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.

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.