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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.
