48 h · Free cancellation
Private first
Taxes included
Own guides
Boca Tapada
Hummingbird Multi-Flash Workshop
2 hours
From · small group · per person
$81.20
Taxes included
Boca Tapada
King Vulture Photography Hide
2 hours
From · small group · per person
$69.60
Taxes included
Boca Tapada
Boca Tapada Photography and Wildlife Boat Tour
2.5 hours
Price on request
Taxes included
Boca Tapada
Agami Heron Nesting Colony
4–5 hours
From · small group · per person
$164.00
Taxes included
Boca Tapada
Great Green Macaw Nesting
3–4 hours
From · small group · per person
$100.00
Taxes included
Boca Tapada
Royal Flycatcher — Nesting Season
3 hours
From · small group · per person
$100.00
Taxes included
Boca Tapada
Bat Multi-Flash Photography
3 hours
From · small group · per person
$91.00
Taxes included
Boca Tapada
American Pygmy Owl Photo Spot — Nesting Season Only (May–Jun)
2.5 hours
Price on request
Taxes included
Overview
Tucked in the Northern Caribbean Lowlands, Boca Tapada sits at the edge of the last contiguous rainforest corridor connecting Costa Rica to the Nicaraguan border — a region of extraordinary biodiversity rarely visited by mainstream tourism.
The area hosts globally significant populations of Agami Heron (one of the world's rarest herons), critically endangered Great Green Macaw, Sunbittern, and dozens of species not easily seen elsewhere in Costa Rica.
Where to stay
Laguna Lagarto Lodge · Classic birding lodge — canopy tower, lake, trails. The deck is a well-known spot for Brown-hooded Parrots and other lowland species.
Maquenque Ecolodge · Canopy walkway · river access · photography-focused. Tree houses and lake tower.
Pedacito de Cielo · Intimate eco-lodge · forest setting · quiet family-run atmosphere.
Iguanitas Lodge · Simple lodge in the centre of Boca Tapada village · rooms with private bathroom and hot water.
Boca Tapada Lodge · Closest to all tour sites · family-run · convenient for early sessions.
Questions
When is the best time to visit Boca Tapada for bird photography?
Dry season (December–April) gives the best light and trail conditions, and coincides with Great Green Macaw and Royal Flycatcher nesting. The Agami Heron colony is active March–June. King Vulture hide, hummingbird garden, boat tours, and night sessions run year-round.
How do I get to Boca Tapada from La Fortuna?
Approximately 2.5 hours from La Fortuna (~90 km via San Carlos). VIVO Expeditions coordinates private transport. If you're already staying at a lodge in the area, local round-trip transport to Edward's sites can be added during booking.
Do the Edward Vargas sessions require advance booking?
Yes — all Edward Vargas sessions require availability confirmation before payment. Nesting-season tours (Agami Heron, Great Green Macaw, Royal Flycatcher) and the bat photography session should be booked 30+ days in advance. Other sessions usually confirm within 24–48 hours.
Do I need professional camera equipment?
No — sessions are designed for all levels. Hummingbird garden and feeders work with any camera, including phones. Multi-flash setups for bats, hummingbirds and macro are provided. A 300–500mm telephoto is ideal for the King Vulture hide and boat tours but not required — Edward configures the setup around what you bring.
What is the cancellation policy?
Edward Vargas sessions: 3+ days notice → 95% refund (5% processing fee retained). Under 3 days → no refund. The VIVO Expeditions Full-Day Expedition has a separate policy (10 days for full refund).