Corcovado National Park, Peninsula de Osa, Costa Rica
Corcovado National Park is, without a doubt, every naturalist’s dream. 140 species of mammals, 367 species of birds, 117 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 500 species of trees, some of which may reach 70 meters in height, are present here. Due to its extraordinary biological diversity, Corcovado is currently an important center for research of moist tropical forests. Relative to other national parks it is so remote that one needs to walk at least for a day, fly in on a small plane, or take a boat to be able to get to the park’s headquarters.
This area is also one of the wettest in the country with 5,500 mm of rainfall a year in the highest hills. One of the best experiences in a rainforest, after walking for an hour on the slick and slippery clay trails, while looking down to walk over large and protuberant roots, with an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity that hovers near 100%, is jumping in a clear and cool waterhole, sweaty clothes and all…!!!
This park constitutes one of Costa Rica’s greatest conservation successes. In the past four decades, it has been “saved” from squatters, gold miners, hunters, poachers, and deforestation and still remains as magnificent and undisturbed as ever.
Corcovado National Park is, without a doubt, every naturalist’s dream. 140 species of mammals, 367 species of birds, 117 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 500 species of trees, some of which may reach 70 meters in height, are present here. Due to its extraordinary biological diversity, Corcovado is currently an important center for research of moist tropical forests. Relative to other national parks it is so remote that one needs to walk at least for a day, fly in on a small plane, or take a boat to be able to get to the park’s headquarters.
This area is also one of the wettest in the country with 5,500 mm of rainfall a year in the highest hills. One of the best experiences in a rainforest, after walking for an hour on the slick and slippery clay trails, while looking down to walk over large and protuberant roots, with an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity that hovers near 100%, is jumping in a clear and cool waterhole, sweaty clothes and all…!!!
This park constitutes one of Costa Rica’s greatest conservation successes. In the past four decades, it has been “saved” from squatters, gold miners, hunters, poachers, and deforestation and still remains as magnificent and undisturbed as ever.
