One of the most exciting experiences during the past Costa Rica trip has been the 2-day hike through Corcovado National Park.
Corcovado National Park is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world and stretches across 41'000 hectares on the Osa Peninsula, located in the south-west of Costa Rica.
HOW TO GET THERE
The accessibility of the national park is limited by either boat or foot. Access points (so called stations) are San Pedrillo, Sirena, La Leona, El Tigre and Los Patos, reachable from either Drake Bay or Puerto Jimenez. At Sirena Station you also have the possibility to stay overnight.
To visit this national park you need to book a guided tour with a certified guide / company. There is no possibility to visit Corcovado National Park on your own! I can highly recommend to book your hiking adventure with the local tour company Osa Wild, as their knowhow about the ecosystem, flora and fauna is incredible.
Nature conservation is taken very seriously at Corcovado National Park. Thus, bear in mind, to not bring any single-use plastic and don't throw anything away during your time within the national park. Due to its remoteness, animals are not used to humans or being fed and thus their behaviour around humans is still completely natural, which makes the experience so unique.
The itinerary we chose was Drake Bay - Sirena - Carate - Drake Bay.
DAY 1
Early in the morning (around 6 o'clock), you will be picked up in Drake Bay by boat and transferred to Sirena. This takes about 1 hour. Once you reach the beach of Sirena, you will are either asked to take off your shoes or if you are well prepared and already are wearing waterproof shoes you are good to go. The boat is not able to dock at the beach as it is extremely shallow and stony. Therefore, you have to wade ashore where you will meet your guide for the next two days.
Immediately, you will notice the various sounds coming from the forest, which by the way starts right at the beach. It is a rather extraordinary welcome for all your senses!
The next 2-3 hours are used to explore the different paths and trails around Sirena Ranger Station, where you will encounter many different species and get a first impression of what is yet to come.
The paths are rather muddy (this probably depends on the amount of precipitation in the previous days and weeks) and therefore it is highly recommendable to bring proper footwear for the hiking activities.
Some of the highlights of the first walk were definitely the amazing and constant background noises, the encounter with a tapir and observing many playful monkeys (you can find four different species of monkeys in Corcovado National Park).
During the hottest hours of the day (between 11.00 and 14.00 hrs) you will spend some time at the ranger station where you enjoy a delicious, local lunch and have some time for siesta. This is also the time when most of the animals are rather inactive and thus, you don't miss much by taking a break as well.
Later in the afternoon you are heading out again with your guide to observe more of the common animals in this area as well as to have the chance to take a refreshing dip in a nearby creek. Apart from more fascinating mammals such as peccarys, agoutis and coatis we also got to see lots of different, colourful birds.
Heading back to the station in the dusk is another thrilling experience and another moment where I was extremely glad to have such an experienced nature guide with us.
For dinner you will again enjoy amazing local food such as for example rice, manioc and plantain.
Another unique factor about staying in the national park overnight is the experience of enjoying the unobstructed view of the starry sky. The lights of the ranger station are turned off entirely at 20.00 hrs and thus, there are no artificial sources of light which are obstructing the sight.
It is then time to have an early night, to rest for a rather exhausting next day.
DAY 2
A very early wake up call is advisable to avoid the greatest heat during the 20-kilometre hike from Sirena Ranger Station to Carate (early in our case was 4.45 hrs). To be able to leave on time, while it is still pitch-black outside, breakfast can be ordered as a take away option the evening before.
One of the biggest obstacles (at least for me) has to be conquered already after 30 minutes of walking - a river crossing! Here, you will be glad once again, if you did bring some waterproof shoes. Crossing the river in hip deep water definitely is an activity I call adventurous, especially when taking into consideration what kind of animals are living here...
The major part of the second hiking day is spent along the coast. There are several sections directly on the sandy beaches, while other parts lead you through the lush and shady rainforest. Due to the strong sun / heat as well as the tide, it is extremely important to stick to the hiking schedule.
Along the way you will most likely spot many more animals, admire the versatile landscape and be enchanted by the sheer beauty of this secluded national park. There is also time to enjoy the take away breakfast along the way.
Every breeze and every raindrop (if you are lucky enough to get some) is more than welcome, since the temperatures and humidity are extremely high.
After about 8 hours of hiking, another smaller river crossing and the loss of what feels like several litres of sweat, you will pass by La Leona Station and soon reach, Carate, where your transfer to either Puerto Jimenez or back to Drake Bay already awaits you.
These two days of hiking and observing wildlife in one of the most biodiverse areas of this planet have been one of the best travel experiences, but at the same time extremely exhausting. Especially the heat and humidity paired with the physical activity are not to be underestimated. A decent fitness level, the desire to experience Costa Rica off the beaten track as well as the love for nature and wildlife are highly recommendable if you intend to go on this adventure.
WHAT TO BRING
If you are planning to go on a 2-day guided hike through Corcovado National Park, the following list might help you to pack. Please note, that this is a personal list and depending on your needs you might want to add / leave away some of the items.
32 l backpack
dry bag
waterproof sandals
hiking boots
sun protection (eyes, head, skin)
reusable water bottle(s)
insect repellent
quick-drying activewear
swimsuit
headlight
snacks for the hikes (e.g. nuts, bars, dry fruit)
camera gear
microfibre towel
toiletries
binoculars
SIRENA RANGER STATION
Sirena Ranger Station is located close to Sirena Beach where you arrive by boat. It is a research station, but also serves as a quarter for overnight stays in the national park. The facilities are simple, but functional.
There are dormitories with bunk beds, a patio with views over the plain, a dining area, showers and toilets as well as a small shop. The entire station is open (no walls) and is built on stilts.
You will have access to power to charge your phones and cameras, but the light will be turned off at night at 20.00 hrs.
All beds are equipped with mosquito nets and bed sheets (as humidity repellent as possible in such a tropical environment).
The food which is included in the tour packages is delicious. It is mainly local food such as plantains, manioc, rice and beans as well as a lot of fresh fruits.
There is also a station with potable water, where you can refill your own bottles for the second day of hiking.
The ranger station was completely renovated in 2020.
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