Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HIKING
From Bahía Drake, it's a three- to four-hour hike along the beachside trail to San Pedrillo
ranger station at the north end of Corcovado. Note that this trail can be impassable and
overgrown depending on the season. Advance reservations are required if you're planning
to camp overnight at the ranger station.
Reserva Biológica Isla del Caño
The centerpiece of this biological reserve is a 326-hectare island that is the tip of numerous
underwater rock formations. Along the rocky coastline, towering peaks soar as high as
70m, which provides a dramatic setting for anyone who loves secluded nature.
The submarine rock formations are among the island's main attractions, drawing divers
to explore the underwater architecture. Snorkelers can investigate the coral and rock form-
ations along the landing beach. Fifteen different species of coral have been recorded, as
well as threatened species that include the Panulirus lobster and the giant conch. The sheer
numbers of fish attract dolphins and whales, which - along with hammerhead sharks,
manta rays and sea turtles - are frequently seen swimming in these waters.
On the island, at about 110m above sea level, the evergreen trees consist primarily of
milk trees (also called 'cow trees' after the drinkable white latex they exude), believed to
be the remains of an orchard planted by pre-Columbian indigenous inhabitants. Near the
top of the ridge, there are several pre-Columbian granite spheres. Archaeologists speculate
that the island may have been a ceremonial or burial site for the same indigenous tribes.
To preserve the ecology of the island, recreational visitors were prohibited from ventur-
ing beyond the boat-landing beach at the end of 2013.
Most snorkeling and diving tours are arranged by the nearby lodges. Admission is
US$10 per person, plus a US$4 additional charge for divers; the fee is usually included in
tour prices.
PARQUE NACIONAL CORCOVADO
Famously labeled by
National Geographic
as 'the most biologically intense place on
earth,' this
national park
is the last great original tract of tropical rainforest in Pacific
Central America. The bastion of biological diversity is home to Costa Rica's largest popu-
