Searching for a memorable day trip in Peninsula Papagayo for your young family? Located around 1.5 hours away from the Papagayo Luxury complex, Palo Verde
National Park (known locally as the Parque Nacional Palo Verde) is a firm favorite amongst our guests. We spoke to one of our dedicated concierges, Bari, about why it’s one of her go-to recommendations in the area.
Why visit the Palo Verde National Park?
If you’re looking to show your family the real Costa Rica, there’s really nothing like it. The protected area is set upon the banks of the Tempisque River, allowing you to explore the full spectrum of over 15 topographical zones, including mangrove swamps, evergreen forests and tropical dry forest. So, you can see a bit of everything without having to travel around too much.
Just like the rest of Costa Rica, the park puts a heavy focus on natural conservation and sustainable luxury travel. Local guides keep a close eye on the vital floodplains, marshes, limestone ridges and seasonal pools to ensure that ecology continues to be protected throughout the passing seasons.
What’s the best way to see the area?
To maximize your time in the area, we recommend starting your day bright and early with a boat tour. Not only do you see a lot from the water, but it also saves children from getting overtired as they don’t have to walk too far. Private or shared 2-hour boat tours are run by local families, offering you the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the wonders of the local habitat. Each vessel has been specifically designed to safely and comfortably get as close as possible to the wildlife that dwells in the area.
What wildlife will we be able to spot?
Little ones will love seeking out the local wildlife and biodiversity as they move down the riverbanks. There’s so much to see in the area, from migratory birds, bats, bees, howler monkeys and mammals such as jaguarundis cats. The area has even been known to host crocodiles, iguanas and parrots – as well as having one of the largest concentrations of waterfowl in Central America. You’ll also have a guide on board the boat, making sure you don’t miss a thing.
Is catering included?
It really depends on the type of tour that you choose – it’s certainly something that we can arrange for you. We often invite visitors to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a nearby restaurant during their trip. Local chefs often put together handmade tortillas, revealing a few tips and tricks of traditional regional cooking. Of course, no meal is complete without savoring a delicious coffee while you watch the world go by, either. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with the others on your particular tour, if you want to.
What’s the dress code?
When venturing into the national park, it’s important to make sure you’re wearing comfortable and safe footwear and loose clothing. This will ensure that you keep your cool even during the heat of the day and are able to fully enjoy your adventures in the national park. We’d also recommend taking sunscreen and mosquito repellent with you to protect yourself from sunburn and insect bites.
Booked your trip to Guanacaste and looking to plan your itinerary while you’re there? Our dedicated concierge team is on hand to plan everything down to the very last detail. For more details on our full range of services and bookings, contact us here.
