Plizio Visual Lab

Corcovado National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Corcovado National Park, located on the Osa Peninsula in southwestern Costa Rica, is described by National Geographic as 'the most biologically intense place on Earth.' Established in 1975, the park covers 42,400 hectares and protects the largest primary forest on the American Pacific coastline. It is a critical habitat for a vast array of wildlife, including all four monkey species native to Costa Rica, jaguars, pumas, and the country's largest population of Scarlet Macaws. Geographically, the park features a diverse range of ecosystems such as lowland rain forests, highland cloud forests, mangrove swamps, and pristine beaches. Its remote location has preserved its ecological integrity, making it a premier site for biological research and high-end ecotourism. Due to the complexity of the terrain and the presence of dangerous wildlife, visitors are required to be accompanied by licensed guides at all times, ensuring both safety and environmental protection.

Location: Costa Rica
Nearby: Drake Bay (10 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	28	29	28	28	27	27	27	27	27	27	27
Rain mm	76	44	62	147	331	283	362	317	285	334	332	154

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Corcovado National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and is only accessible with a guide and a permit. Visitors must register in advance and hire a certified guide.

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Typical hours

The park is open year-round, but the best visiting period is the dry season from December to April. Day trips usually start early in the morning, often around 6 a.m.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the park, and a waterproof camera is recommended. For commercial photography, a special permit from the park administration is required.

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Time needed

A day trip into Corcovado National Park typically lasts 6 to 8 hours, including hikes and breaks. For multi-day tours, plan at least two nights.

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Combine with

Combine the park visit with the nearby Osa Peninsula or Drake Bay for a full nature experience. The peninsula's beaches like Playa Matapalo are also recommended.

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Getting there

The most common access point is Puerto Jiménez, reachable by domestic flight or bus from San José. From there, boats or hikes lead to park entrances like La Leona or Sirena.

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Insider tip

Book your guide and permit at least two weeks in advance, especially in peak season. Wear sturdy hiking boots and long pants to protect against insects and ticks.