Corcovado National Park has been described as the Amazon of Costa Rica, with one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. It is a wild region with an abundance of rare wildlife, and the last area of primary forest along the Pacific coast of Central America. The climate is very hot and humid, which enables the forest to grow to heights of 70 meters and provides a habitat for one quarter of all the tree species of Costa Rica in this small area. Corcovado National Park encompasses eight different habitats from mangrove swamps to mountainous forest. It protects over 400 species of birds, 116 amphibians and reptiles and 139 species of mammals. Corcovado is one of the two only places in Costa Rica where you can see the small, severely endangered squirrel monkeys, as well as the beautiful big red scarlet macaws. It is one of the last homes of the harpy eagle. Four species of turtles lay their eggs on the beaches of Corcovado. Other species present here, are the endangered American Crocodile, tapir and many species of large cats, among them the mighty jaguar.

Hiking through Corcovado is a challenging but rewarding experience you will forever remember for its isolated pristine environment brimming with rare wildlife.

Day 1:

Individual arrival at La Palma/ Playa Blanca (OSA). (We can arrange this transfer for you but it is not included in the rate.) There you can enjoy the warm waters of the Golfo Dulce. If the weather is nice, it is even possible to observe dolphins from time to time not to far from the ocean shore playing with the small waves. By the way this is also the home of the big coloured parrot called ARA Macau (Lapas).
Accommodation: Hotel Lapamar
Included meals: Dinner

Day 2:

Early start - before breakfast around 5am. Private transfer to Guadalupe. From there, horseback riding to Los Patos. There the hike starts through primary forest until you reach the biological station La Sirena. While walking you may observe birds, monkeys, pigs, ant-eaters, snakes among others. The forest surrounds its visitors with misterious sounds and huge trees. This hike will take around 8 hours today.
Included meals today: breakfast, box-lunch, dinner
Overnight: Biological Station La Sirena

Day 3:

After breakfast, the adventure will continue. By 7am you will start to hike together with your english speaking guide exploring the trails of the biological station in order to observe the flora and fauna of the park and spot for the four different species of monkeys here in Costa Rica. Furthermore there are tapirs, crocodiles, sharks, pumas squirels as well as many other local animals. Return to the biological station for a rest. In the afternoon there is a further hike to the Río Claro where you may swim in a natural pool and relax.
Included meals today: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Biological Station La Sirena

Day 4:

After breakfast around 7am start the hike towards the south. Our final destination today (walking) will be Carate. The paths are really nice as they wind once across the beach and later on through the dense forest. Of course you can also try the famous coconut water - agua pipa - a well known typical drink in Costa Rica. Today's hike will take about 6 hours. Our services of this package end at La Leona / Carate where your guide will say good bye to you.
Included meals today: breakfast

Prices upon request

Possible extensions:

• At the La Leona Eco Lodge close to Carate or at the Luna Lodge*** in Carate
• Return to the Hotel Lapamar* close to La Palma (OSA).
• 4 wheel transfer to Puerto Jiménez (Hotel Arenas de Osa**)
• Playa Nicuesa Lodge***(*) or the Golfo Dulce Lodge*** each with a min stay of 2 nights.
• At the Playa Zancudo Beach Resort***(*)

Included Services :

• Mentioned transfers.
• 1 night at the hotel Lapamar.
• 2 nights at the biological station La Sirena.
• Hike at the biological station La Sirena.
• All described meals.
• Local guide (english-spanish)
• One bottle of water at the days 2, 3 and 4.

Not included:

• Alcoholic drinks
• Transport from San José to the hotel Lapamar. This transport is individually arranged according to your preferences and charged accordingly.

Notes:

• Minimum number of participants: 2 (max recommended 6 Pax)
• Please note that because of the flight your luggage for this excursion is limited to 12kg including hand luggage.
• High Season (Dec - April) , the transfer to Los Patos will take place in a 4-wheel car. During low season from May - September and November): A private transfer will be provided from Lapamar to Guadalupe. From there, continuing on horses until you reach the park entrance.
• National Park closed during the month of October!
• Backpack with indispensable, personal items which you carry while hiking.
• Excess Baggage can be deposited free of charge at the hotel Lapamar.
• Corcovado National Park is situated in the wet tropics. You can expect rain at any time of the year, but particularly April through November. Although this trip can be booked throughout the year, hiking and camping excursions will probably be more enjoyable during the drier season, from December through March.

For booking inquiries and further information, please contact Sacred Earth.

Essentials to bring

• Good backpack to carry your gear (or to give to an optional porter)
• Plastic bags to protect items against damp/rain
• Water bottle
• Good rain poncho
• Linen sleeping-bag
• Light-weight, quick-drying clothes for jungle trekking
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Mosquito net
• Camera and sunglasses
• Cap
• Towels
• Cotton shirts - long and short sleeves
• Trousers - light weight pants (no jeans)
• Hat(s) with visor for rain and sun protection
• Flashlight with spare batteries
• FOOTWEAR - Lightweight hiking boots with traction and ankle support
  sandals or sneakers for the time between the walks
• necessary medicines
• energy snacks

We only recommend the Naturalist Trek for people in a good physical condition.
Luggage should be limited to a minimum (max. allowed: 12kg).

NOTE: All our Costa Rica adventures can be combined to form individualized packages. Please ask if you need help creating your own itinerary. We also offer fly drive packages and some short mountain biking and white water rafting tours that are not mentioned in the index. Please ask.