The Corcovado National Park

The fictional Indiana Jones would come alive had he visited the Corcovado National Park. The park is located 368 kilometers southwest of San José in the Osa peninsula. The insect life would have left him mesmerized. The peccaries, crocodiles, and sharks are sure to have enthralled him.

With the Corcovado National Park, you are given an opportunity to explore the wild side of Costa Rica. Do not let survival thoughts bother you as most tour operators offer you the guidance, care and comfort.

The park is thrown open to the public from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. The entry fee is priced at USD 15. By using the service of Costa Rica Expeditions, you avoid the hassles of obtaining a permit. Meals are provided within the park. For camping you need to shell out $2.

If you do not reach your tent or ‘puesto’ by the said time, the rangersp will go searching for you. However, it is advisable to take appropriate precautionary measures. For instance, begin your hiking after the break of dawn to avoid encounters with snake. Also, carry sufficient drinking water. Use effective insect repellants and sunscreens. Do not take the risks of camping alone. It is always good to have a partner along with you.

It is not hard to see why the park draws thousands of travelers every year. The 41788 odd hectares of the park are home to rainforests, swamps, rivers, lagoons, marshes and beaches. The park is also home to endangered species of animals, including anteaters, harpy eagles, tapirs, ocelot, and jaguars. Marine turtles such as the leatherback and the olive ridley inhabit the Llorona Beach.

There are in excess of 500 species of trees. This unique ecosystem is home to more than 6000 species of insects. The gold mines that are present in the area are a major threat to the ecosystem. The ‘oreros’ or gold miners are known to invade the park to carry out mining activities.

The park, located in the Osa peninsula, is hot and humid in nature. There is a spurt in the rainfall from April to December. The beaches are a favorite hotspot for the hikers. The beaches are adorned with soft sand, swamps and mangroves. Wear light-colored clothing and use appropriate sunscreens to beat the humid climate.

Getting to this wonder of Costa Rica is easy. Corcovado is accessible by car, bus, boat as well as air travel. Puerto Jimenez is the area’s largest town. There is a bus service from Puerto Jimenez to La Palma. From La Palma you need to take alternative means of transport. With the help of the taxi you can reach Carate, which is in close proximity to the park. If you prefer air travel, take a flight to Sirena or Carate. The ranger station is situated at Sirena. If you prefer boats, take the service from Marenco Biological Reserve or Drake Bay right up to Sirena.

The Corcovado National Park is a biological wonder. Adventures are sure to feel their adrenaline soar. Witness some of the endangered species of animals in the park. The ecosystem of the park is pristine and spotless. Corcovado appears isolated from the rest of Costa Rica. This works to the advantage of the park by minimizing the impact of civilization. The increase in population is bound to spell doom for this ecosystem.