Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

The diversity found on the Osa peninsula is not significantly surpassed by any other region of similar size on earth.

Gary Hartshorn's enthusiasm was only surpassed by the forest's when he wrote in Costa Rican Natural History that "these forest are by far the most exuberant in Central America. In fact, the Corcovado forests are just as impressive in height as the best forests I have seen in the Amazon basin or the dipterocarp forests of Malaysia and Indonesia." He goes on to note "The Corcovado forests exemplify the popular conception of the tropical rain forest, with a multitude of species, very tall trees, spectacular buttresses, large woody lianas and abundant herbaceous vines. Daniel Janzen, the editor of the same volume speculated that the peninsula contained the complete tropical insect ecosystem from Mexico to Panama.

Attractions
Corcovado National Park is the backpacking experience of a lifetime. It encompases 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 costal marine and beach habitats. There is a good chance of spotting some of Costa Rica's shyest and most endangered inhabitants here; Baird's Tapirs, Jaguars, Scarlet Macaws, Harpy Eagles, Red-backed squirrel monkeys and White-lipped Peccaries. It is wet, remote and rugged, but the trails are relatively good, and the camping areas near the ranger stations are grassy and well drained.

If you have ever imagined yourself swimming up to a deserted golden sand beach lined with coconut palms, then rinsing off under a waterfall surrounded by the verdure of the rainforest. Then you'll find Corcovado's 23 miles (39 km) of beaches appealing. We walked 11 miles (18 km) of beach one day and saw one other person. Take care where you swim, there are areas where hammerhead sharks school (there has never been a reported attack), and crocodiles are common in Corcovado Lagoon and the estuaries of the Ríos Claro and Sirena.

In the region:
As a ferry terminal and the end of the bus line, the town of Puerto Jimenez serves as an unofficial gateway to Corcovado. It has developed into a budget travelers haven, with a large number of inexpensive cabinas, restaurants, travel services and rental outlets. You can easily arrange for transportation into the park, as well as guide service, or a tour if you desire one. Bicycles, sea kayaks and horses are also available for rent or as part of a tour.

When to visit:
You will probably get wet whenever you visit Corcovado, but it's a sure bet August through November. If you will be camping, you probably want to try for the drier months of January through April. If you have the fortitude to withstand afternoon showers and a really good drenching or two, a visit during the rainy season will be rewarded with empty trails and better wildlife viewing in the absence of the crowds.

Costa Rican Natural History
by Daniel H. Janzen (Editor), $US 33.48, Paperback, 816 pages, Publisher: University of Chicago Press, (November 1983), ISBN: 0226393348

The bible of Costa Rican plants, animals and insects. This is the one book you will find on the shelves of every research station, park, and preserve. Highly Recommended

$US 39.00 from Amazon -or-
Barnes&Noble member price $US 39.00

Tropical Nature : Life and Death in the Rain Forests of Central and South America
by Adrian Forsyth, Paperback, 272 pages, Publisher: Touchstone Books, (1987), ISBN: 0684187108

A series of essays by the two authors (Forsyth mainly in Costa Rica, Miyata mainly in Ecuador). Chapters include, epiphytes, bugs and drugs, army ants, artful guises, Jerry's maggot, night walks. The authors encourage you to get to know the rainforest by hanging out there. The writing style is much more original and engaging than many authors that have attempted the same book. For example there is a chapter (fertility) on pooping in the woods, then waiting and watching as the rainforest assimilates your contribution to fertility. Highly Recommended

Out of print but often available from Amazon

Information on the Web

Costa Rica trekking adventures is an outfitter that organizes treks in Corcovado National Park.

Osa Aventura has preplanned and custom multi-day treks into Corcovado.

Details on campsites and bunkhouses at the rangers stations in the park are in a separate PDF document. (320 kb)