- Of world's biodiversity
- ~2.5%
- Required in Corcovado
- Guide
- Corcovado NP
- ~425 km²
- Best season
- Dec–Apr
Visiting Corcovado
Corcovado protects the largest remaining lowland rainforest on the Pacific coast of the Americas, home to tapirs, scarlet macaws, all four of Costa Rica's monkey species, anteaters and, rarely seen, jaguars. Since 2014, every visitor must be accompanied by a certified guide, and entry is only possible through the ranger stations. Sirena, in the middle of the park, has the best wildlife and basic overnight facilities; day trips usually go to Sirena by boat from Drake Bay, or to San Pedrillo or La Leona.
Day trips to Sirena start before dawn by boat. Two-day stays let you hike the trails at dawn and dusk.
Book a Corcovado tour ↗Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez?
- Drake Bay: closer to Sirena and Caño Island by boat, with jungle lodges and no proper roads. Arrive by boat from Sierpe or by small plane.
- Puerto Jiménez: a real town with services and a road, on the calm Golfo Dulce. Good for kayaking and dolphin tours, and access to La Leona via Carate.
Caño Island
About 16 km off Drake Bay, Caño Island has clear water, coral reefs, rays, turtles and reef sharks. Snorkel and dive trips run daily from Drake Bay lodges, with a limited number of permits.
Caño Island snorkelling trips from Drake Bay often see dolphins, and whales from July to October.
Book Caño Island ↗Most Drake Bay lodges include meals and boat transfers from Sierpe.
Lodges in Drake Bay ↗Plan your trip to the Osa Peninsula
Tours & tickets
Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.
See tours ↗Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a guide in Corcovado?
Yes. Since 2014, all visitors to Corcovado National Park must be accompanied by a certified guide.
How do you get to Drake Bay?
Drive or take a bus to Sierpe, then a boat (about 1 h 30 min) down the Sierpe river and along the coast. Small planes fly from San José to the Drake Bay airstrip.
When is the best time to visit the Osa Peninsula?
December to April is the dry season and best for hiking. The peninsula receives very heavy rain from September to November, and some lodges close.
Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.