Information
Landmark: Corcovado National ParkCity: Zona Sur
Country: Costa Rica
Continent: North America
Corcovado National Park, Zona Sur, Costa Rica, North America
Overview
Tucked into the southwest corner of Costa Rica, on the wild Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park bursts with life and ranks among the nation’s most famous and diverse protected places-where scarlet macaws flash red against the green canopy, equally important people often call it the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s national parks, a spot so rich in life you can hear howler monkeys echo through the trees.The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, teems with life-scarlet macaws flash through the canopy, and countless other species thrive here-earning it a reputation as one of the most biologically intense places on Earth, then corcovado National Park sits on the wild Osa Peninsula, with the roar of the Pacific pounding its western shore and the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce stretching out to the east.Corcovado National Park sits in Puntarenas Province, not far from Puerto Jiménez and Drake Bay, and spans about 42,000 hectares (104,000 acres), making it one of Costa Rica’s largest and most vital wild spaces, while established in 1975 to protect the Osa Peninsula’s extraordinary ecosystems-where scarlet macaws flash through the canopy and tapirs move quietly along muddy trails-it gained UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status in 1983 for its global conservation value.Within its borders, you’ll find a remarkable range of habitats, from dense tropical rainforest to mangrove swamps and mist-shrouded cloud forest, also these ecosystems shelter an astonishing variety of plants and animals, from dazzling orchids clinging to wet bark to creatures so rare they’re found nowhere else, in some ways Corcovado National Park bursts with life, from its dense tropical rainforests-where towering ceiba trees and twisting vines shelter countless species-to its tangled mangrove swamps that cradle young fish and guard the coastline, to boot offshore, luminous coral reefs teem with sea turtles, sleek sharks, and gliding rays.Rivers like the Río Sirena and Río Claro cut through the lush green, tumbling into waterfalls that echo through the forest, while it’s no wonder this setting ranks among the most biologically diverse on Earth.The area teems with life, from radiant orchids swaying in the breeze to rare lizards found nowhere else, many of them unique to this region or scattered across just a handful of places on Earth, therefore in Corcovado, you might just catch a glimpse of the jaguar-one of the Americas’ most famous and endangered large cats-though it slips through the forest so quietly it’s almost never seen, slightly often The park shelters one of the largest populations of Baird’s tapir, heavy-footed and shy among the rainforest shadows, simultaneously spider monkeys and howler monkeys leap through the canopy, rustling leaves overhead, while white-faced capuchins forage noisily along the trails.Ocelots, pumas, and peccaries also roam these forests, meanwhile with more than 400 bird species, Corcovado offers some of the finest birdwatching anywhere, to some extent Scarlet macaws, with their blazing red and yellow feathers, are one of the park’s most iconic sights, often seen gliding high overhead, alternatively you might also spot the mighty harpy eagle, a rare and formidable hunter among the largest eagles in the world.Toucans, parrots, kingfishers, and tanagers bring splashes of color to the trees, then along the coasts and rivers, American crocodiles bask in the sun, while deep in the rainforest, jewel-vivid poison dart frogs catch a photographer’s eye.Snakes, including the venomous fer-de-lance and bushmaster, also call Corcovado home, alternatively offshore, the waters teem with whales, dolphins, and sea turtles.The park shelters nesting olive ridley and hawksbill sea turtles, while just offshore, sparkling coral reefs teem with fish, gliding rays, and sleek sharks-drawing snorkelers and divers alike, in turn in Corcovado’s rainforest, towering hardwoods rise above orchids, palms, and vines heavy with epiphytes.In a way, The park’s rich mix of plants keeps its wildlife thriving, offering shade, berries, and hidden nooks for countless species, on top of that corcovado’s trails range from gentle paths under swaying palms to rugged, multi-day treks deep into the thick jungle.Popular trails in the park range from Río Sirena, an easy-to-reach spot where you can wander shady paths, stroll quiet beaches, and watch scarlet macaws overhead, to Los Patos, a remote stretch that draws fewer visitors but offers a deeper plunge into untouched wilderness, and San Pedrillo, near the northern entrance, known for its scenic hikes and crystal-clear shorelines; wildlife watching is a highlight throughout, with guided tours helping visitors spot monkeys leaping through the canopy, glowing tropical birds, and sunbathing reptiles, what’s more knowledgeable guides can lead you along forest trails, pointing out the park’s astonishing variety of wildlife.With more than 400 bird species-scarlet macaws flashing red and gold among them-Corcovado truly is a birdwatcher’s paradise, meanwhile in the park, you might catch a flash of scarlet macaw wings, glimpse a harpy eagle soaring overhead, or spot a toucan perched on a mossy branch, and its lush, teeming landscapes keep wildlife photographers coming back for more.Thick forests, winding rivers, and wide stretches of beach offer endless chances for stunning shots, from sunlit leaves to glistening tide pools, besides just offshore, the waters of the Corcovado Marine Reserve invite both snorkelers and divers to explore their vibrant reefs.Dazzling coral reefs shelter a dazzling mix of life-striped angelfish darting between rocks, graceful rays gliding past, and sea turtles surfacing for air, besides you can paddle a kayak along the Río Sirena or trace the coastline, spotting wildlife as the water laps at your hull and the jungle hums nearby.As it turns out, Entry to Corcovado National Park costs about $15–$20 USD per visitor, depending on where and when you go, and most visitors arrive from Puerto Jiménez or Drake Bay, in conjunction with you can catch a local flight from San José to Puerto Jiménez, or hop on a boat from Sierpe or Drake Bay, where the salt air hits you the moment you step aboard.Guided tours: Because of the
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-09-11
