Corcovado National Park
Parque Nacional Corcovado
Primeval lowland rainforest on the Osa Peninsula, which National Geographic has called the “most biologically intense place on Earth”, where you can spot tapirs, four monkey species and scarlet macaws.
Corcovado National Park covers most of the Osa Peninsula and protects the largest area of primary lowland rainforest on the Pacific side of Central America. National Geographic has called it the “most biologically intense place on Earth”. The park is home to Baird's tapirs, jaguars, white-lipped peccaries, all four Central American monkey species (howler, spider, capuchin and squirrel monkeys), scarlet macaws and more. Beaches also have river mouths where sharks show up. Since 2014, visitors entering the park must be accompanied by a licensed guide. Common itineraries include a day trip by boat from Drake Bay (about 1 hour) to the San Pedrillo or Sirena ranger stations (about USD 100 to 150, including park entry, guide and lunch), or an overnight stay at Sirena station for 2 to 3 days of hiking (dormitory beds and meals must be booked months in advance). Getting there: drive from San José to Sierpe and take a boat to Drake Bay, or go to the other gateway, Puerto Jiménez. You can also take a domestic flight. Note: the rainforest is hot, humid and muddy, with river crossings. Wear long sleeves and hiking shoes, and bring plenty of water and insect repellent. Do not enter the rainforest alone.
Opening hours
Ranger station approx. 06:00–16:00 (guide required)
Nearby sights
- Sirena Ranger Station
- Los Patos Ranger Station
- Puerto Jiménez
- La Leona Ranger Station
- Drake Bay
- San Pedrillo Ranger Station
- Playa Carate
- Dos Brazos del Río Tigre