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How to get from Puerto Jimenez to Corcovado
Standing proud on the southwest coast of Costa Rica is the gem of its natural parks, Corcovado National Park. It is said to hold 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of animal species, many of which are considered rare elsewhere.
Tapirs are a common sight on the Corcovado shores, scarlet macaws brighten its trees, bull sharks inhabit its rivers, and jaguars roam its forests.
Corcovado is the largest of Costa Rica’s national parks and is a traveller’s dream destination. It’s important to know that there are several entrances and each will lead you to different hiking trails.
Another thing you should know is that you can only enter Corcovado through a guided tour. These tours can be booked from any of its base camps in the Osa Peninsula. The most popular basecamps to visit Corcovado National Park are Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay.
Permits and Guide into Corcovado National Park
There are two things you must have when entering Corcovado National Park (apart from drinking water):
- a permit
- an accredited local guide from a certified tour operator
A permit costs $15 (8,000 CRC) per day. But technically, you won’t have to worry about securing it because your guide will do it for you.
How to find a guide?
The easiest way to find a good guide is through the assistance of your accommodation in Puerto Jimenez. They already know the best operators and the most trusted guides. But if you want to check out other options, you can also check out the many local tour offices in town.
Rates for a tour guide already include the entrance fees and permit to enter the park. Accommodations are also normally included for multiple-day tours. Food is often not included, though. And it’s worth noting that food is quite expensive inside Corcovado.
See below an indication of the rates (per person):
- Day tour – from $98 (52,000 CRC) per person
- 2-day tour – from $280 (150,000 CRC)
- 3-day-2-night adventure – from $405 (217,000 CRC).
Now you have an idea of how to enter the park from Puerto Jimenez, let’s find out how to get there.
New to Drake Bay/Corcovado? Our compact Drake Bay/Corcovado guide shows you the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss and many more tips for your visit to Drake Bay/Corcovado!
4 ways to get from Puerto Jimenez to Corcovado National Park
There are 4 ways you can travel the 30 km distance from Puerto Jimenez to Corcovado National Park: a 3-hour-15 minute colectivo (plus hike) via La Leona, a 1-hour taxi through Los Patos, a 15-minute flight straight to Sirena, or an 8-hour day trip also to Sirena. Rates range from $10 (5,000 CRC) to $360 (193,000 CRC).
It’s worth noting that there is one more entrance to Corcovado National Park, which is called El Tigre. This is actually the one nearest to Puerto Jimenez (only 14 km away), but we don’t recommend it. The trail from El Tigre will not allow you to get to the heart of Corcovado, which we think will defeat the purpose of visiting this extraordinary rainforest.
Where to stay in Corcovado?
Still looking for accommodation? Don’t forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Corcovado at the bottom of this page.
Puerto Jimenez to Corcovado by Colectivo via La Leona Ranger Station
The cheapest way to get from Puerto Jimenez to Corcovado National Park is with a colectivo to La Leona Ranger Station. By colectivo, we mean a pick-up truck with benches on the back. It’s a shared transport so expect to join the ride with a few other people. A seat costs $10 (5,000 CRC). Travel time is a little over 3 hours.
La Leona Ranger Station is a popular entrance to Corcovado National Park when coming from Puerto Jimenez. The cheapest way to get there is through a 2.5-hour colectivo ride, but hold on, this doesn’t bring you all the way.
You can only travel by vehicle up to Carate, a town located 30 km southwest of Puerto Jimenez. From here, you’ll have to hike around the jungle, adding another 45m to the journey. For most of the hike, you will be walking by the beach, but be prepared that it will be hot!
Colectivo schedule from Puerto Jimenez to Carate
Colectivos depart from Supermarket 96 in Puerto Jimenez town centre. They arrive at the remote village of Carate after around 2.5 hours.
If you prefer a more comfortable and private journey from Puerto Jimenez to Carate, you can also take a taxi. Rates start from $80 (43,000 CRC) and travel time is a bit faster at around 2 hours.
What to expect in the trail starting from the La Leona Ranger Station?
From La Leona, it’s a 15 km hike northwest to Sirena, the centre of Corcovado. The trail is mostly flat and dry, making it a great route for beginners and occasional hikers.
A great thing about this route is the wildlife sighting. Dry weather equals thin forest, which gives plenty of opportunities to spot various animals along the way.
The hike from La Leona to Sirena takes around 8 hours.
Puerto Jimenez to Corcovado by Taxi via Los Patos
Los Patos is another entry point that you can reach from Puerto Jimenez to Corcovado. The only way to get to Los Patos is by a 1-hour taxi via the town of La Palma. Rates start from $80 (43,000 CRC).
What to expect in the trail starting from Los Patos Ranger Station?
You can find Sirena about 20 km southwest of Los Patos Ranger Station. The main difference of this trail compared to that from La Leona is that it’s mostly hilly, making it more physically challenging.
We recommend this 8 to 9-hour hike only for experienced hikers. The jungle here is also thick and beautiful but there may be fewer sightings of wildlife.
Puerto Jimenez to Corcovado by Flight via Sirena
For the fastest option from Puerto Jimenez to Corcovado, you can take a 15-minute flight. Alfa Rome Air offers private plane rides that will take you straight to the heart of the national park, which is Sirena Ranger Station. Rates start from $360 (193,000 CRC) for a small plane that can accommodate up to 5 people.
Taking a plane will allow you to see Corcovado National Park in its full glory from a bird’s eye view. You will also be able to explore Corcovado without going through a long hike like the previous options from La Leona and Los Patos.
Alfa Rome Air offers private rides daily. For reservations, you can e-mail them through [email protected] or visit the Alfa Rome Air website.
The trail from Sirena Ranger Station
As the heart of Corcovado, Sirena is where you’ll spot the most variety of flora and fauna. From here, the trails are beautiful and easy. We recommend heading straight to Sirena, especially if you’re not into long hikes or if you’re travelling with kids.
It’s possible to visit Sirena on just a day trip, but you can also stay overnight at the ranger station for the ultimate experience! This will allow you to explore Corcovado at night and in the early morning when there are fewer people and more animals roaming the grounds.
A note on accommodations at Sirena Ranger Station: don’t expect luxury. They provide basic amenities like bunk beds in dormitories and clean toilets. The food is good too! But if you’re looking for private rooms and hot baths, this may not be the place for you.
Puerto Jimenez to Corcovado by Day Trip via Sirena
You can also reach Sirena by a 1 to 1.5-hour boat trip from Puerto Jimenez. It’s not a common option though so if you want to take this route, you’ll have to either join a day trip or rent your own private boat. Costs for a day trip start from $145 (78,000 CRC) per person, while you can rent a boat with prices from $390 (209,000 CRC).
This option is a great choice if you’re travelling with family, especially with young kids.
Day trip from Puerto Jimenez to Corcovado
A great way to travel by boat from Puerto Jimenez to Corcovado via Sirena is with a day tour. You can book this for $145 (78,000 CRC) per person with Osa Wild, a popular tour operator in the region.
A day tour with Osa Wild includes roundtrip boat transfers, park entrance fees, and a nature guide. This normally takes 8 hours, already including the 2-hour-20 minute boat rides to and from the park. You can book your day tour through the Osa Wild website. Keep in mind that day tours are available only on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Private boat from Puerto Jimenez to Corcovado
There is also an option to rent a private boat from Puerto Jimenez to Sirena Ranger Station. You can ask your hotel to help book this for you. Rates for a private boat start from $390 (209,000 CRC). Note that this may not yet include park entrance fees or the local guide.
The great thing about taking a boat is that you will already see a lot of marine life on the way. So even the boat transfers will be a fun ride for the whole group.
Our favourite places to stay in Corcovado - Drake Bay
Las Caletas Lodge - Treating Yourself
If you’re looking for a secluded escape from the world, then Las Caletas Lodge is your place. The only ways to get to this hotel is by boat from Drake Bay, or a walk along the jungle path.
Not to worry, both your breakfast and dinner are included in the price of the room. It’s practically impossible to leave without having released some of your stress, as the lodge oozes peacefulness. Adding to that, only steps away you’ll find the perfectly blue ocean.
- Secluded location in the jungle
- Breakfast and dinner included
- Steps from the sea
- Helpful and friendly staff
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Hotel Finca Marensia - Treating Yourself
Hotel Finca Maresia is set slightly further back from the beach of Drake Bay. It’s surrounded by lush forest and greenery, where all you’ll be able to hear is the thriving wildlife.
There’s also an onsite bar and restaurant, so you won’t have to venture far for some delicious food or a refreshing drink. The cabin-style rooms with balconies, offer the perfect place to relax and admire the magnificent view. This place gets booked up in advance, so if you want to stay here, you better get booking!
- Onsite restaurant and bar
- Situated within the jungle
- Breakfast included
- Balconies with hammocks
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Hotel Jacamar - Mid Range
Visiting Drake Bay and Corcovado is all about surrounding yourself in Costa Rica’s nature. Hotel Jacamar boasts the perfect balance between nature and luxury. Their flourishing gardens make you feel like you’re in the jungle, but their large and clean rooms create a space of comfort.
The staff are extremely hospitable, helping to organise your trip to Corcovado National Park. It’s location also makes it great for exploring the town.
- Large and luxurious rooms
- Beautiful gardens
- Great location
- Beach pick-up from arrival by boat available
Double rooms between $50-$80 per night
Casita Happy Feet and Tours - Budget Friendly
Entering Casita Happy Feet, you’ll feel as if you’re being welcomed into Javier and his wife’s home. Javier has been a guide in Corcovado National Park for over 25 years now. Having him as your guide, with his enthusiasm, knowledge and experience, you’re guaranteed an incredible visit!
Every morning, even the early ones, you’ll awake to a delicious and freshly cooked breakfast, perfect for your day of adventures. The rooms are clean and homely.
- The best guide for Corcovado National Park
- Delicious breakfast included
- Great location
- Beach pick-up from arrival by boat available
Double rooms between $15-$50 per night
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
