Covering a large part of the Osa Peninsula and, for some time, a portion of forest between Golfito and the north of Golfo Dulce on its southwestern side, Corcovado National Park protects 54,500 ha of land and 2,500 ha of sea. It was created in 1975 following the mass arrival of loggers and campesinos looking for new land to clear. In the 1980s, the (re)discovery of gold deposits threatened the balance of the forest. Since then, the miners have been officially evicted, but constant surveillance must be maintained. Eight types of habitats are recognized within the park, between the swampy plains to the lagoon and the mountain forests, which means more than 500 plant species, mainly trees. The Corcovado forest being one of the wettest in Costa Rica, with at least 5,500 mm of rainfall at the highest points, more than half of the territory is covered by a tropical rainforest of the mountainous and cloudy type, composed of oaks, tree ferns and swamp forests, flooded for a large part of the year. This extraordinarily rich flora allows the development of a no less exceptional fauna which, fortunately, is widely observable from the paths. There are 140 species of mammals, including the tapir, the tridactyl sloth or the 6 species of felines listed in the country, but also 367 species of birds, 117 species of reptiles and amphibians, 40 species of fish and not less than 10,000 different insects including the dreaded purrajas, a kind of mosquito extremely voracious. 4 species of marine turtles can also be observed in the area of Playa Llorona. The park is accessible either via the San Pedrillo entrance, for a day trip from Sierpe or Drake, or via the Carate-La Leona entrance, after a long drive from Puerto Jimenez, or via the Los Patos entrance, inland. The possibilities of hiking in the park, previously multiple, are now limited by the high cost of such an excursion, but also by security measures; since 2014, a local guide is indeed mandatory to walk in the park. Most tourists therefore settle for a day trip from Drake or Sierpe. For hikers, the most classic formula consists of a 3 days and 2 nights (or 2 days and 1 night) excursion with accommodation at La Sirena, in the middle of the park. In this case you will have to book one or more nights at the refuge. Huge dormitories allow you to stay for several nights, but the beds are quickly overcrowded in high season (also beware of the exorbitant prices offered for meals. The dinner, as well as the lunch, is 25 US$ and we are far from the great luxury. It is better to plan your food in advance, hiding from the guards). The entrance and exit are only in La Leona-Carate and Los Patos (it is not recommended to walk from San Pedrillo to La Sirena, you can only go by boat, and the itinerary is anyway impracticable during the rainy season), with lodging before and after the hike in one of the establishments of the area. But be aware that all configurations are more or less possible, as long as you have the budget.

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Pictures and images Parque Nacional Corcovado

Le luxuriant parc national de Corcovado sur la péninsule d'Osa. nicolasboivin - iStockphoto.com
Singe capucin dans le parc national Corcovado. Tanguy de Saint-Cyr
Parc national du Corcovado. 4FR - iStockphoto.com
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