Why Corcovado

Corcovado National Park protects a vast stretch of lowland rainforest, beach and lagoon on the Osa Peninsula. It is home to Baird’s tapir, all four of Costa Rica’s monkey species, scarlet macaws, anteaters and peccaries, and more than 400 bird species have been recorded here.

Rules to know before you go

• A certified guide is required for every visit; independent hiking is not allowed
• Your guide reserves park entry through SINAC, so have passport details ready when you book
• The Sirena sector usually closes each year in October for maintenance
• Entrance fees change, so confirm the current fee with your guide

Getting there from Sierpe

Day trips from Sierpe travel by boat down the river and along the coast toward Drake Bay, entering the park at stations such as San Pedrillo or Sirena. Expect an early start and a long, rewarding day.

Ocean conditions at the river mouth can delay boats, more often in the rainy months. Seas are usually calmer from December through April.

Many guests book a guided day trip from Sierpe. Our caretaker, a longtime local resident, can recommend guides and operators, and our private boat can take you from the dock.

A typical San Pedrillo day from Sierpe

• Leave Sierpe around 7 AM
• About 35 minutes down the calm river and mangrove canals
• Out the river mouth, then roughly 45 minutes to an hour by sea to San Pedrillo, watching for dolphins and whales
• A guided hike of about 3 km on a mostly flat forest trail, lunch at the ranger station, then often a second hike to a waterfall for a swim
• Back through the mangroves to Sierpe by 3 or 4 PM

Day tours from Sierpe typically include the boat, a certified bilingual guide, park entrance and lunch. Itineraries vary by operator and conditions.

Wildlife at the houses, too

You do not need to enter the park to meet its neighbors. These were all photographed at or near the houses.

Why stay in Sierpe

Sierpe is the river gateway to the Osa. Staying here puts the mangroves, Caño Island and Corcovado within a boat ride, and gives you quiet jungle evenings between big days out. Our two screened, solar-powered homes sleep up to 12, and the round-trip boat transfer is included.

Plan the rest of your trip with our Caño Island guide and the Osa Peninsula guide.