Corcovado National Park
Located on the southern coast of Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park is a true gem of Central America. Spanning over 424 square kilometers of pristine rainforest, Corcovado is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
With its untouched wilderness, white sand beaches, and abundant wildlife, it is no surprise that Corcovado National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Table of Contents
What makes this place so special
A Haven for Wildlife
One of the main attractions of Corcovado National Park is its incredible biodiversity. The park is home to over 500 species of trees, which provide a habitat for a wide range of animals, birds, and insects. The park’s animals include all four species of monkey found in Costa Rica, as well as sloths, anteaters, and over 140 species of mammals. The park’s avian population is equally impressive, with over 400 species of birds found in the park. Birdwatchers can expect to see toucans, parrots, and the resplendent quetzal, which is a rare bird with iridescent feathers.
Pristine Beaches and Warm Waters
Another highlight of Corcovado National Park is its beautiful beaches. The park has over 20 kilometers of coastline, which is dotted with pristine white sand beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and surfing in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. The park’s beaches are also an important nesting site for sea turtles, and visitors can witness the incredible sight of baby turtles hatching and making their way to the ocean.
Exploring the Rainforest Up Close
The park has a network of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the rainforest and experience its beauty up close.
The trails range from easy to difficult and vary in length, so visitors of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy them.
Visitors can also book Corcovado National Park Tours which provide an opportunity to learn about the park’s history, ecology, and conservation efforts.
Indigenous Culture and Conservation Efforts
One of the unique features of Corcovado National Park is its cultural heritage.
The park is home to the Guaymi and Boruca indigenous tribes, who have lived in the area for centuries.
Visitors can learn about the indigenous way of life and their customs, which include intricate weaving and traditional ceremonies.
The indigenous communities also offer guided tours of the park, which provide an opportunity to learn about the park’s ecology and the importance of conservation efforts.
Conservation is a major focus of Corcovado National Park, and the park’s management team has implemented several initiatives to protect the park’s fragile ecosystem.
The park is part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, which is a network of protected areas that spans from Mexico to Panama.
The park’s management team works closely with local communities to promote sustainable tourism and reduce the impact of human activity on the park’s flora and fauna.
How to enter the Park
This National Park has four entrances, each providing access to different areas of the park. These entrances are:
San Pedrillo
Located on the western side of the park, this entrance is accessible by boat or by foot from the nearby town of Drake Bay.
The San Pedrillo station offers several hiking trails through the rainforest, as well as opportunities for wildlife spotting and birdwatching.
Sirena
Located in the heart of the park, the Sirena station can be reached by boat or by foot from the town of Drake Bay. This entrance offers access to a range of hiking trails and is known for its abundant wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, monkeys, and birds.
La Leona
Located on the park’s southeastern edge, the La Leona entrance can only be reached by foot from the nearby town of Carate.
This entrance offers access to the park’s beautiful coastline, as well as several hiking trails through the rainforest.
Los Patos
Located on the park’s northern edge, the Los Patos entrance is accessible by foot or by car from the town of Puerto Jimenez. This entrance provides access to several hiking trails and is a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
It’s important to note that all visitors to the Corcovado National Park are required to be accompanied by a licensed guide, and permits must be obtained in advance.
Additionally, some areas of the park may be closed during certain times of the year to allow for ecological regeneration and habitat conservation.
List of wildlife you can spot in the Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on earth, with a wide variety of wildlife that can be found in its forests, rivers, and beaches. While it’s impossible to provide an exhaustive list of all the animals that can be spotted in the park, here is a comprehensive list of some of the most common species:
Mammals:
- Howler monkey
- Spider monkey
- Capuchin monkey
- Squirrel monkey
- Three-toed sloth
- Two-toed sloth
- Tamandua (anteater)
- Giant anteater
- Tapir
- Jaguar
- Puma (cougar, mountain lion)
- Ocelot
- Margay
- Jaguarundi
- Collared peccary (javelina)
- White-lipped peccary
- Central American agouti
- Paca
- Red brocket deer
- White-tailed deer
- Nine-banded armadillo
- Northern raccoon
- Kinkajou
- Coatimundi
- Grey fox
- Central American squirrel
- Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine
Birds:
- Harpy eagle
- Crested eagle
- King vulture
- Black vulture
- Turkey vulture
- Red-lored parrot
- Scarlet macaw
- Great curassow
- Black guan
- Crested guan
- Collared aracari
- Keel-billed toucan
- Black-mandibled toucan
- Fiery-billed aracari
- Slaty-tailed trogon
- White-tipped sicklebill
- Yellow-billed cotinga
- Purple-throated fruitcrow
- Bare-throated tiger heron
- Boat-billed heron
- Great blue heron
- Green ibis
- American swallow-tailed kite
- Bat falcon
Reptiles and Amphibians:
- Spectacled caiman
- American crocodile
- Boa constrictor
- Fer-de-lance
- Eyelash viper
- Green iguana
- Basilisk lizard
- Common slider turtle
- Yellow-spotted Amazon River turtle
- Green sea turtle
- Hawksbill sea turtle
- Olive Ridley sea turtle
- Black river turtle
- American bullfrog
- Red-eyed tree frog
- Glass frog
- Poison dart frog
Invertebrates:
Corcovado National Park is a haven for insect enthusiasts, with an astonishing variety of insect species to be found in its diverse habitats. While it is impossible to provide an exhaustive list of all the insects that can be spotted in the park, here is a comprehensive list of some of the most common and notable species:
- Hercules beetle
- Giant rhinoceros beetle
- Orb-weaving spiders
- Leafcutter ants
- Army ants
- Blue morpho butterfly
- Owl butterfly
- Atlas moth
- Praying mantis
- Stick insect
This is just a sampling of the incredible diversity of wildlife that can be found in Corcovado National Park. Visitors are sure to be amazed by the abundance of flora and fauna in this remarkable part of the world.
You can also check our Costa Rica Wildlife Calendar to find out about other species you may encounter during your Costa Rica Trip
In conclusion, Corcovado National Park is a unique and beautiful destination that offers visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica. With its untouched rainforest, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, the park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
