot. But honestly, I am not there yet, where I would look and chase specific bird species. I am still on learning curve here and all I want is, to take lot of pictures of birds (and other animals too) on this trip. I made some rough notes and note down Tucans, Oropendolas & Parrots, Woodpeckers, Sloth, Basilisk, Honeycreepers, Woodpecker. Hope I can get most of them.

One reason to pick Laguna de Lagarto was, it was mentioned as best place after Osa to photograph birds, by one of my known fellow. And confusing part, for which I posted question, I will be staying 2 nights only. If I leave SJO in morning, I will reach there post noon. Laguna de Lagarto takes much longer than Sarapiqui area. Later I will do Cano Negro boat tour too and it is easier to reach there from Sarapiqui. Having said that, considering my days, if Boca Tapada really shines then I would go with that. If Sarapiqui can work for me and some feeder can do great job without long hike, I will chose this. Hope I am able to explain my confusion here.

Second -
After spending two nights at Laguna de Lagarto (or Sarapiqui, if you would recommend), next I will do Cano Negro boat tour. I read that those areas of wetland can give some good opportunities.

I will be staying 3 nights at Arenal and 3 nights at Monteverde. At Arenal, I wanted to book Arenal Observatory Lodge, but it is booked at my dates, so I booked Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge (it is cancellable, so I have option to choose other one, if availability appears later). Sector Peninsula, Papa's Place and Sky Adventures would be some options, as you suggested. Canopy San Luis also looks good. Reserva Manuel Antonio Brenes looks far for day trip from Arenal.

Not booked anything at Monteverde yet. I am still searching.

Thanks again for your help here.

 

[TicoTyler]

Hi Tyler.

Thanks for taking time to reply me and give great information. I really appreciate that.

Starting with my first question -
I am new to wildlife photography and since past one year or so I am taking more interest in this new region. So far, I was mostly into landscapes. And I am liking it a lot. But honestly, I am not there yet, where I would look and chase specific bird species. I am still on learning curve here and all I want is, to take lot of pictures of birds (and other animals too) on this trip. I made some rough notes and note down Tucans, Oropendolas & Parrots, Woodpeckers, Sloth, Basilisk, Honeycreepers, Woodpecker. Hope I can get most of them.

One reason to pick Laguna de Lagarto was, it was mentioned as best place after Osa to photograph birds, by one of my known fellow. And confusing part, for which I posted question, I will be staying 2 nights only. If I leave SJO in morning, I will reach there post noon. Laguna de Lagarto takes much longer than Sarapiqui area. Later I will do Cano Negro boat tour too and it is easier to reach there from Sarapiqui. Having said that, considering my days, if Boca Tapada really shines then I would go with that. If Sarapiqui can work for me and some feeder can do great job without long hike, I will chose this. Hope I am able to explain my confusion here.

Second -
After spending two nights at Laguna de Lagarto (or Sarapiqui, if you would recommend), next I will do Cano Negro boat tour. I read that those areas of wetland can give some good opportunities.

I will be staying 3 nights at Arenal and 3 nights at Monteverde. At Arenal, I wanted to book Arenal Observatory Lodge, but it is booked at my dates, so I booked Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge (it is cancellable, so I have option to choose other one, if availability appears later). Sector Peninsula, Papa's Place and Sky Adventures would be some options, as you suggested. Canopy San Luis also looks good. Reserva Manuel Antonio Brenes looks far for day trip from Arenal.

Not booked anything at Monteverde yet. I am still searching.

Thanks again for your help here.

FYI you can do a day pass to Arenal Observatory Lodge for around $18 to have access to the trails and feeder. Given the relatively tight schedule and to minimize time wasted driving I'd stick with Sarapiqui instead of going up to Boca Tapada unless you have a specific reason to go there like bat photography or a King Vulture hide.

 

[bsparks]

FYI you can do a day pass to Arenal Observatory Lodge for around $18 to have access to the trails and feeder. Given the relatively tight schedule and to minimize time wasted driving I'd stick with Sarapiqui instead of going up to Boca Tapada unless you have a specific reason to go there like bat photography or a King Vulture hide.

I will do Sarapiqui then. I did quick search on accommodations in this area and few of them I found are. Do you recommend any of these, or would any other ? -

• Tirimbina Lodge (available)
• La Selva Biological Station (available)
• Gran Gavilán del Sarapiquí Lodge (available)
• Selva Verde Lodge (need to ask them via email/phone, no online reservation)
• Tico Rainforest (need to ask them via email/phone, no online reservation)

In Sarapiqui region, do you recommend any feeder you know, where we can spend few hours in day and/or at evening time ?

If feeders and setup is best at Arenal Observatory Lodge, I can send them email and ask if availability is there. If not available, our current reservation at "Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge" is good place per you ? And will pay $18 for day-pass.

 

[raymie]

While Arenal Observatory Lodge does have feeders, I'd hesitate to say they're the best - in fact the day I was there they were never filled at all.

Selva Verde has an excellent feeder setup but the birding on the site away from those feeders is kind of annoying due to their covered trails.

 

[bsparks]

While Arenal Observatory Lodge does have feeders, I'd hesitate to say they're the best - in fact the day I was there they were never filled at all.

Selva Verde has an excellent feeder setup but the birding on the site away from those feeders is kind of annoying due to their covered trails.

While I wait for more information from Tyler, thank you for your reply.

I will make sure to know in advance, if Arenal Observatory Lodge feeders are working that day. Or do you have any other recommendation in Arenal ?

I have sent email to Selva Verde, if they have available on the dates I am visiting. If they have, would it be preferred location to stay ? Or would you suggest any other feeder setup location in that region ?
I wish La Laguna del Lagarto was more continently located I have booked room at La Laguna del Lagarto, but I would cancel that and book something in Sarapiqui, whichever you guys will suggest here.

 

[raymie]

While I wait for more information from Tyler, thank you for your reply.

I will make sure to know in advance, if Arenal Observatory Lodge feeders are working that day. Or do you have any other recommendation in Arenal ?

I have sent email to Selva Verde, if they have available on the dates I am visiting. If they have, would it be preferred location to stay ? Or would you suggest any other feeder setup location in that region ?
I wish La Laguna del Lagarto was more continently located I have booked room at La Laguna del Lagarto, but I would cancel that and book something in Sarapiqui, whichever you guys will suggest here.

While the feeders may have been empty at Arenal Observatory when I was there, I cannot recommend the site enough. The birding was still incredible, the birds just required a bit more effort to find. The views of volcano and Lake Arenal there were incredible.

However, I had excellent feeder views at a couple of more obscure places in La Fortuna. I stayed at Hotel Xilopalo and they had a really cool feeder setup there. This site was adjacent to the Bogarin Trail, which not only had an excellent feeder setup and a really cool set of trails where I found extremely co-operative Black-and-white Owl, three-toed sloth, and three species of rail (Russet-naped Wood-Rail as well as Uniform and White-throated Crakes).

 

[TicoTyler]

I will do Sarapiqui then. I did quick search on accommodations in this area and few of them I found are. Do you recommend any of these, or would any other ? -

• Tirimbina Lodge (available)
• La Selva Biological Station (available)
• Gran Gavilán del Sarapiquí Lodge (available)
• Selva Verde Lodge (need to ask them via email/phone, no online reservation)
• Tico Rainforest (need to ask them via email/phone, no online reservation)

In Sarapiqui region, do you recommend any feeder you know, where we can spend few hours in day and/or at evening time ?

If feeders and setup is best at Arenal Observatory Lodge, I can send them email and ask if availability is there. If not available, our current reservation at "Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge" is good place per you ? And will pay $18 for day-pass.

Since I live here I'm not really up on hotel options. The AOL feeder is very active, but the one at Papa's Place is set up better for photography as the one at AOL is right up against some trees so you get a busy background.

 

[TicoTyler]

While Arenal Observatory Lodge does have feeders, I'd hesitate to say they're the best - in fact the day I was there they were never filled at all.

Selva Verde has an excellent feeder setup but the birding on the site away from those feeders is kind of annoying due to their covered trails.

Are you sure about that? They restock them around 7 am and 1 pm. What happens is as soon as they're stocked the Montezuma Oropendolas and sometimes Brown Jays swoop in and pick over the large fruit pretty quickly. They then spend hours relatively picked over but once the large birds have had their fill, the smaller Tanagers and Honeycreepers fly in and out taking what little bits of the fruit are left. Occasionally toucans (mostly the Aracaris) will also come into the feeder. And the trees around it are very good for rare migrant Warblers. There's been a pair of Cape May Warblers there the last couple winters.

Edit to add: because of Costa Rica's asinine laws that technically make all bird feeders illegal, I have seen a handful of times that they don't stock the feeders if the government environmental people are making a site visit. So maybe you got unlucky the day you were there.

 

[TicoTyler]

While the feeders may have been empty at Arenal Observatory when I was there, I cannot recommend the site enough. The birding was still incredible, the birds just required a bit more effort to find. The views of volcano and Lake Arenal there were incredible.

However, I had excellent feeder views at a couple of more obscure places in La Fortuna. I stayed at Hotel Xilopalo and they had a really cool feeder setup there. This site was adjacent to the Bogarin Trail, which not only had an excellent feeder setup and a really cool set of trails where I found extremely co-operative Black-and-white Owl, three-toed sloth, and three species of rail (Russet-naped Wood-Rail as well as Uniform and White-throated Crakes).

Bogarin is still a good spot as well, especially for Uniform Crake and Russet-naped Woodrail. The feeder area is active but not what it used to be. They put in a restaurant and some additional facilities and removed some of the good habitat around the feeder.

At AOL the best birding (depending on what you want to see) is usually around the Spa and Green Gate. Frequently see raptors like Bat Falcons and Semiplumbeous Hawk near the Green Gate and I've seen the Ornate Hawk Eagle several times there too. One time I was no more than 3 meters from it! It's not uncommon for me to see 6-8 species (occasionally more) of hummingbirds in that area in a morning as well.

 

[bsparks]

Bogarin is still a good spot as well, especially for Uniform Crake and Russet-naped Woodrail. The feeder area is active but not what it used to be. They put in a restaurant and some additional facilities and removed some of the good habitat around the feeder.

At AOL the best birding (depending on what you want to see) is usually around the Spa and Green Gate. Frequently see raptors like Bat Falcons and Semiplumbeous Hawk near the Green Gate and I've seen the Ornate Hawk Eagle several times there too. One time I was no more than 3 meters from it! It's not uncommon for me to see 6-8 species (occasionally more) of hummingbirds in that area in a morning as well.

At AOL, it should be good idea right after 7 am and 1 pm ?
I just checked more information on Papa's Place. It looks like they do tours as well. For feeders, do they also have specific feeders time ?

Checked Bogarin. All good reviews. Thanks for suggesting this.

 

[TicoTyler]

At AOL, it should be good idea right after 7 am and 1 pm ?
I just checked more information on Papa's Place. It looks like they do tours as well. For feeders, do they also have specific feeders time ?

Checked Bogarin. All good reviews. Thanks for suggesting this.

AOL is huge. They've got kms of trails. You can pretty much go wherever, whenever you want. The feeders are always active, I prefer being there not right when they put fruit out because only very large, common species are there right at feeding time.

For Bogarin I actually made a walk around the trails video with some tips for there:

 

[bsparks]

AOL is huge. They've got kms of trails. You can pretty much go wherever, whenever you want. The feeders are always active, I prefer being there not right when they put fruit out because only very large, common species are there right at feeding time.

For Bogarin I actually made a walk around the trails video with some tips for there:

Very informative, I just watched your video.

Which binocular do you use ? Actually I was checking this today. Was trying to find, if there is good reason to pick cheap vs 4x price between -
PAPILIO II - Ricoh (PAPILIO II - $99)
B.3 - 6x30 / 8x30 / 10x30 (Maven 8x30 - $550)

Another important factor for me is - lens choice. I was thinking to bring 100-400mm. But I checked many of your pictures on your website and doesn't look like anything less than 500mm is suitable here. Is my understanding correct here ?