Only about half the area of New York, Costa Rica’s little Corcovado Park (100,000 acres) has been called as “the most biologically intense place” on earth by National Geographic.
It hosts a stupendous spread of life.
139 different species of mammals (10% of all the mammal species in North America).
400 kinds of birds (the U.S. has about 900 bird species).
500 different types of trees, some more than 200 feet tall, and up to 100 different species per hectare.
And, today, with a fine new coastal highway along the Costa Rica Pacific coast, it’s more accessible than ever before.
It’s the perfect tropical destination for lovers of the outdoors, environmentalists, bird watchers, and hiking enthusiasts.
But, before setting out to go to Central America’s largest remaining primary rainforest, it’s highly recommended to get an advance reservation to go into the park.
Daily park costs are $10 for visitors.
Reservations (permits) are required to enter Corcovado Park and are enforced by park rangers at all of the ranger stations.
There are 4 primary ranger stations: San Pedrillo on the northwestern corner of the park (accessible by boat from Drake Bay or overland); Los Patos on the eastern edge of the park (accessible by hiking or horseback); La Leona Ranger Station on the southwestern edge (accessible by hiking the beach from close by Carate); and Sirena Biological Station—-the most remote—-accessible by water, hiking, or charter aircraft.
While many visitors enjoy day trips into the park from close by lodges, the recommended way to see it is by staying at one of the ranger stations over the course of your visit.
San Pedrillo, Los Patos, and La Leona offer potable water, toilets, and showers but no indoor lodging accommodations, food or drinks. Each one of these ranger stations allows camping (space availability varies) but does not rent tents or sleeping bags.
The camping fee is $4 a day and needs a previous reservation.
The sole ranger station that has lodging and meal availability is the Sirena Biological Station. There are 19 dorm-style beds in five rooms and breakfast, lunch, and dinner for people with a prior reservation. The charge to sleep inside is $8 a day and mealscost $15 for breakfast to $20 for lunch and dinner.
Camping is also available at that station ($4/day).
If visiting Sirena, don’t expect to stay overnight or eat a meal at Sirena unless you have a confirmed, pre-paid reservation (can be secured online). Meals are brought into the camp every day so there’s not a cafe or little grocery to get food or beverages.
2 final notes about traveling to Corcovado National Park.
1. Reservations are not accepted more than 30 days ahead of time and during high season (January-April) it’s a good idea to make your reservation exactly 30 days before you intend to go.
2. Leave your cell phone behind because it’s not going to work.
With its great beaches, mountains, volcanoes, and wonderful attractions, it’s always time for a great Costa Rica vacation when you know where to go and what to do.
It’s one of the last great wilderness areas in the Northern Hemisphere, spectacular wildlife and tropical weather but before putting it on your itinerary, see what you need to do visit Corcovado National Park Costa Rica.
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