Mekong birder
Member
Hi.
I am tentatively planning a 2-3 week trip to Costa Rica for next year, and was hoping someone with experience of Costa Rica could offer some tips.
1. When is the optimum time of year for birding there?
I don't mind a bit of rain and would prefer not to pay extortionate rates whilst walking trails crowded with people. Is the wet season worth it? I can find very few reports from July/ August/ September time.
2.Locations. I have decided Carara and Arenal are a must.
I will also go to 2 of the following 3.
Santa Elena / Cano Negro/ Sarapiqui
I have done some cloudforest birding in Ecuador before, so I might give Monteverde a miss and try to get to Cano Negro from Arenal, and go from there to Sarapiqui. I don't drive and have very limited Spanish so is this do able by bus? How much would a driver cost?
3.Lodges. What I really love to do is wander around on my own just enjoying nature at my own slow pace. I would appreciate any recommendations for lodges which have a relatively extensive trail system, where one could easily spend the whole day without a guide and not have to travel anywhere else. Places I have identified are
1. Arenal Observatory Lodge.
2. San Gerardo Field Station.
3 Chilamate Resort Sarapqui.
If anyone has stayed at these places I would love to ear your opinion of them.
I would welcome recommendations for places in Cano Negro and Carara.
Last question. How much would a guide with transport cost for a day in Costa Rica. As mentioned I generally bird alone but am thinking of hiring a guide for Carara NP and Tarcoles boat trip.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can provide any suggestions.
Mark
I am tentatively planning a 2-3 week trip to Costa Rica for next year, and was hoping someone with experience of Costa Rica could offer some tips.
1. When is the optimum time of year for birding there?
I don't mind a bit of rain and would prefer not to pay extortionate rates whilst walking trails crowded with people. Is the wet season worth it? I can find very few reports from July/ August/ September time.
2.Locations. I have decided Carara and Arenal are a must.
I will also go to 2 of the following 3.
Santa Elena / Cano Negro/ Sarapiqui
I have done some cloudforest birding in Ecuador before, so I might give Monteverde a miss and try to get to Cano Negro from Arenal, and go from there to Sarapiqui. I don't drive and have very limited Spanish so is this do able by bus? How much would a driver cost?
3.Lodges. What I really love to do is wander around on my own just enjoying nature at my own slow pace. I would appreciate any recommendations for lodges which have a relatively extensive trail system, where one could easily spend the whole day without a guide and not have to travel anywhere else. Places I have identified are
1. Arenal Observatory Lodge.
2. San Gerardo Field Station.
3 Chilamate Resort Sarapqui.
If anyone has stayed at these places I would love to ear your opinion of them.
I would welcome recommendations for places in Cano Negro and Carara.
Last question. How much would a guide with transport cost for a day in Costa Rica. As mentioned I generally bird alone but am thinking of hiring a guide for Carara NP and Tarcoles boat trip.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can provide any suggestions.
Mark