city: Guanacaste

Palo Verde National Park Tour with River Tempisque Cruise

Nourished by the River Tempisque, the fertile lands of Palo Verde National Park provide sanctuary to a mind-boggling line-up of exotic birds and other wildlife. This tour gives you exclusive access to the reserve, world-renowned for its biodiversity and natural beauty. Jose, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Palo Verde is home to around 280 different species of birds, but the most common are waterfowl and forest birds – there's an estimated 50,000 of them living there.'Your adventure kicks off with a cruise down the Tempisque. And being the only boat out on the river at this time of day means you'll have it all to yourself. What better way to get up close to wild animals in their natural habitat? You'll enjoy unobscured views of a multitude of nesting birds – there's a vast number of heron species – howler monkeys, iguanas and even crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.Next, you'll witness and partake in a ‘trapiche' – the centuries-old sugarcane processing method. Learn to prepare your own local snacks such as tortilla, washed down with a cup of world-famous Costa Rican coffee. Then, it's off to Casa de Sabaneros for a taste of cowboy culture. Thanks to their sun-leathered skin and wide-brimmed hats, the sabaneros – also known as the ‘cowboys of Guanacaste' – evoke the Old West. You'll meet the cattle-ranching community and learn all there is to know about horsemanship. What's more, your visit contributes directly to the ranch's upkeep.