Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park is located on the Osa Peninsula and was labeled the most bio-diverse place on Earth by a writer for National Geographic Magazine! Corcovado is also the largest national park in Costa Rica, as well as the most remote. The park is home to one of the largest primary rainforests on the Pacific coastline and extends over 103,000 acres. There are several ecosystems present in Corcovado including rainforests and mangrove wetlands.

Corcovado National Park is home to 15 of the 30 endangered animal species in Costa Rica. In addition, there are some 367 species of birds, 123 butterflies, 117 amphibians and reptiles, 140 mammals (5 different wild cats including jaguars), and over 10,000 insects . There are over 700 types of trees residing in this park including massive Espavel and Nazareno trees that serve as home to a plentiful population of scarlet macaws. Even The Harpy Eagle, which was thought to be extinct, has been sighted here.

Activities

Popular activities at Corcovado National Park include camping, hiking (hikes between ranger stations can take at least a day), wildlife watching, bird watching, sea kayaking, deep sea fishing. Visitors enjoy walking along the 23 miles of golden sanded beaches and gazing out over the Pacific. In addition, visitors have a chance to see four species of endangered sea turtles as they nest their eggs on these shores. There is an abundant amount of marine life surrounding the peninsula including sharks, whales, dolphins and scores of tropical fish. Do not swim on the beach near Sirena, the only advisable swimming is in the Rio Claro area.

Park Admission Fees

The entrance fee to Corcovado National Park is 10USD and an additional 3 dollars per night if visitors plan on camping out. There are six ranger stations, all containing camping areas, phones, and meals can be provided. You will need a park permit, which is only issued in advance if you plan to do this. It is highly recommended to go with a guide as this truly is one of the wildest places in the world.

Weather and Packing List

The South Pacific is a region of vast contrasts in weather. Temperatures remain the same nearly year round with average day time highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and night time lows in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies by month with the months of December through April being the driest.

Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.

Fun Fact: Corcovado National Park was created due to widespread destruction of vital habitat along streams in the early 1980's, caused by gold minors.

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