Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park, which represents the majority of the Osa Peninsula land mass, is a must-see for many, especially those interested in seeing wildlife in their native habitats. Corcovado is considered to be one of the most important natural preserves in the Americas and one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations. Over two million years ago, the Osa Peninsula was once an inaccessible Pacific island that evolved in total isolation. When it fused with the mainland, it retained many of the unique life forms that make it a global treasure today. The park supports 13 unique ecosystems, eight main habitats, and 13 distinct vegetation types. Scientists and researchers have recorded 500 species of trees, 140 species of mammals, 367 species of birds, 40 species of freshwater fishes and 117 species of amphibians here. During a visit to Corcovado, you could see crocodiles, tapirs, monkeys, boar-like white-lipped peccaries, giant anteaters, even jaguars roaming free. Exotic birds fill the trees and bushes, and look closely for smaller organisms everywhere.

NOTE: If it’s on your bucket list, do not delay in booking your Corcovado National Park tour, as daily visitation to the park is limited and this typically necessitates booking reservations at least one month in advance!

Tours to Corcovado are guided full-day activities, which include a boxed lunch provided by El Remanso. There are two unique options, both beginning very early in the morning in order to see the wildlife at its most active time. Your El Remanso reservationist will help you determine which tour is right for you and has availability.

La Sirena Ranger Station Tour: This tour enters the park by boat. You will head by car from El Remanso towards the waterfront town of Puerto Jimenez, taking in the sunrise over the gulf and mountains along the way. Once in Puerto Jimenez, you will board your tour boat and motor south following the Osa Peninsula perimeter. On one side of the boat will be the Pacific Ocean, teeming with marine life you can observe such as dolphins, fish, and, in season, turtles and whales. On the other side will be the shoreline and green rainforest mountains, both home to a vast array of birds. Along the way, your guide will point out natural attractions and answer your questions about the history of the Osa and Costa Rican wildlife.

When you arrive at La Sirena, you wade through the shallows to enter the park and head up to the ranger station where you will register, take in the educational exhibits, and eat your boxed lunch with your tour guide. After lunch, the land portion of your tour begins. You will walk along a trail where you will witness wildlife such as coatimundis, red brocket deer, margay cats, tapirs, pumas, jaguars, any four species of endemic monkeys, reptiles, and more. Your boat will take you back to Puerto Jimenez where your El Remanso transport will return you back to the lodge.

La Leona Ranger Station: The La Leona tour takes you northwest by car. During the drive, your El Remanso guide will tell you about the natural history of Osa and Costa Rica. The scenic road follows the Pacific coast in the direction of Carate for about 45 minutes. Once there, you will begin your tour on a beach path, where as you traverse a mile or two you may observe shore birds, marine life, and mammals that inhabit the park. The path ends at the La Leona Ranger Station where you will register, can take in the educational exhibits, and eat your boxed lunch. Your tour then resumes on a flat forest trail that overlooks the ocean below, crosses the Rio Madrigal, and, in addition to wildlife spotting, showcases beautiful hundreds-year-old trees and beautiful landscapes. This out and back hike will take you about 3-4 hours. Once you have finished, you will return to the car along the beach path and head back to El Remanso with your guide.