Discover the Wild North of Costa Rica
Deep in northern Costa Rica near the Nicaraguan border lies Boca Tapada, a tranquil region of pristine rainforests, winding rivers, and astounding biodiversity. Off the typical tourist radar but beloved by serious nature photographers, Boca Tapada offers unmatched opportunities for capturing exotic wildlife, rare birds, amphibians, and lush tropical landscapes.
Physis Photo Tours offers expertly guided, private Boca Tapada Photography Tours—crafted to connect you with the region’s most awe-inspiring subjects.
Boca Tapada: A Geographic and Ecological Treasure
Where Jungle Meets River
Located in the San Carlos region of northern Alajuela, Boca Tapada borders the San Juan–La Selva Biological Corridor, linking Costa Rica’s rainforest with Nicaragua. This region is home to a stunning mix of rivers, lagoons, wetlands, and lowland tropical rainforest—an ecological dream for photographers.
Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge
Costa Rica’s Biodiversity Stronghold
The 50,000-acre Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge is the highlight of Boca Tapada. It’s part of the UNESCO-designated Water and Peace Biosphere Reserve and home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and insects.
- Lowland rainforest
- Swamps and riparian forests
- Lagoons and river habitats
- Open fruiting clearings
Wildlife and Biodiversity: A Photographer’s Dream
Birds of the Region
The Boca Tapada area has recorded over 410 bird species, making it one of Costa Rica’s richest bird photography destinations.
- Great Green Macaw (critically endangered)
- King Vulture (photographed from towers)
- Royal Flycatcher with iconic crest
- Motmots, Toucans, Manakins, and Tanagers
- Hummingbirds such as White-necked Jacobin and Rufous-tailed
Other Wildlife
- Red-eyed Tree Frogs, Glass Frogs, Rain Frogs
- Basilisks, Eyelash Vipers, Green Iguanas
- Howler Monkeys, Sloths, Agoutis, River Otters
- Spiders, beetles, and fungi for macro photography
Signature Experiences with Physis Photo Tours
Hummingbird Multi-Flash
Use advanced multi-flash setups with natural backdrops to photograph up to 10 species of hummingbirds mid-flight.
King Vulture
Photograph rare king vultures and other scavengers from a private forest blind at eye level.
Bat Photography at Night
Capture fruit and nectar bats in flight using high-speed flash techniques. The process is conducted ethically and under the guidance of local biologists.
Macro Night Walks
Photograph transparent frogs, colorful insects, mushrooms, orchids, and reptiles with diffused lighting and expert guides.
River Boat Photography
Private photo boat tours on the San Carlos and Tres Amigos Rivers give access to water birds, reptiles, and mammals from unique low angles.
Physis-Certified Lodges in Boca Tapada
- Boca Tapada Lodge: Intimate, photography-friendly, near forest and river access.
- Maquenque Lodge: Treehouses, private trails, and canoeing in the heart of the refuge.
- Laguna del Lagarto Lodge: Bird blinds, vulture setups, and rainforest scenery.
- Pedacito de Cielo Lodge: Quiet, lush, ideal for macro and riverside photography.
When to Visit
Dry Season (Nov–Apr)
- Ideal for birds and river photography
- Lower rainfall, better light
Green Season (May–Oct)
- Best for macro subjects
- Lush landscapes and fewer crowds
Multi-Destination Photography Packages
Boca Tapada is an exceptional anchor location in a broader photographic journey across Costa Rica. With Physis Photo Tours, you can combine your experience here with other world-class photography regions through a fully planned, private, multi-destination itinerary.
Popular Add-On Destinations Include:
- San Gerardo de Dota: Highlands, resplendent quetzals, and cool cloud forests.
- Sarapiquí and Guápiles: Tropical lowland rainforests, frogs, and rich macro life.
- Caño Negro: Wetland birds, aquatic wildlife, and boat-based photography.
- Arenal: Volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and amphibians.
Physis Photo Tours handles all logistics—lodging, transfers, guides, and setups—so you can focus entirely on your photography. Let us help you design a route that matches your interests, pace, and creative goals.
Why Choose Physis Photo Tours?
- Private and custom-designed photography tours
- Led by professional photographers and naturalists
- Access to exclusive blinds and towers
- Top-tier lodging and logistics
Let’s Plan Your Boca Tapada Photography Tour
Whether you dream of hummingbirds in flight, king vultures in golden light, or frogs on glowing leaves, Physis Photo Tours will make it happen.
Contact us today to plan your immersive, photography-focused adventure in the heart of Boca Tapada, Costa Rica.