The Palo Verde National Park is a unique mix of wetlands and tropical dry forests. This dual nature of the national park is caused by the flooding of the arid climate region by the Rio Tempisque. The Palo Verde National Park is largely a reclaimed pastureland.
The Palo Verde National Park is one of the best national parks in Costa Rica in terms of facilities. The park contains accommodations that includes food, drinks and activities included in the rates. The accommodation is lodge or ranch style and contains shared bath facilities with cold water. Potable water is also available. Visitors can also use the camping services available in the park. For those traveling for a day, there are rest rooms available. Guarded and secure private parking is also available. There is a casual family restaurant and a food and drinks stand for the visitors. Among other services available are naturalist guide services, park office, a scientific research station and tourist information services.
In order to reach the Palo Verde National Park, you can take a boat from Puerto Humo and go upriver. With a favorable arrangement with the boatmen, you can also have a look at the Bird Island and also travel upriver past the park to see crocodiles.
There are various activities that you can undertake at the Palo Verde National Park. There is a bird watching site from where you can watch hundreds of bird species in every hue and color. In the wet season, the Rio Tempisque forms marshes that are inhabited by migrant birds. Birds like Green Backed Herons, Cattle Egrets, Wood Storks, Snail Kites, American Widgeon and many others are found in abundance in Bird Island. The dry season will enable you to see Variegated Squirrels, Howler and Capuchin Monkeys, White Tailed Deer and other animal species. You can also rent bicycles and go for a tour across the park. There are various hiking trails available in the region and a long walk around the region will enable you to see colorful flora and fauna. My favorite activity is the wildlife viewing boat ride on the river.
