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Corcovado National Park
Area
42469 hectares (104,940 acres) land sector, 2,400 hectares (5,931 acres) marine sector
Max. Elevation
Cerro Rincon 759 mts (2,444 ft)
Precipitation
5,500mm 8 highest rainfall in the country
Location
South western sector of the Osa Peninsula, province of Puntarenas
Date of Creation
October 31st, 1975
Corcovado is one of Central America´s most unique ecosystems-which is why scientists and tropical ecologists from all over the world come to study its fantastic riches.
This humid rain forest protects at least eight distinct habitats: rain and montane rain forest, cloud forest, alluvial plane forest, swamp forest, freshwater herbaceous swamp, mangrove swamp and coastline vegetation. It is home of some 6,000 insects, 500 trees, 367 birds, 140 mammals, 117 amphibians and reptile and 40 freshwater fish.
Because of its remoteness and the fact that about half of its boundaries face the Pacific Ocean the park has maintained its ecosystem almost intact; of all reserve this is the least disturbed.
Nevertheless the survival of this ecosystem had been threatened by logging, gold mining and poaching. Logging was halted in 1975 when the park became an area administered by the government, but due to the limited n umber park guards and the sheer size of the park, Corcovado became a difficult area to keep under protection. Gold miners responsible for soil erosion were eventually evicted, although some still remain, other chose the nearby forest reserve of Golfo Dulce. Poachers, responsible for the killing of several species of animal like the jaguar, still represent the most severe menace. Some lost their lives in Corcovado for trying to protect its defenseless forest.
He also knew Karen Mogensen and her husband O. Wess, O. Wess was murdered on Osa, and the movie based upon her and her life he'd seen, but wanted to forget all about since he found it " a disgrace ". Apparently the movie is filled with lies and fiction and doesn't give a realistic view of the real facts... From A journey of our own, by Lone and Allan Ibdal http://www.ibdal.dk/costa_rica.htm
The parks counts with numerous exciting trails of different length and difficulty. Some hikes are closed during the wettest season (June to November) others can be closed temporarely or declared off limits due to an ongoing scientifical investigation. If you want to cross-hike the park contact the O.C.A.O. (Osa Conservation Area Office) on (506) 735 5036 for informations.
Corcovado is a very remote remote area. There are some ecolodges and plenty of accommodation choices on the road to the park entrance near Carate but once you are in the park your only choice is to camp, the are no shelters or hostels. This means carrying all your boy-scout “gear” with you. There is the possibility of having meals cooked for you, just reserve at least a couple of weeks in advance by calling the O.C.A.O.
(One word of advice: do not under estimate the hidden perils of the forest. Never hike alone, always bring plenty of drinking water with you and if you are setting off for a long hike your best bet is to hire a local guide. Strongly recommended!)
How to get there:
North side: from Puerto Jimenez to Los Patos then a 10km (6.25 miles) 4wd taxi drive to the park entrance.
South side: From Puerto Jimenez to Carate along the coastal road 45 km (28miles ) to La Leona park entrance. There are regular 4WD jeep taxi to la Leona or hire your own 4WD. Sirena, inside the park has a small airstrip. Flight can be arranged at Puerto Jimenez, Golfito and S. José.
Opening time:Call the park to say you are coming!
Entrance fee $ 8 per day - camping $ 4
Phone:(506) 735 5440
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