Ponderosa Adventure Park is in Liberia, in Guanacaste province, Costa Rica, and mixes a wildlife safari with outdoor activities. Safari tours pass giraffes and zebras, and you can feed them by hand with carrots bought at the park. The park also has ziplining, river tubing and a waterfall pond where you can cool off. Lunch is served on site, with Costa Rican dishes in generous portions.
The safari and the animals
The safari is the core of the park. Tours drive through the grounds, where giraffes and zebras are kept with plenty of room to move. Guides explain the animals and their feeding, and they make sure you get time to interact with them.
Carrots for feeding are sold at the park, separately from admission. One visitor's group of four bought about six bags, which was enough to feed every animal without rushing. Buying more carrots than you think you need is the safe choice.
Water, ziplines and play areas
Outside the safari, the park offers ziplining and river tubing. A lazy river, a playground and arcade games add to the activities for families with younger children.
The waterfall pond is a cool place to swim, with a lifeguard or employee watching from the side. Life jackets are available for adults and older children, but the park does not have sizes for infants, toddlers or small children. Families with children under 5 should plan to stay close to the shore.
Photos and Costa Rican food
The photography package is sold separately. A professional photographer on an ATV takes photos during the visit, so you can enjoy the animals with both hands free. One visitor paid about $35 for 15 photos. Ask at the desk how the package works before the safari starts.
The restaurant serves Costa Rican cuisine, and guides often recommend it for lunch. Portions are large, so one plate may be enough for a lighter appetite. The park also has a bar on site for drinks between activities.
Getting around and access
The park has a paid parking lot, on-site parking and valet parking. Baggage storage and lockers are available, which helps if you plan to swim or zipline.
The entrance, restrooms, parking lot and seating are wheelchair accessible. Guides explain a mosaic in the park and talk about the history of the country during the tour, which adds local context to the animal visit.
Perguntas frequentes
Can you feed the giraffes and zebras?
Yes. Visitors feed giraffes and zebras up close with carrots, which are sold at the park. Buy several bags per group.
Do you need to book tickets in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended. Arriving early in the morning also helps you avoid crowds on the safari tours.
Is Ponderosa Adventure Park good for young children?
The park has a playground, a lazy river and family-friendly activities. Children under 5 may need to stay near the shore at the waterfall, because no life jackets are sized for small children.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, restrooms, parking lot and seating are wheelchair accessible.
