Corcovado is one of the loveliest and most fun to explore parks in Costa Rica. Known as the Amazon of Costa Rica, Corcovado contains eight very diverse habitats. Located on the Osa Peninsula in the southwest portion of the country, it is the largest stronghold of primary tropical rainforest on the Pacific coast of Central America and beyond.

 

Dubbed by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on earth,” Corcovado is the favored destination of eco-tourists, research scientists, and others who want to explore its amazing diversity. Visitors can experience montane forest ( which covers more than half the park), cloud forest, jolillo forest (also known as palm swamp), prairie forest, alluvial plains forest, swamp forest, freshwater herbaceous swamp and mangrove…all without ever leaving the confines of this amazing park.

 

Corcovado National Park is home to a magnificent array of wildlife, including several hundred bird species and about 140 species of mammals. Some of the park’s more unique animals include Baird’s tapir (also known as the mountain cow), the red-eyed tree frog, white-lipped peccaries, ocelots, harbor squirrel monkeys, and margays. Nearly-extinct birds include the harpy eagle, which inhabits the tropical lowland rainforest. However, the park boats the largest concentration on earth of scarlet macaws. You’ll also find more than 200 species of butterflies in Corcovado National Park as well as four species of green turtle, which make their home on the beaches.

 

Many visitors head to Corcovado for a day trip but others prefer to stay for two or more days. Lodging is available near both main entrances to the park. Four ranger stations inside the park are equipped with bunks and camping is available as well. Guests can hike or fly into the park headquarters at Sirena, a large research station set back from the beach. Hiking at Corcovado requires excellent physical fitness and can be dangerous due to wildlife.