National parks in Costa Rica are must-see tourist attractions in this coastal country. With their purposes to preserve and provide for the wildlife of Costa Rica, it’s not doubt that these national parks are always part of the itinerary.
One of these is Corcovado National Park, and it does not go without reasons.
Known as the virgin rainforest of Costa Rica, the inside of Corcovado National Park is believed to be untouched sandy beaches, waterway networks , natural inhabitants and a vast spread of varying trees and plants.
Located in the untamed Osa Peninsula off the Pacific Coast, the Corcovado National Park remains to be one of the most important reserves in the whole of America, housing various endangered species and abundant vegetations.
Corcovado in Numbers
The Corcovado National Park’s size is 122 times bigger than New York’s Central Park. Its stretch is an entirety of 103, 000 acres or approximately 4,178 hectares. Its sea level elevation is 745 meters and the amount of rainfall annually is around 13 feet!
What Corcovado National Park Has to Offer
An outstanding characteristic of this park off Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is that it contains the remaining old wet forests in Central America. Other than that, it houses at least 13 major ecosystems (highland cloud forest, mangrove swamps, lowland rain forests, beaches, etc.) that keep everything living in it in its most natural and living form.
Considering its wide biodiversity, it is the Mecca for any ecological enthusiast. Trees grow as high as 165 ft and some are draped with epiphytes. If you look down, you’re in for a treat of shrubs growing beautifully and undisturbed.
Natural ochre and sandy beaches remain undisturbed and extend for up to 20 km. Guests who intend to swim do so at their own risk, given the existence of hammerhead sharks and crocodiles in the waters of Corcovado.
More than its natural and beautiful surroundings, the wildlife here is quite an experience as well. All four monkey species and six feline species of Costa Rica can be found in this reserve. The Corcovado National Park is also home to the coyest of species in the country such as the Harpy eagles and white-lipped peccaries. Giant anteaters, raccoons, bats and sloths among many others also inhabit the forests of Corcovado.
What to do and Where to Stay
There are bunkhouses and campsites made for guests who intend to explore the Corcovado National Park for more than a day. Since there is a lot to see and learn from in this park, hiking and trekking are some of the most popular activities in this Costa Rican reserve.
Truly a sanctuary for both its inhabitants and visitors, the Corcovado National Park is undeniably a mesmerizing place to not only discover the beauty of nature but also value the significance of its existence.
Getting to Corcovado National Park
You can get to this national park via air, land or water. Daily flights courtesy of Travelair or SANSA airlines depart from San Jose (Juan Santamaria Airport) to Golfito, Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay, all leading to the popular national reserve. A ferry ride leading to Corcovado from Golfito leaves every single day from the Muelle. If you prefer to travel by bus, express departures from San Jose are also available. The Corcovado National Park consists of three entry points: La Leona on the southeast, San Pedrillo on the northwest and Los Patos at the northern tip of the park. |
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