HISTORY
Discover the intricacies of the tropical dry forest at this scientific research station inside Palo Verde National Park. The park’s 20,000 hectare (8,000 acre) mosaic of dry deciduous forest (one of the most endangered ecosystems in the Neotropics), riparian forest, mangroves, and floodplain marsh is habitat for thousands of resident and migratory birds. Hear the sound of howler monkeys, catch a glimpse of deer, coatis, iguanas, white-faced capuchin monkeys, raccoons, peccaries, and watch eye-catching roseate spoonbills, wood storks, caracaras, black-necked stilts, northern jacanas, and some of the other 300 species of birds found in the area.
CLIMATE
The annual mean temperature is 81°F (27°C), with a maximum of 99°F (37°C) during the dry season. Palo Verde is classified as tropical dry forest, with an annual mean precipitation of 1500-2000 mm, distributed between June and November.
ACTIVITIES AT PALO VERDE
GUIDED WALKS
Natural history visitors can visit Palo Verde for half-day natural history programs, which include either a talk by station personnel or a guided walk. Talks give participants a glimpse into this endangered ecosystem as well as the research, education and conservation activities carried out by the Organization for Tropical Studies at Palo Verde in conjunction with the National Park System. Guided walks last two hours each and lead participants through the dry deciduous forests, limestone cliffs and marsh. Advanced reservations are required.
Mountain Bike
We have mountain bikes available for your pleasure and approximatley 5 different trails where you can go enjoying nature and get a glimpse of deer, white collared peccary, and a viriety of birds while at the same time get some excersize in! Maps of these trails are also availble.
Boat Tours
The Tempisque River is brackish water with a variety of species of mangroves and different invertebrates and vertebrates that depend on it. The river tour consists of two parts: Charco (up river) and Bird Island (down river). You have a choice of which one you would like to do. Each is unique in habitat and species richness.
Birdwatching
Palo Verde is one of the most excellent places for this activity. You have a choice of viewing water birds such as the infamous Jabiru storks, Nothern jacanas, and Roseate spoonbills, or land birds such as Laughing Falcons, Scarlet macaws and a variety of orioles and tanagers all depending on the habitat you choose to visit.
Hiking
If you love to walk and of course get in some scenic views, we have 4 different trails that will definitely be worth the effort! Just make sure to take water, comfortable hiking boots and of course a camera!
Bicycling
Night Tour
These tours are available with prior arrangements. The duration is approximately 1.5 hours long with the opportunity to see scorpions, tarantulas, snakes, Spectacled owls, white tail deer, peccaries and maybe 1 of the 5 different species of cats that we have in the park!
