Palo Verde National Park

History of Palo Verde National Park

The Palo Verde National Park It was established to protect one of the areas of greatest biodiversity in Guanacaste, Costa Rica . Covering 18,332 hectares, the park lies on the banks of the Tempisque River and is renowned for its vast wetlands, which represent 50% of its total area. These wetlands are a sanctuary for thousands of aquatic birds, both resident and migratory, and were therefore included on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance by the World Convention on Wetlands in 1991.

Characteristics of Palo Verde National Park

He Palo Verde National Park It is home to more than 15 different natural communities, including lowland deciduous forest, evergreen forest, flooded forest, deciduous limestone hill forest, zacatonales, and mangroves. Its diverse flora includes more than 750 plant species, such as palo verde, pochote, bitter cedar, and guanacaste. It is also home to five of the six existing mangrove species in the country.

As for wildlife, the park is home to more than 280 species of birds, including endangered species such as the scarlet macaw and the stingray. In addition, nearly 55 species of amphibians and reptiles , including the frog snake, boa constrictor, rattlesnake, and coral snake. Crocodiles, iguanas, and garrobos are also common in the region.

Palo Verde National Park Trails

The park offers several trails that allow visitors to explore its rich biodiversity:

• La Roca Trail : A 540-meter trail that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Palo Verde Lagoon, the Tempisque River, and the Gulf of Nicoya.
• El Guacayán or Calizos Hills Trail : A steep 1,460-meter trail that leads to the Guacayán or El Cactus viewpoints, with spectacular views of the lagoon and the Tempisque plains.
• La Cantera Trail : A 1,400-meter hike to a viewpoint overlooking the winding Tempisque River.
• El Mapache Trail : A 710-meter trail through the forest, showcasing three different habitats: lowland deciduous forest, limestone forest, and evergreen forest.
• La Venada Trail : A 2,100-meter path that borders the Palo Verde lagoon.
• El Pizote Trail : With a length of 650 meters, this trail offers views of enormous trees and xerophytic vegetation.

Attractions of Palo Verde National Park

• Bird Island : A 2.3-hectare island that is a nesting site for at least eight species of birds, including the country's largest colony of black-crowned night herons. The island is located in the Tempisque River and is accessible by boat.
• Palo Verde Lagoon : An excellent site for birdwatching, especially from September to March, when thousands of herons, egrets, ducks and mergansers gather at the lagoon.
• Tempisque and Bebedero Rivers : Portions of these rivers serve as natural boundaries for the park. They are navigable at high tide and offer the opportunity to observe a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, crocodiles, iguanas, and turtles.

Tempisque River

The Tempisque River It belongs to the Pacific Ocean Slope. It is the third longest river in the country, after the Río Grande de Térraba and the Reventazón River. The Tempisque is the largest river in Guanacaste, giving life to this Costa Rican province, as its course runs through a large part of the territory. This giant river is born in the Guanacaste mountain range , on the slopes of the Orosí volcano, and is called the Tempisquito River. It runs for about 144 km in a south and southeast direction through the province of Guanacaste, bordering the Nicoya Peninsula, until it empties into the bottom of the Gulf of Nicoya, an inlet of the Pacific Ocean.

Before emptying into the ocean, the Tempisque River drains the low, swampy area that characterizes Palo Verde National Park. Its main tributaries are the Bebedero, Colorado, Liberia, and Salto rivers. The stretch of river between its mouth and the town of Bolsón is navigable, for approximately 36 kilometers. Important Guanacaste cities such as Liberia, Santa Cruz, and Filadelfia lie on its banks or those of its tributaries.

Park Access and Location

He Palo Verde National Park is located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica . The park can be accessed by land from San José, taking the Inter-American Highway north to Bagaces, then turning left onto a gravel road and continuing south for approximately 20 km to the park entrance. It can also be accessed by river from the Tempisque River in the town of Puerto Humo.

Hours and Services

• Hours : Every day from 8 am to 4 pm.
• Services : The park has lunch areas, restrooms, and interpretive trails with panoramic viewpoints.

Photos of Palo Verde National Park

The Palo Verde National Park It is a natural treasure of Costa Rica , offering a unique experience for nature and birdwatching lovers. With its rich biodiversity, diverse trails, and spectacular landscapes, it is a must-see destination in Guanacaste, Costa Rica .