Corcovado National Park

Parque Nacional Corcovado is on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica.

Understand

While the park is one of the more remote in the national park system, Corcovado provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

History

• The park was established on October 24, 1975.

Climate

• Dry season. Running from mid-December until mid-April with occasional rain showers.

• Wet season. Running mid-April until mid-December.

Flora and fauna

National Geographic called Corcovado National Park the "most biologically intense place on Earth" and this is no exaggeration. All four of the monkeys species found within Costa Rica (Mantled Howler, Squirrel Monkey, Spider Monkey and White-faced Capuchin) exist in large numbers throughout the park. Two crocodilians (the occasionally large and saline tolerant American Crocodile and the small Spectacled Caiman) persist within all of the park's major waterways, as do Bull sharks. The Jaguar population within the park is the healthiest in all of Central America, however it is still extremely unlikely for a visitor to spot one (most locals have never seen them either.) Many other elusive cats call the park home as well, including the Puma (which is slightly smaller and more arboreal in Central American than in the United States, probably due to competition with the Jaguar,) Ocelot, Jaguarundi and Margay. The park is one of the last strongholds of the Baird's Tapir and there are hundreds within decent proximity from Sirena Station, usually found lounging in the shade or in shallow pools of stagnant water. There are dozens of snake species present, many of them venomous, including the Fer-de-lance (also known as terciopelo or "Costa Rican landmine",) the Bushmaster, the Eyelash Pit Viper, and the Coral Snake. The largest snake within the park is the non-venomous Boa Constrictor. Numerous other small mammals and reptiles are common within the park including, but by no means limited to, the White-nosed Coati, Sloth, Tamandua, Giant Anteater, Basilisk, and Ctenosaur. Birds include the highly endangered Scarlet Macaw, the Tiger Heron, Black Vulture and the Toco Toucan, among hundreds of others including the critically endangered Harpy Eagle.

Getting there

Travel to and through the park is perilous and is best accomplished during the dry season.

• Puerto Jimenez. This is the nearest sizeable town to the park and most people entering the park will probably need to pass through this town.

• Park Entrances:

  • From the north. Travel along the beach through San Pedrillo.

  • From the south. Travel along the beach through Carate.

  • From the east. Through Los Patos. It is a 13km hike from La Palma to Los Patos.

By bus

• Regular bus service is available to Puerto Jimenez. Passenger truck service from Puerto Jimenez to the southern entrance at Carate occurs on a biweekly or greater basis. The journey generally takes between 3-5 hours by road depending on weather, traffic conditions. In May 2007 passenger trucks were on a twice a day schedule (morning, and late afternoon).

By 4WD

All roads on the Osa Peninsula exhibit the disrepair characteristic of Costa Rica outside of the main tourist destinations. The road from Puerto Jimenez to Carate require a 4WD vehicle as it is a gravel road with several required river fordings. It recommended that this drive should only be attempted during the dry season. Note that Carate is next to the beach. Take care not to pass Carate as it is poorly marked. Parking is available by paying the store/bus stop which is Carate.

• 4WD Taxis are available for the passage from Puerto Jiminez to Carate. They are easy to find on the main strip of Puerto Jiminez.

By foot

• From Carate, it is a 4 km walk on the beach to the park entrance at the ranger station Las Leonas. Park permits and camping are available at the ranger station.

By plane

• Small planes fly from the city of Golfito on the mainland directly to the small airstrip at the central ranger station.

Corcovado Drivers Map

Corcovado Map

Traveling around

Trails

• Carate to La Leona. 3.5km hike along the beach.

• La Leona to La Sirena. The 16km long hike to La Leona is on a trail which is on and off the beach. It is imperative that visitors time the hike so as to arrive at the river fording 2 km shy of La Sirena at the lowest possible tide. There is potable water at a stream "Quebrada la Chancha" (Chancha Stream) just east of "Ponta La Chancha" (Chancha Point).

• Los Patos to La Sirena. This 20km hike is approximately eight hours through secondary rainforest. The trail slopes slightly down toward La Sirena.

• San Pedrillo to La Sirena. This 29km hike is approximately thirteen or fourteen hours and is almost entirely along the beach. After the dry season of 2009 it will be closed.

• Drake to San Pedrillo. This trail is outside of the park and leads to its entrance. The hike is approximately six hours along the beach and just inside the forest.

There are several short trails in and around Sirena

• Ria Clero

• Espaveles

• Naranjos

• Guanaenste

• Ollas Corcovado

See

• Wildlife. The park is home to:

  • Over 350 species of birds including Scarlet Macaws .

  • 116 types of amphibians and reptiles including poison dart frogs.

  • 139 mammals, including Tapirs, Squirrel Monkeys, and large cats such as Puma and Jaguar.

• Natural Beauty:

  • Natural rock formations.

  • Waterfalls.

  • Beaches.

  • Rivers.

  • Rainforest. It grows reaches right up to the oceans.

Things to do

• Visit La Sirena. In fact it is recommended that you spend as much time as possible here since it makes a good central base for exploring the park. It is located 20km from each entrance.

• Take pictures. Take as many as possible so as to enjoy the beauty long after you have left.

• Kayak. Ask the locals for a kayak ride through the rainforest.

• Hire a guide. The guides know the animals' habits and are able to tell you where the tapirs normal routes are. However, be sure to also make sure to take the time to explore on your own.

Eat

• Meals are available at the central ranger station with advance reservation.

• People often bring food inside the park with them. Commonly it is food that is easy to pack, lightweight, and non-perishable such as pastas, rice, beans, or soup packets.

Drink

• There is potable water available at each Ranger Station.

• Remember to carry plenty of water during your hikes. If staying for multiple days, many people choose to bring powdered drink mixes.

Sleep

Lodging

• Beds are available at the Sirena ranger station with advance reservation. You will need to bring your own bedsheets.

• Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge This beautiful property is situated in a private reserve of 170 acres surrounding the Corcovado National Park. The lodge offers electricity 24 hours a day generated by a solar system. Comfortable, with delicious foods, and knowledgeable guides very familiar with the area to accompany you on the tours. nights. It is important to know that the order of the tours included in the package might change due to weather Deluxe rooms at Casa Corcovado is included for the three conditions. Corcovado to Sierpe, ground transfer from Sierpe to Palmar Day 04 Breakfast at the lodge. Boat transfer from Casa included at the lodge. Cano island (entrance fee and box lunch included). Dinner Day 03 Breakfast at the lodge and Full day tour to included). Dinner included at the lodge.

• La Leona Eco-Lodge, . A tent-camp lodge offering packages with or without meals. Located at the La Leona station at the southeast border of the park.

• Poor Mans Paradise Only local Tico owned and operated eco resort, located near northern border of Corcovado National Park on the beachfron portion of the Amaya family farm(37 hectors).

• Corcovado Jungle Eco Lodge, . A Genuine Rainforest Experience Just 2 km from the Los Planes Ranger Station of Corcovado National Park surrounded by primary and secondary rainforest reserves. Beside New Corcovado Canopy Tour. 24 hour electricity, 3 delicious meals per day featuring local organic produce, fruit and seafood. Local guides introduce you to the magic of this rainforest paradise in Rainforest Waterfall Tours and for a night cap Jungle Night Tours! Bunglaows feature private bath with hot water, fans, stocked mini bar with refrigerator, clock radio, coffee maker and private deck. Packages starting at $355 US include trips to Cano Island snorkeling, diving or Whale & Dolphin Encounters. Provides transfers from Drake Bay airstrip or Pal Mar Sur-Sierpe transfers.

Camping

• Camping is possible only at the ranger stations at the entrances and at the central ranger station. Sirena station is a series adjoining structures connected by covered walkway. A covered platform next to a kitchen area and restroom provides needed shelter for pitching free standing tents and mosquito nets. As the platform is covered, you do not need to bring a fly if you are bringing a tent. Showers are available.

Backcountry

• Backcountry camping is not permitted within the park due to the fragile ecosystem.

Buy

• There is nothing for sale within the park, including food or souvenirs.

Etiquette

The reason Corcovado is so amazing is because it has been so remote and a conscious decision to keep it beautiful is required.

• Carry out all trash and waste and leave no trace.

• Please pick up any trash you see that was left inside the park.

• Encourage others to do the same.

Safety

Basic considerations

• Drinking water. The water at the ranger stations is supposedly potable, but it is highly advised to bring some sort of portable water purifier or sterilizer as it is unrealistic to cart all of your own water in. Be especially careful while hiking from La Leona to Sirena Station- the park recommends the bare minimum of 1.5 liters but at least 3 liters is safer. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can and do kill very quickly.

• Sunscreen. The walk from La Leona to La Sirena is very exposed and it is very ill-advised to not wear proper protection.

• Bugspray. Malaria is not a concern in Corcovado, but Dengue fever is a possibility.

• Buddy or Guide. Stay safe, walk as a team. The river crossings are often underestimated and can be especially dangerous for solo hikers.

Other precautions

• Avoid swimming. The ocean tides in this area are extremely powerful, while crocodiles and bullsharks are present in both the Rio Claro and Rio Sirena. River crossings should be done quickly and carefully. NEVER risk crossing either of these rivers at high-tide or during stormy weather. Caimans may be present in all rivers and streams but are not considered a threat to humans.

• Snakes. There are Fer de Lance and various other poisonous snakes here. Fer de Lance or Tercioepelo, as it is known locally, is most active at night commonly along stream beds.

• Nature's defenses. Be careful of trees covered by thorns, spines, or ants.

• Peccaries Also know as Javelinas. There are two different species of peccaries in Corcovado, the Collared and the White-lipped Peccary. They run in packs and can be very aggressive. If threatened by a group of peccaries, climb a tree until you are six feet or higher off the ground.

• Emergencies. Park officials all own short wave radios and there is a pilot on-call. There are landing strips at Drake, La Sirena ranger station, and in Puerto Jiminez. There is also a local doctor in Drake.

• Maps Best maps locally are given out by the rangers, and are hand-drawn and not to scale. You may want to bring your own topo. However, topographic maps are neither required (the few trails are clearly visible) nor useful (almost impossible to find out where you are on the topographical maps).

Fees/Permits

Permits must be reserved in advance. You must have a permit to stay overnight at Sirena. In practice, the Park often allows campers with their own food to enter without advance reservations and prepayment, but during busy times of the year even the camping areas are filled, especially Sirena Ranger Station. Sirena is the only ranger station that offers dormitory lodging and hot meals in addition to camping. La Leona, San Pedrillo, and Los Patos offer only camping with no food service. It is possible to secure park permits directly from the Ranger Station in Puerto Jiménez, but they do not accept credit cards, so it requires passing through Puerto Jiménez and a trip to the bank to make the payment or costly international wire transfers. Reservations can be made through the park's information blog, Corcovado Blog Informativo (Spanish ). The English version of this blog is not operational as of Jan 22, 2009. Scroll to the bottom of the Spanish site where you can request a permit through an online contact form. Please note that the Park Service (MINAE) does not issue park permits more than one month in advance of anticipated arrival.

Vendors to assist with obtaining permits:

CafeNet El Sol offers a reservation service for a fee of $25, details on their Corcovado page, enabling travelers to obtain their permits in advance by credit card payment without having to travel to Puerto Jiménez or carry cash to the Park.