Top 5 Corcovado National Park Full-Day Tours: Honest Reviews & Guide

So, Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica, now that place is just incredible, you know? It’s often called one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, and for pretty obvious reasons. Just teeming with life, it is, from jaguars and tapirs to scarlet macaws and, get this, four different kinds of monkeys. Pretty neat, is that not? But checking it out? That, to be honest, might be a bit of a feat. That is to say, unless you’ve got the kind of bushcraft skills that Bear Grylls would high-five you for, booking a guided tour really is a pretty great option, and I really would say, it is preferable to going it alone. That way, you won’t get eaten by a jaguar. Or something worse. So, that in mind, if you want to spot some hidden wildlife in Costa Rica you should take wildlife tours to maximize your opportunity.

Why Choose a Full-Day Tour of Corcovado?

Now, you may be wondering, so what is so amazing about a full-day tour, eh? Well, here’s a thought: Corcovado really is huge. As a matter of fact, the park covers about 164 square miles. And because of that, doing a shorter tour often, is like trying to read “War and Peace” on your commute, eh? You will be scratching the surface, mostly. That is, a full-day adventure gives you what you really need: the hours you need, you know, to go deeper into the jungle. And not only that, it gives you more chance to, quite possibly, encounter amazing wildlife and experience what this amazing place has to offer, and, I mean, isn’t that the entire purpose of you going? Actually, there are so many fantastic things you will discover! It makes it much easier, clearly, to wander around some lovely, quiet beaches for a few hours, you know. Take a walk around beautiful and calm beaches in the National Park and witness howler monkeys that love hanging out and being loud, while never posing for the pictures… The park will take you on a roller coaster of beauty.

What to Look for in a Top-Notch Tour Operator

What is a decent tour then? Well, okay, first and foremost, that is to say, make certain your guides know a lot about, well, you realize, nature, too. After all, they must have eagle-eyes to see that hidden wildlife, and they also should be quite enthusiastic and passionate about telling stories about the rainforest. What is crucial, too, you want operators who quite possibly practice, you know, eco-tourism. So, they shouldn’t, maybe, feed the animals. Nor drop garbage. Or carve hearts into centuries-old trees, obviously! You would quite possibly not believe a number of people you discover in jungles are, really, totally without respect for nature, you know. Actually, an excursion may give the chance to learn and maybe improve your relationship while practicing mindfulness to connect with your body to the environment!

Top 5 Full-Day Corcovado Tours: A Detailed Breakdown

Okay, with that stated, now let’s go into particular tours. It can be hard work, choosing sometimes, therefore I thought I’d provide you my, rather brutally honest, ideas on the subject. Very carefully analyzed, tested and chosen so you may trust my words here.

1. La Leona Eco Lodge Tour: Okay, from Puerto Jimenez, it’s a bit, maybe, cheaper way to access Corcovado. And, of course, this trip features a hike from La Leona Ranger Station into the park. Really great possibility, actually, for watching wildlife as you traverse along the coastline, seeing spectacular, panoramic view with some magnificent scenarios around you! Plus, the wildlife can appear on occasion, without any notice at all!
2. Sirena Station Tour: Now, it really is for, more or less, anyone, wanting an intense deep dive, more or less, in Corcovado’s center. Normally starting from Drake Bay, so what you are doing is taking a boat ride to Sirena Station. Then, you explore many trails with an, apparently, expert guide, keeping a close look on animals like tapirs, peccaries, or maybe, if you’re seriously lucky, maybe you will even encounter a puma. Anyway, you ought to know in advance that it, could be, seriously expensive!
3. San Pedrillo Ranger Station Tour: Pretty excellent selection, really, if you might be close to El Chontal or Drake Bay. That features a boat trip and, just a little, easier treks ideal for casual hikers. That is, there will still be plenty of things you will spot: various birds, monkeys, maybe, even, sloths. Maybe, just possibly!
4. Los Patos to Sirena Hike: Anyway, if you’re seriously athletic, that’s definitely, could be, a challenge that stretches across, something like, three days. It truly is a hike coming from the park’s entry, from Los Patos, over, seemingly, incredibly challenging terrain right until you get to Sirena Station. So, yeah, it can take you the entirety of the trip to experience every emotion in the palette! That stated, obviously, with that extra work involved, the incentives are amazing. Arguably you might discover spots that a majority of tourists really won’t see, and there, you might, encounter significantly wilder animals. As I was saying, it truly isn’t suitable for the fainthearted, really.
5. Rio Claro Adventure Tour: Very, this trip, originating near Puerto Jimenez, puts you, really, in the calmer borders in the park combined with many opportunities to swim in crystalline rivers and, sometimes, natural pools and, also, go on treks, very frequently seeing plenty of tropical birds combined with, in some respects, the ever present monkeys. Spot lots of birdlife and native monkeys It really is, also, fairly well suited to families.

Booking Tips and What to Expect

Right, just some considerations if you happen to do plan to book a Corcovado tour, right? A seriously important rule is this: Make your bookings sooner rather than later. To tell you the truth, permits tend to sell-out easily, specifically during high season. Or, maybe, it just is a busy day! If you did not know already. Secondly, actually give some thought to everything that, pretty much, includes within the fee. You may want lunches offered. Or, you need transport covered, too? Or would you favor an, really, English-speaking guide in comparison to just being guided with a local who shouts Spanish names constantly! Also make certain they supply excellent gear for exploring – boots, rain coats and the whole shabang! It, tends to be, a humid spot there, alright? Thirdly, prepare. Get first aid supplies. Slather some sunscreen on! Dress properly – and for god’s sake, wear strong walking footwear! After that, take, apparently, an open mindset plus anticipate just a little trekking involved, obviously. Try a nature connection practice to build a closer relationship with your inner wisdom while on the journey.

What to Bring on Your Full-Day Tour

And when you’re packing to come to Corcovado, here’s my own guidance: You’ll need lots of water. Also, bear in mind: There actually aren’t any locations for refills. Now, with no exemption, you might need light clothes which may be breathable (the kind that will wick perspiration!) And naturally, do you really need some truly fantastic hiking boots too! When going with waterproof apparel: bring it without a doubt; the rainforest frequently provides surprise downpours on occasion. And certainly do not forget those vital sun blocks and even bug repellants! A great set of binoculars will additionally assist spotting wildlife a lot more easily as well. Plus a digital camera and lots of rechargeable batteries because your phone may fail due to some tropical signal issues in deep thick forests!. Plus, when you may love hearing sounds from creatures, additionally carry earphones! Make certain you bring earphones as that could come really handy.

Respecting Corcovado: Sustainable Tourism

At the end of the day we have to, seemingly, explore places in responsible means. By sticking within established walking trails, so, obviously, disturbing plants and critters would never be possible. Steer very clear coming from feeding critters: by doing this might, pretty much, alter the healthy, sometimes, conduct, and harm creatures too, arguably. Make it a habit when leaving to get rid of waste and keep these lovely sites neat and preserved forever. Give extra regard plus make your tour operator knows or encourages sustainability strategies. Actually we as travelers impact substantially those ecosystems and must consider a part for making preservation successful long-term!

Debunking Corcovado Tour Myths

Loads of myths surrounding excursions around Corcovado must be busted prior to really stepping a feet to those stunning areas, eh? One widespread misconcept is you are sure to witness wild animals wherever. Clearly although loaded filled of greenery this location gives basically any ensures to look upon a tapir! Some other myth revolves basically you simply being needed being seasoned trekking folks- excursions can cater several match tiers, hence selecting something suiting best to you will bring pleasure more quickly to most vacation plans. Thirdly take into account excursion staff do ensure basic safety from start, hence even during tough climatic situation professional courses adhere near and maintain a lot safe habits as it is usually reasonably practicable!