Half the size of NYC, Costa Rica's tiny Corcovado Park (100,000 acres) has been described as "the most biologically intense place" on earth by National Geographic.
It hosts a bewildering spread of life.
139 kinds of mammals (10% of all of the mammal species in North America, including pumas, jaguars and four other kinds of wild cats).
400 kinds of birds (the United States has a little more than 900 different kinds of birds).
500 different kinds of trees, some 200 feet tall, and up to 100 different species per hectare.
And, today, with a fine new coastal road along the Pacific, it's easier to reach than ever before.
It's an ideal tropical destination for wilderness lovers, environmentalists, bird watchers, and hiking fans.
But, before starting out to go to Central America's largest remaining virgin rainforest, travelers are well-advised to get an advance reservation to go into the park.
Daily park fees are $10 for visitors.
Reservations (permits) are required to enter Corcovado and are enforced by park rangers at all the ranger stations.
There are 4 main stations: San Pedrillo on the northwestern corner of the park (accessible by boat from Drake Bay or overland); Los Patos on the eastern edge of the park (accessible by hiking or horseback); La Leona Ranger Station on the southwestern edge (accessible by hiking the beach from nearby Carate); and Sirena Biological Stationâ€"-the most remoteâ€"-accessible by water, hiking, or charter aircraft.
While many visitors enjoy day trips into the park from nearby lodges, the recommended way to see this wilderness gem is by staying at one of the ranger stations over the course of a few days.
San Pedrillo, Los Patos, and La Leona offer potable water, toilets, and showers but no indoor lodging accommodations, food or drinks. Each of these ranger stations allows camping (space availability varies) but does not rent tents or sleeping bags.
The camping fee is $4 a day and needs a prior reservation.
The sole ranger station that has beds and meals is the Sirena Biological Station. There are 19 dorm-style beds in five rooms and breakfast, lunch, and dinner for people having a prior reservation. The charge to sleep indoors is $8 a day and mealscost $15 for breakfast to $20 for lunch and dinner.
Camping is available at that station ($4/day).
If visiting Sirena, do not plan to get a room or eat a meal at Sirena unless you have a confirmed, pre paid reservation (can be secured online). Meals are brought into the camp every day so there isn't a cafe or small corner store to get food or beverages.
2 final notes about visiting the park.
1. Reservations aren't accepted more than 30 days ahead and during high season (January-April) it's a good idea to make your reservation precisely 30 days before you plan to go.
2. Leave your cell phone behind because it is not going to work.
It hosts a bewildering spread of life.
139 kinds of mammals (10% of all of the mammal species in North America, including pumas, jaguars and four other kinds of wild cats).
400 kinds of birds (the United States has a little more than 900 different kinds of birds).
500 different kinds of trees, some 200 feet tall, and up to 100 different species per hectare.
And, today, with a fine new coastal road along the Pacific, it's easier to reach than ever before.
It's an ideal tropical destination for wilderness lovers, environmentalists, bird watchers, and hiking fans.
But, before starting out to go to Central America's largest remaining virgin rainforest, travelers are well-advised to get an advance reservation to go into the park.
Daily park fees are $10 for visitors.
Reservations (permits) are required to enter Corcovado and are enforced by park rangers at all the ranger stations.
There are 4 main stations: San Pedrillo on the northwestern corner of the park (accessible by boat from Drake Bay or overland); Los Patos on the eastern edge of the park (accessible by hiking or horseback); La Leona Ranger Station on the southwestern edge (accessible by hiking the beach from nearby Carate); and Sirena Biological Stationâ€"-the most remoteâ€"-accessible by water, hiking, or charter aircraft.
While many visitors enjoy day trips into the park from nearby lodges, the recommended way to see this wilderness gem is by staying at one of the ranger stations over the course of a few days.
San Pedrillo, Los Patos, and La Leona offer potable water, toilets, and showers but no indoor lodging accommodations, food or drinks. Each of these ranger stations allows camping (space availability varies) but does not rent tents or sleeping bags.
The camping fee is $4 a day and needs a prior reservation.
The sole ranger station that has beds and meals is the Sirena Biological Station. There are 19 dorm-style beds in five rooms and breakfast, lunch, and dinner for people having a prior reservation. The charge to sleep indoors is $8 a day and mealscost $15 for breakfast to $20 for lunch and dinner.
Camping is available at that station ($4/day).
If visiting Sirena, do not plan to get a room or eat a meal at Sirena unless you have a confirmed, pre paid reservation (can be secured online). Meals are brought into the camp every day so there isn't a cafe or small corner store to get food or beverages.
2 final notes about visiting the park.
1. Reservations aren't accepted more than 30 days ahead and during high season (January-April) it's a good idea to make your reservation precisely 30 days before you plan to go.
2. Leave your cell phone behind because it is not going to work.
About the Author:
With its great beaches, mountains, volcanoes, and wonderful attractions, it's always time for a great Costa Rica vacation when you know where to go and what to do.It is one of the last great wild areas in the Northern Hemisphere, impressive wildlife and tropical weather but before putting it on your check-list, see what you need to do visit Corcovado National Park Costa Rica.
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