This is a paradise for lovers of wild plants and animals. But you must earn your right to get there: a guide is essential, and you have to go by boat (watch out for the eddies!). The park is located on the Osa Peninsula and extends over 424 km².I traveled through just a tiny part of it led by a knowledgeable guide, who was passionate about his subject!
I myself enjoyed a wonderful day there, packed with mystery and discovery. I got the opportunity to encounter two tapirs, the symbol of Corcovado ! For me it was a really enjoyable experience to be able to approach close to these animals, which are pleasant to be around. They are actually not very shy at all. I wasn't fortunate enough, however, to see even a whisker of a jaguar, though they are indeed present at Corcovado.
When you visit Costa Rica, you can even sleep in the park if you want to! And there's no need to be alarmed: it's not rare to hear howls, but it will only be the howler monkeys!
The area is characterized by extremely dense vegetation and sections that are difficult to access. Corcovado National Park is one of Central America's best known attractions, with its tropical forest containing more than 500 different tree species. The fauna is equally impressive.
I got to see toucans, parrots, scarlet macaws and tapirs for the first time there during my trip to Costa Rica. And luckily, no jaguars. The park is home to almost 300 species of birds and 140 species of mammals.
For those choosing to spend several days at the park (a good idea), there is a limited range of accommodation available, with most of it located at Bahia Drake, where there are some very beautiful establishments to be found.
Corcovado National Park was without doubt the highlight of my visit to Costa Rica ! It is somewhere you absolutely must visit when in Costa Rica if you are interested in fauna, and especially if you are interested in animals, which are to be found in abundance there. I was lucky enough to see sloths, monkeys, tapirs, sharks and wild pigs along with ants and many species of birds, such as toucans and parrots, up close and in their natural habitat.
The forest is impressive and extends over around 450 km². It's sometimes a good idea to book in advance during the main tourist season.
I suggest touring the park in the company of a guide as he/she will be able to point the different animals out to you, sometimes with the help of binoculars, and explain aspects of their behavior for you.
The more adventurous can stay over at the park's ranger station, though be warned: you sometimes have to watch out for army ants.