ABOUT CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK
Considerably Costa Rica’s star attractions in terms of nature and birdwatching, Parque Nacional Corcovado takes up nearly half of the Osa Peninsula, and is home to an incredibly diverse range of wildlife.
Created: Decree No. 53-57ª of October 24, 1975
Area: 42560 hectares of land and 3354 hectares of sea
Weather: Hot, rainy and very humid
Dry season: From mid-December to mid-April, with sporadic rains.
Rainy season: from mid-April to mid-December.
Annual rainfall: an average of 18 feet (5500 millimeters) in the mountainous area. In the coastal zone 11,48 feet (3500 mm).
Corcovado National Park was established in 1975. There are two versions about the origin of the name “Corcovado”, the first talks about the shape of a rock located on the beach, which has a shape similar to a hump curvature, hence people started referring to the site by that name. Another version suggests the riverbed form, since in it travels making different curves, like a bucking horse when (jump, frightened). (info via SINAC)
Protecting over 42,000 hectares, Corcovado National Park is one of the last great original stretches of tropical rainforest in Pacific Central America. The park ranges in elevation from sea level to 745 meters (0 – 2,444 feet). Encompassing a number of key habitats, which include rainforest, mangroves, rivers, beaches, reefs and mountain ranges.
Corcovado National Park is home to a plethora of tropical and neo-tropical ecosystems. Considered one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, its wildlife includes the stunning scarlet macaws, jaguars, all four species of monkeys, the elusive tapirs, hanging sloths and dart frogs. Hike along the Pacific coast and head inland to trails through habitats ranging from Pacific beaches and mangrove swamps to lowland and mountainous rainforests. It’s no wonder Corcovado National Park is the star attraction of the Osa Peninsula and hands down the best place to view rare wildlife in Costa Rica.
Drake Bay Birdwatching focuses on day tours and overnights at the San Pedrillo Station and La Sirena Station, which make for an easy trip from the shores of Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula.
BIRDWATCHING IN CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK
Corcovado National Park has a list of 363 species that inhabit its territory from the coast lines, rivers, mangroves and old growth forest up to the cloudy top of the Cerro Brujo its highest point. This large sanctuary protects large populations of birds species with limited distribution range in critical risk of extinction such as the Great Currasssow, Black-cheecked Ant-tanager,Turquoise Cotinga,Yellow-billed Cotinga, Bairds Trogon, Fiery-billed Aracary, King Vulture, Riverside Wren, and the largest population of Scarlet Macaws in Costa Rica, just to name a few of the most threatened birds.
ABOUT SIRENA RANGER STATION
Sirena biological station is by far the wildest place in Costa Rica, it’s remote location surrounded by wild beaches, dense rainforest and rich wildlife all over is a nature lover’s top destination. For decades Corcovado National Park was a remote place with complicated access only possible by foot or horseback riding. Back in the days before and after the creation of the park, these means were the only ways to move around. There was never road development to the park, which became a huge advantage that helped protect the nearly intact forest and its habitants.
The Sirena Station is the main headquarters where facilities such as ranger station, dormitories, restrooms, mini store and restaurant are operated by the Asociacion de Desarrollo Integral de Karates. They provide daily services to all visitors and for our guests during the overnight excursions.
The amount of visitors per day or overnight is limited. Please be sure to book well in advance if you wish to visit Corcovado National Park during your stay at Drake Bay.
ABOUT SAN PEDRILLO
This station is the closest access to Corcovado National Park from Drake Bay. It was built in front of the beach next to the San Pedrillo river and is only possible to get to by boat. Because of its isolation and lack of road, the place is surrounded by a very dense rainforest, abundant wildlife, beach, rivers, streams and has endless exuberant landscapes anywhere you go.
The main activities here are trekking, birdwatching, wildlife photography and a waterfall hike passing by a natural swimming hole you should be sure to visit.
Before the park was created in 1974 the place had cows, horses, chickens and other common farm animals. The local people planted their food, fished in the rivers, and hunted wild animals. They even practiced gold mining.
Corcovado Tours
