Which bird species do you think is the biggest attraction to visitors of your lodge (please only name one species)?
Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus) – one of Costa Rica’s most iconic and endangered parrots, seen regularly around Maquenque Lodge.
What is the name of your lodge, and since when has your lodge been operating?
Maquenque Lodge has welcomed nature and bird lovers since 2008. We are a family-owned Costa Rican lodge dedicated to rainforest conservation, wildlife protection, and exceptional birdwatching experiences.
Sunbittern
How best to travel to your lodge?
Maquenque Lodge is located in Boca Tapada, Northern Costa Rica, about 3 hours from San José and 1.5 hours from La Fortuna. A rental car or private transfer is the most convenient option.
Keel-billed Toucan
What kind of services – except for accommodation and food – does your lodge offer to visiting birders? (e.g., guided tours, photography blinds, bird feeders, etc.)
Professional bird guides, private birding tours, bird photography blinds, bird feeders, rainforest trails, gardens designed for birds, early morning outings, and customized birdwatching experiences.
Royal Flycatcher
What makes your lodge special?
Maquenque Lodge & Tree Houses is located in the heart of Boca Tapada, one of Costa Rica’s richest birding destinations, surrounded by lowland rainforest, wetlands, and protected wildlife areas. The combination of exceptional biodiversity, easy access, and excellent chances to see rare species makes every visit unique.
Collared Aracari
What are the 10 – 20 most interesting birds that your lodge offers good chances to see?
- Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus)
- Snowy Cotinga (Carpodectes nitidus)
- Great Curassow (Crax rubra)
- King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
- Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis)
- Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)
- Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias)
- Royal Flycatcher (Onychorhynchus coronatus)
- Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
- White-throated Crake (Laterallus albigularis)
- Red-capped Manakin (Ceratopipra mentalis)
- White-collared Manakin (Manacus candei)
- Long-billed Hermit (Phaethornis longirostris)
- Long-billed Starthroat (Heliomaster longirostris)
- Brown-hooded Parrot (Pyrilia haematotis)
- Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinica)
What is the best time to visit your lodge, and why?
Year-round. Boca Tapada is internationally recognized as one of Costa Rica’s top birdwatching destinations, where protected rainforests and wetlands provide excellent opportunities to observe resident and migratory birds in every season. February through August is especially rewarding for observing the Great Green Macaw during its breeding season
King Vulture
Is your lodge involved in conservation efforts? If yes, please describe them.
Yes. Sustainability and conservation are at the heart of Maquenque Lodge. We are certified under Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) and actively collaborate with COVIRENA, MINAE, and SINAC to protect natural resources. We are also co-founders of SONATI (Society and Nature International), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free environmental education for children and youth in rural communities. Through these initiatives, we help protect the rainforest while empowering future generations to conserve Costa Rica’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Great Potoo
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in visiting your lodge?
Bring binoculars, a camera with a telephoto lens, lightweight rain gear, hiking shoes, and neutral-colored clothing. Early mornings are the most productive, and staying at least three nights allows visitors to explore different habitats.
Rufous-tailed Jacamar
Do you have activities for non-birders? If so, please describe.
Yes. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, chocolate and coffee farm experiences, kayaking, rainforest walks, wildlife observation, rafting activities and Safari Float tours on the Tres Amigos River.
Boat-billed Heron
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in staying at your lodge, how can they best contact you?
- Email: info@maquenquelodge.com
- Phone: +506 2479-8200
- WhatsApp: +506 7147-3860
- Website: www.maquenquelodge.com
Scarlet Macaw
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?
We believe every birdwatching trip should contribute to conservation. By visiting Maquenque Lodge and Boca Tapada, you help protect one of the last strongholds of Costa Rica’s lowland rainforest and its incredible birdlife.
Long-tailed Tyrant
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