Corcovado National Park - Costa Rica
The Corcovado National Park in the south of Costa Rica is located in a remote area. It can be reached by plane, boat or car. But especially during the rainy season the access route via Carate can be impassable. In particular in October and November it is necessary to get information on the road conditions up front.
La Leona is the southernmost ranger station. Basic accommodations, drinking water are available. Sometimes even food, but better inform yourself. From here a trail leads to the Sirena Ranger Station. Several streams have to be crossed on this trail. It is absolutely necessary to inform oneself about the tides before starting to walk the trail. During high tide often the water level is too high to walk through! The park rangers can provide this information.
From the trail it is possible to spot red macaws, king vultures, tapirs, capuchin monkeys and many more animals. All of the 4 species of monkeys that live in Costa Rica can be observed in this area. There is a relatively healthy population of cats. All of the 6 species that inhabit Costa Rica have been sighted in the Corcovado National Park.
For your security use only the authorized trails and do not wander off them. Getting lost in the rainforests is easy when you are surrounded by trees, with visibility restricted to 30 meters.
Carry enough water, a topographic map, a compass and a gps...
Green sea turtle, ridley sea turtles, hawksbill turtles and leatherback turtles lay their eggs on the beaches inside the park.
Animals that are in danger of becoming extinct, like the harpy eagle, can be found here. Harpy eagles are in danger of becoming extinct due to habitat fragmentation and habitat destruction. There are several trails in the Corcovado National Park. It is possible to hike from the Sirena ranger station inland to the Los Patos ranger station. Another option is to hike along the coast to the San Pedrillo ranger station. That hikes is around 25 kilometers long. The hiking conditions of the trails may vary from day to day. It is very important that you use caution hiking in the heat. Always carry water with you as you hike.
Unfortunately, the trails are often badly signposted and maintained. Even if you take a GPS, take a compass and a topographic map that shows roads, trails and streams. A GPS can make the navigation much easier.
It is not possible anymore to explore the park without a guide. With a guide it is much easier to spot wildlife and there is no risk of getting lost.
Corcovado National Park on the map
Facts about Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
- Carcovado was declared national park in the year 1975.
- During October and November the accommodation roads may be impassable even with a four wheel drive car.
- Business hours: The park is open every day from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
- Corcovado National Park telephone: (506) 2735 5580/ (506) 2735 5036.
