Tempisque River
A boat safari on the river shows the birds and crocodiles of the banks. Tours leave from a landing near the park.
Bagaces · Guanacaste · Costa Rica
Palo Verde National Park
Seasonal wetlands on the Tárcoles-Tempisque floodplain, one of the best places for water birds in Costa Rica.
- Created in 1978
- About 18,000 ha
- Ramsar wetland
- Best in the dry season
About the park
Palo Verde National Park lies on the plain of the Tempisque River, in the north-west. In the rainy season the plain floods and in the dry season it dries out, and the changing water makes it the best place in the country for large flocks of water birds, as well as dry-forest wildlife.
The park is visited by boat on the Tempisque River, where crocodiles, herons, storks and many other birds can be watched at close range, and on the trails of its station. It is a good one-day trip from the Nicoya Peninsula or Guanacaste, especially for people who like birds.
- Large flocks of water birds in the dry season
- Boat safari on the Tempisque River
- Crocodiles, monkeys and iguanas
- A wetland recognised under the Ramsar convention
Wildlife
Jabiru and wood storksRoseate spoonbillsHerons and egretsCrocodilesHowler monkeysIguanasScarlet macaws
What to see
Wetlands and lookouts
Trails and lookouts over the marshes, best in the dry season when the birds concentrate in the remaining water.
Dry forest
The forest on the hills around the wetlands, with the palo verde trees that give the park its name.
Plan your visit
- Opening hours
- Daytime. We confirm the hours of the day you want.
- Reservation
- Entrance is booked in advance through the SINAC online system, where it is required. We handle it.
- Entrance
- Paid per person per day according to the SINAC fee schedule, which changes from time to time. We confirm the current price in your quote.
- Best time
- The dry season from December to April, when the birds are most concentrated. The wetlands are less visible in the rainy season.
- What to bring
- A hat, sun protection, binoculars, insect repellent, a light jacket for the morning boat and water.
Book your entrance yourself
Entrance tickets to the national parks are sold online through the official SINAC reservation system. Booking your own ticket there is the quickest and cheapest way.
If you book a tour, a stay or an itinerary with us, we can also arrange the reservation for you.
Dates, areas and conditions are approximate and based on published information from SINAC; hours, fees and rules can change. We confirm the current conditions when you book.
Getting there
By road
About 3 hours from San José on the Pan-American highway and about 1 hour from Liberia or Tamarindo.
Transfer
We arrange private transfers and tours from the Nicoya Peninsula, Guanacaste and San José. Ask us for a quote.
Tours to Palo Verde
Frequently asked questions
When are the birds most numerous?
In the dry season, from December to April.
Is it a boat trip?
Yes, the classic visit is a safari on the Tempisque River.
Do I need binoculars?
They are a great help; the guide has a telescope.