Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am trying to plan a trip to Costa Rica for next March and was hoping to get feedback from others who may have traveled there in the past. Currently I'm looking into the Osa penisula area. Any ideas on places to go that offer a wide deversity of herpetafauna would greatly be appreciated especially venomous snakes (e.g. Bothriechis schlegelii). If you have stories of past trips I would love to hear them, anything to help in my planning process. Thank you.

I had a friend thats involved in the venomous reptile subculture who once told me a story regarding a friend of his, who supposedly went to Costa Rica with his new wife on their honeymoon, only to be kidnapped by gorrilas who held them hostage for a few weeks, demanding money from "the American government". They were eventually released, but they did recieve quite a scare and his wife may have been sexually assaulted, I don't remember for sure. I suppose if you look foolish and gullible in a foreign country, like a joyous newly married couple might, your more likely to be preyed upon by rogue criminal types. I would suggest planning your trip through a professional tour/safari businees. Doesn't Bill Love have a business like that, Chameleon Ventures or something of the like? Though they may not do Costa Rica trips, there are probably others though. Good luck.

tell you all about it! (Costa Rica)

I was just there in September for 12 days. There are herps everywhere but I would recommend getting in contact with Quetzal Dwyer and Monica Perez from Reptilandia. I met the two while stopping in at their serpentarium, their serpentarium out of the 5 I visited was the best hands down. It's near Dominical. After talking with them, they said they do tours on an advanced notice and I have heard Quetzal is one of the most knowledgeable guys down there. Super friendly people too.

I was on my honeymoon but we travelled everywhere putting 1600 kilometers on our rental. I saw alot of dead snakes and a few live ones but I wasn't really looking. Here are a few pics.

Had a blast definitely recommend going there. Next time for me my trip will invlove more field herping for sure.

This is Quetzal and Monica holding a pair of Black Tail Cribos

Their outdoor enclosures

Pics of some Eyelash at the serpentarium near Volcan Arenal



Arenal:

We do trips to the Osa once a year. You can check out past trip reports on my website (www.matabuey.com). We've seen two schlegs in the past 4 trips, so its not like you see them all the time. The only snakes that are always found are Terciopelo(B. asper) and cat-eyed snakes(Leptodeira septentrionalis).

If you're looking specifically for schlegs, while they are there, Cahuita N.P. on the lower Caribbean is a better area.

If you need more info, email me and I can tell you more. The link below will take you to a page which shows which species we've found, though its not up to date(Found a nesting Olive Riddley in August). I'll be back down on the Osa next month for a organization meeting of a croc census project I'm helping with.

MCH
www.matabuey.com

List of Species Encountered

I was there about 9 months ago. It was some of the best herping i have ever seen. on two herping hikes, i found about 7 different species. Not to mention the bothrops asper that was found just outside my lodging. I was at La Selva. If you end up going that way, I forget the name of the guy, but he was tracking atrox and Lachesis muta and offered to take me out w/ him into the field, but i was leaving too soon.

I am going to La Selva soon and I noticed they had L. muta on their website but I find it hard to believe they get anything but L. stenophrys. I am far from an expert on Lachesis but I cannot find any documentation stating L. muta exists in that area. What were you at La Selva for?

i have an upcoming article in Reptiles magazine about herping in CR. Did 3 weeks, found tons of animals, helped with turtle research all for under 700 bucks..including airfare from san diego. The only regret is not having a herping buddy. A good place to go is Siquirres, and branch out from there. dont be scared off by scarey stories, people get kidnapped in the USA all the time, that does not stop you from herping here. Just be smart and all will all be alright. As for me, i leave for South Africa for a month tomorrow...yay

be safe, donald

ps.yellow eyelash found in banana plantation