Costa Rica - family trip in summer (1 Viewer)

[dalat]

Hi,
I'm planning a family trip in summer to Costa Rica. It will be heavy on birding and nature, though I need to throw sufficient beach and leisure in to keep everyone happy (my 9 year old daughter is quite keen, my wife and 18 year old son have a general interest in nature but are no birders).
Questions will come up, so I start posting them here.

First question:
Both La Selva Biological Station and Boca Tapada (e.g. Laguna de Lagarto) sound fantastic and I'd love to spend a couple of days in each location. However, maybe they are relatively similar in habitat, feel and birds and I could skip one. We have sufficient time, so could do both, but perhaps both locations in a row would be an overdose for the less birding fanatic. What do you think?

Thanks, Florian

 

[dalat]

Maybe too specific of a question, but I'll give it a another try with a bump.

 

[Andy Adcock]

We only did Laguna Del Lagarto for a chance of Agami Heron which we dipped but I have seen a photo of it there recently somewhere, maybe the gallery here at BF?

PM me if you want our report from 2017.

 

[dandsblair]

We stayed at Maquenque Eco Lodge at Boca Tapada and while there is overlap with La Selva there is plenty of frogs and other wildlife for the non birders and some additional birds. Our report from 2018 is attached and might help you decide.

 

[dalat]

Many thanks both! Will study your reports!

 

[Andy Adcock]

A cheaper option to and close by La Selva, if cost is a factor, is Gavilan Lodge and the only place we saw Rufous-winged Woodpecker which I've just noticed, is ommited from our report?