Corcovado National Park Expeditions

Referred to by National Geographic as “one of the most biologically intense places on earth,” the renowned Corcovado National Park is situated just forty minutes from the mouth of the Rio Sierpe. The wildlife refuge covers one-third of the Osa Peninsula and contains some of the only primary jungle of Costa Rica, one of the reasons the entire park is protected specifically for scientific research. It is home to over 350 known species of birds, countless reptiles, rodents, and amphibians, the four species of monkey, and is the only place in Costa Rica where you can find the five species of wild cats, including the Jaguar. Other animal sightings in include Sloth, Peccaries, and a diverse range of insects, and plants. A long-time guide specialized in jungle plant and animal life will lead your tour. The Corcovado day tours are divided into two jungle hikes with an included relaxing lunch on the beach or at the Ranger Station. These posts offer shaded resting areas, public bathrooms, a cool freshwater outdoor shower, and storage rooms.

            San Pedrillo:

This is the parks northernmost Ranger Station. After unloading the boat, your guide will lead you into the rainforest, pointing out specific plant and animal life and its significance. This hike ends at a cool stream emptying into the sea where you may take a dip to relax. The walk back to the Ranger Station is along the beach, where you will find different types of wildlife from that of the first hike. Depending on how much time you would like to spend on the first walk, after lunch you may continue the tour inland, weaving up a stream to the large waterfall, a perfect photo spot and bathing location.

            Sirena:

The Ranger Station of Sirena is at about a 45 minute boat ride south of San Pedrillo, well into the heart of the park. This tour is for the more adventuresome traveler, seeking dense tropical jungle. It is on the trails of this part of the park where you have the highest chances of finding the widest range of exotic animals. The tour begins on the beach at river mouth of the Rio Sirena. Your guide will leave the lunch coolers there, and the hike up the river begins. The Ranger Station is the next stop, where you may take a break in the shade and have refreshments. The second, slightly longer, hike leads deeper into the jungle until reaching the river’s edge that will lead you back to the beach where lunch awaits. During the entire tour, keep your eyes out for all types of animal and plant life as Sirena is known for being one of the thickest, wildest parts of the untamed Corcovado National Park.