Palo Verde Biological Station

Country

Costa Rica

Description

Palo Verde is one of the most important sanctuaries in Central America for migrating and resident species of waterfowl. Visitors would discover the natural beauty of the tropical dry forest and the magnificent wetlands, a rich mosaic that encompasses 15 different habitats. During most of the year, the marshes, which can be seen from the station and reached in a few minutes walk, provide shelter for herons, storks, egrets, grebes, ibis, ducks, jacanas and other waterfowl and web-footed birds, many which are migratory. In 1968 the Palo Verde area was chosen as a dry forest site for an OTS project on comparative ecosystem studies funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation. This area is one of the few in Central America with remnants of tropical dry forest. Due to the seasonal concentration of wading birds in its wetlands and the protection of last remnants of neotropical dry forest, the government of Costa Rica declared the site as a National Wildlife Refugee in 1977. In 1980, an adjacent property was aggregated to the conservation unit, and since then both the wildlife refugee and the new propriety become to form what today is known as Palo Verde National Park, with a total extension of 19,800 Ha. Before becoming a National Park, Palo Verde had been a cattle ranch for more than 50 years. It is believed that heavy grazing along with seasonal fires were the two main forces keeping the seasonal wetland free of invading plant species, such as cattails.

Station Rates (US dollars) Valid from: December 14, 2007 - December 15, 2008 All inclusive
Rates per person per night Foreign Costaricans & Residents
Single $88 Double $82 Additional person $60 Children (5-12 years) $34 The rate includes: Lodging, three meals, local taxes, and one guided walk per stay. Children under 5 years are free of charge when sharing room with parents.

Location

Parque Nacional Palo Verde, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Distance from San José: 4:00 hr, 230 km. Within the Palo Verde National Park on the Pacific slopes of Guanacaste Province in northwestern Costa Rica (10° 21' N, 85° 21 W). The 20,000-hectare park has seasonally dry forest on limestone outcrops and extensive wetland vegetation bordering the Tempisque River that flows into the Gulf of Nicoya. Palo Verde Biological Station is located in the Province of Guanacaste, 1 hour southwest of Bagaces on an unpaved road (28 km, 17 miles), from San José, it is 4:30 hours, from Puntarenas, 3 hours, and from Liberia 1:30 hours. To get there, take Route 1 (Carretera Interamericana) north from San José (follow signs towards Nicaragua) to Bagaces. Once you arrive at Bagaces, go south west on the unpaved road opposite to the gas station. The gravel road is rough and requires slow travel. You will encounter several forks in the road, follow signs.

Advice to our visitors

Prescription medicines as needed, good walking shoes, hot weather clothes, insect repellent, umbrella or rain jacket, flashlight, binoculars, sun screen, film and camera extra batteries, plastic bags to keep film/paper dry. Most of these items are also found at the gift shop.

Prices

Till Dec 15, 2008. Single room. Includes: lodging, three meals, one half walk per stay and taxes: U$S 88
Till Dec 15, 08. Double room (p/person). Includes: lodging, 3meals, one half walk per stay and taxes: U$S 82
Till Dec 15, 2008. Additional person. Includes: lodging, 3 meals, one half walk per stay and taxes: U$S 60
Till Dec 15, 2008. Children (5-12 years): U$S 34
Children under 5 years are free of charge when sharing room with parents.: U$S 0

Prices shown are subject to changes. Please consult.

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