What to do in Costa Rica ? Are you a nature lover? You like to walk? Then you will love Corcovado!
Located south of Drake Bay and covering more than 42,000 hectares, this region is one of the richest in biodiversity in the world (yes, we promise). It is home to no less than 2.5% of the world's biodiversity. Nowhere else in the world can you find such a small area with such biological diversity. All this flora and fauna is distributed between rainforests and cloud forests, rivers, mangroves, lagoons, swamps and, of course, heavenly beaches that stretch for more than 45 kilometers. There are so many activites you can do during your holiday in Costa Rica.
Here is what you can do :
1. Walking and boat trips to Corcovado National Park
For hiking enthusiasts, Corcovado National Park has marked trails and camping areas. There are also sanitation facilities, ranger and information stations, medical care, and even an airstrip.
But that's not all. You can also take a boat from San Pedrillo resort to Punta Uvita and see dolphins! Between February and May, you can meet humpback whales that come down from the north, while if you visit between July and November, you will see those that come up from the southern seas. In addition, you will have the opportunity to see one of the four species of sea turtles that come to lay their eggs on the beaches of Corcovado. You will see an incredible wildlife : scarlet macaws, toucans, pelicans, vultures, migratory birds, monkeys, sloths, tapirs, agoutis, raccoons, anteaters and coatis on the trails and... crocodiles in the rivers!
2. Relax on deserted beaches
After the effort, the comfort: you will have time to relax on the beautiful beaches of the area. The crystal clear waters that caress the shores of the park allow for swimming and snorkeling (among turtles, manta rays, dolphins and colorful fish). You can also go on kayaking excursions or even practice sport fishing.
3. Visit Isla del Caño
It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the region, as it has pristine beaches and coral reefs where marine life flourishes. Listed as a UNESCO Natural and Cultural Heritage Site, the island is home to manta rays, turtles, dolphins, starfish, sharks, a wide variety of fish and, at certain times of the year, whales. Kids are usually fascinated by this place.
One of the most interesting attractions is a series of carved stone spheres dating back to pre-Columbian times. These petroleum spheres are part of a group that is scattered throughout Central America. Most of them, about 500, were found in Costa Rica, on this island. How they were made and their purpose remain a mystery to this day. They range in size from the small, a few centimeters in diameter, to the enormous, more than two and a half meters. They were made between 400 AD and the time of the Spanish conquest. In other words, for a thousand years!
4. Visit the biological stations
Sirena Biological Station
This research center is remarkable for its small airstrip. The nearest town with road access is Carate, to the east. Its facilities have a capacity of about 20 people, but researchers and scientists have priority access. Therefore, we recommend that you book in advance.
Biological Station of San Pedrillo
Accessible by boat, it is the most visited ranger station in the region. It is actually possible to walk there from Drake Bay, but the 7-hour walk along the coast will discourage the less athletic.
Recommendations before going
Good to know
One of the most successful initiatives to achieve a balance between tourism and preservation has been to limit access and human activity in Corcovado National Park. This has allowed visitors to enjoy nature in its wildest state while preserving the environment in its purest state so that visitors can enjoy the area as much as their predecessors. It is therefore important to note that advance reservations are required to visit the park.
Essential accessories
Imperative: wear comfortable shoes. Flip-flops? It's better to wear sandals with Velcro closures or that at least tie up. You will be walking on trails and rocks in the middle of the jungle or by the water. A hat is essential, as well as sun protection. If you're going to the jungle, be prepared for an experience away from your phone. Forget the internet!
How to get to Corcovado Park Costa Rica ?
Getting to Corcovado National Park is an adventure in itself. You'll need to get to Drake Bay or Puerto Jimenez first. If you are traveling to Drake Bay from Manuel Antonio or the South Pacific coast, take your rental car to Sierpe, where a boat will take you along the jungle waterways to Drake Bay. It's also possible to get there by plane. However, Drake Bay's airstrip is sometimes temporarily closed; travelers can fly to Palmar Sur's domestic airport, where they will take a short land transfer to Sierpe, then take a boat down to Drake Bay. You can also take a 50-minute domestic flight from San Jose to the city of Puerto Jimenez.
Which transport to get to Corcovado Park?
To get to Corcovado National Park, a boat or a 4wd vehicle will probably be your means of transportation.
When to go to Corcovado Park ?
The driest months for Corcovado National Park are from December to April. The rest of the year, it rains and the annual rainfall rate is among the highest in the country, that's to say!