Edward Vargas Verified listing

Meet Edward Vargas: The Master Naturalist Guide of Maquenque Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the untamed beauty of northern Costa Rica with a camera in hand, there’s one name you should know: Edward Vargas. A seasoned local guide born and raised in the heart of Boca Tapada, Edward is not just a wildlife expert—he’s a passionate naturalist, storyteller, and the ultimate photography tour companion in the Maquenque Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas. Whether you’re chasing the elusive king vulture, eager to photograph rare bats in flight, or looking to explore remote rainforest rivers by boat, Edward’s deep local knowledge and field expertise will elevate your entire experience.

Who Is Edward Vargas?

Edward Vargas is one of the most respected local guides in Boca Tapada, known for his unmatched knowledge of the Maquenque Wildlife Refuge, San Carlos River, and Tres Amigos River ecosystems. With over 15 years of guiding experience, Edward has worked with international wildlife photographers, birdwatching groups, research teams, and eco-tourism professionals. He is a certified naturalist guide, fluent in both English and Spanish, and brings not just knowledge but heart and soul to every tour.

What sets Edward apart? His ability to anticipate animal behavior, spot camouflaged creatures at impossible distances, and position photographers in just the right place for once-in-a-lifetime shots.

Wildlife Photography Tours with Edward Vargas

Edward is the go-to guide for private and small-group photography tours in the Maquenque region. He collaborates closely with tour operators like Physis Photo Tours and other photography groups to create immersive experiences focused on:

King Vulture Hideouts

One of the most iconic birds of Central America, the king vulture is notoriously difficult to photograph. Edward knows a handful of secret feeding sites and canopy perches where these majestic birds are known to land—giving photographers a rare chance to capture detailed flight and feeding shots.

Bat Photography Setups

Edward also assists with specialized nocturnal photography. Working with bat-friendly flowering setups, he helps photographers capture glossophagine bats mid-flight as they feed—a technique that demands perfect timing, expert lighting, and deep local knowledge.

Macro Photography Expeditions

The rainforest is teeming with frogs, snakes, orchids, insects, fungi, and textures perfect for macro photography. Edward leads night walks and early-morning explorations where photographers can capture glass frogs, poison-dart frogs, and colorful reptiles—all with careful handling and ethical viewing practices.

Bird Photography & Birdwatching in Boca Tapada

With over 450 species of birds recorded in the region, including toucans, aracaris, tanagers, motmots, owls, and the endangered Great Green Macaw, Maquenque Wildlife Refuge is a birder’s paradise. Edward is a skilled birdwatcher with a keen ear for calls and songs, making him an invaluable ally for locating

• Endemic and migratory species
• Nesting sites for woodpeckers, jacamars, and manakins
• Early morning mist-filled perches for golden-hour photography

He He also supports photographers by providing custom-built multi-flash setups and hides, depending on the season and target species.

Boat Tours on the Tres Amigos & San Carlos Rivers

Edward leads intimate boat-based tours along two of the region’s most biodiverse waterways:

Tres Amigos River Tours

• Calm and narrow, this river winds through secondary forests and agricultural lands, offering close-up encounters with:
• Howler monkeys and white-faced capuchins
• Caimans and river turtles
• Herons, jacanas, kingfishers, and anhingas

The golden morning light filtering through the fog makes this river a dream location for photographers.

San Carlos River Adventures

Wider and more rugged, the San Carlos River borders the Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge and provides access to pristine primary rainforest. Look out for:

• Crocodiles basking on the banks
• Iguanas in towering cecropia trees
• Raptors flying overhead
• River otters and neotropical otters during lucky encounters

Why tour with Edward?

• Expert Wildlife Spotter—Edward’s sixth sense in the forest is unmatched.
• Photography-Savvy—He understands light, composition, and timing.
• Local Storyteller—He shares rich knowledge of flora, fauna, and indigenous traditions.
• Sustainable Practices—Edward operates with deep respect for nature, always putting animal welfare and conservation first.