Holidays to Tempisque River

The rivers’ dry tropical rainforest is an important habitat for several different species of monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, migratory and aquatic birds such as the roseate spoonbill and bare-throated tiger heron. The southern leg passes through the Palo Verde National Park and in the wet season spreads out to form extensive marshes that welcome migrant birds from across the Americas. As the dry season (December to May) progresses the marshes shrink to isolated patches and pools, and the migrant birds depart for their summer nesting grounds in temperate climates. At this time many of the resident tropical bird species nest on a small mangrove island in the river known as Isla de Pajaros (bird island), which provides excellent opportunities for bird watching.  The Tempisque river bridge was built to link the Nicoya peninsula to Southern Guanacaste and reduce travel time to San Jose.  It was funded as a gift from the Taiwanese government and opened in 2002.  The government subsequently cut off trade relations with Taiwan in favour of China - the locals now call it the ‘Backstab’ bridge !