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Palo Verde Boat Tour

The Palo Verde Boat Tour in Guanacaste is a great half-day expedition . If you want to observe some of our wildlife, you will see white-faced monkeys, crocodiles, an incredible number of birds, iguanas, and more here . This  is a fantastic experience for the whole family. You will discover much of the flora and fauna of the Palo Verde National Park . This is also a great tour to discover the rural side of the province, traveling by small villages and sugarcane, watermelons, papaya farms, and more.

Palo Verde Boat Tour is the best wildlife expedition in Guanacaste; you will find an incredible variety of bird species, such as egrets, herons, kingfishers, flycatchers, ibis, wood storks, and many more. You can also observe a large number of American crocodiles and gray and green iguanas of great size. Observe the long-noose bats and discover their importance in the forest and basilisk, among others.

White-faced and howler monkeys are part of the wildlife of these wetlands, and you can observe them very closely and learn from their behavior and way of life in the jungle. This Guanacaste Tour is the perfect option for families and guests interested in close contact with nature. After the boat tour, you will enjoy a delicious meal in a typical restaurant. This is the perfect opportunity to taste some delicious meals made on wood stoves, as our ancestors used to prepare their food.

This river cruise by the Palo Verde National Park is the perfect tour for families and friends looking to relax in nature and have fun and learning experiences. Palo Verde Boat Tour is only a 70-minute drive from Playas del Coco and the Tamarindo area.

Rates Palo Verde Boat Tour 

• Daily departures.
• The tour operates with 2 people minimum.
• Taxes not included.

The tour includes Private transportation, a bilingual guide, a boat ride, an entrance fee, lunch, and water.

What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, hiking shoes or sandals, binoculars, a camera, sunblock, hat, shorts, and insect repellent.

Duration:  6 hours approx.

Departure: 7.30 AM / Return: 2.00 pm approx.

Hiking Level:   No hiking required.

Important Note: In case you are suffering from a chronic disease or need specialized care, please bring your medications with you and inform our guide so that we can assist you in the correct way if necessary.

Palo Verde Boat Tour Policies

• Tours reserved less than 48 hours before departure must be paid immediately.
• Cancelations made 72 hours before the tour are 100% refundable; bank fees apply.
• Cancelations between 72 and 48 hours are 50% refundable. Bank fees apply.
• Cancelations made within 48 hours or less before the tour are not refundable.
• Non-shows and last-minute cancellations are not refundable.
• Change of date must be done 48 hours before the tour, during office hours (8 am-5 pm). Penalties apply. Subject to availability.
• We do not accept guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No refund will apply.
• Driver and Tour Guide Tips are omitted.
• If we have to cancel the tour for some natural disaster or human manifestation, this will be rescheduled for a day of your convenience, or we will make the pertinent money refund. Guests’ safety is a priority for us.
• We are not responsible for any luggage or personal valuables lost or damaged during the tour. Please take care of your belongings along the tour.

Similar Tours from Guanacaste

Corobici River Safari Float Tour

Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike Tour & Sloths Garden

Additional services for your Guanacaste Vacations!

Palo Verde Booking Enquiry

What to expect

The Palo Verde National Park Riverboat Tour takes place in the Tempisque River Conservation Area in Guanacaste Province, 30 km west of Canas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The surrounding region is mostly tropical dry forest, and the Park is vital to the preservation of vital floodplain, marshes, limestone ridges, and seasonal pools from the encroachment of civilization, which is putting the ecology of the area at risk. A major feature of the park is the density and variety of bird species, a major factor in the creation of the reserve, due in part to its diverse ecology. There are 15 different topographical zones, ranging from evergreen forests to mangrove swamps. Birds spotted regularly in the park include Great Curassows, Scarlet Macaws, White Ibis, Roseate Spoonbills, Anhingas, Jabirus, and Wood Storks, among many others.

During the dry season, water is scarce in the Guanacaste Province and in other parts of the country. Due to this, many birds flock to the park and its river basin. Parajos Island, Guanacaste, Costa Rica which is located in the middle of the Tempisque River, is usually a hotspot for birders, although the Palo Verde Riverboat Tour itself does not venture that far. This island is the largest nesting site for the Black-crowned Night-Herons in Costa Rica. The park protects one of the most endangered ecosystems. It is one of the last remaining tropical dry forestlands that once covered most of Central America. Tropical dry rainforests now exist in less than 0.1% of their original size and are considered to be the most endangered ecosystems in the tropics.

PRICE: From USD $99

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Palo Verde Transportation Included
• Guanacaste Lunch Included
• Chorotega Pottery Tour
• Costa Rican Bi-Lingual Guides
• Palo Verde Riverboat Tour
• Tempisque River Natural Habitat Tour
• Costa Rica Eco-Friendly
• Giant Iguana Exhibit Included

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Palo Verde National Park Boat Tour

Palo verde national park tour.

The dry rain forests of Costa Rica are some of the finest remaining examples of this ecosystem in the world. The Palo Verde National Park is part of the Tempisque Conservation Area, designed to protect this unique environment from civilization’s encroachment.

This day begins with a pickup at your hotel for the drive to Palo Verde National Park. The Park is the largest protected area in Guanacaste and possibly one of the most important ones in Central America, providing a safe and natural habitat for all of its wild residents.

This 2.5 hour cruise down the Tempisque River on an authentic riverboat is the best way to view the rich wildlife of Palo Verde National Park. Your knowledgeable local guide knows where to look for inhabitants of the forest, even the shy ones, to provide you with a superior experience. You’ll see howler monkeys (although you might hear them before you see them), maybe some white-faced monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, lizards and up to 300 species of indigenous birds. You’ll learn about the native tress and the important role they play in this special ecosystem.

After your boat ride, a traditional Costa Rican lunch will be ready and waiting, providing a delicious and authentic experience.

As you make your way back to Guanacaste, we’ll make a quick stop to do a little shopping for local art, pottery, other handmade items or some locally grown coffee.

Pick up time: 9 am

Return time: 2 pm

Prices:   $145 pp (min 2 persons), $100pp (min 4 persons)

Please remember to bring: sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, and a copy of your passport and photo ID.

From: $ 100.00

Related tours

White Water Rafting on the Tenorio River

Tamarindo Beach and Surfing Tour

Rafting the Colorado River Class III – IV or Tubing and Cortez Waterfall

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Costa Rica Travel Information

Palo Verde National Park – One of the Best for Wildlife Watching

March 19, 2024 By Sammi 47 Comments

Palo Verde National Park is an extremely important area in Costa Rica as it encompasses over 45,000 acres (18,210 hectares) of the Tempisque Conservation area. This conservation area protects one of the most endangered ecosystems in Central America, tropical dry forest.

Furthermore, there are 15 different kinds of habitats from mangroves to swamps in Palo Verde, all home to thousands of animals throughout the year. During rainy season the Tempisque river overflows, creating the perfect habitat for the wildlife to spend their winter months.

For those that want to see wildlife in Guanacaste , the Palo Verde National Park boat tour is one of the best. It’s fun, does not require any walking or strenuous activity and just a little over a half day so you can be cruising down the river in the morning and watching the sunset at the beach a few hours later.

If you’d like to book this tour, please click here to go to our booking form.

Location Palo Verde National Park

Palo Verde National Park is in the Guanacaste province, 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the Guanacaste Airport.

Video of the Palo Verde National Park Boat Tour

We made a video of our private Palo Verde boat tour which you can watch below!

This video was taken in March, peak of dry season.

Palo Verde National Park Boat Tour

The best way to experience the national park is by taking a guided boat tour down the river to go wildlife watching. The boat tour is about 1.5 hours long, going down the Tempisque River in a 20-25 seater covered motorized river boat.

The Palo Verde National Park boat tour is an excellent half day trip from Playas del Coco, Tamarindo , Gulf of Papagayo , Flamingo , Potrero , Conchal and Liberia . It’s also a great tour for families and senior citizens have limited mobility but want to see wildlife and nature as there is no strenuous activity involved. There is minimal walking, as you just need to walk from the shuttle to the boat down the ramp. The guide and boat captain can assist if anyone needs help down the ramp.

Palo Verde National Park Animals

Here are some photos of the tour and animals. The most common animals you will see on the Palo Verde National Park boat tour are iguanas, crocodiles, white face monkey, howler monkey, herons and birds.

We have done this tour 4 times during different times of the year. March was a great time to see migratory birds and crocodiles. We went during low tide and there are a lot of crocodiles during low tide.

We have also went in November. During this time, we saw a ton more monkeys and iguanas. In May and August, we saw lots of crocodiles and baby crocodiles but not quite as many birds.

Sloths are not really found in this part of Costa Rica so no sloths in Palo Verde, sorry. Just in case, you can read about a wonderful rainforest and sloth tour from Guanacaste in this post if you do want to see sloths.

Things to Know About the Palo Verde Boat Tours

For the Palo Verde National Park boat tour, definitely bring your camera! DSLR would be perfect for this trip to capture those great shots and bring the telephoto zoom lens. A light jacket (during rainy season in case), binoculars if you have one to get a close up view, a wildlife field guide if you want, sunscreen with at least SPF 50, a hat, and bug repellent is a must.

The best time to go to Palo Verde National Park is during summer (December – April). This is because all the migratory birds are in Costa Rica so you will see way more birds. If you visit after May, you won’t see as many birds but you can see baby reptiles.

Palo Verde National Park Boat Tours

If you have a car and don’t want to book a full tour with transportation.

The national park itself does not offer guided boat tours. There are locals with their own boats, waiting at the boat dock but they speak very limited English and aren’t naturalist guides so you will need to hire a guide separately.

If you want to drive, you’ll meet the guide in Filadelfia and go together to the national park for the boat tour.

Book Your Palo Verde National Park Boat Tour!

If you do not have transportation and would like to book the full boat tour, please fill out the form and we’ll help you book the day trip! We can also help you book just the guide and boat, if you already have a rental car and do not require transportation.

Description

• Do you need transportation? * Choose your selection Yes No
• Tours include roundtrip transportation, bilingual guide, national park fee, lunch and refreshments. Requires a minimum of 2 people to operate. These are private tours so it will be just your group and the guide in the van (there may be other people in your boat but they will not be with your guide). Also includes a stop at the local "aranderos" (river sand collectors) and lunch is at a local family's house for a traditional meal, coffee and juice. Pick up time is around 7 AM and return is around 1-2 PM depending on your location. We will send the exact pick up time in your confirmation. We will email you prices after filling out the form.
• These tours do not include transportation. This service include bilingual English and Spanish guide, the boat, national park fee and lunch. You will meet the guide in the town of Filadelfia at 8 AM and then follow them in your car to the boat launch to do the tour. Once the boat and lunch service is over, the guide will leave and you may go on to your next destination. Return back to your hotel is around 2 PM, depending on your location.
• Main Contact Name * First Last
• Email * Enter Email Confirm Email
• Date * MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Other Available Dates
• Number of Adults * Adults 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
• Number of Children * Children 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
• Children's Ages *
• Location for Pick up and Drop Off * Where You Are Staying Zone 1: Liberia Zone 1: Playas del Coco/Ocotal Zone 1: Playa Hermosa Guanacaste Zone 1: Playa Panama Zone 1: Four Seasons/RIU/Secrets/Planet Hollywood Zone 2: Tamarindo Zone 2: Flamingo Zone 2: Potrero Zone 2: Conchal Zone 2: Brasilito Other
• Special Requests/Comments/Questions

Cancellations and Changes Policy

Want to read about other national parks in costa rica here you go.

Manuel Antonio National Park :  A popular national park in the Central Pacific with white sand beaches, hiking trails and lots of wildlife. About 3 hours from San Jose.

Barra Honda National Park :  A national park in Nicoya that protects dry tropical forest and has a plethora of caves. You can go hiking or take a guided caving tour.

Arenal Volcano National Park :  Popular national park in the Northern lowlands, near La Fortuna city. Has the Arenal Volcano and rainforest. Great hiking and views of the volcano and Lake Arenal.

Poas Volcano National Park :  Home to Poas Volano, one of the largest volcano craters. Newly reopened in 2018. Short walk to the volcano crater, reservations required. About a 1.5 hour drive from San Jose.

Tortuguero National Park :  One of the best national parks for wildlife, especially turtles and birds. No road access as it is made up of rainforest covered sandbars and canals. Must go via plane or boat.

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Reader Interactions

Esther Levy says

December 10, 2023

I stumbled on this great site and was so pleased that I did. We recently spent 8 days in Costa Rica, and the help from MyTanFeet was invaluable. We booked a car through them (Adobe), and a trip to Palo Verde (boat tour) with a fabulous guide (Randall) who pointed out sites and animals of interest on the way to the boat and throughout the boat trip. The MyTanFeet folks were responsive to all my questions, often within hours. I recommend them very highly!

December 12, 2023

Hi Esther, thanks for your comment and feedback! We’re very happy that everything went well and you had a great time. It was our pleasure to assist you.

April 10, 2023

I’ve been reading several of your articles about the Palo Verde/Tempisque River tours, either with Palo Verdo Boat Tours in Ortega or with Hacienda El Viejo.

One option I was considering is to visit and take the boat tour with Palo Verde en route from Tamarindo to Arenal, since we will have a car. My concern is obviously having luggage in the car, and can’t find information on where we would park and if it would be safe for the luggage. If not, then obviously I’d need to adjust my plans to do a day trip and back from Tamarindo. I’d rather not have a lot of backtracking with the cost of gas these days, but would rather do that than leave luggage in the car in an unsecured location.

Thank you for you guidance, and all of the blogs and articles you’ve put so much time into!

April 14, 2023

Hi Laura, we just sent you an email with more information, you can also book your tour with Hacienda El Viejo and get a discount for it here: https://mytanfeet.com/special-deals/hacienda-el-viejo-booking-page/

christine says

December 1, 2022

Hi! First and foremost, thank you so much for putting together this blog post/website. I’d share this with friends and family without a doubt. It’s going to be my first trip to Costa Rica and staying at the El Mangroove for 5 day. What would be your recommendations of must see or do, other than the Rincon de la Viega National Park? Also do you recommend signing up with a guided tour to visit these destinations? I know there is an inquiry that you provide for services does it include roundtrip transportation to and from the hotel? Thank you so much for your time and advice

January 19, 2023

Hello Christine, we sent you an email with information.

February 13, 2022

If you book a boat tour with a guide, but wish to drive there, where do you meet the guide and the boat?

February 14, 2022

In this case, you need to hire a guide first and the guide will make the arrangements to hire the boat because the boats stationed at Palo Verde do not automatically have guides, they are just boat drivers. Normally how this works is to hire a freelance guide, meet in Filadelfia and then follow the guide in your car to the park to do the tour.

Steve And Jana Miller says

May 14, 2021

We are interested in the Palo Verde boat tour but would drive ourselves. Can you hook us up with a guide?

Yes! Just sent you an email.

Delilah says

March 27, 2021

Hi I appreciate all the work you do and love the blog I was wondering where is the best place to get safe up close interactions with animals In Costa Rica?(with non caged animals)

March 30, 2021

Corcovado National Park is a great place to see wildlife, of course it is nature so there’s no guarantee for up close interactions, usually they are seen from a distance.

December 4, 2020

You can try to contact them and see if they will be open for your dates, they’ve been posting on Instagram. You can also message them on IG as they’re pretty active on there.

I would recommend to hire a private guide that can take you around Palo Verde National Park to the best spots to see the birds. We’ve also visited Hacienda EL Viejo for their boat ride down their private reserve that also has the Tempisque River. We also went on a short walk to a spot on their property where they have a very impressive pond area with hundreds of waterfowl including the jabirus.

November 30, 2020

It appears that Hotel Rancho Humo Estancia is temporarily closed since 2020/03. I could find a number of boat tours online but none caters my interests of watching wetland waterfowls. Is there any recommendation? I’ll rent an SUV to reach Palo Verde. Thanks!

Catherine says

February 12, 2020

Good evening, We are planning our trip to CR set for November 2020. We only have 7 nights and land at Liberia at 6pm. We know we want 3-4 nights at a beach location minimum. I wonder if we do NOT go to Arenal, amazing as it is, and instead get our rain forest, wetlands, nature hike experience on a long day trip to Palo Verde or someplace else you recommend. Or a one over-night. The 3 hour drive from Tamarino beach area to Arenal might be difficult for us so I welcome other ideas.

February 13, 2020

Hi Catherine, the forest in Arenal and Palo Verde are completely different. La Fortuna is tropical rain forest, Palo Verde has dry tropical forest so it is different nature. Both nice but different. November is towards the end of our rainy season though so Guanacaste (where Palo Verde is) will look very green for being dry rainforest, normally in summer it is dry and yellow but at the end of rainy season, it will be green.

N. Rizvi says

July 7, 2019

We did the Hacienda El Viejo tour two days ago – we enjoyed it and it is as you described it above. For those wishing to go: This place is outside the park and in fact 1.5 hours away from the Palo Verde Park itself. The tour goes up the river that forms a boundary with the park. They charged us for the price of the park ticket in their tour which we were not able to get to as it was too far away. Palo Verde boat tours is also outside the park and does not charge this fee.

Colette says

April 23, 2019

Found your website by chance searching for a day-trip from the W at Reserva Conchal and we took your recommendations and went to do the boat tour at El Viejo Wetlands with our rental car. None of our Costa Rica Travel Guide Books mentioned this, but it was really fantastic and we hugely enjoyed the tour. Many thanks it was an awesome experience.

April 24, 2019

Glad you had a great time! They run a very nice operation there.

Dany-Martin Leclaire says

February 24, 2019

Hello, I will be in Sámara next week and thinkink of staying extras days for birding and take pictures of wild Life. Is there any guided tour for this. Not necessarly on boat but i prefer land so i could get closer to take pictures. Regards

Hi Dany, I’d recommend talking to Samara Info Center and see if they can set you up with a guided walking tour of Palo Verde National Park. Most people go on the boat but they can see if they can arrange a tour on land.

December 11, 2018

Hi again. I am a little confused. We are staying in Huacas area during part of our time in CR in feb. We have our own transportation, do you recommend that we drive to El Viejo wetlands and do that tour vs the park tour? I’m thinking maybe you are recommending the park tour as a package including transport to and from, but if we have our own vehicle to just drive to the wetland? Either way, I am definitely interested in checking one or both of these out during our week in Guancaste. We are starting with 5 days in La Fortuna, then Huacas/ Basilito then quepos for a week each. cant wait!

Hi Kent, yes so at the national park, the park itself doesn’t offer guided boat tours. They have some locals who own a boat and will drive you around the river but they aren’t guides so you won’t have anyone pointing out animals or sharing information about the animals. So if you have a car and do want an actual guided tour, then it is better to go to El Viejo and do a guided boat tour there. If you don’t really care and just want to ride down the river, you can go with the locals at the park (they usually leave by noon or so).

Rob Rice says

September 16, 2018

Hi! I may have made a mistake today (Sept 16, 2018), but I will share my story in the hopes that it may help others. Perhaps things are different during rainy season. Using the GPS coordinates on the map on this message board I did get to the entrance of Palo Verde National Park. The cost for foreigners is now $12.00. The gentleman taking the fee did not speak English, but when I asked about a river boat cruise, he pulled out a map and drew a line to the river (I believe he said it was 18 km away). The dirt road was quite rough in spots, but being careful with my small rental car I was able to make it to the river. However, along the way I did not notice a “biological station” or did I see one on the map (I did see turtles, iguanas, cranes, deer, and what looked like wild boar). When I got to the dock as directed there is a sign that notes “Dear Visitor National Park Service Has No Boat Tours.” As I noted above, perhaps I misunderstood the messages, but it appeared to me if you showed up in the morning one would be able to take a river cruise. Not complaining, I found this site extremely useful and informative, just hoping to give back and maybe help others.

September 17, 2018

Hi Rob! Thanks for your feedback. You do need to get to the national park before 1 PM to catch a boat since that is when the last boat is and it is dependent upon availability if you don’t have reservations with a tour company. There are other places to go on a boat cruise on the same river (not in the national park) so probably the gentlemen pointed you to one of those places (El Viejo is another one). I’m glad at least you were able to see some animals, we appreciate your feedback!

March 5, 2018

I’m confused about where to find the boat tours. This suggests you can go right into the park, another site says boat tours start in Puerto Humo outside the park. Could you explain? Thanks!

There are several places to do boat tours down Rio Tempisque. You can do it in the national park or there are other private boat docks like El Viejo. I’m not sure about Puerto Humo but I know when you are in the park, you can hire a boat.

March 6, 2018

Perfect – thank you. We will follow your directions to get to the biological station and go from there.

September 30, 2017

Sorry – one more question: Is there anywhere to stay near Palo Verde? We were hoping to do one day at Catarata Llanos de Cortes, spend the night somewhere nearby, and then do a boat tour in Palo Verde the next day.

Not really… Palo Verde is in a local town called Filadelfia and there’s not really anything there. Liberia would be a good option though, close to both.

I’m really interested in seeing the Guatil indigenous village! Is this something that tours offer, or is it something I have to find myself? Any other info or tips about this? Thank you so much!

Hi Leah! Most of the tour companies combine the Palo Verde and Guatil visit together so you can ask them if they have any tours running for the day you want to go. It’s a popular tour so there’s a good chance to join one if you’re a solo traveler as most companies require a minimum of 2 -3 people for this tour.

yeison says

June 7, 2017

Hello Dyana, Another activity that you can do is to visit the Catarata Llaonos de Cortes Waterfall . It is very nice and great for children since it’s a beautiful waterfall with lots of places to have a picnic and enjoy. The only thing is that it is about a 1 hour drivef rom Playas del Coco but you can book a tour or rent a car which we recommend. You can stay at the waterfall for a whole day or half day. If you’d like to rent a car, we have an exclusive discount for our readers which includes free delivery and pick up at Playas del Coco. You can make a reservation or quote here: Costa Rica car rental discount .

June 6, 2017

I’m going in a couple of days with my family! I have one son (3years) and daughter (1 year) what would you recommend beside going to the beach? we will be near Playa Panama and Playa Cocos. Thank you very much for your recommendations!

Caroline says

January 17, 2017

Thanks for a great website. Are there hiking Maps somewhere online for this park?

There isn’t but most people take the boat ride as the hiking trails are fairly short and not well maintained. You can ask for a map at the park entrance office

March 9, 2016

Going down in June, the rainy season. Can you recommend a specific tour company? Ant other tips?

Yes! Randall from Shaman tours is excellent, I went with my parents and grandmother with him to Palo Verde and he’s super knowledgeable and an excellent naturalist guide. You can email him here to inquire about tours and book with him: [email protected]

January 4, 2015

You will find boats ready to go most of the times, you just have to show up but you need to go in the morning, they stop running boat tours in the afternoon.

April 30, 2016

Where is the best place to find a tour?

You can show up at the national park and hire a boat there, but if you don’t have your own transportation you’ll need to book a shuttle or go with a tour company.

Hi There – Last year we drove on our own to Palo Verde and got a boat tour. The cost of the boat tour was $15 us. I would like to do that again but can not find out what time the boats leave the dock. Would you know where I could find a departure time ? Thanks

Daniel says

November 21, 2014

Everyone seems to be quoting in USD but I would imagine they take their local currencies too 🙂 Do most places have prices in both as I don’t plan on bringing USD with me, would that be a problem?

Also regarding the Palo Verde NP, how are the tours organized? Can I find a tour in the park upon arrival or do I need to book a guide with someone outside of the park who will take me on the tour of the park. Also is there any decent hiking trails in the park to see the wild life?

Hi Daniel! Yep you can pay with colones or USD and you can ask them how much it will be in both currencies. You can book the Palo Verde tour with a tour company beforehand if you like and they will take care of the transportation and be your guide. We went with a tour company since we wanted transportation and a knowledgeable guide but I think you can go there yourself and book a boat. I’d suggest booking a tour since boat tours only run certain time of day and can fill up fast during high season. There are quite a few hiking trails in the park, but I’d check beforehand if you’re going in rainy season since it can get flooded with the river rising. It’s a great place to see tons of birds and wildlife!

Thank you for quick reply. Is there any tour companies that you would recommend?

Rachel M says

October 18, 2013

Nice article. BTW, do they charge different entrance fee rates between foreigners and locals in Costa Rica?

Yep! It’s $10 for foreigners and I think $1 or $2 for residents/citizens, they do this for all national parks too.

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Palo Verde Boat Tour

Palo Verde Tour  is the perfect half-day safari tour; enjoy the boat tour by the Tempisque River and discover the wildlife of the  Palo Verde National Park in Guanacaste.  Observe white face and howler monkeys, American crocodiles, birds, iguanas, and much more. The place is within one hour of driving, which makes it fast and easy to get to the place and drive back after your delicious lunch.

Palo Verde Tour  starts with a drive that will take you through watermelon, sugarcane, and melon plantations. We will also drive by picturesque villages where you can observe the authentic Guanacaste living style. The excursion is the perfect half-day nature discovery adventure; here, you will find the largest concentration of birds in Central America. Find species such as Herons, Egrets, Macaws, Kingfishers, and more; Palo Verde National Park is perfect for bird lovers.

Also, at  Palo Verde National Park , you will see a significant number of American crocodiles, big iguanas, white face and howler monkeys, bats, basilisks more known as   Jesus Christ lizards, scarlet macaws (on the season), and many other species of wildlife even some of them in extinction.

Palo Verde Boat Tour is a perfect option for families and groups interested in close contact with nature. After the boat tour, you will enjoy a typical lunch made on wooden ovens.  Palo Verde National Park is located only one hour from  Playas del Coco or Tamarindo Beach  areas, making this tour an excellent opportunity to discover flora and fauna of the area. Also, if you want, we can make a stop for a souvenir shop in one of the stores on the way back to your hotel or villa.

All our  Guanacaste tours  offer you private transportation, this way, we can give you a customized experience, and at the same time, we care about your safety.  This way, we allow you to change itineraries (if possible), make stops along the way, and enjoy the day at your own pace, without a rush.

Palo Verde Tour departs from  Playas del Coco , Playa Hermosa,  Ocotal,  and Riu Guanacaste Hotels. We also leave from  Andaz  Papagayo,  Planet Hollywood Guanacaste , and Four Seasons Peninsula. As well as Secrets Papagayo, Villas Sol, Occidental Papagayo, El  Mangroove  Resort among others. You can also enjoy our tours from  Tamarindo Beach , Flamingo, Playa  Conchal,  and Potrero.  

Palo Verde Boat Tour Photo Gallery

Take a look where you going, check our palo verde boat tour rates.

From Coco Beach, Playa Hermosa, Ocotal, Riu Guanacaste Hotels,  Secrets Papagayo, El Mangroove, Occidental Papagayo & Villas del Sol.   As well from  Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, Andaz Papagayo & Four Se asons Costa R ica

• Rate Plus Taxes

From Flamingo, Tamarindo Beach, Conchal & Potrero              please add $15 p.p

Includes  Private transportation, bilingual guide, lunch, entrance fee, and water.

What to Bring:  Hiking shoes or sandals, binoculars, camera, sunblock, hat, shorts, and insect repellent.

Departure  8.00 am / Return 2.00 pm approx..

Duration:  6 hours approx.

Daily departures.

2 guests min. to operate the tour.

Special rates for groups and families.

The taxes are not included.

Hiking Level:  No Hike

*Note: If you suffer from high or low-pressure problems, asthma, or any heart problem, please let our guide know and bring your medication with you. As well, if you have any knees, hip, and back problems that are difficult for you to made it to the boat, it is necessary that your inform to us before taking the tour .

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Palo Verde National Park – Guide to Visiting

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Palo Verde National Park is located along the Tempisque River in the northwest part of Costa Rica. It is easily accessible from Guanacaste and the northern part of the Nicoya Peninsula. 

This park is made up of flat tropical dry forests, extensive winding waterways, and tons of species of various birds. In total, the park spans over 45,000 acres. 

It is one of the most unique natural areas that Costa Rica has to offer and is typically less popular with tourists than many other national parks in the country. 

So, let’s plan your visit!

What to Expect at Palo Verde National Park

The national park is not an area you can hike in. Instead, it is typically visited with a boat tour down the waterways of the Tampisque River.

Sometimes these boat tours include the national park admission cost and sometimes you will need to purchase that yourself on top of the boat tour cost.

Map of Palo Verde National Park

I labeled three spots on this map which all provide tour options.

– The small town of Ortega has more than one tour company that you can contact. There is Jabiru Tours and Palo Verde Boat Tours.

– I marked Hacienda El Viejo Wetlands. This is a nice place to visit if you would like a full combo tour with boat ride, lunch, culture tour, and rum tasting. I talk more about this further in this post.

– Puerto Humo is a small town right on the Tampisque River. It is always possible to find a boat tour from here.

General Park Info

What to Bring

Shop All The National Park Essentials Here

If you are going for a day trip with boat tour we suggest bringing:

A Waterbottle

Pocket Binoculars

Your Camera

A Dry Bag (none of our stuff got wet on the boat, but if you have one, just bring it)

Sunglasses and glasses strap

What to Wear

Short sleeve Shirt

Lightweight pants or shorts

Sneakers or Water Shoes

Best Time of Year to Visit

It is best to visit the park during the dry season for optimal weather and because this is often when you will have the best luck seeing tons of birds gathered in the area.

During the dry season, water is scarce in other parts of the country, so many species of migratory birds gather here to enjoy the Tempisque River. 

On your Palo Verde boat tour you might spot a lot of wildlife, I know we did! Your boat guide will point out any animals you see and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

You might see:

Monkeys (howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys), crocodiles, iguanas, agoutis, and so much more! 

Bird Watching

Thomas has become a huge fan of bird photography in recent years. 

Which, is kind of fun, but after trips, I always go through our photos to see which pictures I can use for this website, and in recent years it’s like 300 bird pictures to every two scenery pictures. 

But, he loves it and I guess deep down I’m jealous that he has a hobby he’s so passionate about. 

Anyway, he really liked Palo Verde for bird watching so, if you are also a bird fanatic (or are traveling with a crazed bird fan), this is a good spot.

Some of the bird species you might see include: great curassows, scarlet macaws, roseate spoonbills, white ibis, wood storks, and jabirus. 

Best Ways to Visit Palo Verde

I wouldn’t say there is necessarily a “best way” to visit Palo Verde, but some ways will make more sense depending on your transportation options and where you are staying in the country.

If you are staying in a Guanacaste beach town and would like to see Palo Verde, taking a day trip with transportation , boat ride, lunch, and other activities is most likely the best option for you.

If you will have a rental car, you can also drive yourself directly to the Palo Verde area and arrange a tour from there. 

Tour to Palo Verde From Tamarindo

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars on Viator | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   6 Hours | ✅  Book it!

If you are staying in Tamarindo, we suggest this awesome tour. It includes:

Hotel Pickup : Start your journey with a pickup from your hotel, then travel through Guanacaste’s Sabanero (Cowboy Country) to Palo Verde National Park.

2-Hour Boat Safari on Tempisque River : Dive into nature on a boat safari along the Tempisque River, adjacent to Palo Verde National Park. With the expertise of a naturalist guide, you’ll spot a plethora of wildlife and bird species. And don’t forget to look out for monkeys, iguanas, and crocodiles along the riverbanks.

Costa Rican Style Lunch : After the safari, indulge in a delicious traditional Costa Rican meal.

Guaitil Pottery Village : Conclude with a visit to Guaitil Pottery village, renowned for its pre-Columbian Chorotega-style pottery. Learn, explore, and perhaps take home a piece of this artistry.

🦆 Check Prices and Availability of this Palo Verde Tour from Tamarindo! 🚤

Tour From Playa Flamingo to Palo Verde

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars on Viator | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   5 hours | ✅  Book it!

On this fun tour you will:

Scenic Drive : Embark on a ride through the picturesque country, leading you to the gateway of Palo Verde National Park.

Two-Hour River Cruise : Step onto a cruise along the Tempisque Rive. You’ll get the chance to marvel at the rich birdlife, from herons and storks to the vibrant roseate spoonbill. But it’s not just about the birds; watch playful monkeys swing from the trees, while crocodiles and large iguanas bask in the sun.

Authentic Costa Rican Meal : Conclude your day with a hearty, traditional Costa Rican meal.

🦆 Check Prices and Availability from Playa Flamingo 🚤

Palo Verde From Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, or Papagayo

This tour consists of:

Cultural Drive : Journey through the heart of Guanacaste, driving past sprawling sugar cane fields and quaint villages. Dive deep into the local culture and stories of this rich land.

Jungle Safari Cruise : Embark on a captivating safari cruise along the Tempisque River, where a nature guide will help you spot wonders like monkeys, coatis, crocodiles, and a myriad of migratory birds.

Authentic Costa Rican Meal : Culminate your day with a mouthwatering local lunch, offering a true taste of Costa Rican flavors.

🦆 Check Prices and Availability of this Palo Verde Tour! 🚤

Drive Yourself to Meeting Point

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars on Viator | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   3 hours | ✅  Book it!

If you want a really authentic experience, I suggest this tour which involves driving yourself to the starting point.

This is run by a local family. They are so nice and work hard to deliver the absolute best quality tours.

Plus, the make an amazing authentic lunch. I like that it is not just a wildlife tour but also a full cultural experience.

🦆 Check Price and Availability of this Palo Verde Tour! 🚤

Hacienda El Viejo

If you would like a bit more touristy experience, but one that is super high quality, we suggest booking through Hacienda El Viejo. 

Hacienda El Viejo is a place that offers boat tours which you can combine with lunch, cultural tours, and rum tours. I talk about our experiance at Hacienda El Viejo at the end of this post.

Our Experience at Palo Verde

Palo Verde had been on our list of must-visit places in Costa Rica for years, but we somehow had never made it there. Every time we read about visiting it seemed somewhat overwhelming and I couldn’t find great info. 

So, we finally decided to just scout it out and see what we could discover.

We drove to Playa Potrero (a cute village above Playa Flamingo ) and stayed at this awesome place for a few nights. The owners were away, but their adult son was running the place so we asked him for his advice on visiting Palo Verde. 

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He told us that he had previously camped at the ranger station on the east side of the park for several nights and that it was absolutely amazing. He even showed us pictures, so yes, I can confirm it looked beautiful.

But, we didn’t have the time or gear with us to take on a camping experience so we decided to try and enter from the west side. 

Note: I have since learned that this east side entrance is officially closed to the public and is now only used as a research area. So, the only way for you to visit is by boat tour. 

The next day we left early and started driving. We really had no idea where we were going. I had seen a few small boat tour places advertised online, but I really couldn’t find much info.

I had also read great things about Haciend El Viejo, but their website was down so I wasn’t able to book anything ahead of time.

Really, we wanted a national park entrance that would allow us to park our car and go for a decent hike. But, from talking to the host at our rental and with what I had read online, that seemed somewhat impossible with entering from the east side. Plus, it was rainy season and everything I read said that it would be a complete swamp land. 

Anyway, the drive was interesting. It was strange coming from the hilly coast into this total flatlands. We were on some very remote roads of just fields and cows on either side of us for miles and miles. Eventually, we came across a sign for Hacienda El Viejo, so decided to just go for it and see if they had any availability.

When we arrived at Hacienda El Viejo we went into their main building and spoke with their employee (who was so so nice and helpful). She said they could fit us in for a boat tour, lunch, and rum tour in the afternoon. Yeay!

Keep in mind that this was in July (rainy season) and in 2021 so tourism was wayyyy down. Thomas and I were the only people there. So, we walked around the property a bit (I mean…come on…how beautiful is this building?!?!) and then headed out to where the boat would leave. 

The boat tour lasted about 1.5 hours and since we were the only people we could stop for all the wildlife photos. Thomas was in heaven. 

After the boat tour, we drove to a nearby swampy area with birds. We saw tons of Black bellied whistling ducks, a few Jabiru, egrets, and wood storks.

When we arrived back at El Viejo we enjoyed a delicious traditional lunch.

After lunch, we took a rum tour. The rum tour consisted of a short walk through different stations to see how rum is produced. We were then given the chance to sample rum, add our own flavors, and purchase a bottle.

After that, we left and headed back toward the place we were staying. 

Overall, it was a really fun day that combined several great activities and I would highly recommend it.

FAQ: Palo Verde National Park

What animals are in the palo verde national park.

Here are some of the animals you may encounter in Palo Verde National Park: Birds: Including the roseate spoonbill, jabiru stork, and various species of herons. Reptiles: Including American crocodiles, green iguanas, and various species of turtles. Mammals: Including white-tailed deer, collared peccary (javelina), howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, raccoons, and coatis.

What is there to do at the Palo Verde National Park?

The most popular things to do at Palo Verde National Park is take a wildlife boat ride. Along the way you might see a lot of wildlife including several species of birds.

What is Palo Verde National Park known for?

Palo Verde National Park is primarily known for its rich biodiversity and its importance as a wetland and dry forest ecosystem.

In conclusion, Palo Verde National Park offers a immersive experience for nature-loving visitors. Its thriving wetlands, encompassing the Tempisque River’s floodplain.

The area provides a haven for a variety of bird species. Which also makes it a dream come true for birdwatchers.

And, that is all for planning a visit to Palo Verde National Park in Costa Rica. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you out.

You Might Also Like:

Birds of Costa Rica: The Most Unique and Where to See Them

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Costa Rica Travel Details : What You Need to Know

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Having a rental car will give you the most flexibility when traveling in Costa Rica. This will also allow you to take fun day trips on your own.

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We find that Viator tends to have the most comprehensive selection of activities with secure booking and good cancellation policies.

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Of course! I suggest joining our Facebook group for specific questions and head to our Start Here Page to get started planning.

✈️ What is the best way to book a flight?

Usually, we have the best luck finding great prices with Skyscanner . Check for flights to both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia Airport (LIR).

🛏️ What is the best way to book my Costa Rica hotels?

We highly suggest Booking.com for hotel bookings and typically use VRBO for Costa Rica vacation rentals.

🗣️ What is the main language in Costa Rica?

The main language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Most people working in tourism speak at least some English.

💰 What is the currency in Costa Rica?

The currency used in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). However, the US dollar is widely accepted in most tourist areas

📞 What is the best way to stay connected?

An eSIM from Airalo is the easiest way to get 4G data while traveling in Costa Rica.

🌴 Is Costa Rica safe?

Generally, Costa Rica is considered safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s best to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.

🛂 Do you need a passport to go to Costa Rica?

Yes, Costa Rica is its own country. You will need a passport to visit.

Hi! We’re Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er)

We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and since 2016 we have lived in sunny Costa Rica. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! Now we spend our days roaming the country to bring you the very best in Costa Rica travel here on Costa Rica Vibes. Sarah is the writer. Thomas is the one keeping it all together. Want the whole crazy story?

Sarah McArthur

Sarah McArthur is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes. She is originally from the United States but has lived in sunny San Jose, Costa Rica since 2016.  She has traveled all over the country and now considers herself a self-proclaimed Costa Rica travel expert.  Want the whole crazy story?

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Palo Verde Wildlife River Boat Cruise

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Begin your day with a sunrise adventure in one of the world's most diverse ecosystems, Palo Verde National Park. This destination is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting 15 distinct ecological zones, from dry forests to mangrove swamps. Here, you can encounter Costa Rican crocodiles, playful monkeys, graceful iguanas, vibrant parrots, and a stunning array of exotic birds.  

Located within the Tempisque River Conservation Area in Guanacaste, this park is dedicated to preserving vital floodplains, marshes, limestone ridges, and seasonal pools against the encroachment of civilization. Its remarkable avian diversity was a driving force behind its creation, making it a significant hub for bird species in Central America.  

The Palo Verde National Park Riverboat Tour takes you on a journey along the Tempisque River, where you'll witness an impressive concentration of waterfowl, offering a captivating experience for birdwatchers and nature lovers. This tour allows you to immerse yourself in the heart of this unspoiled wilderness and gain a deep appreciation for the park's vital role in safeguarding Costa Rica's natural treasures.

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Ready to plan your day at Palo Verde National Park? Simply click "Book Now" to check availability, select your preferred date and time or just to get a price quote. No need to pay the full amount upfront; just make a small deposit to secure your spot. You can settle the payment when you arrive for the tour after finalizing your choice of activities. We suggest our self-transportation option, where our guides will meet you on-site. Need a rental vehicle? We've got you covered – we can drop one off for you and pick it up when you're done. Plus, you're guaranteed the best price, and you can explore Palo Verde at your own pace. Get ready for an amazing day – reserve your spot now!

• Traditional lunch included
• Includes riverboat tour
• Licensed and insured
• Bi-lingual guides
• Transportation available
• Approximately 2 hours
• Palo Verde National Park
• Palo Verde River Boat Area
• River Boat Cruise

Palo Verde Boat Tour

• 0-99 years old
• 2-12 People
• Tipical Meal

Embark on a visual safari offering you a unique and memorable adventure on the Tempisque River surrounding the Palo Verde National Park.

This is a great opportunity to admire several animals in their natural habitat such as white face monkeys, wild turkeys, howler monkeys, coatis, herons and more.

Along the banks of Río Tempisque, you can catch a glimpse of sleepy-eyed crocodiles sunning themselves on the sand or gliding through the water.

Tempisque is one of Costa Rica’s areas rich in biodiversity, and a patient nature aficionado will enjoy spotting creatures such as iguanas, basilisk, waterfowl and a few species of monkeys.

The Palo Verde Boat Tour is available as a Featured Tour every Tuesday, but you can customize this tour any other day of the week.

For bird watchers, this is one of the best opportunities in Guanacaste and Costa Rica.  A verdant, lush experience, this boat tour therefore offers brilliant photography. With the river basin and marshlands, more than one hundred species birds are able to flourish in a natural habitat.

The environment also invites migrating bird species that include night herons, wood storks, roseate spoonbills, cattle egrets, great egrets, and more.

This tour offers a larger-than-life experience for the tourist and connoisseur in the know. Hidden away among the limestone hills and on the shore of Costa Rica’s largest river, Tempisque is an experience like no other.

What to bring:

• Comfortable clothing
• Running shoes (no sandals or flip flops)
• Camera and your amazing smile
• Insect repellent
• Bottle of water
• Photocopy or electronic copy of passport in cell phone
• Money for gratuities to chauffeur and guides
• First class transportation
• Professional bilingual guides
• Entree fees to Palo Verde National Pak and all sites
• Delicious typical lunch with non-alcoholic beverage

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Our on-demand excursions are designed to be personalized based on your vacation goals. We will offer you a rate based on the number of people in your group, your chosen date and your accommodation location.

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Costa Rica is an amazing country. Always have your cameras or binoculars on hand in order to capture that special memorable moment. Our guides will be happy to stop along to way to allow you to take those amazing photos.

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Please help us protect the wildlife. Never feed the animals as their diet as they need to maintain their hunting skills to survive in the jungle. Also please never touch the animals.

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Palo Verde Boat Tour

View an Abundance of Wildlife in their Natural Habitat!

• INFORMATION

Palo Verde Boat Tour Costa Rica

Book online now!

Embark on a captivating 1 hour and 20-minute boat safari through Palo Verde National Park, where you’ll encounter Costa Rica’s rich wildlife, from crocodiles to monkeys. Following the safari, indulge in a hearty Costa Rican lunch to recharge, before diving into a fascinating presentation on Chorotega pottery, learning about its intricate designs and cultural significance. It’s a day filled with adventure, culture, and delicious cuisine, offering a memorable glimpse into the wonders of Costa Rica.

2 hour Boat Safari on the Tempisque Rive

View Wildlife such as Crocodiles, Monkeys, Birds, Iguanas, & More!

View Wildlife in their Natural Habitat

Costa Rica Style Lunch

Bilingual Naturalist Guide

Chorotega Pottery Presentation

Door-to-door service

Pick-up and Drop-off at your hotel, condo or private residence

Shared Tour & Transportation

Adults: $115 per person

Children Ages 4-11: $95 per person

Ages 0-3: Free

Private Tour:

2-3 People $195 per person

4+ People $140 per person 

Palo Verde Boat Tour Itinerary

Hotel pick up.

You will be picked up from your hotel journey one hour through the back roads of Guanacaste’s Sabanero (Cowboy Country) Province to Palo Verde National Park.

Palo Verde Boat Safari

After a scenic guided drive, you will then hop into your boat and spend one hour and twenty minutes on the Tempisque River that borders the Palo Verde National Park. This river is best known for its murky water and spectacular wetlands. Your naturalist guide will help to spot wildlife in the dry tropical forest and mangroves. There are over 600 different species of birds, both local and migratory. Appropriately, this tour is a real treat for bird watchers, as you’ll have the chance of spotting storks, egrets, spoonbills, grebes and more. Also be on the lookout for monkeys, iguanas, scarlet macaws, anteaters, crocodiles and caimans, which can often be seen lingering along the banks of the river.

After your boat safari, you will be taken to eat a plentiful typical Costa Rican style meal called a Casado. This usually consists of rice, beans, salad, plantains, choice of meat, and more. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

Following lunch, make a quick stop for a Chorotega pottery presentation. Here, you’ll learn about the ancient artistry and cultural significance of Chorotega pottery. Marvel at the intricate designs and vibrant colors as you gain insight into the traditions of this indigenous community.

Transportation Info

We pick up from the hotels, condos and private residences in the following areas:

Hacienda Pinilla/JW Marriott: 6:30 AM Langosta/Tamarindo: 7:00 AM Grande, Conchal, Brasilito, Flamingo, Potrero: 7:00 AM Las Catalinas – 7:00 am RIU Guanacaste & RIU Palace MAIN GATE, Not the lobby: 7:00 AM Playas del Coco: 7:20 AM Playa Hermosa & Playa Panama (Villas Sol, Condovac, Secrets Papagayo, Occidental Papagayo, Mangroove): 7:30 AM Liberia Peri Supermarket: 7:00 AM Andaz, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood – 7:00 am

Pick up times above are an estimate. We will send you an official pick up time the day before the tour. Please be ready outside 10 minutes before your scheduled pick up time, but it can take up to 20 minutes longer depending on the day’s pick up schedule and traffic.

Special Notes

• 2 person minimum, if you are a single traveler, contact us to see which dates are open
• We operate this tour rain or shine!
• In effort to eliminate single use plastic bottles on our tours, please bring a reusable water bottle.
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
• Children need to be accompanied by an adult at all times

Cancellation Policy

Departure/return location, departure time, return time, not included, from our gallery.

Palo Verde Boat Tour Photos

Tour Location

Native's Way

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Finca Verde Tour and Llanos de Cortes Waterfall

Free vacation planning.

Experience the magic of nature with our "Finca Verde Tour and Llanos de Cortes Waterfall" excursion. Nestled in the northern rainforests of Costa Rica, Finca Verde is a family-run eco-tourism project that has transformed its land into an organic paradise over the past two decades. Here, ornamental and medicinal plants, along with organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs, thrive in harmony with nature. The farm also boasts a butterfly garden and laboratory, where rare butterflies and frogs are lovingly reproduced and released back into their natural habitats. This commitment to organic farming and conservation has created a haven for diverse wildlife, including hummingbirds, toucans, sloths, frogs, lizards, butterflies, and snakes, making Finca Verde a tropical oasis nestled between two volcanoes in the rainforest.

After exploring the wonders of Finca Verde, our journey continues to the stunning Llanos de Cortés waterfall. These falls are a breathtaking sight, with wide cascades of water gently flowing over moss-covered rocks. The transparent cascade reveals rocky cliffs beneath, adding to the natural grandeur. Surrounding the falls, a lush forest teems with birdlife, and the occasional chorus of monkeys echoes from the treetops, enhancing the enchanting atmosphere.

Our all-inclusive package covers transportation, a delicious lunch, the expertise of a guide, and entrance fees. To make the most of this adventure, wear comfortable clothing and hiking shoes, and don't forget your bathing suit, change of clothes, sandals, binoculars, camera, sunblock, and a hat. Join us for the Finca Verde Tour and Llanos de Cortez Waterfall expedition, where you'll discover the beauty of Costa Rica's rainforests, organic farming, and the wonders of a hidden tropical paradise.

What to Bring

• Comfortable Clothes
• Hiking Shoes
• Bathing Suits
• Change Of Clothes

Location and Availability

The Finca Verde Tour and Llanos de Cortes Waterfall is available from Central Guanacaste, Jobo, Papagayo Peninsula, Playa Hermosa, Coco, Southern Papagayo, and Tamarindo

• Learning Family

Cancellation Policy

Finca Verde Tour and Llanos de Cortes Waterfall: Cancellation Policy

Recommended ages.

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Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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