Parque Nacional Palo Verde

Amazing ecosystem, lots of animals- tons of different herons, migrating and local birds, crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys, and even saw a deer. It can get hot and more dry than the majority of tropical Costa Rica, but makes for a unique ecological environment. Absolutely worth checking out, only about 1.5 hours from Lake Arenal, even closer to Volcan Tenorio National Park.

Very nice national park in Costa Rica. We did a 2 hour boat tour down the river and really enjoyed seeing all the wildlife. The boat captain was very good and had us up close and personal with the animals. A worthwhile trip.

Very nice and interesting park. I read some comments about closed gate, but the park is already open (entrance from Bagatzi). We had a flat tire and the park ranger helped us get a compressor. Thank you.

We drove 30 + min down a dirt road to be met with closed gates and a sign reading “closed for maintenance” there was no sign before the park despite several signs for the park itself. Very disappointing.

It's hard to write a review of this place because in one hand you have beautiful nature, places to walk/hike around and great views; but in the other hand you have so many mosquitoes that will not leave you alone a second and will make you feel miserable! I recommend to go during January or so (when it's very windy!) so first confirm with the local station when is windy so you really enjoy it. The people is very nice, super friendly and the food is always delicious, however the infrastructure really need maintenance. The rooms and specially the bathrooms are very abandoned!

What else is there to say other than this place is absolutely breathtaking? An absolutely MASSIVE bird watching wetland is the central focus of this beautiful park. It is quite a way off the beaten trail, but with boat tours available, hiking trails, and a picturesque wetland how can one pass it up? It is also a beautiful display of the biodiversity of the area. On my way driving there, we went from a dense jungle down to a more arid landscape. The micro-biomes of changing flora are as much of a treat as the land itself. Make sure to educate yourself of the dangers of this land though, like the Acacia Tree, which maintains a symbiotic relationship with ants and will harm you if disturbed. Or the snakes that hide in the tall grass. Be prepared! And have fun exploring this magical place!

The approximately two-hour boat trip is highly recommended; the guide and captain go to great lengths to show you some of the birds, monkeys and crocodiles that can be found in the national park.

Great view from the rock trail.