Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
flocks are common. Mammals are similar to those near coastal trails, but Los Patos is bet-
ter for primates and white-lipped peccary.
For wildlife-watchers frustrated at the difficulty of seeing rainforest mammals, a stay at
Sirena ranger station is a must. Baird's tapirs are practically assured - a statement that can
be made at few other places in the world. This endangered and distant relative of the rhino-
ceros is frequently spotted grazing along the airstrip after dusk. Sirena is excellent for oth-
er herbivores, particularly red brocket (especially on the Los Patos-Sirena trail) and both
species of peccary. Agouti and tayra are also common.
Jaguars are spotted extremely rarely, as their population in the Osa is suspected to be in
the single digits. At night look for kinkajou and crab-eating skunk (especially at the mouth
of the Río Sirena). Ocelot represents your best chance for observing a cat, but again, don't
get your hopes up.
Corcovado is the only national park in Costa Rica with all four of the country's primate
species. Spider monkey, mantled howler and white-faced capuchin can be encountered
anywhere, while the Los Platos-Sirena trail is best for the fourth and most endangered
species, the Central American squirrel monkey. Sirena also has fair chances for the ex-
tremely hard-to-find silky anteater, a nocturnal animal that frequents the beachside forests
between the Río Claro and the station.
The Río Sirena is a popular spot for American crocodile, three-toed sloth and bull shark.
Hiking
Paths are primitive and the hiking is hot, humid and insect-ridden, but the challenge of the
trek and the interaction with wildlife at Corcovado are thrilling. Carry plenty of food, wa-
ter and insect repellent.
The most popular route traverses the park from Los Patos to Sirena, then exits the park
at La Leona (or vice versa). This allows hikers to begin and end their journey in or near
Puerto Jiménez, offering easy access to La Leona and Los Patos.
Hiking is best in the dry season (from December to April), when there is still regular
rain but all of the trails are open. It's still muddy, but you won't sink quite as deep.
San Pedrillo to Sirena
HIKING
At 23km, the route between San Pedrillo and Sirena is the longest trail in Corcovado, but
due to its treacherously overgrown condition and several dangerous river crossings, it has
