This publish was written by Megan Macgregor, BMTM’s nationwide parks professional.
Browsing, monkeys, volcanos — what extra are you able to ask for in a rustic? Costa Rica has all that and extra. Each time I’ve visited, I’ve skilled one thing totally different.
I had been to Costa Rica twice. On my third go to, I made a decision I wished to go to the Pacific coast, as there was one place that was calling my identify. I’d already began my journey of touring to America’s nationwide parks, however I noticed that I’d by no means explored the nationwide parks in overseas nations.
To today, Corcovado Nationwide Park in Costa Rica is by far one of many coolest locations I’ve ever visited, and if you happen to get the possibility to go to Costa Rica, I extremely recommend you make this a part of your journey. The biodiversity of this park — and the nation — ensures that each go to goes to unfold in a different way than the final. When you’re like me, you’ll most likely already be planning your return journey earlier than the primary one ends!
A Biodiverse Wonderland
Nationwide Geographic proclaimed Corcovado Nationwide Park one of the biologically various locations on earth. It’s dwelling to over 50% of all of the species in Costa Rica and holds 2.5% of Earth’s biodiversity. Satisfied but? I’ll proceed.
The park, on the Osa Peninsula on the southwestern tip of Costa Rica, was established in 1975 to cease unlawful gold mining and logging operations from destroying the habitat. The nation’s tenth nationwide park spans over 100,000 acres on land, and over 8,000 acres within the adjoining ocean.
Corcovado encompasses the final remaining old-growth moist forest (the place bushes are over 250 years previous) on Central America’s Pacific coast. It’s dwelling to 13 ecosystems, together with rain forests, cloud forests, palm forests, and mangrove swamps.
Whereas I made my go to a part of a ten-day highway journey alongside Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, it’s frequent for guests to spend their total journey to Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula exploring every little thing Corcovado has to supply.
Park Charges & Hours
In contrast to most of Costa Rica’s nationwide parks, Corcovado has a number of ranger stations, however two main cities that supply entry to the park: Drake Bay and Puerto Jiménez. Though it’s potential to camp contained in the park or keep in a single day at a ranger station, most guests keep in certainly one of these two cities. Each are solely a brief distance from the doorway and supply facilities not discovered contained in the park.
It prices $15 USD per day to enter the park, and as of 2014, it’s now inconceivable to enter with out a licensed information. This modification was created to cut back the variety of accidents within the park, as the space between ranger stations may be daunting for inexperienced guests. Ranger stations are open every day from 7am to 4pm, though the park itself is open from 7:30am to 5pm.
Methods to Get There
That is the difficult half. Reaching Corcovado Nationwide Park isn’t any stroll within the park — actually. In contrast to Costa Rica’s different parks, the place you’ll be able to park and stroll in, attending to Corcovado is half the enjoyable.
(When you resolve to make this a highway journey, take a look at this checklist for equally wonderful locations to go to in Costa Rica.)
There are a selection of the way to succeed in Corcovado — which route you select will rely completely on what you need to see and the way lengthy you propose to remain. As a result of I knew I wished to go to different areas in Costa Rica, I opted for a highway journey and rented a automobile.
No matter which methodology you utilize, you’ll want to succeed in both Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez to get into Corcovado Nationwide Park.
By way of Drake Bay
Drake Bay, a quaint village on the northwestern tip of the Osa Peninsula, provides direct entry to 2 of the park’s six ranger stations: San Pedrillo and Sirena. The city, situated on the sting of Corcovado Nationwide Park, is distant and genuine. Of all of the locations I visited throughout my highway journey, I loved Drake Bay essentially the most. Filth roads weave all the way down to tropical seashores, eating places line the slender alleys, and the vacationer firms are small in comparison with different elements of the nation.
By automobile
When you choose to lease a automobile (or a driver), you’ll take the Pan-American Freeway east out of San José. After 30 miles, you’ll move Cartago and the highway will flip into Freeway 2. (However don’t be confused! That is nonetheless the Pan-American Freeway.) Proceed till you hit San Isidro el Common and when the highway forks, keep proper, and proceed straight till you hit the coast. Whenever you attain Dominical, flip left and proceed south till you attain the La Chacarita fuel station, the place you’ll flip proper. This can lead you to Agujitas in Drake Bay, making your journey about seven hours. The highway is a tough one, nonetheless, requiring a 4×4 to entry it. Even in the course of the dry season, the highway has a number of river crossings — which aren’t lined by your automobile’s rental settlement.
By ferry
Once I visited Drake Bay in February 2020, the highway was flooded — a standard incidence — that means our subsequent possibility was to park and go away our automobile within the city of Sierpe after which hop a ferry to succeed in the peninsula. Personally, I like to recommend this selection over driving to Drake Bay.
Sierpe is situated on the sting of Central America’s largest mangrove forest, on the finish of Route 223. You possibly can pay $6 USD per evening to park your automobile at a restaurant known as La Perla del Sur, which is what I opted to do. It’s very properly organized, and I by no means felt just like the automobile can be at risk if I left it behind. The restaurant has fairly good meals and is on the river, proper the place the boat taxi will decide you up.
Ferries from Sierpe to Drake Bay go away at 11:30am ($15 USD) and 4pm ($20 USD) and take about an hour. They are going to take you thru the Terrabe-Sierpe mangrove forest, which provides you an additional alternative to see wildlife. Whale and dolphin sightings are frequent when you attain the ocean, at which level the boat will take you alongside the shoreline of the Osa Peninsula. But additionally be looking out for crocodiles — we noticed one within the river across the mangrove forest. Undoubtedly preserve your arms within the boat for that a part of the journey!
By bus
Taking a bus from San José is another choice, with departures a number of instances a day. The bus will cease in Palmar Norte earlier than dropping you off in Sierpe, the place you’ll have to take the ferry to Drake Bay (see above). Be sure to verify the bus schedule to make sure you’ll nonetheless have the ability to make the ferry whenever you attain Sierpe. The bus journey is six hours and prices $8 USD.
By aircraft
That is the costliest — but quickest — solution to attain Drake Bay. From the San José airport, you’ll be able to take a brief, 45-minute flight to Drake Bay on Sansa or Nature Air. Flights go away a number of instances a day and price round $300 USD spherical journey. That is splendid for these with a better funds, or preferring a better route, or who plan to spend the whole thing of their time in Costa Rica visiting Corcovado Nationwide Park. The airport is just a little manner from Drake Bay, nonetheless, so be sure to have various transportation lined up so you’ll be able to attain your resort with out strolling at the hours of darkness. (There aren’t any road lights in most of Drake Bay — nice for stargazing, however not enjoyable if you must stroll with baggage!)
By way of Puerto Jiménez
Puerto Jiménez is the second entrance to Corcovado Nationwide Park, on the northeast facet of the peninsula, on the alternative facet of the coast from Drake Bay. Until you propose on staying on the peninsula for an prolonged interval, it’s seemingly you’ll have to select both Puerto Jiménez or Drake Bay, as visiting each might be tough. The previous provides direct entry to Siren and La Leona ranger stations.
Puerto Jiménez is without doubt one of the largest cities on the Osa Peninsula and sits on the japanese facet of the gulf. The city is extra developed than Drake Bay, and also you’ll discover extra eating places, grocery shops, and tour firms than on the northern facet of the peninsula.
By automobile
The drive from San José to Puerto Jiménez is 6-8 hours whole, presumably extra, relying on the time of 12 months. From San José, you’ll take the identical route as you do to succeed in Drake Bay, besides you’ll keep on Freeway 2 till you attain the turnoff for 245 and go proper. It’s really useful to have a 4×4 to drive there, particularly if you happen to’re visiting in the course of the wet season. Both manner, this highway is extra accessible than the one to Drake Bay, and if you happen to e-book upfront with a guided tour, they’ll seemingly present transportation.
By aircraft
Similar to with Drake Bay, Sansa or Nature Air flights will take you from San José to Puerto Jiménez and price upwards of $400 USD for a round-trip flight.
An alternate route
There are two direct bus routes from San José to Puerto Jiménez, leaving at 8am and midday every day. The trip takes about 8-10 hours and prices $15 USD. There’s an choice to cease in Golfito, the place you’ll be able to take a 30-minute ferry trip to Puerto Jiménez for $11 USD.
Flora and Fauna
Corcovado Nationwide Park, one of many largest main rainforests on the Pacific shoreline, is dwelling to all kinds of wildlife, together with a handful of endangered animals, amongst them the Baird’s tapir, jaguar, scarlet macaw, and harpy eagle.
As a result of it’s required to enter the park with a licensed information, you’re just about assured to see wildlife. Guides do that on daily basis, and so they know the place to look — plus, they’ll deliver a recognizing scope, which provides a better magnification than binoculars and helps find animals from a distance.
Corcovado has 4 species of monkeys — capuchin, howler, squirrel, and spider monkeys — and can also be dwelling to two-toed and three-toed sloths. Tapirs and anteaters are widespread sightings, whereas pumas and ocelots are harder to seek out. On the marine facet, you’ll discover caimans, crocodiles, and all 4 species of sea turtles: leatherback, olive ridley, loggerhead, and Pacific inexperienced.
Scarlet macaws are as frequent because the parakeets, and you probably have an excellent eye, you could spot a king vulture as properly.
Beware: predators lurk within the park. Though jaguars are uncommon to see — our information admitted he’d solely seen them on path cams — Corcovado can also be dwelling to peccaries, an endangered, hog-like mammal that may turn into aggressive when in teams. Additionally be careful for toxic snakes and Africanized bees. Sounds scary, however together with your information by your facet, you’ll be simply superb.
Bioluminescence, a biochemical emission of sunshine attributable to marine fungi, micro organism, and microorganisms, can also be frequent within the waters across the peninsula. Primarily, disturbing the water or the microorganisms causes the emanation of a brilliant bluish-green glow.
I stayed in Drake Bay, a extra distant and fewer touristy city than Puerto Jiménez, that means fewer lights. Not solely is that this nice for stargazing, however the darker it’s, the extra seemingly you’ll have the ability to see bioluminescence.
I grew up in Florida and have seen this phenomenon twice in my life, normally once I’m already swimming. Drake Bay is the one place I’ve ever seen bioluminescence sparkle whereas standing on shore. Crashing waves glowed like fireflies within the evening.
Finest Excursions in Corcovado Nationwide Park
Exploring Costa Rica is finest completed by reserving a tour. For Corcovado Nationwide Park, I like to recommend reserving upfront — and ideally immediately with the tour firm. My hostel in Drake Bay forgot to e-book my tour, and though I managed to get one on the final minute, it induced some pointless stress. Granted, a resort could also be extra organized than a hostel. (The primary resort I might discover booked my tour for me, although I wasn’t staying there.)
If you end up in an analogous dilemma, you’ll be able to go to the Corcovado Info Middle in Drake Bay or Osa Wild in Puerto Jiménez for extra info.
Day excursions supply the possibility to hike to one of many ranger stations, the place you’ll be able to spot wildlife and discover the park. Each ranger station contains water, restrooms, public telephones, and an info desk. There aren’t any amenities between stations.
Undoubtedly additionally take a look at the seashores across the Osa Peninsula, that are a few of the finest (and least crowded) in Costa Rica.
Relying on what you’re seeking to expertise, you’ll be able to keep in Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez and take day excursions into Corcovado Nationwide Park. Most excursions embrace a licensed information, transportation into the park, the doorway price, and lunch! Tipping your information isn’t included or obligatory, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly appreciated.
Day excursions common $90–120 USD and provide the alternative to go deep into the park and go to the ranger stations. Sirena and San Pedrillo can solely be accessed from Drake Bay, with Sirena being the extra widespread — and costly — of the 2. The latter has much less wildlife, so I selected Sirena and undoubtedly don’t remorse it. It’s thought of the park’s headquarters and attracts extra mammals than wherever else.
The Los Patos ranger station can solely be accessed on a multiday journey. It’s dwelling to monkeys, sloths, and birds, who name the waterfalls, forests, and the Rincón River dwelling.
When you’re staying in Puerto Jiménez, you’ll have entry to the La Leona Station, which features a seaside hike and is right for guests eager to cross paths with a sea turtle or two. The El Tigre station lies exterior of Corcovado and is much less widespread. It has fewer mammals and is best for individuals who need to see bugs and reptiles.
Nonetheless, don’t underestimate what you’ll see even if you happen to don’t go into the park. There aren’t any fences in spite of everything, and wildlife can go the place they please.
For my second tour, I made a decision to just do that and take a tour in a special space of the Osa Peninsula simply exterior Corcovado. And personally, I most well-liked this tour higher than the one to Sirena. (Whereas that day tour had a bigger group and we noticed extra wildlife, it felt extremely touristy.) The Tapir’s Path in El Trillo de la Danta was run by a pleasant gentleman named Gustavo. As a result of there have been solely six of us, we had the chance to ask extra questions, and since we made much less sound, we nonetheless obtained to see fairly a wide range of animals. Gustavo was additionally an ideal information, and I extremely suggest him. After the hike, we had lunch at an area household’s dwelling, which was an expertise all in itself.
Finest Locations to Keep in Corcovado Nationwide Park
Tenting
Tenting is allowed at Sirena, San Pedrillo, and La Leona stations, though meals shouldn’t be allowed, and there’s a restrict to what you’ll be able to herald. Permits are obligatory and should be reserved a month forward of time. Tenting is $4 USD per evening. The Corcovado Journey Tent Camp additionally provides a novel expertise.
In a single day Tour
San Pedrillo is a well-liked spot for in a single day excursions, as is Sirena, essentially the most developed station. You’ll both keep in tents on an uncovered platform or in bunk-bed model dorm rooms with shared loos. Though meals is permitted within the park, Sirena station has a small cafeteria for these company who resolve to remain in a single day within the park. In a single day excursions begin at round $350 USD.
Drake Bay
Price range-friendly: Casa Gitana
Beginning at $34 USD an evening
Mid-level: Lodge Finca Maresa
Beginning at $80 USD an evening
Excessive-end: Las Cotingas Ocean View
Beginning at $120 USD an evening
Puerto Jiménez
Price range-friendly: Corcovado Wild Hostel
Beginning at $22 USD an evening
Mid-level: Agua Dulce Seashore Resort
Beginning at $130 USD an evening
Excessive-end: Kunken Boutique Lodge and Spa
Beginning at $300 USD an evening
When to Go to and What to Convey
The wet season in Costa Rica stretches between Might and November and is taken into account the closest factor to winter, with temperatures starting from 70 to 84 levels Fahrenheit. The wettest months, September and October, are additionally when Corcovado Nationwide Park will get the fewest guests, so if you happen to choose a extra intimate expertise and don’t thoughts mountain climbing within the rain, that is the perfect time to go to. December to April will nonetheless have rain, nevertheless it’s extra sporadic.
The warmth isn’t any joke. Common temperatures vary between 80 to 100 levels Fahrenheit. Bear in mind additionally that you just’re nearer to the equator, that means that if you happen to can stand the warmth, the solar will burn your pores and skin shortly if you happen to’re not cautious. I spent one hour exterior with out sunscreen and regarded like a lobster. ¶
Sunscreen and an excellent water bottle will make your hikes extra pleasurable, however they received’t preserve the mosquitos away. Deet is a standard repellant, and it’ll assault their evil cousins, noseeums. Avon’s Pores and skin So Comfortable is sunscreen and bug guard mixed that can preserve noseeums at bay.
Mountain climbing footwear are nice for the forests; nonetheless, I beloved my waterproof mountain climbing sandals for the seaside.
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So what do you suppose? Would you select the extra distant Drake Bay or the busier Puerto Jiménez? Does a day tour curiosity you, and if that’s the case, would you keep within the forest or hike to the seaside? What wildlife are you dying to see first?
