Corcovado National Park is the most ecologically diverse region in Costa Rica. Set on the edge of the Osa Peninsula, the park encompasses nearly 55,000 hectares of tropical jungle and includes 2,400 hectare protected marine zone. It is home to the only old growth wet forest left on the Pacific coast of Central America, and receives nearly 20 feet of rain each year. Distinct mammal and reptile species that cannot be found elsewhere in the world roam the region. Jaguars and pumas, three-toed sloths, white-faced, howler and squirrel monkeys, tapirs and endangered tree frogs are among the species you might stumble upon. Despite the wealth of animals, the true biodiversity is in the plant and insect life, with over 500 tree species alone and 6,000 kinds of insects.
The park can be reached by a flight to Puerto Jimenez or Drake Bay, or by 10-hour bus from San Jose. Once there, boats may be the easiest way to get to more secluded areas of the park, and local fishermen are always happy to lend there services for some financial compensation. Touring guests have the option of a half-day or full-day hike of the park, the latter taking you deeper into the jungle where relatively few hikers have gone before. Another option is taking a strenuous hike from the southern tip of the peninsula in Carate and camping out for a several day self-tour of the most remote parts of the park. Most of the trails through the park parallel the beach to some degree, although the sand mites and marine species may keep hikers from daring to enjoy the views for too long. Long light pants and bug repellent are highly recommended.