Corcovado National Park is found in the Osa Peninsula to the southeast of Costa Rica in the province of Puntarenas. It holds the largest primary forest of the American Pacific, along with one of the few remnants of sizeable tropical rainforest in the world. Corcovado is home to an estimated 2.5% of the planet's biodiversity, with 13 different types of ecosystems, this is the ideal place to observe the country's most endangered species, such as the Tapir, Scarlet Macaw, Squirrel monkeys and White Lipped Peccaries.
There are several ways to enter and exit the park, you can do either a one day tour at any of the stations (La Leona, Sirena, San Pedrillo, Dos Brazos de Río Tigre, Los Patos) or go to Sirena station and sleep there for several days, a maximum of 5 days 4 nights.
The entry options to stay overnight at Sirena are:
- La Leona - Sirena Hike: This hike starts or ends in Carate. You can get there either by public transport, 4WD rented car, shared or private taxi leaving from Puerto Jiménez (PJ). Throughout the hike you cross various rivers, long stretches of beach, and forest trails. It's a total of 20 Km for an estimated 7-9 hours hike.
- Los Patos - Sirena Hike: This hike starts or ends in Los Patos ranger station, the only access is with taxi from La Palma or PJ. You cross multiple rivers and walk through primary and secondary forest for approximately 8-10 hours, covering a distance of 24 Km. This route is only recommended for the dry season and experienced hikers.
- Boat transfer Drake - Sirena: Leaving from Agujitas beach, it's a short 1 hour boat ride to the heart of Corcovado, where you can easily spot abundant biodiversity. This option is ideal for families, short-time visits and non-experienced hikers.
- Boat transfer Puerto Jimenez - Sirena: Leaving from Puerto Jimenez's pier this 1,5 hours boat ride is full of astonishing views, a beautiful sunrise in the mornings, and biodiversity. You will be taken directly to the Sirena Biological Station. This option is ideal for families, short-time visits, and non-experienced hikers.
Important things to bring:
- Minimum 2-3 liters of water (for the long hikes) or 1.5 liters (for the day hikes) per person. Note: Have in mind that single-use plastics are forbidden inside protected areas. You must bring your own reusable water bottle.
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray/Insect repellent
- Hiking shoes (protected, comfortable and preferably waterproof)
- Sandals
- Light and easy to dry clothes
- Flashlight
- Hat or cap
- Handkerchief
- Your passport, a copy, or a clear picture (park rangers may randomly check for documentation upon arrival)
- Swimming suit
- Snacks *ONLY for the long hikes* (mixed nuts, dry fruits, cookies, energy or cereal bars only)
- Camera (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Sunglasses (optional)
- Water filter or purifying pills, etc. (optional)