Boca Tapada & Maquenque Refuge (great green macaws)
Nature spot · Arenal & La Fortuna · hidden gem
A remote river village on the Río San Carlos inside the Maquenque Wildlife Refuge — one of the few places in Costa Rica where endangered great green macaws are seen every day, feeding and nesting in giant almendro trees. Over 400 bird species are on the list.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 4 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 6 / 10
- View
- 6 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 0 / 10
- Effort
- 3 / 10
- Location
- 10.675926, -84.232794 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Road
- 4×4 needed
- Bring
- binoculars, rain gear, insect repellent, light-colored clothes, hiking shoes
- Season
- Rainy all year; February to April are the driest months, July the wettest.
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Stay at least two nights and be out at first light (around 5:30 am); at dusk the macaws fly over in pairs to their roosts.
Be careful
Don't swim in the Río San Carlos: it's wide, muddy and home to crocodiles. Bring strong repellent.
Getting there
Long drive on rural roads north of Pital (about 3 hours from San José airport); a reliable 4x4 is recommended.
Sources: OpenStreetMap node/6202085645 · Wikidata Q6754317 · https://www.entercostarica.com/destinations/northern-region/boca-tapada · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6754317 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/6202085645