Travel bucket list idea:

Corcovado National Park

Osa Peninsula, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

waterfall dropping down to aqua blue water

Last updated: 05 April, 2024

The last remaining stand of coastal Pacific rainforest in Central America is protected by this, the crown jewel in Costa Rica’s park system – a sprawling 425sq km reserve that occupies much of the Osa Peninsula.

It’s a National Geographic special waiting to happen: a riot of lush forest occupied by bellowing monkeys, snorting peccaries and noisy flocks of scarlet macaws – not to mention elusive night-time species such as pumas and jaguars.

The marine areas around the Osa Peninsula are an important breeding ground for dolphins and whales. Lodges can arrange boating trips in search of these incredible mammals.

Cabo Matapalo, at the south-eastern tip of the Osa Peninsula, is blessed with a good point break. Most lodges can arrange lessons, surfboard rentals and transport.

Logistics

Price: Free

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 13+

When: All year around

Duration: 2 days

Getting there & doing it

Access to the park is via the village of Bahia Drake, at the northern end of the park, or Puerto Jimenez, at its eastern tip. Domestic airlines fly to both these points, after which travellers transfer to one of the lodges that line the coast all the way to Corcovado. Access to the park is entirely on foot, but it’s possible to reach the entrances either by car, boat or light aircraft.

The remote location means there are no restaurants – jungle lodges include board as part of the fee. They also provide picnic lunches for day-long excursions into Corcovado. The excellent El Remanso Lodge can arrange excursions of all types into the park for its guests, as well as other activities such as surfing and tree climbing.

Hardier travellers regularly hike from one end of the park to the other along the coastal trail. This takes a minimum of three days.

Take a hat, sunglasses, water bottle, mosquito repellent with DEET and clothes you don’t mind getting mucky – expect to be wet and muddy at most times.

When to do it

This is heavy duty rainforest so dry season is best, from December to April. Trails are generally at their least muddy in January.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Corcovado National Park Hike - From Uvita

Central Pacific

Viator

Corcovado National Park is known for holding 3% of the biodiversity on this side of the planet. The Corcovado National Park is the largest stronghold of primary forest on a Pacific coastline, and is famous for being “the most biologically intense place on Earth”. It has a flora that adds thousands of species, many of which have a restricted distribution and that have disappeared in other regions, as well as the fauna that stands out because of the diversity of its species, even more so if we consider that a large number figure in the list of those in danger of extinction. Offers a great variety of flora and fauna. They have also discovered unique species of flora here. The virgin forests captivates visitors. It is an ideal place for nature lovers. There are more than 500 species of trees, 140 species of mammals, 367 species of birds, 40 species of freshwater fish and 117 species of amphibians registered in this area.

Price $170

Min age 4

Rating 4.27 / 5 [33 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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5 Days Wildlife Tour in Drake Bay, Sierpe, Corcovado and Osa

Drake Bay

Viator

5 Days and 4 Nights full of wildlife in Drake Bay, Sierpe, Corcovado and Osa. Through this amazing journey, you will discover the most incredible trails of Costa Rica. Additionally, you will navigate in the Sierpe river, which is one of the biggest and most important rivers of the country. Undoubtedly, the vibrant color contrast and life will capture your attention, as you experience a transition of wildlife on the way. Likewise, you will sleep in hidden lodges and you will explore the best national park of Costa Rica and the world. You are invited to discover the unspoiled wildlife of the Osa Peninsula and live an amazing trip in Cano Island. In other words, your vacation will be full of incredible adventures and wildlife pictures. Are you ready for a new life experience? In order to get the best of the jungle tranquility. Our tours are operated in small groups of maximum 8 people per guide.

Price $1,150

Min age 12

Rating 5 / 5 [22 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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4-Days family tour with visit to Cano island and Corcovado

Sierpe

Viator

4 Days and 3 Nights full of wildlife in Drake Bay, Sierpe, Corcovado and Osa. This is a tour designed for wildlife lovers. Through this amazing journey, you will discover the most incredible trails of Costa Rica. Additionally, you will navigate the Sierpe river, which is one of the biggest and most important rivers in the country. Undoubtedly, the vibrant color contrast and life will capture your attention, as you experience a transition of wildlife on the way. Likewise, you will sleep in hidden lodges and you will explore the best national park of Costa Rica and the world. You are invited to discover the unspoiled wildlife of the Osa Peninsula and live an amazing trip on Cano Island. In other words, your vacation will be full of incredible adventures and wildlife pictures. Are you ready for a new life experience? In order to get the best of the jungle tranquility. Our tours are operated in small groups of maximum 8 people per guide.

Price $815

Min age 7

Rating 4.94 / 5 [17 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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