If birds are what you want to see, then Palo Verde National Park in Costa Rica’s northern province of Guanacaste should be at the very top of your travel list. While Costa Rica is famous worldwide for its rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches, Palo Verde stands apart as one of the most important birding destinations in all of Central America. The reason is simple: during the peak migration season, more than half a million birds converge on this remarkable wetland ecosystem, creating one of the greatest avian spectacles in the Western Hemisphere.
From mid-December through mid-March, birds fleeing the harsh winter conditions of North America migrate south and find refuge in the shallow marshlands of Palo Verde. Here, they feast on abundant small fish, insects, and aquatic plant life. For bird lovers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, this park is nothing short of paradise.
Why Palo Verde Is a Birding Paradise
The biggest attraction of Palo Verde National Park is, without question, the birds. The park protects an extensive network of freshwater and brackish marshes, mangrove swamps, river systems, and tropical dry forest, all of which create ideal habitats for an astonishing variety of bird species.
Visitors can expect to see:
- Egrets
- Herons
- Storks
- Spoonbills
- Ibis
- Ducks
- Cormorants
- Hawks and raptors
- And dozens upon dozens of additional species
Some birds are year-round residents, while others are migratory visitors that dramatically increase the park’s population during the dry season. At peak times, the sheer number of birds is almost overwhelming. You don’t just see them—you hear them, feel their presence, and watch the sky and wetlands come alive with movement.
Bird Island (Isla de Pájaros): A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
One of Palo Verde’s most famous and unforgettable highlights is Bird Island, or Isla de Pájaros, located in the middle of the Tempisque River within the park boundaries. This small island serves as a nesting and resting site for thousands upon thousands of birds.
Seeing Bird Island for the first time is an experience that stays with you forever. From a distance, the island appears almost white, as if snow has fallen in tropical Costa Rica. As you get closer, you realize that the “snow” is actually dense clusters of white birds perched in trees, covering branches from top to bottom.
I had never seen so many birds gathered in one place in my life.
This is where binoculars are essential. With them, you can observe nesting behavior, feeding rituals, and interactions between different species. Without binoculars, you will still be amazed—but with them, you will be enthralled.
Our Journey from San José to Palo Verde
We departed from San José early on a cool January morning for what we called our “Unique Costa Rica Journey.” Our destination: Palo Verde National Park. We were a group of ten enthusiastic travelers, all hoping to experience Costa Rica’s legendary birdlife.
We headed north on the Inter-American Highway (Highway 1), passing through scenic landscapes that gradually shifted from the lush Central Valley to the drier plains of Guanacaste. After approximately four hours of driving, we arrived at a small settlement called Bagaces.
Across from the gas station in Bagaces, we turned west onto a gravel dirt road. At first, we weren’t entirely sure we were going the right way. The road forked more than once, and signage was minimal. But we continued following signs pointing toward Refugio de Fauna Silvestre and Palo Verde National Park.
The drive from Bagaces to the park felt long—around 17 miles (about 28 kilometers)—and the road was rough and uneven. This is not a route suited for a small car. We were grateful to be traveling in a jeep, which handled the terrain far better.
Staying at the Biological Station
We spent the night at the Organization of Tropical Studies (OTS) Biological Station, located inside the park. We had called ahead to make reservations, as accommodations here are limited.
The station is rustic—think of it as comfortable camping, similar to a Girl Scout experience rather than a hotel stay. But what it lacks in luxury, it more than makes up for in atmosphere and authenticity. You are surrounded by nature, far removed from noise, traffic, and modern distractions.
The meals were classic Costa Rican “comida típica”—simple, hearty, and delicious. After a long day of walking trails and observing birds, the food tasted especially good.
Exploring the Trails of Palo Verde
Palo Verde National Park has three main walking trails, each offering a different perspective on the park’s diverse ecosystems. We set out early in the morning, when bird activity is at its peak.
Our guide explained that the park was established not only to protect birds, but also to conserve:
- Tropical dry forest (an increasingly rare ecosystem)
- Freshwater and brackish wetlands
- Mangrove swamps
- Native wildlife
Unlike Costa Rica’s rainforests, this region receives less annual rainfall, giving rise to dry forest vegetation that looks very different depending on the season.
As we walked along the trails, birds were everywhere—wading, flying, feeding, and calling. We also encountered a group of howler monkeys beginning their day. Their deep, echoing calls rolled across the wetlands, adding an unforgettable soundtrack to the experience.
The Magnificent Jabiru Stork
One of the most exciting sightings of our trip was the Jabiru Stork. Our guide told us that this magnificent bird is a permanent resident of Palo Verde, and also one of the rarest and most endangered birds in the region.
The Jabiru Stork is the tallest flying bird in Central and South America. An adult male can stand nearly five feet tall, with a wingspan of up to eight feet, and weigh around 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds). Despite its size, it is incredibly graceful in flight.
Seeing a Jabiru Stork in the wild is a privilege. Watching it move slowly through the marshes, scanning for prey, was one of the highlights of the entire journey.
More Birds at Every Turn
As we continued along the trails, we spotted:
- White egrets wading gracefully through shallow water
- Blue herons standing motionless before striking at fish
- Ducks gliding quietly across the marshes
- Ibis probing the mud with curved beaks
Every bend in the trail revealed something new. Big birds, small birds, solitary birds, and flocks moving as one—it was a continuous, ever-changing display of life.
Boat Trip to Bird Island
The following morning, we hired a small boat to take us along the Tempisque River to Bird Island. This boat trip alone is worth the visit to Palo Verde.
As we approached the island, the sound was overwhelming—thousands of birds calling, flapping, and interacting. The visual impact was just as powerful. Birds covered every available surface, turning the island into a living, breathing mass of feathers.
It was, without exaggeration, one of the most incredible wildlife experiences I have ever had.
More Than Just Birds
While birds are the star attraction, Palo Verde also offers opportunities to see other wildlife, including:
- Howler monkeys
- Capuchin monkeys
- White-tailed deer
- Crocodiles along the riverbanks
This diversity makes the park appealing even for travelers who are not exclusively bird watchers.
Practical Tips for Visiting Palo Verde
Best Time to Visit:
Mid-December through mid-March, during Costa Rica’s dry season, when migratory birds are present.
What to Bring:
- Binoculars (essential)
- Camera (amazing photo opportunities)
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
Clothing:
Lightweight cotton clothing is best. The weather is very warm. Comfortable walking shoes or tennis shoes are sufficient—hiking boots are not necessary.
Food:
If you are not staying overnight at the biological station, bring a sack lunch and bottled water. There is no public restaurant inside the park, though restrooms are available at the ranger station.
Final Recommendation
For bird lovers, Palo Verde National Park is unmatched. It offers one of the richest birding experiences in Costa Rica, combined with beautiful landscapes, fascinating ecosystems, and opportunities to see other wildlife.
Whether you are a seasoned birder or simply someone who appreciates nature at its most vibrant and alive, Palo Verde will exceed your expectations.
I highly recommend Palo Verde National Park—it is, without question, one of Costa Rica’s greatest natural treasures.