Reminiscent of Jurassic World, Dino Park is a one-of-a-kind attraction that’s bound to bring out the child in all of us.
With over twenty different dinosaur species reaching lengths of up to 22 meters, there’s no doubt Dino Park will quickly become a beloved stop for tourists and locals alike.
The park’s development began about six months ago when Blue River Resort & Spa owner, Daniel Apelboin proposed the idea to the rest of the team. Quickly they began their research.
When it came time for Apelboin to visit Chinese factories and select which dinosaurs would be included, the grinful 66-year-old recounted his decision process as a chance to relive his childhood. By imagining his 10-year-old self, Apelboin tried to select which specimens would be most amazing to kids visiting the park in Costa Rica.
Redefining Ecotourism
Dino Park in Upala, Costa Rica is the only theme park in Latin America that intertwines animatronic dinosaurs with the natural environment. In its entire construction, says Apelboin, not one single tree was cut down. Rather, they arranged the trails and specimens to fit according to the natural pattern of the forest.
Furthermore, the Dinosaur robotics utilize energy efficient technologies such as motion sensors set to react to passing tourists. Each movement uses the same amount of electricity as turning on a light bulb, says director Marisol Barrios Zuñiga.
Social Impact
The Dos Rios community, closest to Blue River and Dino Park has one of the lowest development indexes of the entire Upala region. Thankfully these the resort and its new Dino Park offer both jobs and an opportunity for infrastructural investment.
During last weekend’s press release, Apelboin expressed his gratitude to the Upala people, without whom Dino Park would not have been possible to construct in just four short months.
According to Alberto Lopez Chavez, General Manager of the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT), the inauguration of Dino Park gives ICT a chance to advocate on behalf of the surrounding community and incoming tourists for better roads.
Unlike Blue River which initially acquired funding from the United States, Dino Park was put together using exclusively local resources including profits from the resort and financing from Banco Nacional.
Walk with Dinosaurs
The new park, located about 1.5 hours north of Liberia, will be open from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week. Tourist entrance to the trails is $25 for adults and $15 for children; Costa Rican citizens will received discounted rates.
Nevertheless, as part of Apelboin’s passion for childhood education, Blue River will work out special packages for schools and other youth organizations.