Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
been closed permanently to visitors. However, you can camp at San Pedrillo station and
hike various trails in the area.
La Leona to Sirena
HIKING
The 16km hike from La Leona to Sirena is a sizzler, following the shoreline through
coastal forest and along deserted beaches. It involves one major river crossing at Río
Claro, just south of Sirena station.
The journey between La Leona and Sirena takes six or seven hours. You can camp at
either ranger station, and Sirena also has dorm accommodations and hot meals (both must
be reserved in advance). From Sirena, it takes another hour to hike the additional 3.5km to
Carate, where you can stay in a local lodge or catch the
colectivo
to Puerto Jiménez.
Sirena to Los Patos
HIKING
The route to Los Patos goes 18km through the heart of Corcovado, affording the opportun-
ity to pass through plenty of primary and secondary forest. The trail is relatively flat for
the first 12km. You will hike through secondary forest and wade through two river tribu-
taries before reaching the Laguna Corcovado. From this point, the route undulates steeply
(mostly uphill!) for the remaining 6km. One guide recommends doing this hike in the op-
posite direction - from Los Patos to Sirena - to avoid this exhausting, uphill ending. Near
Los Patos, a lovely waterfall provides a much-needed shower at the end of a long trek.
The largest herds of peccary are reportedly on this trail. Local guides advise that pec-
cary sense fear, but they will back off if you act aggressively. Alternatively, if you climb
up a tree - about 2m off the ground - you'll avoid being bitten or trampled in the event of
running into a surly bunch. Fun fact: peccary herds emit a strong smell of onions, so you
usually have a bit of a heads-up before they come crashing through the bush.
You can camp at Los Patos, or continue an additional 14km to the village of La Palma.
This four-hour journey is a shady and muddy descent of the valley of the Río Rincón. If
you are traveling from La Palma to Los Patos, be prepared for a steep climb. The
Danta
Corcovado Lodge
also makes a heavenly overnight near the Los Patos station.
Tours
