The Best Guide To Hiking Corcovado National Park In Costa Rica

When we first started planning our Costa Rica trip, I realized I would be able to cross off two bucket list items: Visiting a rainforest and a volcano! Corcovado National Park was everything I thought it would be, hot, humid, vivid, noisy, and filled with so much biodiversity. In the rainforest, I felt so alive, but at the same time, I knew that Corcovado could easily be the end of me if I wasn’t careful. Reflecting on the hike, I understand why tour guides are mandatory. The rainforest can be brutal, harsh, confusing, and wild, so it is not for everyone. But if you are willing to experience a different type and unique hike, then keep reading on my friends!

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Getting To Corcovado National Park

The easiest way to get to Corcovado National Park is by renting a car and driving there. The driving time is close to 8 hours from San Jose. Puerto Jimenez is the nearest town to the national park.

Corcovado National Park Weather

Let’s just say that this place is HOT! The temperature ranges from an average of 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees. Even though the average temperatures are not over 100 degrees, this national park feels like it is well over 100 degrees! This is due to the insane amount of humidity!

The rainforest has on average 197 inches of rain so I suggest bringing a rain jacket just in case! The driest months range from December through April.

Corcovado National Park Hotels

I highly recommend staying near the national park entrance, so you have more time to enjoy the national park. Here are some of the best hotel options nearby:

• Luna Lodge: This hotel is more of a spa retreat and features, yoga, a swimming pool, massages, and electricity. The hotel runs on hydroelectricity. >Book This Retreat Here
• La Leona Eco Lodge: This hotel is the definition of an eco-lodge! The lodge features bungalows next to the ocean and amid the forest with no electricity. They use candles to light up the area. >Book This Lodge Here

What To Pack

1. Sunscreen: It can get super sunny! >Buy some sunscreen, so you don’t accidentally burn!
2. Mosquito Spray: There are so many bugs here! Protect yourself! >Buy This Necessary Bug Spray Here
3. Hiking Boots/Shoes: Hiking shoes or boots are needed for sure because it might be muddy. >Buy my Hiking Shoes
4. Hiking socks: Having the correct socks helps you prevent getting blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there. I also love how they now have pink socks too 🙂 >Buy Hiking Socks
5. Refillable water bottle: I always bring a Hydroflask on all my adventures. They are on the heavier side, but I know for a fact they will not break. I have had a few cheap water bottles break on me before. >Check Prices Now
6. Water: Hiking in the rainforest for sure requires water.
7. Sunglasses: I usually wear the most fashionable sunglasses when I hike. 🙂 >Check Out These Sunglasses
8. Snacks and Lunch: The best snacks are jerky, nuts, energy bars for hiking. >Clif Bars are great for hiking so click HERE.
9. Camera: I have linked the camera I used to take pictures of the rainforest. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.  >Buy Sony Camera Here
10. First Aid Kit: This is one of the first things I bought when I first started backpacking and camping. It is super portable. >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
11. Day Pack: The REI bag I have linked, we have had for seven years now, and it is still going strong! >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
12. Good hiking pants or shorts: These are probably the best hiking pants that I have found. Honestly, if I had to do it all over again, I would hike in shorts. >Buy my hiking Shorts Here
13. Breathable sweat-wicking shirts: Do not wear cotton. You will be extremely uncomfortable. >Buy My Fav Hiking Shirt Here
14. Sports Bra: For women.
15. Rain Jacket: It is a rainforest! >Buy My Favorite Rain Jacket
16. Headlamp: Just in case you get stuck hiking at night! >Buy A Headlamp Now

Corcovado National Park Tours

It is illegal to hike through Corcovado National Park without a guide, so I recommend contacting your hotel on tour guide recommendations. Most of the hotels feature certified guides that give tours. There are many different packages. We did a day of hiking through the rainforest, but there are also multiple-day hiking packages.

Day Hikes In Corcovado National Park

One of my favorite parts of Corcovado was the amount of Macaw Parrots. The minute we parked, we saw two Macaws perched up in the tree eating away. I was so excited to see a wild Macaw that I snapped a photo right away. But as the day went on, I noticed that the Macaws were popping up every ten minutes. They seemed to love the attention, or maybe we were walking around where all the food was.  But either way, we enjoyed taking pictures of them. The bright, lively, green-colored leaves meshed well with their scarlet, red feathers as seen below.

The birds stayed at the top of the trees eating away at the almonds. The cracked shells would fall by our feet while we were hiking, which would help us quickly find them. There were always pairs of Macaws together, which meant that both birds were partners for life.

The first half of the day hike, we hiked through the rainforest. The air was thick with humidity. Even with no sun rays beating down on us, I was sweating bullets throughout the hike. Since the path was right next to the beach, you can smell and hear the salty beach throughout the trek.

All I wanted to do was to run into the cold, refreshing water, but sadly we couldn’t. That was one of the negatives of Corcovado. It was illegal to swim in the ocean. It was hard for me to look and not touch.

The trees were one of a kind at Corcovado. I had never seen trees like this. They were flourishing, bright, and green.

One of my favorite things to do on the hike was trying to find wildlife. Our guide was on a lookout throughout the whole walk. And if he ever found an animal, he would quickly start whispering and telling us to slowly get closer to take a picture. Throughout the hike, we saw Anteaters, Macaws, and White Nosed Coati.

When we decided to head back to our car, we chose to walk alongside the beach. It was incredibly refreshing. The ocean breeze helped us cool off. The only downside to hiking down the beach is that you won’t see as much wildlife; but, the breeze and not feeling like a sweaty mess was worth it.

When we got back to the parking lot, I bought a nice cold coconut for $2. The fresh coconut water and coconut was a perfect end to our long, hot day hike. I highly recommend buying a coconut! Just make sure you have cash!

Final Thoughts On Corcovado National Park Costa Rica

Corcovado was such a fascinating place to spend a beautiful sunny day. The whole rainforest felt alive and vibrant, just how I imagined it to be. I wish we had an extra day to hike out even further and stay in the rainforest for an extra night. But, I am glad I was able to experience a rainforest for the first time. Make sure to check out some other posts on Costa Rica:

• The Ultimate Guide To Irazu Volcano
• Rio Celeste Ultimate Guide

Corcovado Costa Rica: Pin For Later