Palo Verde National Park is a large protected natural area in Guanacaste in northwest Costa Rica. The park preserves critical habitat for a large number of species, particularly aquatic bird species who nest in the park's swamps, mangroves, a large lake, and an island (Isla Parajos) in the Río Tempisque. With several marked trails, it is a good destination for hikers, naturalists, and birdwatchers.

Spectacled owl in Palo Verde National Park

Understand

The park is a designated Ramsar wetland.

History

The park is a Costa Rica national park administered for the government by SINAC. It was created as part of the national park system in 1978.

Landscape

The park may show different landscapes depending on the time of year. Though famous for its tropical dry forests in the dry season (December through May), when the seasonal rains arrive in June, the banks of the Rio Tempisque swell far beyond their banks, turning the forests into soggy marshes that are also famous for the wading birds (like herons, ibises, and egrets) that draw birdwatchers to the park. The wet season continues until November, when the marshes drain and become isolated pools that eventually dry up completely and the migrant birds depart for wetter areas elsewhere, only to return with next year's rainy season.

Flora and fauna

The park is home to an astounding diversity of species.

Northern Jacana in Palo Verde National Park

More than 280 species of migratory and non-migratory birds have been spotted in the park, including some rare and endangered species. Some of the more photogenic species found in the park are the scarlet macaw, jabiru , roseate spoonbill, and great curassow. You could also see long-tailed manakin, and caracaras. On the island, you'll very likely spot ducks, herons, and ibises.

More than 55 reptile and amphibian species have been seen in the park. Some, like the iguanas, are pretty sociable and numberous, while most of the salamanders, frogs, and snakes (both venomous and non-venomous) are rather shy. If you take a boat tour along the Rio Tempisque, you're guaranteed to see quite a few crocodiles. (The park boasts one of Costa Rica's largest concentrations of the toothy prehistoric beasts.)

Mammals in the park include variegated squirresls, howler monkeys, white-face capuchin monkeys, white-nose coatimundis, white-tail deer, collared peccaries, raccoons and more. Several species of bat are also found in the park. Visitors who want to observe or photograph mammals usually have good luck when they sit quietly near a water source and patiently wait to see who comes for a drink.

Get in

The nearest airport is Liberia (LIR ^IATA). In Liberia you can rent a car (4WD truck preferred). From Liberia, drive south on the Interamerican highway (CA-1) for about 35 km to the town of Bagaces where you will turn south (right) on tertiary highway 922 for another 25 km to the park entrance.

By boat

Boats can be hired in the village of Puerto Humo for a trip up the Rio Tempisque to the see the bird sanctuarias of Isla Parajos as well as alligators along the river banks.

Fees and permits

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

An park office at the entrance also has restrooms available.

Get around

Walking is good for exploring the park by land. Several marked trails are available. Tourists usually find boat tours to be the most comfortable way to get into the park. Several options are available. Visitors staying at the Biological Research Station can borrow bikes. This is a good option during the dry season.

• 1 Palo Verde Boat Tours, 75 meters south of the catholic church, ☏ +506 8841 8943. Comfortable, informative, fun boat tours into the park. Knowledgable bi-lingual local guides help visitors spot various bird species, numerous crocodiles, and various types of monkeys, iguanas and other wildlife. (updated Aug 2024)

Do

Hike

Green iguana in Palo Verde National Park

Numerous improved, well-marked trails provide both easy sightseeing trails and more challenging, longer distance trails for the more vigorous outdoorsman. Park trails include:

• Sendero la Roca: Easy, 540-meter circuit trail leading to a mirador with views of Laguna Palo Verde with the Rio Tempisque and the Tulf of Nicoya in the distance.
• Sendero el Guacyan (Cerros Calzos): Steep 1.4km trail is a good choice if you want a more vigourous workout. The trail leads to the El Cactus mirador looking over the lake.
• Sendero la Cantera: 1.4km twisty trail through a variety of natural landscapes with views of the Rio Tempisque.
• Sendero el Mapache: Short 710-meter trail through three different types of forest.
• Sendero la Venada: 2.1km trail along the shores of Laguna Palo Verde.
• Sendero el Piote: Short 650-meter trail with views of the park's most ginormous trees.

Therr are other trails on the island and there is the La Jacana Boardwalk which leads to a dedicated birdwatching area.

Eat

Small, family run restaurants are found in the most unlikely places around the park. If you take a guided tour, it will likely include a tasty, filling lunch with regional cuisine, drinks, and friendly hospitality. North of the park entrance, the town of Bacares has several places that serve breakfast and dinner.

• 1 Restaurante Comidas Palo Verde, Costado este de la iglesia catolica, Bagaces, ☏ +50626711944. Daily 10:00am - 09:00pm. Traditional home-cooking featuring locally roasted coffees, several kinds of fajitas. If the empanadas are available, they are highly recommended. (updated Aug 2024)

Sleep

• 1 Palo Verde Biological Research Station, Palo Verde National Park, ☏ +506 2524 0607. Working research center that has group dorms, private cabins, and camping facilities for visitors. Meals served in dining hall. Do not expect resort facilities. Not for lazy vacationers but good place for knowledgable, experienced naturalists. (updated Aug 2024)

Lodging

• 2 Rancho Humo, Puerto Humo, Rio Tempisque, Nicoya, ☏ +506 2105-5400. Historic former ranching hacienda that now operates as an upscale eco resort with more than 1,000 hectares of private land abutting the national park. Offers comfortable rooms, upscale dining, birdwatching trips, wetlands safaris, horseback tours, and river trips along the Tempisque River. English and Spanish speaking naturalist guides available. (updated Aug 2024)

Camping

A campground is available next to the ranger station. Facilities include water, showers and restrooms.

Go next

• Nicoya
• Barra Honda National Park
• Tamarindo