ATLynn - I was at Savegre in November and quetzals were in the trees right outside the cabin. 1 female and 3 males - can't get any easier birding than that!

You are correct in that the Osa has excellent wildlife opportunities. Next would be Sarapiqui and Tortuguero, IMO.

Though Tortuguero and especially Sarapiqui are MUCH more affordable while providing excellent wildlife.

Also, the Arenal Observatory Lodge has excellent, excellent wildlife (surprisingly good odds of seeing a wild cat).

Good info. Gracias. Wild cat, that's nice.

Tully, is this your first trip to Nicaragua?

I was also there in November. The quetzals do not migrate, they are there year round. They move around depending on which trees are bearing.

I think AOL is another good spot for a single traveler, with free morning walks timed to catch the monkeys, and lots of trails on site. I was lucky to stumble upon an army ant swarm and saw the mixed flock of antbirds following. Fascinating.

Jeff it's my 2nd trip. Been a while though, last one was 2007.

Because the costs in CR have gone up since we first visited there 15 years ago, then 5 years ago, and because we want to see some other countries, we went to Panama last year. Panama City has some cool history (pirates, Spanish colony, gold carried across the isthmus to the Caribbean, restored colonial UNESCO area), we went to gorgeous beaches on the Caribbean side, birding outside of Panama City and saw many varieties of monkeys. We visited an indigenous tribe's village--these cultures are preserved due to a treaty that allows them to continue their lifestyle, although there are threats to that. Amazing contrast between modern skyscrapers in PC and the colonial area. Anyway, wanted to see Panama before it becomes such a tourist hotspot. (Though areas like Bocas del Toro are certainly discovered, but more by backpacker-types.) Our next destination is Ecuador, with a totally different culture, the Andes and even more magnificent birds. Costs are quite reasonable. As places get more discovered, I agree that that will drive up costs. People will pay it. Real estate gets bought. So, just go there, and do it now.

Tully, that should be a great trip to Nicaragua. I'll look forward to hearing about it.

I can't say enough good things about Panama.

Apropos of nothing, Lady Gaga is in concert here in San Jose tonight. Not that I'm going. I'm going to a play instead.

AOL = Arenal Observatory Lodge. I'm learning the vocab.

<b>Mlgb,</b> it takes a certain type to celebrate the luck in finding a swarm of ants. I can relate.

Nice to know the quetzals call that area home.

Im a canadian who has lived here in costa rica for the last 8 years, and ill tell you right now , visit ,enjoy then leave, there is a lot more than meets the eye here, ive seen prices here go up for everything, this place is so corrupt its ridiculous, crime is out of control,and police are useless, trust me, ive resorted to violence to combat thieves on my property, you want to know the truth, then listen up!, this place is beautiful,sure but on the inside its real ugly, it will cost you more to live here than the US or canada, property tax on houses over 200k have gone up 3000% in 7 years, fuel is higher than anywhere ive ever seen, electricity aswell, 400$ amonth ipay, and i dont run AC, food is unbelievably expensive unless you want to eat rice and beans everyday. People here are nice but they will stab you in the back first chance they get! Construction materials have doubled in the last 5 years, ive seen many peoples dreams destroyed here....many, go to ecuador thats my advice, i am! This place is an absolute rip off, if you like it and want to move here, rent first cause ill bet after a year youll be out of here, it costs at least 120k for residence here, not including lawyers fee, which is a small fortune, yet any nicaraguan can get residency for almost nothing, if your a gringo and dont speak spanish...dont bother, everyone i know here is getting out, great buyers market .....cause everyone is selling..they want out, dont be the next victim, you wont get your investment back........puravida