Corcovado National Park Parque Nacional Corcovado

Spanning 54,539ha/134,711ac, Corcovado National Park encompasses great biological diversity. The park has two sections; most if it is found on the southwestern corner of the Osa Peninsula, while another section covering 12,751ha/31,495ac is found on the north-eastern side of the Dulce Gulf.Corcovado National Park was established in 1975 and protects what is considered to be the best remaining stretch of Pacific coastal rainforest in Central America. Corcovado is of great interest to ecologists as it protects eight distinct types of habitat. The rainforest vegetation includes montane forest, cloud forest, alluvial plains forest and swamp forest.There are at least 500 species of trees in the park, including the silk cotton tree that can grow higher than 71m/235ft. There are rivers and waterfalls as well as Corcovado Lake, a herbaceous swamp covering 1,000ha/2,470ac.Corcovado National Park is home to a diverse amount of wildlife. Tapirs, cats, crocodiles, anteaters, monkeys and sloths are present but difficult to spot. In total, 140 species of mammals have been recorded in the park as well as 400 species of birds. Corcovado is home to the nation's largest population of the scarlet macaw.Corcovado National Park has the most extensive trail system of any national park and is popular with travellers who enjoy long-distance hikes. Several trails lead through the rainforest to various ranger stations. While the hiking is hot, humid and riddled with insects, Corcovado should not be missed and there are many options for day visits. Visitors should note this is a very rainy area, receiving 5,500mm of rainfall annually.