Corcovado National Park

Parque Nacional Corcovado

A remote, pristine rainforest on the Osa Peninsula, called the most biologically intense place on Earth by National Geographic. Guided treks reveal tapirs, scarlet macaws, jaguars and all four Costa Rican monkey species.

Things to do

Sirena Ranger Station Trek — Hike the trails around this remote station, the park's wildlife hotspot where tapirs, peccaries and all four monkey species are commonly seen.
La Leona to Sirena Coastal Hike — Trek the rugged coastal route entering at La Leona ranger station, wading rivers and scanning beaches for wildlife.
Los Patos to Sirena Traverse — Cross the peninsula's interior rainforest on this demanding inland trail, ending at Sirena station.
Spot Scarlet Macaws — Watch flocks of scarlet macaws feeding in beach almond trees along the park's coastline, especially at dawn.
Boat Trip from Drake Bay — Take a guided boat from Drake Bay to San Pedrillo station, the most common way to access the park's northern sector.
Night at Sirena Station — Stay overnight in the basic ranger station bunks to maximize early-morning and dusk wildlife sightings.
Snorkeling at Caño Island — Combine your Corcovado trip with a snorkeling or diving excursion to nearby Isla del Caño Biological Reserve.

Food to try

Casado — The classic Costa Rican plate of rice, black beans, plantains, salad and a protein, served at lodges around the Osa Peninsula.
Gallo Pinto — A hearty breakfast of rice and beans stir-fried with cilantro and Salsa Lizano, fueling early treks.
Fresh Ceviche — Locally caught fish or shrimp cured in lime with onion and cilantro, common in Drake Bay and Puerto Jiménez.
Pescado Fresco — Grilled or fried fresh fish landed by local boats, a staple in the fishing communities gateway to the park.
Agua de Pipa — Chilled green coconut water served straight from the shell, a refreshing rehydrator after humid hikes.
Patacones — Twice-fried green plantain rounds served crispy with bean dip, a favorite side across the region.

Local customs & good to know

Guides are mandatory — Entry to Corcovado requires a certified guide and advance reservation, arranged through operators in Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez.
Pack for extreme humidity — Bring quick-dry clothes, plenty of water and electrolytes, as heat and humidity are intense and there are no shops inside the park.
Respect Pura Vida pace — Ticos embrace a relaxed 'pura vida' lifestyle, so greet locals warmly and don't rush interactions or expect strict punctuality.
Leave no trace — Do not feed or approach wildlife and carry out all trash to help preserve this fragile, biologically intense ecosystem.

Corcovado National Park

Things to do

Food to try

Local customs & good to know

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