# Corcovado National Park: guides, permits and how to get in

> Corcovado covers about a third of the Osa Peninsula and protects the largest primary forest on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Every visitor needs an ICT-certified guide and a permit, so book through a guide or lodge, and plan for at least a day trip to Sirena or, better, a night there.

Source: https://www.travelincostarica.net/corcovado-national-park/
Last checked: 2026-10-20
Location: Osa Peninsula, Osa and the South Pacific, Costa Rica
Type: national park, wildlife
Official website: https://www.sinac.go.cr/EN-US/Pages/default.aspx
Best for: Serious wildlife watchers; tapirs, scarlet macaws, all four monkey species
Size: 424 square km, Costa Rica's largest national park
Rules: Certified guide and permit required for every visitor
Main entry points: Boats from Drake Bay to Sirena; La Leona near Carate; Los Patos from the Puerto Jiménez side
Overnight: Basic dorms at Sirena ranger station
Season: Driest from December to April; October is the wettest month

## What it's like

Corcovado was created in 1975 and covers 424 square km, about a third of the Osa Peninsula. It holds the largest primary forest on the American Pacific coast and one of the last big stretches of lowland tropical forest anywhere. It feels remote because it is: there are no roads through it, just trails, beaches and rivers.

It's the place in Costa Rica where you have a real chance of seeing Baird's tapir. All four of the country's monkey species live here, along with the largest population of scarlet macaws in the country, two- and three-toed sloths, anteaters, peccaries and coatis. Jaguars, pumas and ocelots are present but rarely seen. Four species of sea turtle nest on its beaches.

## The rules: guides and permits

Since 2014, every visitor must be accompanied by a guide certified by the ICT, Costa Rica's tourism board, and you'll need a park permit for each day. In practice, you book a tour with a guide or through your lodge, and they handle the permits. Daily visitor numbers are limited, so arrange this well ahead in the dry season.

## Ways in

**Sirena by boat (most popular).** Boats leave Drake Bay early in the morning, take just over an hour along the coast and land at Sirena ranger station. Day trips return in the early afternoon. Sirena is in the middle of the park, where the coastal and inland trails meet, and it's the best area for wildlife.

**Overnight at Sirena.** Sirena has basic dormitory rooms with cold showers and limited electricity. Staying the night lets you walk at dawn and dusk, when animals are most active. Bring a headlamp.

**On foot from La Leona or Los Patos.** La Leona, the southern entrance, is about 3 km on foot from Carate. Los Patos is the inland entrance on the Puerto Jiménez side. Hiking from either to Sirena takes 6 to 9 hours on rough trail, with river crossings that need to be timed with the tides. Rivers hold crocodiles, and bull sharks have been recorded at the mouth of the Río Sirena. This is only for fit hikers with a guide.

Small planes also fly to an airstrip at Sirena from Drake Bay, Carate and Puerto Jiménez.

## When to go

The dry season, December to April, is the easiest time, with lower rivers and firmer trails. From May the rain builds, and some parts of the park close in the wettest months. The park closes to visitors in October, usually its rainiest month. Confirm with your guide before booking.

## Where to stay

Drake Bay is the base for boat trips to Sirena. [Copa de Arbol](/copa-de-arbol/), near Drake Bay, runs a lot of its activities from its own beach. On the Puerto Jiménez side, [Lapa Rios](/lapa-rios/) near Cabo Matapalo offers Corcovado trips by boat or on foot, and [Blue Osa](/blue-osa-yoga-sanctuary-and-spa/) is near Puerto Jiménez itself. Our [Osa Peninsula guide](/osa-peninsula/) compares the two sides and explains how to get there.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I visit Corcovado without a guide?
No. Since 2014 every visitor must go with an ICT-certified guide and a permit.

### Is a day trip worth it?
Yes, especially the boat trip from Drake Bay to Sirena. If you can, stay a night at Sirena for the best wildlife.

### When is Corcovado closed?
It closes to visitors in October, its rainiest month, and some areas close in the wettest part of the year. Check with your guide.

### How do I get to Sirena?
By boat from Drake Bay, by small plane, or on a long guided hike from La Leona or Los Patos.