Palo Verde National Park
Palo Verde National Park
4.5
About
The water system in this park sustains the largest population of waterfowl and wading birds in Central America.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
448 reviews
Excellent
292
Very good
114
Average
29
Poor
9
Terrible
4
DaCodaChicago
Rancho Santa Fe, CA43 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
We visited last week, during the Pandemic, and had a fantastic time! I think we were almost the only people in the park, as we saw only a handful of other people. We went on the Palo Verde Boat Tour and it was absolutely one of the favorite activities we’ve done in Costa Rica.
We saw crocodiles, huge iguanas, and amazing birds- all within a comfortable distance. Best of all, a very curious Capachun (sp?) monkey was on a branch over our heads for about 10 minutes. He was as curious about us as we were about him- and made for incredible videos!
Felix, our captain, was great and was a very experienced driver. “Goose” or Heiner, was our fantastic tour guide (from Playa Flamingo) and made the trip even better with his endless knowledge of the local wildlife. We would definitely recommend a driver/tour guide if you can swing it, as the roads are pretty tricky (think gravel roads with lots of pot holes) and they are mostly un-marked. It was nice to sit back and enjoy the ride with out stressing about getting lost.
Also, I’d like to mention that although we were out in the middle of nowhere, they were excellent with their Covid protocols. When we arrived at the boat landing we were the only ones there but they still took our temperatures, twice sanitized our hands (and our shoes!) before we got on the boat, and everyone wore their masks the entire boat ride, even though we were outside and socially distanced. We loved this! Although we don’t love wearing the mask, we know that we were all safe and could enjoy our experience.
Kudos to Costa Rica, the amazing Palo Verde Park and it’s wonderful employees.
We saw crocodiles, huge iguanas, and amazing birds- all within a comfortable distance. Best of all, a very curious Capachun (sp?) monkey was on a branch over our heads for about 10 minutes. He was as curious about us as we were about him- and made for incredible videos!
Felix, our captain, was great and was a very experienced driver. “Goose” or Heiner, was our fantastic tour guide (from Playa Flamingo) and made the trip even better with his endless knowledge of the local wildlife. We would definitely recommend a driver/tour guide if you can swing it, as the roads are pretty tricky (think gravel roads with lots of pot holes) and they are mostly un-marked. It was nice to sit back and enjoy the ride with out stressing about getting lost.
Also, I’d like to mention that although we were out in the middle of nowhere, they were excellent with their Covid protocols. When we arrived at the boat landing we were the only ones there but they still took our temperatures, twice sanitized our hands (and our shoes!) before we got on the boat, and everyone wore their masks the entire boat ride, even though we were outside and socially distanced. We loved this! Although we don’t love wearing the mask, we know that we were all safe and could enjoy our experience.
Kudos to Costa Rica, the amazing Palo Verde Park and it’s wonderful employees.
Written December 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda M
Lincoln, NE13 contributions
Nov 2022
We are saying at the "W" Costa Rica Playa Conchal and booked a private tour with Swiss Travel for this area. Our tour guide, Hernan Bolanos, was wonderful. His knowledge of wildlife, the history and the culture of Costa Rica was very informative. Between he and the boat driver, with their eagle eyes, we identified many new birds and animals. Our tour also included time at El Viejo, a cultural center where we ate, learned about making rum (and had tastings) as well as made tortillas. An educationalabd fun day. We were already enthralled with CR, but his enthusiasm for his country heightened our appreciation. Thank-you Swiss Travel and Hernan
Written December 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gill-1959
Smithville, Canada87 contributions
Apr 2022
We did a boat tour with Costour Plenty of wildlife to see. Our guide Felix, AKA, eagle eye, spotted so many things and pointed them out to us that just looking on our own would have missed.
The boat tour is approx. 1.5 hours long. Followed by a beautiful typical Costa Rican lunch.
The boat tour is approx. 1.5 hours long. Followed by a beautiful typical Costa Rican lunch.
Written April 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cheryl P
Stamford, UK17 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Fantastic trip highly recommend the river boat trip...can't believe how many 🐊 we saw plus other fascinating wildlife. We opted to organise this trip via Randy at Costa Rica Excursions ..super private tour with driver Emilio and Oscar who was a great chap totally engaged with their environent and the animals and their tour guide. We saw the raw Costa Rica . Finished off with a relaxing hot spring at the MiraValles volcanoe . Pura Vida !@
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Matthew A
Reading, PA109 contributions
Jan 2020
There is a river delta or estuary here- even in the dry season. If you like birds, this is the place. Drive in to the end and pay for the boat ride. It cost us $45 per person for about 2 hours on the water. If you can time it for low tide, you’ll see more birds and alligators on the banks of this brackish, tidal waterway. We did the short hike (#7 on the map) up to the lookout rock. We saw the most wildlife on the flat loop where the trailhead is immediately across from the estuary pier. Walk slowly and quietly. We saw spider monkeys, capuchin white faced monkeys and howler monkeys all on this one short walk. We got up close and personal with a “tayra”- large weasel like creature which jumped up and scared us,then ran away. Bring binoculars. A telephoto camera would’ve been nice. have. Well worth the dirt road drive in for a day trip. It’s too bad park hours start after dawn and end before dusk or you’d see even more elusive animals.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Astrobeemer
Vancouver, Canada616 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We booked our trip through Costa Rica Private Tours, so our experience might be different than other visitors who booked with other tour operators.
The boat ride on the Tempisque River was great. We saw so much flora and fauna it was hard to remember everything - monkeys, lots of alligators, a multitude of birds, bats, lizards, and more.
Our tour operators were very knowledgeable and had a very keen eye, so anything they spotted they stopped the boat and pointed it out. The animals are very well camouflaged and some are hard to see, but our guide had a laser pointer which really helped - but I definitely recommend you have good binoculars and a good camera to take pictures.
The boat ride on the Tempisque River was great. We saw so much flora and fauna it was hard to remember everything - monkeys, lots of alligators, a multitude of birds, bats, lizards, and more.
Our tour operators were very knowledgeable and had a very keen eye, so anything they spotted they stopped the boat and pointed it out. The animals are very well camouflaged and some are hard to see, but our guide had a laser pointer which really helped - but I definitely recommend you have good binoculars and a good camera to take pictures.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mandy R
Crediton, UK440 contributions
Dec 2019
Very pleasant trip with local guide. Very educational. Lovely relaxing boat ride up the river spotting crocodiles and iguanas on the river bank and some amazing birds. The surroundings are amazing!
The sugar cane and coffee experience was very well done and again very educational but fun, delicious coffee!
Half day $95 per adult $71 for children, well worth the cost.
The sugar cane and coffee experience was very well done and again very educational but fun, delicious coffee!
Half day $95 per adult $71 for children, well worth the cost.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Travelforbirds
Saskatoon, Canada58 contributions
Jan 2020
Great spot! I stayed right in the park for three nights, and saw a ton of wildlife. It is quite different from much of Costa Rica because of the dry forest. I highly recommend staying at the research center. The staff are great, and can advise you on some of the best trails for wildlife watching.
Written September 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
frandockery
Playas del Coco, Costa Rica3 contributions
Jan 2023
Another fabulous trip to the Palo Verde National Park with Mardigi Tours. I have brought all my guests on this adventure to see crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas and so many birds. Marvin has such an eagle eye to find all these natural inhabitants. This had to be at least my fifth time visiting the park with Marvin and I have enjoyed it every time!
Written February 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Where_to_travel_next
Vancouver, Canada4,350 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
We used Get Lost in Costa Rica to enjoy a private boat tour. It was wonderful to have a terrific guide share the wonders of the animals who live by the water. We saw bats, crocodiles, birds, monkeys. The captain of the boat was great to get up close to the wildlife for us to take pictures. The road to the park is mainly unpaved. The boats are in fairly good condition, and open air.
Written December 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Richard B
3 contributions
Is there any company that will pick us up in La Fortuna, take us to Palo Verde for the tour and deliver us to a coastal town like Potrero afterwards.
schliek
Goes, The Netherlands2,432 contributions
Hi guys. Help me
So. It is possible to drive to the park. You pay 9 dollars entrance fee.
After that. Can you walk around yourself? Or is a guide mandatory?
Regards
Schliek
0911janiceb
Buckhurst Hill, UK236 contributions
We were on a prepaid organised trip so I wouldn't have a clue , sorry .
vermeire48
Charlotte, NC4 contributions
Hi Janice,
I read your review of Palo Verde Park/River cruise, but I think you have the wrong park name. There are no mud pots there? Can you please verify? Thank you.
jilleknight
Seattle, WA69 contributions
Sorry this is not Janice
Loreana A
San Antonio De Belen, Costa Rica6 contributions
Hola, recomendación para ir a Palo Verde, objetivo: hacer una pequeña investigación de la biodiversidad del lugar.
Recomendación de que llevar, dónde quedarse, tour para estudiantes universitarios, precios.
Gracias
Collette W
7 contributions
What I would like to know is what happens about breakfast with the tui palo verde trip especially when pick up time is earlier than 6am??? What time do you return to the hotel as well?
Dawn
SWANSEA49 contributions
Hi if you are staying in th Riu Palace they have 24 hour food but if not the first stop on the tour is for breakfast in a beautiful peaceful setting.Amazing day out we loved it.We were back in the hotel early afternoon
Emma60745
Boston, MA57 contributions
Hi,
We are going to drive to the park like what you did. If I understand you correctly, you paid $9 to enter the park, additionally, you paid 56000 colones to do a boat tour includes lunch afterwards? This tour is like a boat tour along the river to see animals etc which last an hour to two? I assume I will pay & join the tour right at the park entrance at the same time I pay the $9, am I right?
Thank you very much.
fun2rv
Middleton, Canada23 contributions
Yes, there is a place where you pay the $9 park entrance fee at the place where the tour starts. You cannot book the tour there.
svbur
Gilford, NH25 contributions
We are thinking of touring this park on our own without a tour. Is this advisable?
TravelBug128
California130 contributions
Yes, if you have a car you can drive there yourself. If you want to take the river cruise you can have the gentleman at the ranger station call the dock and arrange for it. I wrote a review recently.
SaSi S
Reutlingen, Germany12 contributions
Is the parc worth to go there without doing a boat trip ?
Snrizzle
Nosara, Costa Rica3 contributions
I will be flying into Liberia on January 26 and would love to take a river tour of Palo Verde National Park with my boyfriend on January 27. We'd like to stay close to the park so we can take a tour early in the morning and see as many animals as possible. We are looking into either staying at the Ranger Station the night before although we haven't heard back from them, or taking a tour through another company. Which do you all suggest?
PV Ranger Station option:
1) How much does it cost to stay there and how do you book this?
2) Can you arrange tours when you get there or do you need to do this in advance. How much are private or group tours and how long are they?
Independent Tour Operator option:
I read great things about Thomson Excursions on TripAdvisor. It looks like they've changed names to TUI and I haven't been able to submit an inquiry through their online form.
1) What email should I use to contact them?
2) Are they actually authorized to start as early as 5am? What other tour operators do that? Did this really help see more animals?
3) How much is the tour? We don't mind if it's with a group as opposed to private. We are traveling on a budget and love bird-watching.
4) Where does it pick up from?
5) Can they help arrange lodging at the ranger station, and do they pick up from there?
5) If we don't hear from the ranger station, is there other lodging nearby that they pick up from so we can start at 5am?
Thanks!
TravelBug128
California130 contributions
There is no lodging at the ranger station. Did you mean by the entrance? That's where we paid to get inside the park which I think opens at 8am. There was a research station in the middle of the park I don't know if you can stay there as a tourist.
You can arrange the boat ride when you get to the entrance. The ranger will call the boat dock for you. We did that on our own and the drive from the entrance to the dock was about 40 mins. Pack a lunch or snacks and most importantly enough water as there is no place where you can buy those from inside the park. The boat ride is about 2 hours, $20/adult $10/child under 10.
Palo Verde National Park (Province of Guanacaste) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Palo Verde National Park
- We recommend booking Palo Verde National Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 28 Palo Verde National Park tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Palo Verde National Park:
- Palo Verde Boat Safari (From $130.00)
- Jungle River Cruise at Palo Verde National Park (From $108.00)
- Palo Verde Wildlife Tour from Tamarindo (From $167.00)
- Palo Verde Jungle Boat Tour, Guaitil Pottery & Lunch (From $120.00)
- Wildlife Tour at Palo Verde National Park (From $121.38)
- Hotels near Palo Verde National Park:
- (5.42 mi) Rancho Humo Estancia
- (6.77 mi) Palo Verde Biological Station
- (9.05 mi) Tamarindo Inn
- (9.05 mi) Luxurious 3 Bdrm Condo at Reserva Conchal located on the same property as Westin
- (9.05 mi) Simply Breathtaking. Simply Exquisite.