Inland, the greatest danger is losing the trail on the other side, or during the rainy season being upended and bruised on the rocks (the water can be waist deep). “Through the administrative decision number; R-SINAC-ACOSA-D-011-2013 it is official that as of  February  1st of  2014,  all  visitors  to  Corcovado  National  Park  will  be  required  to  be accompanied by a local tour guide”. Waters of the park are calm and rich in biodiversity. [1] Dolphins such as spinner and rough-toothed, and smaller cetaceans such as false killer whales and killer whales are seasonal residents/migrants to these areas. To help combat the threat of over-exposure, many agencies and other groups (including Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, WWF–U.S., rain-forest conservation groups in several countries, Catholic Relief Service, Organization of American States, and the Costa Rican, Danish, Dutch, Swedish and United States governments) have come together to provide aid to the conservation cause. Primary and secondary forests, mangroves, plains, and volcanoes host an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Experience the unspoiled beauty of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula Drake Bay Resort is an award-winning wilderness lodge near Costa Rica’s renowned Corcovado National Park. We were told by these affable scofflaws that it is still possible to purchase permits and camping reservations at the main station in Jiménez in person without producing an accompanying guide or guide permit. The highest peak of Costa Rica is the Cerro Chirripo at 3,819 meters, and it is the 5th highest peak in Central America. Bicycles, sea kayaks and horses are also available for rent or as part of a tour. Rumors that large American crocodiles are present within Laguna Corcovado are false. The 7 km long trail from the El Tigre station at the end of the Dos Brazos road on the southeast corner of the park was opened to public access late in 2014. During the wet months (July to November) parts of the park may be closed. American crocodiles are also present within the river, but most are small and recent surveys indicate that the population may be much smaller than initially believed. All four of the sea turtle species that nest in Costa Rica visit the beaches of Corcovado as well. Despite the ominous sounding declaration that violations will be “sanctioned by Article 307 of the Penal Code of Costa Rica which stipulates prison of up to one year.” we spoke with visitors inside the park early in 2016 who were unaccompanied. These coasts, such as at Drake Bay, are wintering and breeding grounds for the humpback whales that come each winter. The diversity found on the Osa peninsula is not surpassed by any region of similar size anywhere on earth. You will probably get wet whenever you visit Corcovado, but a drenching is guaranteed August through November. By 1986 their number had increased to about 1,000 (not counting their families), who also hunted the wildlife. Prices are each way and there is no discount for round trip ticketing on either airline. There are numerous river crossings on the hikes in Corcovado. A vacation to Costa Rica for one week usually costs around ₡290,924 for one person.So, a trip to Costa Rica for two people costs around ₡581,847 for one week.A trip for two weeks for two people costs ₡1,163,694 in Costa Rica. With luck one might even spot a tapir, even though they are nocturnal. It encompasses the only remaining old growth wet forests on the Pacific coast of Central America, and 13 major ecosystems including lowland rain forest, highland cloud forest, jolillo palm forest, and mangrove swamps, as well as coastal marine and beach habitats. Larger animals, especially, need a large habitat free of human activity. They consider DEET a treat, but thanks go out to C. Baker’s Moon handbook for tipping us off to Avon’s skin so soft. One can fly into the park (via chartered aircraft) to Estación Sirena, from where one can follow relatively short loop-trails. Back off and if you have to climb a tree and wait for them to leave. Over 40 species of frogs including red-eyed tree, rain, glass, dink, and poison arrow varieties, dozens of snakes including a variety of Boas and the dreaded bushmaster, as well as 28 species of lizards. It is estimated that 38% of the park (16.000 hectares) have been exploited by gold miners. There is also sometimes space under a roof for your sleeping bag. One can get to the Corcovado National Park via Puerto Jimenez or Drake Bay. Rio Sirena is commonly regarded as the most dangerous of crossings, primarily because it flows directly into the massive Laguna Corcovado in the isolated heart of the park. Costa Rica’s well-populated heartland, formed in and around the upland basin known as the Valle Central or Meseta Central, is devoted to the cultivation of coffee, one of the country’s most important exports. Despite the presence of these predators, by far the greatest risk you will face while crossing any river is the strong current. Jaguars are present and some individuals frequent the beach near Madrigal at night. As of August 2014, admission is $15 per person per day for non-Costa Rican residents. Carate (near Estacion La Leona), also has an airstrip and road access from Puerto Jimenez. Corcovado National Park is open to the public and can be visited on day trips and for overnight visits, as of February 1, 2014 all Corcovado visitors must be accompanied by certified professional guides. Reservations and guide services are required and available from local lodges. The Rio Madrigal, just north of the park entrance, is much smaller and may be home to spectacled caiman. The elusive Jaguar is a large, beautiful and potentially intimidating feline but is generally regarded as shy and harmless. The trail between Los Patos and La Palma winds in and out of the Río Rincón so many times you may start feeling a little amphibious. Upstream Rio Claro is a popular night swimming spot amongst guides and their groups, therefore it is doubtful that attacks by crocodiles or sharks in this river are a concern. To walk through the park one needs a reasonable fitness, at least two or three days (except on El Tigre trail which is a one-day hike), good planning and caution. Poison dart frogs and several species of snake (including the venomous fer-de-lance and bushmaster) are also common within the park. Learn how and when to remove this template message, The National Parks Of Costa Rica (Horizon Guides, 2017), "Especial Areas Silvestres Protegidas: tierra de todos y de nadie. Corcovado has the largest population of collard and white-lipped peccaries in Costa Rica, they are both endangered and dangerous. All four of the monkey species (including the highly endangered Red-backed squirrel monkey), and all six of the feline species found in Costa Rica inhabit Corcovado. Corcovado is home to a sizable population of the endangered Baird's tapir and even a small population of the very rare harpy eagle. Our Vacation Packages can be Custom Tailored to suit your Needs, Interests & Budget. You can easily arrange for transportation into the park, as well as guide service, or a tour if you desire one. More than 400 species of birds including 16 different hummingbirds and the largest number of scarlet macaws anywhere in Central America. If you have the fortitude to withstand afternoon showers and a really good drenching or two, a visit during the rainy season may be rewarded (if you can get to the park…) with empty trails and better wildlife viewing in the absence of the crowds. Continue south on the Pan American Highway to Chacarita/Piedras Blancas to where you turn right (southwest) on 245 towards Puerto Jiménez. Historically, logging has taken place in lowland areas because those areas are more easily accessible and contain the largest and most economically valuable trees. It was established on 24 October 1975, and encompasses an area of 424 square kilometres (164 sq mi). If you don’t have a 4WD vehicle transportation to the park boundary is available by private or collectivo taxi from there. For this he received the Albert Schweitzer Award from the Animal Welfare Institute. On February 5, 2015 a new trail into Corcovado was opened in Dos Brazos de Rio Tigre. Flying directly into the park on a charter is also possible at Carate east of the park boundary at Madrigal or into the heart of the park at Sirena. Reservations for overnight visits in the park can be made in Puerto Jiménez on the east coast of the peninsula. Most animal sightings can be expected on the coastal track, with scarlet macaws (the largest population in the country) flying overhead, hermit crabs on the beach, pelicans fishing in the sea and, on the sections that go slightly inland, spider monkeys (take care not to get urinated on when they are in a tree overhead), tamandua anteaters, pumas, white faced capuchin monkeys, lineated woodpeckers and coatis (to name just a few). People thinking “oh, it’s natural, it will degrade” then tossing food scraps in the bushes was one of the main motivations for the strict new “no food allowed” regulations at Sirena station. They are not particularly interested in attacking humans, but their eyesight is weak, and they can be very aggressive when startled or if they think you are challenging them. All four Costa Rican monkey species can be seen within the park, including the endangered Central American squirrel monkey, white-faced capuchin, mantled howler, and Geoffroy's spider monkey. It has developed into a budget travelers haven, with a large number of inexpensive cabinas, restaurants, travel services and rental outlets. From Estación Sirena one can follow many short tracks, on which one can also take short night-strolls into the forest with a good chance of running into a tapir. These rivers can all be very dangerous if forded at high tide or if one is inexperienced in this kind of an environment. At high tide there are several rock outcroppings that block the way. The already present goldminers were allowed to stay. The second track runs inland from Estacion Sirena to Estación Los Patos at the Eastern end of the park. Unfortunately this means that even tourism, the economic incentive for Costa Rica and other developing nations to preserve and protect parks such as Corcovado, actually threatens the long-term biodiversity of the park. Take care where you swim, there are areas where hammerhead sharks school (there has never been a reported attack), and crocodiles and bull sharks are common in Corcovado Lagoon and the estuaries of the Ríos Claro and Sirena. There are a number of access points for Corcovado, but Puerto Jiménez is generally considered the gateway to the area. Just 30 minutes from Corcovado National Park, the hotel is located in Drake Bay one of the most beautiful bays in Costa Rica. Carate is 26 miles (43 km) southwest of Puerto Jiménez along a rocky muddy road that deteriorates from a reasonable gravel surface to  a serious 4WD challenge as you round Cabo Matapalo. Located on the Osa Peninsula, on the south-western Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Corcovado is the last remaining large and sustainable lowland rainforest in Central America. Other baleen whales also migrate through the area such as Bryde's whale. It’s unlikely you’ll be fortunate enough to see them unless you are looking hard, but be careful reaching where you can’t see. (Get a current detailed roadmap printed on waterproof tear resistant synthetic. Both species of sloths and all four species of monkeys native to Costa Rica are common in Corcovado and best seen on a day hike or multi-night trek accompanied by a naturalist guide. Other mammals present include two-toed and three-toed sloth, collared peccary, northern tamandua and silky anteater. About 30 miles (50 km) past Cartago you climb over Cerro de la Muerte, and you will reach San Isidro el General after a total of 92 miles (153 km) (approx. Lowland rain forest, highland cloud forest, jolillo palm forest, and mangrove swamps, coastal marine, and beach habitats support a spectacular variety of wildlife. Small American crocodiles and spectacled caiman are also present within the Rio Claro, albeit in smaller numbers than Rio Sirena.