CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK

The park is located in the Pacific coast, Peninsula de Osa, in the province of Puntarenas. It was established by Executive order No. 5357-A, of October 24, 1975. Has an area of 54.538,9 hectares in the terrestrial zone and 2.400 in the maritime zone. Corcovado is located in the living area corresponding to the tropical wet forest of the South Pacific of Costa Rica, and we can say that no other wild area of the country protects the resources of flora and fauna presents in that region. This wilderness area is considered an excellent living laboratory, where can be studied the structure and functioning of tropical ecosystems and relationships between them.

The wet forest of Corcovado, are among the last holdouts that are still ecosystems of the tropical wet forest, unchanged in the american pacific, with rainfall exceeding the 5.000 mm anually.
This park provides research and scientific studies and promotes environmental education.
There are about 500 trees species throughout the park, which is equivalent to a quarter of all tree species in Costa Rica. Tropical rain forests protected in the area are not only the best of these ecosystems in the pacific slope, but also the latest in the Central American region. The park`s vegetation consists mainly of tropical wet forest with the following habitats: montane forest, cloud forest, lowlnad forest, swamp forest, the yolillal, the herbaceous swamp, mangroves, cliffs vegetation and vegetation of the coast.


The most characteristic species are the nazareno, poponjoche, guayabón, sangregao, el ojoche, el espavel and cedar, among others. The park protects several species that are endangered as cats and big reptiles, protects as well, bird endemic species or of restricted distribution. It is known the existence of 104 mammal species, 367 birds, 117 amphibians and reptiles and 40 species of freshwater fish. Among the most outstanding wildlife, we can find the tapir, jaguar, puma, ocelot, giant anteater, white-faced; monkeys such as the howler, the red and the squirrel monkey, scarlet macaws, white hawk, cock water and the kettle grenadier. In addition the King of vultures, the chicken mount, the pigeon house, the toucan bicolor or curran, the catano or zapoyol, the martín peña, the cacique and several species of hummingbirds. The park is one of the most important conservation area of the alligator and crocodile.



Park facilities and hours
Entrance to Corcovado National Park is permitted through ranger stations at San Pedrillo in the northwest, La Leona in the southeast, and Los Patos in the northeast. Camping is allowed at these stations campgrounds, or there are modest accommodations at the park headquarters and research center in Sirena, located on the Pacific shore within the park boundaries.
There is a camping area at this point. Trails in the San Pedrillo Sector go through the forest near the ocean. These camprgrounds and trails are especially good for bird watching and sighting different species of mammals unique to Costa Rica.

Catarata Trail:
The hike ends in a refreshing waterfall. It is a circular trail measuring 2 km in length. It takes approximately 1 hour to walk it.

Pargo Trail:
This hike goes through the forest, bordering several rivers. It measures 3 km and it takes approximately 2 hours walking.

Las Marias Trail:
It is special for bird watching and sighting smaller mammal species. It ends in La Llorona waterfall. It measures 10 km and you need between 4 and 5 hours to walk it.

The Sirena-San Pedrillo trail:
It is a restricted access trail. It is only open December through April. It is a strenuous trail and people who follow it must bring their own water and food. No camping is allowed along the way. The trail measures about 25 km and requires some 8 to 10 hours walking. For reservations or camping permits, contact ACOSA (Area de Conservacion de OSA) in Puerto Jimenez through email, fax or phone. Proof of reservation, provided by ACOSA, is required at each station.

www.costarica-nationalparks.com
http://www.infoweb.co.cr/turismo/parques/corcovado.html

Our reception desk will be pleased to answer any questions you may have about these or other tours. Tours can be booked through our receptionists prior to or during your trip. 

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