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Corcovado National Park Costa Rica

Nestled in the Southern Osa Penisula of Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park boasts more than 39 kilometers of beaches, rich in biodiversity. Visitors to the remote region may observe some 6,000 insects, 500 trees, 367 birds, 140 mammals, 117 amphibians and reptiles, and a plethora of freshwater fish species. Corcovado park is considered to be one of the world’s most important sources for future knowledge about rainforest ecosystems and conservation, protecting the largest remaining expanse of primary rainforest on the Pacific coast of Central America. Come and see endangered species in their natural environment, as if you have gone back in time.

If adventure and exploration is what you seek, then a trip to this secluded wilderness is for you! Accessed only by either foot, charter plane, or by boat, for both day and overnight trips, Corcovado Park is truly a get away. Disconnect and get the once-in-a-life time opportunity to allow the true magic and grandeur of nature surround you. Explore and see all of Costa Rica’s species of monkeys in one place, the majestic webs of the golden orb weaving spiders, scarlet macaws. Harpy eagles, considered to be some of the most powerful raptors in the Americas, have also been spotted in the park.

The recommended time to visit is from January and April, considered the dry months in the region. September and October are wet months and thus, the park is completely closed during October. Accommodations for overnight stays may be found near Drake Bay. Due to the protection of the park large hotels are prohibited from constructing buildings too close to the park.  Weary travelers do not fret! There are several high-end hotels nearby with all the comforts of home, or more affordable options to chose from. All of them near by Corcovado Park enjoy stunning views of both rainforest and the sea at affordable options.

Due to strict food regulations, it is recommended to plan ahead for dining options.  A couple of regions, including El Tigre and the Sirena, have options available but with reservations made in advance. Additional options are located in nearby Drake Bay and Puerto Jiménez.

Once you are settled in with a place to stay, and eat, its time to explore! A variety of Corcovado National Park tours are available, with several trails to choose from. A hiking guide is required when you are hiking in the park. Five ranger stations are located throughout the park. The Osa Conservation Headquarters is just east of Puerto Jiménez.

Before you head out the door, make sure you have all the essentials you will need to help make your trip the best it can be! Bring hiking shoes, sandals or water shoes, bathing suit, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, and quick-drying garments. If you plan to enter the park through Sirene Ranger Stations, especially waterproof shoes. Be aware that humidity and heat within the region can be intense, pack accordingly.

The Corcovado National Park is located on the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in the Osa Peninsula. The park has been referred to as “the most biologically intense place on Earth” by National Geographic. With one visit to this lush tropical paradise you’ll understand why. It has become one of the top eco-tourism destinations of the planet, not to mention Costa rica. It is home to a plethora of wildlife and exotic fauna that are unique to the Osa Peninsula, for it used to be an island thus species had started to evolve separately until it rejoined the mainland.

Flora and Fauna of Corcovado

Corcovado is home to a large population of animals including many endangered species; various types of monkeys, jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, and anteaters to name just a few, a plethora of birds including the resplendent Quetzal and the Red Macaw, amphibians like the Red-Eyed Tree Frog, and of course many reptiles and insects. Corcovado is also close to the Marino Ballena National Park that is the best place to watch whales and dolphins. The humpback whales use these waters as a mating and nursery ground. Corcovado functions as a marine sanctuary, protecting coral reefs, lagoons, rivers and estuaries.

Getting to Corcovado

Most people prefer to fly to the Osa Peninsula as it is one of Costa Rica’s most remote destination and farthest from the capital city of San José. There are two local airlines that offer daily flights from San Jose or Quepos to Drake Bay, Nature Air & Sansa. This is the airport we recommend flying into, as it is the closest to the Corcovado Adventures Tent Camp. From Drake Bay you can hike into the northern ranger station at San Pedrillo or take a 1-½ hour boat ride down the coast to the Sirena Station. Another option is to drive or fly to Palmar Sur, from where you catch a taxi that will take you to Sierpe; from there you take a boat for a mesmerizing and adventurous trip through the mangroves on the river Sierpe. Finally, if you plan on entering the Corcovado National Park through either the Los Patos or Leona Stations – plan on flying to Puerto Jimenez, which is located on the east side of the Osa Peninsula on the Gulf.

Ranger Stations and Trails of Corcovado

Corcovado’s number one activity is of course hiking. There are four main rangers stations in the park, each with its sets of trails.

Enjoy Corcovado National Park- The Most Biologically Intense Place on Earth!

The Corcovado National Park is located on the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica on the western side of the Osa Peninsula. The park has been referred to as “the most biologically intense place on Earth” by National Geographic. With one visit to this lush tropical paradise you’ll understand why it has become one of the top eco-tourism destinations on the planet. It is home to a plethora of wildlife and exotic fauna that are unique to the Osa Peninsula.  In fact, this part of Costa Rica used to be an island, thus species started to evolve separately until the area rejoined the mainland.

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Flora and Fauna of Corcovado

Corcovado is home to a large population of animals including many endangered species; various types of monkeys, jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, and anteaters to name just a few, a plethora of birds including the resplendent Quetzal and the Red Macaw, amphibians like the Red-Eyed Tree Frog, and of course many reptiles and insects. Corcovado is also close to the Marino Ballena National Park, which is the best place to watch whales and dolphins. The humpback whales use these waters as a mating and nursery ground. Corcovado functions as a marine sanctuary, protecting coral reefs, lagoons, rivers and estuaries.

Experience the Best of the Area

Although the area is biologically diverse, accommodations are limited.  The Corcovado Tent Camp is rated one of the best lodgings by TripAdvisor.com.  It provides an excellent home base for the adventurer, offering it transportation, lodging, and tours of this magnificent area! Stationed in Drake Bay, the largest of the collection of tiny outcrops in Corcovado, the Corcovado Tent Camp has some great tour and activity packages.  Don’t miss the Canopy Tour where you can fly high above the trees and observe wildlife from a unique perspective, or Kayaking in Corcovado where the visitor will delight in navigating through the oasis of mangroves.  Other great activities offered include:

Getting to Corcovado- It’s Part of the Adventure!

 

Since the Osa Peninsula is one of Costa Rica’s most remote destinations and the furthest from the capital city of San Jose, most people prefer to fly here. Both Nature Air and Sansa (local airlines) offer daily flights from San Jose or Quepos to Drake Bay, which is the closest airport to the Corcovado Adventures Tent Camp.