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Palo Verde National Park: A Wetland and Dry Forest Paradise

Discover Costa Rica's Palo Verde National Park: A haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, where wetlands meet tropical dry forests.

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Palo Verde National Park, located in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica, is a biodiverse sanctuary encompassing wetlands, tropical dry forests, and the Tempisque River. It's a prime destination for birdwatching, home to a vast array of migratory and resident avian species, as well as other wildlife like crocodiles, monkeys and iguanas.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Palo Verde

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (January-April) for the best birdwatching opportunities as migratory birds flock to the remaining water sources.
  • Take a boat tour on the Tempisque River for a chance to see crocodiles, monkeys, and a variety of bird species up close.
  • Bring binoculars and a camera to fully appreciate the diverse wildlife and stunning scenery.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for hiking, as well as sun protection and insect repellent.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Liberia, take the Inter-American Highway (Route 1) south towards Bagaces. In Bagaces, turn left (south) onto a gravel road and continue for approximately 20 km to the park entrance. The road is accessible year-round but can be bumpy. From the park entrance, continue 10 km to the administrative center. Note that the entrance fee is $12 USD, payable in cash.

  • Public Transport

    From San José or Liberia, take a bus to Bagaces. From the Bagaces bus stop, hire a taxi to Palo Verde National Park. The taxi ride is approximately 45 minutes. Bus fare from San José to Bagaces is around $7-11 USD. The taxi fare from Bagaces to the park can range from $30-$40 USD.

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Palo Verde

Palo Verde National Park, situated in the heart of Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province, stands as a testament to the country's commitment to preserving its diverse ecosystems. Established in 1978, this 45,492-acre park protects a unique convergence of the Tempisque River basin, tropical dry forests, and vital wetlands. This combination creates a haven for an extraordinary array of flora and fauna, making it a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike. The park's history is intertwined with Costa Rica's conservation efforts, playing a crucial role in the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. Palo Verde was initially declared a wildlife refuge in the 1970s, recognizing its importance as a migratory stop for over 60 bird species. The park was included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in 1991. Before its national park status, the land served as a cattle ranch for over 50 years. The landscape is a mosaic of over 15 distinct natural communities, including deciduous lowland forests, evergreen forests, flooded forests, grasslands, and mangroves. This variety supports over 750 plant species, including the namesake palo verde tree, pochote, Spanish cedar, and Guanacaste tree. Five of Costa Rica's six mangrove species thrive within the park. Birdwatching is a major draw, with over 280 species of migratory and non-migratory birds documented. The dry season (January to April) is considered the best time for birdwatching, as the waters recede and birds congregate around remaining water sources. Endangered species like the scarlet macaw, jabiru, and great curassow find refuge here. Boat tours along the Tempisque River offer excellent opportunities to spot nesting colonies of various heron species. Visitors can explore several trails, including La Cantera, El Mapache, La Venada, and El Pizote, each offering unique perspectives on the park's diverse habitats. Boat tours to Isla Pájaros (Bird Island) provide a close look at nesting sites for species like the black-crowned night heron.

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