As conservation areas around the world come under increasing pressure, it is refreshing to know that Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica is still heavily protected by the government, admired by tourists, and allows you to enjoy the company of a variety of animals, reptiles, insects and fauna.
This is your chance to venture off the beaten track, away from the luxuries of modern tourism, and catch a glimpse of some incredible sights. You will leave Corcovado National Park with memories, experiences and stories to tell your grandchildren for years to come. This is unlike anything you have seen before, it will take you back in time and perhaps once again we can all begin to appreciate the impact that the human race continues to have on other inhabitants of this planet.
Where is Corcovado National Park?
Corcovado National Park is located in southwestern Costa Rica and can be accessed via Puerto Jiménez (a day-long bus trip from San José to work up an appetite) or Drake Bay. The fact that the park itself covers around 425 km² makes it one of the largest national parks in the world and when you consider that it incorporates around 13 different types of vegetation, you will be surprised to meet the inhabitants of This region!
The opportunity to catch a glimpse of nature as it was intended, wildlife running free in their own habitat and birds singing a happy tune not only attracts tourists but also Costa Rican nationals.
What does Corcovado National Park have to offer?
The park was established in October 1975 and was recently described by National Geographic as one of “the most biologically intense places on earth in terms of biodiversity,” which is certainly something that comes from this renowned authority. So what makes Corcovado National Park so special?
The size of the park is such that you will have the opportunity to see animals relaxed in their familiar surroundings, birds singing overhead, brilliant fauna and vegetation, much of which has not been touched by human hands. True, you’ll be able to venture into the forest, paddle across rivers, and traverse some of the most sparse areas of the national park, but ultimately you are the visitor and the wildlife is at home!
Endangered species
We can look back 50 years from now to the variety of animals that went extinct and those that have been reduced in numbers beyond recovery. A visit to Costa Rica will give you a glimpse of the endangered Baird’s tapir, watch the soaring soaring harpy eagle and also give you the chance to see some of the last remaining jaguars in Central America. You will also come across a variety of different species of monkeys, pumas, as well as spiders and other insects you may never have heard of before.
Poison dart frogs, three-toed sloths, two-toed sloths, and even bull sharks and American crocodiles will all be within easy reach of you as you venture through the park. There is a relatively small admission fee for non-Costa Rican visitors to the region, though you do have the opportunity to stay overnight in some of the luxury lodges or fend for yourself at the various campgrounds throughout the park.
Why visit Corcovado National Park?
The size of the park is enormous, the breadth of wildlife is staggering, the scenery and fauna will have you rubbing your eyes in amazement and the fact that you can venture into the park will make this an unforgettable experience. Obviously there are safety aspects to be aware of, such as the appearance of bull sharks at some of the larger river crossings you may have to navigate, the infamous spider monkeys who won’t think to pee on you from the top of a tree, though set this one up against the gentle fluttering of 220 different types of butterflies. The sweet murmurs of the hummingbird and the impressive nests of sea turtles on the enormous beaches are also a sight to behold. This is before we even start talking about the amazing scenery!
In many ways, this is an area of the world that has been left in something of a time warp due to its location. It was only during the 1960s that the government began cultivating the huge rainforests and the area became a center for gold mining (this is no longer an issue as the vast majority of prospectors have been evicted by authorities ). There seems to be a will and determination among the Costa Rican government to ensure the future of the Corcovado National Park, its inhabitants, its fauna and its impressive views.
This is a part of the world that offers so much variation, both in terms of wildlife and fauna, that you literally have 13 different types of vegetation that attract a huge variety of different species. Whether you’re looking to take a year off of college, visit Costa Rica as part of your round-the-world travels, or maybe you’re a first-time backpacker, Corcovado National Park is definitely a place to put on your to-do list. .