Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica Travel Guide

Discover the wild beauty of Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica, a biodiverse wonderland teeming with exotic wildlife, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches.

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Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park, located on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. This biodiverse haven is home to 13 different ecosystems, including rainforests, swamps, and beaches. Walking through Corcovado, you will encounter a variety of wildlife, from the elusive jaguar to playful monkeys and colorful macaws. One of the park's main attractions is the Sirena Biological Station, a remote outpost where you can stay overnight and experience the jungle's nocturnal wonders. The park also features numerous hiking trails, each offering unique views and experiences. Whether you are trekking through dense forests or strolling along pristine beaches, the natural beauty of Corcovado will leave you in awe. The park is also renowned for its marine life. Snorkeling and diving opportunities abound, allowing you to explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter species such as dolphins and sea turtles. With its remarkable biodiversity and stunning landscapes, Corcovado National Park offers an unforgettable experience for any visitor.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Corcovado National Park.

Book guided tours in advance to make the most of your visit.
Wear comfortable, waterproof shoes for hiking.
Pack insect repellent and sunscreen.
Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance.

Explore Corcovado National Park: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Corcovado National Park

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Reserva Forestal Golfo Dulce

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Reserva Forestal Golfo Dulce, a nature preserve in Costa Rica rich in biodiversity and adventure.

4.6

Cascada El Pavón

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Cascada El Pavón, a stunning waterfall in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

4.8

Parque de Las Esferas

Explore Parque de Las Esferas, a unique blend of art and nature in Palmar Sur, Costa Rica, featuring enigmatic sculptures and lush landscapes.

4.6

Sitio Arqueológico Batambal

Discover the rich history and stunning nature at Sitio Arqueológico Batambal, an archaeological gem in Costa Rica offering a glimpse into the pre-Columbian era.

4.4

Best landmarks in Corcovado National Park

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Corcovado, estación Sirena National Park

Explore Costa Rica's biodiversity hotspot at Corcovado National Park's central Sirena Station.

4.6

Parque Nacional Corcovado

Explore Costa Rica's largest national park, a biodiverse haven of rainforests, beaches, and rare wildlife on the Osa Peninsula.

4.8

Corcovado National Park - San Pedrillo Ranger Station

Discover Corcovado's northern paradise: San Pedrillo Ranger Station offers rainforest hikes, wildlife encounters, and stunning coastal views.

4.7

Corcovado National Park - Sirena and San Pedrillo Ranger Station

Explore Costa Rica's crown jewel: Hike through rainforests, discover hidden waterfalls, and encounter rare wildlife at Corcovado National Park's ranger stations.

4.9

Best restaurants in Corcovado National Park

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Hotel Restaurante Bella Vista Corcovado

Experience breathtaking views and authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Hotel Restaurante Bella Vista Corcovado – your gateway to nature's paradise.

4.7

Finca Bijagual

Experience the perfect blend of exquisite cuisine and nature at Finca Bijagual in Costa Rica's stunning Osa Peninsula.

5.0

Best bars in Corcovado National Park

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DinerCraft Bar & Restaurant

Discover the authentic taste of Costa Rica at DinerCraft Bar & Restaurant in Drake Bay, where local flavors meet stunning natural beauty.

4.3

Bar y Restaurante Chicharronera El Cedro

Discover the authentic flavors of Costa Rica at Bar y Restaurante Chicharronera El Cedro, a lively bar and restaurant in Puerto Jiménez.

4.2

Bar La Jungla

Discover the vibrant atmosphere and local flavors at Bar La Jungla in Rancho Quemado, a must-visit bar for tourists in Costa Rica.

4.5

Bar Rincon El Puente

Discover the vibrant atmosphere and authentic flavors at Bar Rincon El Puente, a must-visit bar in the heart of Osa, Costa Rica.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Corcovado National Park

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Orange Pub

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Orange Pub in Jaco, Costa Rica—a lively bar serving up cocktails and fun for all visitors.

4.0

Sport Bar Panterito

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Sport Bar Panterito, a lively bar in San José offering great drinks, music, and a sociable atmosphere.

4.0

Whale Tail Brewery CR

Discover the flavorful world of craft beer at Whale Tail Brewery CR in Uvita, Costa Rica – a must-visit brewpub for every beer lover.

4.5

Republik Lounge

Unleash your spirit at Republik Lounge, a vibrant night club in Jaco, Costa Rica, where exceptional dining meets electrifying nightlife.

4.8

Best shops in Corcovado National Park

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Parque Nacional Corcovado

Discover the breathtaking biodiversity and pristine landscapes of Parque Nacional Corcovado, a must-visit national park in Costa Rica.

4.8

BM Jiménez

Experience the essence of Costa Rican culture at BM Jiménez, your friendly neighborhood supermarket in Puerto Jiménez, Puntarenas.

4.4

Sirena Ranger Station

Explore the breathtaking biodiversity of Costa Rica at Sirena Ranger Station, your gateway to adventure in Corcovado National Park.

4.7

Corcovado Hiking Tours

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica's Corcovado National Park with Corcovado Hiking Tours, a premier adventure for nature lovers.

4.7

Explore Corcovado National Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Corcovado National Park, mapped for you.

Corcovado National Park Essentials

Corcovado National Park is located on the Osa Peninsula in southwestern Costa Rica. The nearest international airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose. From San Jose, you can take a domestic flight to Puerto Jimenez or Drake Bay, which are the closest towns to the park. Alternatively, you can take a bus or rent a car for a scenic drive. The journey by road typically takes around 6-8 hours.
Within Corcovado National Park, transportation options are limited to hiking and boat rides, as no vehicles are allowed inside the park. Local guides are available and recommended for navigating the park’s trails. For getting around the Osa Peninsula, taxis and rental cars are available in Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay. Boat services also connect various points along the coast.
The official currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay. However, it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and when entering the park. ATMs are available in the towns, but not inside the park.
Corcovado National Park is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Petty theft can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended. Be cautious when hiking and always follow the advice of local guides. Some areas around the park, particularly remote beaches, can be risky at night, so it's best to avoid these areas after dark.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Medical facilities are available in Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, including evacuation. Park rangers are present in Corcovado National Park and can assist in case of emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the nearby towns.
Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing and sturdy hiking boots. Don’t wear flip-flops or open-toed shoes on trails. Religion: Costa Rica is predominantly Catholic, but the park area is secular. Respect local customs in nearby towns if visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be patient with the limited transport options and schedules. Don’t expect punctuality. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos días.' A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as Gallo Pinto and fresh seafood. Don’t drink tap water; always opt for bottled or purified water.
To experience Corcovado National Park like a local, consider hiring a local guide who can offer insights into the park’s biodiversity and hidden spots. Visit the park early in the morning for the best wildlife sightings. Engage with locals in Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay to learn more about the region's culture and history. Don't miss the chance to try local fruits and freshly caught fish at local markets and eateries.

When is the best time to visit Corcovado National Park?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Corcovado National Park

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Corcovado National Park. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHola
  [oh-la]
- GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
- YesSí
  [see]
- NoNo
  [noh]
- Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-bor/deh nah-dah]
- Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
- Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dee-skool-peh/pehr-dohn]
- How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
- Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
- Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
- I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-bor]
- I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
- Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-bor]
- Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
- Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
- Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
- Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
- I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh/dah]
- I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]
- I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
- I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
- How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
- That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
- Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-syoh]
- What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
- It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
- Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
- MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
- AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
- EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
- YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
- TodayHoy
  [oy]
- TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
- 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
- 2Dos
  [dohs]
- 3Tres
  [trehs]
- 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
- 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
- 6Seis
  [says]
- 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
- 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
- 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
- 10Diez
  [dyehs]
- Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
- What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
- Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
- When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksy-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

History of Corcovado National Park

Long before the arrival of Europeans, the region that is now Corcovado National Park was home to indigenous tribes such as the Diquís. These pre-Columbian inhabitants are renowned for their advanced social structures and impressive craftsmanship, particularly in goldsmithing. The Diquís were known for creating intricate gold artifacts and stone spheres, some of which have been found within the park boundaries, offering a glimpse into their sophisticated culture.
In the early 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in what is now Costa Rica, marking the beginning of a significant shift in the region's history. The Spanish conquest led to the colonization of Costa Rica, and the indigenous populations were drastically affected by diseases, forced labor, and cultural changes. Although the dense rainforests of the Osa Peninsula, where Corcovado is located, remained largely unexplored by the Spanish, the influence of colonization eventually reached these remote areas.
The 1930s and 1940s witnessed a gold rush in the Osa Peninsula, drawing prospectors from all over Costa Rica and beyond. The promise of riches led to extensive mining activities in the region, which significantly impacted the local environment. Rivers were dredged, and forests were cleared as miners scoured the land for gold. This period of intense activity left a lasting mark on the landscape and the local communities.
Corcovado National Park was established in 1975 by the Costa Rican government, in response to growing concerns about the environmental degradation caused by logging, mining, and agriculture. The park was created to protect the unique biodiversity and ecosystems of the Osa Peninsula. Covering over 164 square miles, Corcovado is one of the largest and most biologically intense lowland rainforests in Central America. Its establishment marked a significant step in Costa Rica's commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism.
Since its establishment, Corcovado National Park has faced numerous conservation challenges, including illegal logging, poaching, and gold mining. The Costa Rican government, along with various non-governmental organizations, has implemented several measures to combat these threats. These efforts include increased patrolling, stricter enforcement of environmental laws, and community-based conservation programs. Ecotourism has also played a crucial role in funding conservation initiatives and raising awareness about the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem.
The region surrounding Corcovado National Park holds significant cultural importance for the indigenous communities that still reside there. Groups such as the Boruca, Bribri, and Cabécar continue to maintain their traditional ways of life, despite the pressures of modernization. These communities contribute to the cultural richness of the area, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about their customs, beliefs, and sustainable practices. Their presence underscores the deep-rooted connection between the land and its original stewards.