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Corcovado National Park: Costa Rica's Untamed Jewel

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

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Corcovado National Park, located on the Osa Peninsula, is a biodiverse paradise protecting rainforests, beaches, and a vast array of wildlife. Established in 1975, it's Costa Rica's largest park, offering an unparalleled ecotourism experience.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Corcovado

Local tips

  • Book your park entry and guide well in advance, especially during peak season (December to April), as visitor numbers are limited.
  • Pack appropriately with lightweight clothing, sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, and insect repellent.
  • Be prepared for boat rides to access the park from Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez; those prone to seasickness should take precautions.
  • Bring cash in Costa Rican colones or US dollars for entrance fees and other expenses, as credit card acceptance can be limited.
  • Respect park regulations and guidelines to help preserve the natural environment and protect the wildlife.
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Getting There

  • Boat

    Most visitors access Corcovado National Park by boat from either Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez. From Drake Bay: Boats depart from Playa Colorado around 6:00 AM, taking visitors to various ranger stations within the park, such as Sirena or San Pedrillo. The boat ride to Sirena takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. A typical round-trip boat tour including park entrance and guide will cost around $110 USD. From Puerto Jiménez: Boats leave from the public dock, typically around 5:30 AM, for the 1.2-hour ride to Sirena. This option may allow you to spot dolphins or whales, depending on the season. A round trip boat tour from Puerto Jimenez including park entrance, guide and meals will cost around $551 USD. Note: It's a wet landing, so wear appropriate footwear.

  • Bus and Boat

    From San José, you can take a bus to Sierpe, then a boat to Drake Bay, followed by another boat to Corcovado National Park. Bus: Take the Tracopa bus from San José to Sierpe. The bus ride is approximately 4 hours. Tickets can be purchased at the Tracopa terminal for around $18-$24 USD. Boat Sierpe to Drake Bay: From Sierpe, take a public boat to Drake Bay. Boats typically depart at 11:30 AM and 3:45 PM and the ride takes about 1 hour. The boat fare is approximately $25 USD. Boat Drake Bay to Corcovado: Arrange a boat tour from Drake Bay to Corcovado National Park. A typical round-trip boat tour including park entrance and guide will cost around $110 USD.

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Corcovado

Corcovado National Park, established in 1975, encompasses 424 square kilometers on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. It stands as the largest park in Costa Rica, protecting a significant portion of the peninsula. Corcovado is celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, often called the most biologically intense place on Earth. The park features diverse ecosystems, including lowland tropical forests, primary forests, mangroves, rivers, and 46 kilometers of sandy beaches. Visitors can observe an estimated 6,000 insect species, 500 tree species, 367 bird species, 140 mammal species, 117 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 40 species of freshwater fish. Iconic wildlife includes scarlet macaws, monkeys, sloths, tapirs, and jaguars. Historically, the region faced threats from logging, gold mining, and farming. President Daniel Oduber designated the area as a National Park in response to petitions from researchers, earning him the Albert Schweitzer Award. Today, the park is a model of conservation, balancing ecotourism with the preservation of its natural resources. Visitors can explore Corcovado through a network of hiking trails and camping refuges. Entry requires a certified guide to ensure both visitor safety and the protection of the park's delicate ecosystems. Popular activities include wildlife spotting, birdwatching, and enjoying the pristine beaches and waterfalls.

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