Drift through the heart of Palo Verde National Park on a covered skiff along the Tempisque River—spot crocodiles lounging on the banks, vibrant scarlet macaws overhead, and playful howler monkeys—then enjoy a riverside lunch and guided dry-forest hike through this biodiverse Costa Rican sanctuary.
With Transportation: Adult (11 and older): $192 / Child (ages 5–10): $153
No Transportation: Adult (11 and older): $80 / Child (ages 5–10): $80
Set out on a full-day Palo Verde National Park Day Trip and immerse yourself in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through Guanacaste’s patchwork of cattle ranches, sugarcane fields, and tropical dry forest—a landscape alive with roadside iguanas and foraging toucans. Upon arrival at the Tempisque River, board a covered skiff for a tranquil boat safari beneath a canopy of mangroves. As you glide through mirrored waters, look for crocodiles basking on sunlit banks, bright-red scarlet macaws calling from the treetops, and agile howler monkeys swinging overhead.
After the river cruise, indulge in a riverside lunch at a rustic lodge, where traditional “gallo pinto,” fresh grilled fish or chicken, and sweet tropical fruits are served with locally grown coffee or juice. Refreshed, embark on a guided nature walk along shaded trails, where your bilingual naturalist will explain the intricate relationships between the park’s towering ceiba and Guanacaste trees, its seasonal wetlands, and the diverse birdlife that depends on them. Throughout the day, you’ll gain insight into Palo Verde’s critical role in regional conservation and witness firsthand how local communities collaborate to protect this ecological treasure.
Departure is from your hotel in Sámara or Puerto Carrillo.
If you are arriving from another location, you’re welcome to meet us at our office. We’re located across the street from Roots Bakery, on Sámara’s main road.
7:30 a.m.
Depart from your hotel in Sámara or Carrillo Town in a comfortable, air-conditioned van. Enjoy panoramic views of rolling hills dotted with cattle and roadside villages, as your guide points out native flora and explains local farming practices.
The designated meeting location will be included in your tour confirmation; please ensure you arrive on time.
Arrive at the riverbank and climb aboard a covered boat. Drift silently under towering mangroves, where sunlight filters through a cathedral of branches. Spot American crocodiles dozing on sandbars, troops of white-faced capuchin monkeys leaping between trees, and colorful kingfishers darting above the water’s edge.
Keep binoculars trained on treetops for scarlet macaws and woodpeckers. Your guide will share expert knowledge on each species’ behavior, habitat needs, and the ongoing efforts to preserve their nesting sites.
Dock at a charming riverside lodge built on stilts above the water. Savor a traditional Costa Rican meal—gallo pinto with scrambled eggs, grilled local fish or chicken, sweet plantains, and freshly squeezed juice—while enjoying river views and the calls of toucans overhead.
Venture onto shaded forest trails, where the guide will point out medicinal plants, explain how Native communities use these resources, and describe the unique adaptations that allow wildlife to thrive during the dry season.
Board the van for the drive back to Sámara or Carrillo, reflecting on your sightings and the park’s conservation story. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon, enriched by a deeper connection to Costa Rica’s natural heritage.
We accept payment in Costa Rican colones (CRC) or US dollars (USD). You're welcome to pay in either currency – just let us know your preference in advance, if possible.
We love sharing nature with our guests, and we do our best to provide the best possible experience. However, it's important to remember that wildlife sightings and water visibility can never be guaranteed, as they depend on natural conditions beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding!
If our staff determines that weather conditions are unsafe or unsuitable for the tour, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund. Safety comes first.
Cancellation and prepayment policies may vary depending on the tour operator. Our policy is as follows: Cancellations made 48 hours or more before the activity are eligible for a full refund. If you cancel between 36 and 48 hours before the activity, a 50% refund will be issued. Cancellations made less than 36 hours before the activity are non-refundable.
Join us and discover the natural beauty of Costa Rica.
