One-Day Hiking Tours in Corcovado National Park

Things to know

• Covid measures in Corcovado NP, Costa Rica

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. 

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica, please refer to the Costa Rica Tourism Official Website.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • Full day of hiking in Corcovado National Park
  • Park entrance fees and permits 
  • Boat transport for the San Pedrillo tour

  What’s not included:

  • Transportation 
  • Transport from Puerto Jiménez to Carate (available for $25 per person each way with a minimum of 2 people)
  • Transport from Sierpe to Drake Bay (available for $20 per person each way with a minimum of 2 people)
  • Accommodations
  • Meals and water
• How fit do I need to be?

  The best thing about hiking in Corcovado is that there are incredible options for all skill levels. Day hikes in La Leona, Sirena, and San Pedrillo are suitable for less experienced hikers. There are plenty of beginner to intermediate trails in the area. If you can walk for four to six hours with little elevation gain, you are good to go! Intermediate hikes will see a little more change in elevation and hikes will start to increase in length, hiking anywhere between four to eight miles. Advanced hikes are full-day treks with steep descents and challenging switchbacks. Be prepared for broken topography and humidity, excessive warm weather, slippery land, and the weight of your daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day. 

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • Daypack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 35-45L bag)
  • Hiking poles — optional
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Sunhat
  • Raincoat
  • Dry bags
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

• What will the weather be like?

  Remember that you are in the tropics. On the Osa Peninsula, temperatures seldom drop below 27oC (80oF) in the rainy season and may exceed 35oC (95oF) in the dry season. Combined with the high humidity (60 – 100%), conditions here can become uncomfortable. Physical activity in such conditions is much more tiring than in cooler climes, and unless you take the appropriate precautions, sunburn, heat exhaustion, sunstroke and dehydration are likely consequences. Your guide will give you precautionary advice during adventure tours.

  Corcovado expects 4 to 7 meters (160 to 280 inches) of rainfall annually, mainly between the months of April and November, the heaviest in October. During this period, it rains every day, with heavy showers in the afternoon and evening. These thunderstorms, if they persist, can interrupt schedules as a result of swollen rivers and flooding. During such times Corcovado Park can be inaccessible and roads impassable. Throughout the rainy season, forest trails will be muddy and in places slippery.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • For private adventures, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1. 
  • The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family! 

  Hiking in Corcovado National Park can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Corcovado, most people fly into San Jose International Airport about 6 hours from the Osa Peninsula. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to the meeting point. 

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location in Puerto Jiménez or Drake Bay. 

  NOTE

  You have to be in Drake Bay the night before the tour for tours that start there. No boat or flight arrives early enough to have your Corcovado departure the same day.

  There is no ATM in Drake Bay so withdraw money before your arrival to avoid high commission fees using Paypal or your credit card. The closest banks and ATMs are in Puerto Jiménez or Palmar Norte.