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DPChallenge Forums >> Out and About >> Costa Rica - Monteverde versus La Paz
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12/19/2007 01:04:49 PM · #1
Hello,

I'm about to go on my fifth trip to Costa Rica - my favorite place on earth. My husband and I usually stay along the coast in Manuel Antonio and the Osa Peninsula and I always come back with portfolios full of my favorite animals - the mono titis. This trip I've decided to spend an extra few days and do a little bit more photography of some of the smaller creatures, hummingbirds and treefrogs.

Since I probably only have time to visit one location - either Monteverde or La Paz - I was wondering if anyone has been to both the La Paz hummingbird gardens and frog pond (ranarium) and/or the Monteverde hummingbird gardens and frog pond (ranarium)? What was your experience photography-wise? Which facility is better? I noticed the La Paz photos all show hummingbirds at feeders and not at flowers, but maybe this is just part of their marketing.

I've seen some beautiful tree frog photography done at one of the two ranariums, but the information on the site didn't list if the photography was done at La Paz or at Monteverde. I wrote to that photographer but never heard back. Are the frogs in either ranarium free-roaming (and looking like they are in a natural habitat) or are they in glass aquariums? Also, it appears as though the hummingbird garden at La Paz is indoors (which may be nicer for controlled light) - is this the case?

If you have any other advice about great places to visit for treefrog and hummingbird photography I'd love any information. I've done the frog garden (which is attached to the butterfly garden) at Manuel Antonio and it was excellent and I plan to go back on this trip.

Thank you in advance! Christina
12/20/2007 09:25:42 AM · #2
Hi Cristina, La Paz Waterfall gardens is a private reserve full of atractions, such as a big aviarium with tons of beautiful and exotic birds at large and easy to photograph, the hummingbird garden (it is outdoors with artificial feeders and partly roofed), the butterfly garden, a ranarium (two rooms conditioned to mimic the frogs habitats and you can find them on the vegetation inside) and enclosures for monkeys and big cats; and of course 5 beatiful waterfalls. It can be done in one day and it is fairly close to San José. I take my photography students constantly there as it is really easy to take great pictures.

However, Monteverde is really worth visiting, as it has several places with great diversity, plus two reserves where you can find tons of wildlife, and amazing landscapes. You have to spend several days there to really enjoy it. There is a big ranarium, but they are in dark fish tank like environments so it is difficult to take good pictures,

I'd strongly suggest visiting both!!!!

Here are some pictures taken at La Paz Waterfall Gardens:




Some taken at Monteverde:





Message edited by author 2007-12-20 11:43:42.
12/20/2007 09:29:12 AM · #3
Wow, those are some lovely photographs!
12/20/2007 11:44:25 AM · #4
Originally posted by ingridblue:

Wow, those are some lovely photographs!


Thanks a lot!! :-) I really enjoy nature photography.
12/20/2007 12:10:06 PM · #5


A few shots from La Paz from a couple of years ago. I totally missed the frogs there. That would have been cool. I don't have any hummingbird pictures in my portfolio. There were so many different kinds buzzing around the feeders...it was fantastic.

I haven't been to the other location. I want to go back.

Enjoy your trip!
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