- Address: Bagaces, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Phone: +506 266 606 30
- Area: 184 km²
- Date of foundation: 1978.
- Working hours: 8.00 - 18.00
- Cost of visit: adult - 6 dollars, children under 6 years - free of charge
One of the most interesting and picturesque parks of Costa Rica is the Palo Verde National Park, located in the north-west of the country in Bagasses district of Guanacaste province. This reserve occupies about 20,000 hectares of forest and wetland massifs, which are located between the waters of Bebedero and Tempiska. The opening of the park took place in 1990 with the aim of preserving forest lands, swampy terrain and limestone ridges. It is here that the highest concentration of birds in Central America is recorded. This place is very appreciated by lovers of eco-tourism.
Flora and fauna of the park
The National Reserve is characterized by a very high density and variety of species of animals and birds. In the north-eastern zone of the park there are about 150 species of mammals, among which you can meet white-tailed deer, monkeys, skunks, agouti and coyotes. There are no less diverse populations of amphibians and reptiles. Here live colored iguanas, lizards, snakes, boas and some species of tree frogs. Marshy areas and rivers are inhabited by predatory crocodiles, some specimens in length reach more than 5 meters. During the dry season, which lasts from December to April, these predators have a hard time. They are forced to retreat along with the rivers. In summer, on the contrary, the territory of the park is heavily flooded, which creates significant difficulties for moving around the park, as well as studying it.
The Palo Verde National Park is also characterized by an abundance of vegetation. In the possession of the reserve there are 15 diverse topographical zones from evergreen thickets to mangrove swamps. Despite the fact that most of the national park is overgrown with dry tropical forests, there is also a guaiac tree or tree of life, bitter cedar, creepers, mangroves and shrubs. Admire plantations of exotic flowers.
Perhaps the most interesting place in the reserve is the island of Bird (it is also called the "Bird Island"), which has become a real home for a huge number of birds. It is located in the middle of the River Tempix. In total there are over 280 species of birds. You can get to the "Bird Island" only by boat. The land itself is completely overgrown with wild guava bushes, so you can not land on it, but you can see exotic birds near it. The island nests white ibises, white and black priest herons, cormorants, pink spoonbills, large kraks, arboreal storks, toucans and other species of unique birds.
How to get to the reserve?
From the capital of Costa Rica to the Palo Verde National Park, there is a 206 km long motorway. In San Jose, you can rent a car or take a taxi. On the route number 1 without traffic jams, the trip will take about 3.5 hours. The nearest town to the national park is the town of Bagace. It is located at a distance of 23 kilometers. From here to the reserve there is a regular bus. On the route number 922 on the road without traffic jams on the road you will stay about 50 minutes.
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