Corcovado National Park Osa Peninsula Costa Rica
A Remote Paradise of Stunning Beaches and Abundant Wildlife
Sep 22, 2008
Most visitors come to the Osa Peninsula to visit La Sirena ranger station in Corcovado National Park, an excellent place to spot wildlife. Located in the south on the Pacific Ocean this extensive humid tropical rainforest covers 11,300 square miles and with 6 m of rain per annum is the wettest region in Costa Rica.
Often seen are all four species of monkey; howler, white-faced capuchin, spider and the cutest of all, the tiny squirrel monkey. Baird's tapir, a rare river rhino, are also seen as well as anteater and scarlet maccaw.
Getting to Corcovado National Park
Corcovado is an hour's boat ride south from the small town of Agujitas in Drake Bay where most visitors stay. Tours to La Sirena or San Pedrillo ranger stations cost between USD90 to USD100 including boat transportation and a guide who will bring a telescope for viewing wildlife.
From Agujitas a coastal rainforest trail leads all the way to La Sirena via San Pedrillo ranger station. This trail is a long, hot hike so most people walk only a part to spot wildlife and enjoy the beaches. On the trail much wildlife can be seen.
Agujitas Drake Bay
The boat from Sierpe lands on the beach in front of the pulperia (general store). From here a dirt road winds uphill to town which has a grocery store and basic but friendly sodas ( Costa Rican restaurant).
Accommodation
Dormitory accommodation is available at La Sirena, advance bookings must be made through Oficina de Area de Conservacion Osa in Puerto Jimenez. ph. (506) 2735-5036; fax (506) 2735-5036. Budget accommodation is located in Agujitas, Drake Bay. Heading south from here along the coast towards Corcovado National Park, upmarket lodges provide accommodation with meal plan and boat pick up. Many have impressive tropical gardens, swimming pools and fantastic sea views.
Other Tours
- Isla de Cano, an island off the coast of Drake Bay, is good for snorkelling and diving. Main attractions are underwater rock formations and coral. On the island are pre-Columbian granite spheres used for ceremonies or as a burial site by indigenous tribes.
- Boat tours from Sierpe go to the large mangrove forest of theTerraba Wetlands as well as on night crocodile tours.
Getting to the Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula takes some effort to access as there are no roads - everything, visitors, food and supplies, travel in and out in by boat or small plane.
- Flights from San Jose to Agujitas (45 minutes) are operated by SANSA and Nature Air and cost USD182 return.
- Buses leave San Jose's TARCOP terminal at 5.30am for Palmar Norte (USD8). From Palmar Norte it is a half hour taxi ride to Sierpe (USD25). From Sierpe boats depart regularly for the hour long journey to Drake Bay (USD20). The boat trip from Sierpe along crocodile inhabitated waterways is an experience in itself; one where the journey is nearly as good as the destination.
When to Visit the Osa Peninsula
The high, and the driest, season is between January and April.
Essentials for Hiking in Corcovado National Park
- Good hiking boots for slippery wet trails and crossing streams.
- A waterbottle.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Sun screen is an absolute must.
- Binoculars
Costa Rica is a nature lovers paradise with many national parks and ecosystems like cooler Monteverde Cloud Forest or Carara National Park located in a transition zone between Pacific rainforest and tropical dry forest.
Costa Rica's abundant wildlife brings many volunteer opportunities and for animal lovers Rainsong Wildlife Sanctuary offers direct contact with exotic species.
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