Jungle Adventures: Places to visit in Corcovado National Park

Introduction

Nestled on the stunning Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica lies a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike – Corcovado National Park. Spanning over 424 square kilometers (164 square miles) of untamed rainforest, this biodiverse haven teems with an astonishing array of flora and fauna. In this blog, we explore the wonders awaiting those who dare to visit Corcovado National Park. From exhilarating 3-night intense jungle treks to easier and shorter day trips by boat or land to one of the many entrances to this magical place on earth. Any route you choose with Osa Wild will surely become a lifetime memory. 

Visiting Corcovado National Park 

Corcovado National Park Tours: From Intense Jungle Treks to Easy Day Tours

All Corcovado tours are best if guided. It is a sustainable practice to contribute to the economic development and well-being of its inhabitants. More importantly, a guided tour is the best way to experience the wonders of Corcovado safely. Knowledgeable local guides lead visitors through dense jungle trails, sharing insights into the park’s ecology and pointing out elusive creatures along the way. From leisurely nature walks, like our San Pedrillo Day Tour, to challenging hikes, like our Intense Jungle Trek, tour options are suitable for every fitness level and interest.

Corcovado National Park Animals

Encounter the Wild Residents: tapirs, monkeys, and now jaguars!!!

Corcovado National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, boasting over 800 species of trees, 124 species of mammals, 480 species of birds, 50 of amphibians, 67 of reptiles, and over 10,000 different species of insects. Lucky visitors may spot iconic wildlife such as the endangered Baird’s tapir, playful spider monkeys, vibrant scarlet macaws and recently, elusive pumas and even jaguars have also been seen. Every step through the forest brings the possibility of an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Spider Monkey at Corcovado National Park Tours, by ZimyDaKid

Corcovado National Park Tours

Trails around La Leona Ranger Station: Best choice to enjoy a full day of nature. 

We highly recommend La Leona Station Day Tour. The adventure starts as you hop in the car and an endless amount of creatures on the road start to appear. Monkeys, sloths, toucans, coatis, and owls along the road are common sightings. On lucky days we might even see a puma or a tayra on this same road. To get to La Leona we drive 42 km from Puerto Jimenez and then hike 3.5 Km before reaching the station. By the time we reach La Leona and enter the national park we’ve already seen so much!! 

The trails at the park are marvelous, easy to follow, mostly flat (great for kids and/or seniors), and most importantly not crowded at all. Here you have time for yourself and there’s no need to run around looking for creatures since our tours depart normally after 2 pm from Carate, so we have all day to enjoy Corcovado. Reserving spaces at La Leona is much easier than Sirena (which is usually more crowded) and we can practically make sure we will find a space for you and your group any time of the year. 

Tayra, a member of the weasel family is commonly observed near La Leona Ranger Station

Sirena: top jungle adventure destination

Staying overnight at the Sirena Ranger Station offers a unique opportunity to connect with the breathtaking wilderness of Corcovado National Park fully. Technically, this is the only place where you can spend a night inside the park. It’s not cheap, you will need to hire a certified guide for your entire stay at the park and buy the meals at the station, since it’s not allowed to bring any food inside the park. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly overnight stay, the best option is to boat in (from Puerto Jimenez) and hike out (to La Leona), and therefore you spend at least one night at Sirena Biological Station. Make sure to check our Sweet Sunrise to Sirena or our Full Peninsula Discovery.

Recommendations: 

• Try local snacks at the store (ice cream, chips, and chocolate are all made in the Osa) 
• Stop for a beer at La Leona Ecolodge.
• Sit and relax at the front porch of the station, some of the best wildlife sightings happen here.
• Check out the new museum at Sirena station.

Remember to bring all your essential outdoor gear, as the station offers only basic visitor facilities: 

• Water filter 
• Reusable water bottles
• Flashlight 
• Towel 
• Earplugs 
• Dry-fit clothing
• Hiking boots
• Hiking backpack
• First Aid Kit (with your preferred medications)

Los Patos Trail with ZimyDaKid and Luisda Montero as guide, Adventures at Corcovado. 

Corcovado National Park Accommodation 

Sleeping at Sirena Bunkbeds: a rustic experience near stars and nocturnal tapirs

For adventurous souls yearning for a close connection to nature, Sirena offers two wooden platforms with 100 spaces per night. The accommodation is simple, bunkbeds with sheets, pillows, and mosquito nets. The perfect place for adventurous naturalists!! 

Exquisite Corcovado National Park Accommodation Options: Rustic Elegance Amidst the Wilderness

For those seeking an authentic jungle experience without sacrificing comfort, several eco-lodges and rustic cabins offer accommodation near Corcovado National Park. 

Our favorites: 

• La Leona Ecolodge 
• Danta Corcovado Lodge. 

We highly recommend: 

• Finca Exotica
• Poor Man’s Paradise
• Bellavista
• Copa de Arbol
• Aguila de Osa
• La Paloma 

These lodgings blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings, providing cozy retreats after a day of exploration. Wake up to the sounds of the rainforest and savor locally sourced meals while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.

TIP: A cool little place for backpackers is Life for Life Hostel

Certified Sustainable Stays Supporting Conservation

Many accommodations near Corcovado National Park are committed to sustainable practices and support local conservation initiatives. By choosing eco-friendly lodges and responsible tour operators, visitors can minimize their environmental impact and contribute to the preservation of this precious ecosystem. From solar-powered facilities to organic gardens, these establishments prioritize sustainability without compromising on comfort or luxury. 

Luna Lodge’s view is exuberant and wild, super close to Corcovado National Park.

Some great recommendations are: 

• El Remanso
• Lapa Rios 
• Bosque del Cabo
• Luna Lodge

Corcovado National Park beckons adventurers with its untouched wilderness and unparalleled biodiversity. Whether exploring dense rainforest trails, spotting elusive wildlife, or immersing oneself in sustainable eco-lodges, every moment spent in this pristine paradise is an opportunity for discovery and awe. An unforgettable journey into the heart of Costa Rica’s untamed beauty!

Osa Wild explorers at Sirena Biological Station with Luisda Montero.

FAQs

Why Corcovado National Park Should Be on Your Bucket List?

Corcovado National Park should definitely be on your bucket list for several compelling reasons:

Corcovado has so many different stories, and so much history behind it. From the wisdom and bravery of the jungle people who lived there more than seventy years ago, to a place for National Geographic and BBC films and photography. There is no other place in our country where you can spot so much biodiversity. Corcovado includes Sirena Biological Station  where  research was predominant during the early 70’s and 80´s. One of the longest term tapirs research was held there, and a national  jaguars and ungulates monitoring program by the local national conservation system. It is also a place that preserves cultural heritage, beyond its natural beauty, Corcovado was a home to over 200 families that where forced to leave after declaring it a national park in 1975. Corcovado is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. From rare species like the Baird’s tapir and the elusive jaguar to vibrant birds like scarlet macaws, the park offers a unique opportunity to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. 

Corcovado is also a place for adventure and exploration.  Whether you’re a hiker, birdwatcher, or simply an adventurer at heart, Corcovado offers a range of activities to satisfy your wanderlust.It is a paradise for naturalists and biologists and hikers, because you can admire so much wildlife along the 21 km hikes from La Leona and explore pristine primary forest trees along Los Patos.

What are the endangered species found in Corcovado National Park?

At Corcovado we preserve the largest population of scarlet macaws from all of Central America and have one of the few healthy populations of white lipped peccaries and spider monkeys in the country. We preserve around 16 endemic  species of  birds, one unique poisonous dart frog and unique monkeys that are only found in the South Pacific area like the  Squirrel Monkey. Corcovdo preserves a very healthy population of bairds tapir. Some other endangered species which can be seen but are more elusive include: Puma, Jaguar, and Ocelot.

How can I book guided tours in Corcovado National Park?

The first and most important thing you must know is that spaces are limited inside the park and you can book your stay as soon as six months before your visit. So, make sure to plan ahead and book your stay no later than one month before your visit, otherwise you risk not finding a spot or a guide available. This applies mostly to Sirena station, the most crowded one of all, but it’s also a good recommendation when booking any of the other stations.

To book your guided tour in Corcovado National Park you first need to decide exactly what you want to do, which area of the park you want to visit, for how long, and how much physical effort you want to put into it. You can contact us to help you find the best option for you. 

Once you have decided what you want to do, you can go to the specific package in our Corcovado Adventures category and click the Book Now button. Fill in the form with all your information and we will take care of the rest.