Palo Verde National Park
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.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
455 reviews
Excellent
295
Very good
116
Average
29
Poor
9
Terrible
6
DaCodaChicago
Rancho Santa Fe, CA39 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda M
Lincoln, NE17 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gill-1959
Smithville, Canada75 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sreekanth S
13 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
We had a very disappointing trip sold by Destination Services CR to Palo Verde which was terrible mainly because of our guide. From the moment we transferred from one van to join the guide and 4 other passengers, we were made to feel like we were interrupting his time with his British passengers.
The guide treated us like second class citizens and barely spoke to us. He didn't check to see if we heard him, didn't answer our questions (the only exceptions were when I caught him alone and he didn't have a choice). He went to the extent of putting on a fake British accent so that his British passengers could understand him better, but couldn't be bothered to check if we heard or understood him.
I don't know what the problem was, but we first went to the wrong dock and then had to drive another 15 minutes to get to the correct dock. As a result of this, we ended up on the boat ride for only about an hour instead of the 1.5 hours the Destination Services CR salesperson had mentioned to me.
To make things worse, multiple times during the trip the guide said that mid-afternoon was the worst time to take this trip since all the birds and animals would be resting and not much would be visible. If this is the case, why did Destination Services CR even sell us the afternoon tour?
I have to imagine the guide knew that very little would be visible because he has taken this trip multiple times. If this is truly the case, Destination Services CR is doing a big disservice to customers like me by selling this trip. If it is not true, it just reinforces how little the guide cared about his passengers that he kept telling us we wouldn't see anything after we paid a hefty amount and took a long drive to take this trip.
To continue the terrible experience, as soon as we got on the boat, he told all of us "if you see anything, point it out to me and I'll explain" and stretched out in the back of the boat. While the 2 guides on other Destination Services trips we'd taken were highly engaging, looking for sights and pointing them out to us with a laser pointer, this guide did absolutely nothing. It was either the passengers (our group included) or the driver of the boat who pointed things out to each other. Why did we even need a guide on this trip then?
I'm taking the step of putting all of the above in a Trip Advisor review because no one else should go through an experience like this when they are on vacation to try and enjoy themselves and learn about a new country and its ecology, etc.
Please note that before writing this review, I spoke in person with the salesperson who sold us this tour. He said all the right things, took down my phone number and email and assured me that someone from the Destination Services CR office would contact me about this trip. I have now waited more than a month and have heard nothing from Destination Services CR.
The guide treated us like second class citizens and barely spoke to us. He didn't check to see if we heard him, didn't answer our questions (the only exceptions were when I caught him alone and he didn't have a choice). He went to the extent of putting on a fake British accent so that his British passengers could understand him better, but couldn't be bothered to check if we heard or understood him.
I don't know what the problem was, but we first went to the wrong dock and then had to drive another 15 minutes to get to the correct dock. As a result of this, we ended up on the boat ride for only about an hour instead of the 1.5 hours the Destination Services CR salesperson had mentioned to me.
To make things worse, multiple times during the trip the guide said that mid-afternoon was the worst time to take this trip since all the birds and animals would be resting and not much would be visible. If this is the case, why did Destination Services CR even sell us the afternoon tour?
I have to imagine the guide knew that very little would be visible because he has taken this trip multiple times. If this is truly the case, Destination Services CR is doing a big disservice to customers like me by selling this trip. If it is not true, it just reinforces how little the guide cared about his passengers that he kept telling us we wouldn't see anything after we paid a hefty amount and took a long drive to take this trip.
To continue the terrible experience, as soon as we got on the boat, he told all of us "if you see anything, point it out to me and I'll explain" and stretched out in the back of the boat. While the 2 guides on other Destination Services trips we'd taken were highly engaging, looking for sights and pointing them out to us with a laser pointer, this guide did absolutely nothing. It was either the passengers (our group included) or the driver of the boat who pointed things out to each other. Why did we even need a guide on this trip then?
I'm taking the step of putting all of the above in a Trip Advisor review because no one else should go through an experience like this when they are on vacation to try and enjoy themselves and learn about a new country and its ecology, etc.
Please note that before writing this review, I spoke in person with the salesperson who sold us this tour. He said all the right things, took down my phone number and email and assured me that someone from the Destination Services CR office would contact me about this trip. I have now waited more than a month and have heard nothing from Destination Services CR.
Written May 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl P
Stamford, UK54 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew A
Reading, PA118 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Astrobeemer
Vancouver, Canada1,380 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brilandhen
London, UK69 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
So beautiful to see the birds in the wetlands . Hard to put into words. There were lots of animals running around and a great place to experience nature. We stayed 4 nights. Bedroom was very basic but privacy was good. The staff were terrific and we really enjoyed the simple home cooking served canteen style. Some of the best no pretensions, limited choice but fresh and good ingredients. My only criticism was a lack of home comforts.. like a comfy chair to sit under a tree
Written March 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mandy R
Crediton, UK410 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelforbirds
Saskatoon, Canada125 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there any walking birding tours here? I want to do the boat but I also want to see the birds away from the river bank. All I can find is river cruises
Written December 23, 2024
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.
Written March 2, 2022
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
Written July 25, 2019
We were on a prepaid organised trip so I wouldn't have a clue , sorry .
Written July 25, 2019
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.
Written March 28, 2019
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
Written February 14, 2019
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?
Written January 15, 2019
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
Written January 30, 2019
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.
Written April 21, 2018
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.
Written July 9, 2018
We are thinking of touring this park on our own without a tour. Is this advisable?
Written March 17, 2018
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.
Written March 18, 2018
Is the parc worth to go there without doing a boat trip ?
Written March 11, 2018
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!
Written January 17, 2018
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.
Written January 19, 2018
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