Wildlife Wonderland

Puerto Jiménez – Carate – Leona – Sirena – Puerto Jiménez: Walk in – Boat out

Puerto Jiménez – Sirena – La Leona – Carate – Puerto Jiménez: Walk in – Boat out

 

 

Embark on an exhilarating 20-kilometer coastal hike along the pristine shores of Corcovado National Park, a journey that promises both challenge and awe-inspiring beauty. This adventurous day begins with thrilling river crossings, inhabited by formidable wildlife, including bull sharks and crocodiles that can reach up to 4 meters in length. These crossings require care and vigilance, adding a pulse-pounding element to your adventure.

The sandy and rocky beaches that line the Pacific coast are another exciting part of the journey. Here, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, with waves crashing against the rugged shoreline. However, this beauty comes with its own set of challenges. Certain sections of the beach require you to traverse slippery rocks, where maintaining your footing is crucial. In some areas, timing is everything as you’ll need to carefully calculate the incoming waves to safely run between the sandy beach and cliffs formed by the rocks.

You’ll then be rewarded with views that capture the raw, untamed beauty of Corcovado, leaving you with a profound sense of accomplishment.

The next two days of your expedition take you deep into the heart of Corcovado’s lush secondary and primary forests, where the trails surrounding the Sirena Biological Station await. Known as the most biodiverse place on Earth, Sirena offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness wildlife in its most natural and undisturbed habitats. As you explore these trails, you’ll be guided through a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life—from the calls of howler monkeys echoing through the trees to the sight of rare and exotic birds flitting among the canopy.

Your journey through these forests is more than just a hike; it’s an intimate encounter with nature at its most spectacular. The Sirena Biological Station serves as your base, offering access to trails that reveal the hidden wonders of the rainforest, from elusive jungle mammals to the myriad species of amphibians and reptiles. Each step you take in the rainforest is a step closer to understanding the incredible diversity and complexity of the natural world.

This expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, blending the thrill of coastal trekking with the serenity and wonder of exploring one of the planet’s most vibrant ecosystems.

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One Person
$759 joining a group
$1159 with guide only
Two People
$759 per person
Three People
$669 per person
Four or more People
$629 per person

All prices are per person in USD

Included:

  • Naturalist & bilingual tour guide
  • Park entrance fees for 4 days
  • Accommodation in Sirena for 3 nights
  • Dinner the first, second and third nights
  • Breakfast the second, third and fourth days
  • Lunch on the second, third and fourth days
  • 4WD transportation from Puerto Jiménez to Carate
  • Boat transportation from Sirena to Puerto Jiménez
  • Surcharge for a French speaking guide
  • Surcharge for a private guide

 

Food:

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner (upon reservation – included in the price)
  • Packed lunch to go (upon reservation)
  • Snacks for purchase

Sirena Ranger Station provides:

  • Rustic lodging in the wild rainforest
  • Twin bunk beds with mattress, bed sheets, pillow and mosquito net
  • Drinking water
  • Bathroom with toilet paper, sink and soap dispenser
  • Shower with soap dispenser
  • Rooftop lunch area with tables and chairs
  • Souvenir shop
  • Snacks and beverage for purchase
  • Electrical outlets to charge your electric devices (limited)
  • Rubber boots (for rent)
  • Lockers (extra fee)
  • Internet WiFi (weak signal)
  • Light inside the installations (turned off at 8:00 PM)

 

La Leona and Los Patos Ranger Station provide:

  • Drinkable water
  • Bathroom with toilet paper, sink and soap dispenser
  • Rooftop sitting area

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: 19.5 km hike to Sirena Station

Time Activity
5:20 AM Meeting with your guide
Panadería Monar (Bakery).
5:30 AM – 7:00 AM Transport from Puerto Jiménez to Carate
43 kilometers. Possible observation of wildlife along the way.
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM 3.5 km hike to La Leona Station
1.5 km hike on the sandy beach
2 km hike on flat trails.
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM Break in La Leona
Park Registration
Bathroom.
8:45 AM – 12:00 PM 16 km hike in Corcovado National Park
Flat trail that follows the Pacific coast (partial shade)
Madrigal River crossing (remove your shoes while crossing to keep them dry)
Refreshing dip in Madrigal River natural pool (optional).
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM Picnic lunch on the beach
No food available for purchase.
12:30 PM – 4:00 PM Mostly flat hike in the shade
Difficulties include:
– Claro River crossing (up to 1.3 meters of water at high tide)
– Walking up a hill (1 kilometer)
– Walking on sharp rocks (500 meters)
– Walking different stretches on the sandy beach under the sun (total of 4.5 kilometers).
4:00 PM Arrival at Sirena Station
Registration
Assignation of your bed
Shower and rest
Charge your device.
6:00 PM Dinner at the station
Buffet style and salad bar.
8:00 PM All lights get turned off in the station
Have a flashlight, headlamp, or phone near your bed.

Day 2 and 3: Hike in the National Park

Time Activity
5:00 AM – 7:00 AM Morning hike around the station
Best time to see birds and mammals, including the famous tapir.
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Breakfast
Buffet style.
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM 8 trails around Sirena
– Guanacaste trail: 2 km, flat topography (impressive trees and Sirena River)
– Corcovado trail: 1 km, flat and slightly broken topography (high trees, primary forest)
– Rio Claro trail: 3.5 km, flat topography (primary and secondary forest)
– Los Naranjos trail: 3 km, flat topography (secondary forest, for history lovers)
– Río Pavo trail: 5 km, flat topography (secondary forest, for plant lovers)
– Ollas trail: 3 km, slightly broken topography (for bird lovers)
– Sirena trail: 1 km, flat topography (by the mouth of Sirena river, marine life can be seen)
– Los Espaveles trail: 2 km, mostly flat topography (dense and diverse vegetation).
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch at the station
Buffet and salad bar.
1:00 PM – 5:30 PM Roaming the wild Sirena beach or relaxing at the station
Option to walk on more trails.
5:30 PM Dinner at the station
Buffet and salad bar.
8:00 PM All lights get turned off in the station
Have a flashlight, headlamp, or phone near your bed.

Day 4: Hike in the Corcovado National Park

Time Activity
5:00 AM – 6:30 AM Morning hike around the station
Best time to see birds and mammals, including the famous tapir.
6:30 AM – 7:00 AM Breakfast at the station
Buffet style.
7:00 AM – 12:00 PM Trail options for the last hikes in Corcovado National Park
– Redoing your favorite trails
– Walking on trails you didn’t have time for in the last days
– Going in search of specific animals or plants.
11:00 AM Snack at the station
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Last hike in Corcovado toward the beach
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Boat ride from Sirena to Puerto Jiménez

* Schedule may vary according to your guide and the physical condition of participants.*

What To Bring

  • Hiking/Running shoes or Boots
  • Sandals or Flip flops
  • Hiking backpack
  • Light long sleeved shirts
  • Sunhat or cap
  • Swimwear or Quick-dry clothes
  • Camera
  • Sunblock
  • Insect Repellent
  • 2+ liters of water in reusable bottles
  • Hydrating tablets or Electrolytes in powder
  • Snacks and/or box lunch (for the long hikes)
  • Towel
  • Flashlight or Headlamp
  • Waterproof pack (for personal items)
  • Plastic bags (to keep your stuff dry and pack trash out)
  • Small case of toiletries (including soap & toothpaste)
  • Raincoat or poncho (optional)
  • Ear plugs (optional)
  • A full refund can be offered up to 6 months before the start date of your tour.
  • Once entrances, lodging and meals are paid, there is no refund possible. Corcovado National Park does not provide any refunds or credits. Therefore, refunds or credits are only possible if the park is SOLD OUT on your selected dates and we are unable to make a reservation for you.
  • Changing the dates of a prepaid reservation is not possible.
  • Even if you cannot access the park due to the weather, refunds are NOT possible. You may be able to reschedule in the next 30 days if the park closes.
  • Prepaid transport will be charged if it leaves without you for any reason.
  • Please note that the park policies may change without notice.

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