Walter Thilo Deininger Park

The Deininger park protects around seven square kilometres of dry tropical forest on the coastal hills east of La Libertad, one of the better remaining fragments of a forest type that has been almost entirely cleared along this coast. Trails run through the forest and down the canyon of the Amayo river to the sea, with rock pools, a cave, viewpoints over the Pacific and a beach at the bottom. Deer, agouti, iguanas, armadillos and a good bird list live in the park. The forest loses its leaves in the dry season, which changes it completely between visits. A guide is required for the longer routes and is arranged at the entrance.

What you actually see

• Dry tropical forest - the deciduous woodland, bare in the dry months.
• The river canyon - the Amayo gorge running down to the sea.
• Coastal viewpoints - the outlooks over the Pacific from the ridges.
• Wildlife - deer, iguanas, armadillos and forest birds.

When to go

November to April for the trails; the forest is leafless then, which opens the views and makes wildlife easier to see, while the rains green it and make the paths difficult. Early morning is best for animals.

Honest expectations

Guides are required for the longer trails and arranged at the gate. The descent to the sea is steep and the climb back hard in heat. There is little water on the routes. The park closes on some weekdays.

Nearby

La Libertad lies west; the coast road runs east toward Costa del Sol.