As a diving instructor based in Uvita, I’ve guided hundreds of visitors to Corcovado National Park. National Geographic called this place “the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity”, and after 20+ trips, I can confirm that’s not marketing hype.
Corcovado National Park spans 163 square miles of the Osa Peninsula on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast. It protects the largest remaining primary lowland tropical rainforest on the American Pacific coastline, containing 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. All four Costa Rican monkey species live here, along with jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and over 500 tree species.
What makes my perspective unique is our ocean approach. Tours depart from Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita, taking you by boat to the San Pedrillo entrance in one hour. You’ll spot dolphins during the journey, then track tapirs in the rainforest hours later. That’s the magic of the Osa Peninsula.
Corcovado protects 13 major ecosystems: lowland rainforest, highland cloud forest, jolillo palm forest, mangrove swamps, and pristine Pacific beaches. These interconnected habitats create one of the most complex biological systems on the planet.
The numbers tell part of the story. Corcovado is home to more than 500 tree species, representing nearly 40% of all tree species found in Costa Rica. Over 400 bird species have been recorded here, including 16 different hummingbird species. The park supports 140 mammal species, 117 reptile and amphibian species, and at least 10,000 insect species.
But statistics don’t capture standing on a beach at dawn while spider monkeys cross the canopy overhead and scarlet macaws fly past in pairs. The density of life here is overwhelming in the best possible way.
Did you know? Corcovado National Park contains 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity despite covering only 0.001% of the planet’s surface. You’re more likely to see rare wildlife here in a single day than most people see in a lifetime.
The park’s isolation played a crucial role in preserving this wilderness. The Osa Peninsula remained largely untouched until the 1960s, when logging companies and gold miners arrived. Researchers recognized the urgency and petitioned President Daniel Oduber to protect the area.
Corcovado was designated a National Park in 1975, though gold miners were initially allowed to remain. They were eventually evicted in 1986 due to hunting activities, though illegal mining unfortunately continues.
You’ll definitely see wildlife, which species depends on timing and luck.
Corcovado’s most iconic resident. Adults weigh up to 650 pounds, with stocky legs and elongated snouts. Sirena Station offers the best sighting opportunities, especially during early morning hikes.
White-faced capuchins approach close and interact playfully. Howler monkeys announce dawn with echoing roars. Spider monkeys perform canopy acrobatics. Endangered Central American squirrel monkeys chatter in family groups.
Jaguars are extremely rare (I’ve seen only two in 20+ trips). Pumas inhabit Puma Valley. Ocelots, jaguarundis, and margays prowl nocturnally.
Scarlet macaws fly in mated pairs. Resplendent quetzals inhabit cloud forests. Chestnut-mandibled toucans, great curassows, and harpy eagles are regularly spotted.
Olive Ridley sea turtles nest July through December. American crocodiles grow up to 20 feet. Bull sharks patrol river estuaries.
Corcovado has five sectors accessed through different ranger stations: Sirena, San Pedrillo, La Leona, Los Patos, and El Tigre. Your choice dramatically affects wildlife viewing and access difficulty.
Sirena offers the highest wildlife encounter probability. Located centrally, it has bunks for 80 overnight visitors, dining hall, museum, and covered veranda where animals wander past.
Multiple trail systems surround the station, beach trails for crocodiles and sea turtles, forest trails for tapirs and monkeys. The old airstrip is now an open field that animals cross regularly.
Access requires boat from Drake Bay (1 hour) or Puerto Jimenez (1.5 hours), or multi-day hikes. Overnight stays allow early morning and late afternoon viewing when animals are most active.
San Pedrillo is where you access the park. Located on the northern coast, it’s reached by boat from Drake Bay or Uvita.
Our journey from Marino Ballena National Park takes one hour. Dolphins frequently bow-ride our boat, and during whale season (December-April and July-October), humpback whales appear regularly.
The station is smaller than Sirena with basic facilities and a nearby waterfall. Coastal trails between beach and rainforest offer excellent wildlife sightings, monkeys, coatis, and diverse bird species. Less crowded than Sirena.
For Uvita visitors, San Pedrillo offers unmatched convenience, no long Puerto Jimenez drive or complicated Drake Bay logistics. We handle permits, guides, and transportation.
La Leona Station: Southeastern coast. Challenging drive to Carate plus 2km beach walk. Starting point for the 16km hike to Sirena, strenuous but rewarding.
Los Patos Station: Inland, northeastern edge. The 20km trail to Sirena includes numerous river crossings and elevation changes through cloud forest. For experienced hikers only.
El Tigre Station: Newest addition (opened 2014). Accessed via Dos Brazos road. Fewer visitors, ideal for solitude seekers.
| Station | Access | Facilities | Wildlife | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sirena | Boat or multi-day hike | Bunks, dining, museum | Very High | Overnight stays, serious wildlife watching |
| San Pedrillo | Boat from Uvita/Drake Bay | Basic, waterfall | High | Day trips, Uvita convenience |
| La Leona | Drive to Carate + 2km walk | Very basic | Moderate-High | Multi-day trekking to Sirena |
| Los Patos | Drive + challenging hike | Basic | Moderate-High | Cloud forest, experienced hikers |
| El Tigre | Drive via Dos Brazos | Basic | Moderate | Solitude, fewer crowds |
Yes, but expect adventure. The primary route runs from Puerto Jimenez. From San José, take the Pan-American Highway south through San Isidro to Chacarita, then turn toward Puerto Jimenez, 240 miles, 8-9 hours.
4WD is essential, especially rainy season (May-November). The final 43km from Puerto Jimenez to Carate deteriorates from gravel to serious off-road challenge. Roads can become impassable during heavy rains.
Our tours depart from Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita, accessing San Pedrillo by boat in one hour.
The journey is part of the experience. Early morning departures catch calm Pacific waters. We follow the coastline past dramatic cliffs and hidden beaches. Dolphins regularly accompany us, and humpback whales frequently appear during migration seasons.
Uvita Route Advantages:
Drake Bay: Remote town reached by rough road from Sierpe (often impassable rainy season) or boat along mangrove-lined river. Boats reach San Pedrillo (25 minutes) or Sirena (1 hour). Many eco-lodges include Corcovado trips in packages.
Puerto Jimenez: Largest Osa Peninsula town, accessible by daily San José flights or long drive. Boats depart for Sirena (1.5 hours), or drive to Carate for La Leona foot access.
Fun fact: Two separate humpback whale populations visit Corcovado waters. Northern hemisphere whales arrive December-April, southern hemisphere whales July-October – creating one of the world’s longest whale watching seasons.
Yes, mandatory since February 2014. All visitors must have a certified local guide registered with SINAC (national park service). No exceptions.
Beyond safety (river crossings, wildlife encounters, heat management), guides dramatically enhance experiences. Their wildlife-spotting ability seems supernatural, identifying camouflaged animals, interpreting tracks, locating creatures you’d walk past blind.
Our guides carry SINAC and Costa Rican Tourism Board certifications, first aid certification, radio communication, and years of park experience.
Most popular. Spend 4-5 hours hiking with guide, break for lunch, return afternoon. See substantial wildlife without multi-day trekking demands.
Our Corcovado day trips from Uvita depart 6 AM. After scenic boat ride, we hike San Pedrillo trails (5-8km depending on pace and wildlife). Lunch included. Return to Uvita early afternoon.
1-3 nights at Sirena Station. Basic bunks, cafeteria meals, early morning/late afternoon wildlife viewing without day-tripper crowds. Experience rainforest darkness and nocturnal sounds.
For serious adventurers in excellent condition. Trek station-to-station over days, crossing rivers, camping at designated sites. La Leona to Sirena (16km) or Los Patos to Sirena (20km) are classic routes.
There is also an option for combined boat-route trips, such as Corcovado paired with Isla del Caño. Dive with manta rays one day and track tapirs the next for a full Osa Peninsula biodiversity experience.
Booking Timeline: Book 30-45 days advance for high season (December-April). Sirena capacity: 80 overnight, 500 day visitors. Within 3 days, permits can’t be guaranteed.
Hot, humid, wet year-round. Average 20-25 feet annual rainfall. Daytime temperatures 85-90°F (29-32°C), nights cool to low 70s°F (21-22°C). Humidity constantly 80-90%.
Even “dry” season includes rain. Wet season brings daily downpours. Heat and humidity are intense, drink water constantly.
| Month | Weather | Wildlife | Crowds | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec-Jan | Dry, minimal rain | Whales, turtles | High | Excellent |
| Feb-Mar | Driest, hot | Birds breeding | Very High | Very Good |
| Apr | End dry season | Monkey activity | High | Good |
| May-Jun | Wet begins | Lush, fewer visitors | Low-Mod | Excellent |
| Jul-Aug | Wet but manageable | Turtles, southern whales | Moderate | Very Good |
| Sep | Heavy rain | Pristine, empty | Very Low | Good (if rain-prepared) |
| Oct | Heaviest rain | Sirena closed | Very Low | Poor |
| Nov | Rain decreasing | Post-closure | Low | Good |
Water & Hydration: 2-3 liters in reusable bottles (single-use plastics confiscated). Ranger stations have filtered refill water.
Clothing: Lightweight, moisture-wicking, quick-dry only. Long pants and sleeves protect against insects and sun despite heat. No cotton, it stays wet and causes chafing.
Footwear: Closed-toe hiking shoes mandatory. Water shoes for river crossings. Rubber boots available for rent during rainy season.
Sun Protection: Wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses. Tropical sun is brutal even under canopy.
Insect Protection: DEET for mosquitoes/horseflies. Avon Skin So Soft for no-see-ums (purrujas), guides swear by it.
Stay with your guide always. No solo wandering. People have gotten lost.
River Crossings: Cross at low tide (tide charts at stations). American crocodiles and bull sharks patrol Ríos Claro and Sirena estuaries, cross far upstream. Remove shoes or use water shoes on slippery rocks.
Heat Management: Drink before thirsty. Dizziness, nausea, confusion, or stopped sweating signals trouble – alert guide immediately.
Ocean Safety: Riptides common. If caught, swim parallel to shore until free, then return to beach.
After 20+ Corcovado trips, I’m still in awe every time. The experience never becomes routine. Every visit brings new wildlife encounters and reminders why conservation matters.
Corcovado represents increasingly rare genuine wilderness where nature operates on its own terms. The jaguars aren’t in zoos. The tapirs aren’t fed by humans. The rainforest hasn’t been sanitized for tourism. This is raw, authentic nature.
Your visit funds conservation. Park fees support ranger patrols, anti-poaching efforts, and habitat restoration. Guide requirements provide economic alternatives to destructive gold mining. Responsible tourism gives communities reasons to protect rather than exploit the rainforest.
This guide is based on firsthand experience and verified information from authoritative sources:
Author: Peter Sawicki
Peter Sawicki is a PADI instructor with many years of experience and hundreds of certified students to his name. He is a technical diver, cave explorer, and climbing instructor with a background that spans both big wall expeditions and demanding technical ice climbs. Recognized multiple times with the prestigious PADI Elite Instructor Award, Peter combines deep professional knowledge with a passion for sharing the world of adventure, both underwater and above it.
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