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Entry costs $15 USD per day for international adults, with gates open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Independent hiking is illegal; you must secure advance permits and hire a licensed guide before arriving.
Corcovado National Park opens daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Heavy rains between May and December often render dirt trails impassable, severely limiting access despite the official schedule. Arriving right at opening maximizes exploration time before the intense tropical heat sets in.
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| Day | Hours | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Sunday | 08:00–16:00 | Advance permits required; Sirena Station caps entry at 100 visitors daily. |
Official holiday closures do not apply to the park, which maintains a standard daily schedule year-round. Severe seasonal weather acts as the primary barrier to entry. Torrential precipitation between May and December causes rivers like the Rio Sirena to swell, making mandatory trail crossings dangerous or physically impossible.
International adults pay $15 USD per day to enter Corcovado National Park. Non-resident children ages 2 to 12 cost $5 USD. You cannot hike independently; hiring a certified naturalist guide is mandatory and will increase your total expenses. Sirena Station caps daily permits at 100, forcing visitors to book at least 60 days ahead during the dry season.
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| Category | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| International Adult | $15 USD | Per day; advance permit required via SINAC or tour operator |
| Non-Resident Child (Ages 2-12) | $5 USD | Per day |
| Costa Rican Citizen / Resident Adult | Reduced rate | Valid national ID required |
| Costa Rican Resident Child (Ages 2-12) | ₡500 | Valid national ID required |
| Overnight Tour Package (Sirena Station) | $315–$450 USD | Includes permits, mandatory guide, meals, and lodging |
No regular free entry days.
Planning your visit to Corcovado National Park? Find tours with free cancellation and skip-the-line options.
View All ToursVisit between January and April when dry weather keeps the 100,000-acre park's dirt trails accessible and river crossings safe. February provides the most stable conditions and aligns with whale-watching off the Osa Peninsula coast. While the Sirena Ranger Station strictly caps daily entry at 100 people to prevent crowding, peak season permits sell out up to 60 days in advance.
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| Period | Crowd Level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Park opening (08:00–10:00) | Low | Arriving right at 8:00 AM maximizes your hiking time before the intense tropical heat and humidity set in. |
| Late morning (10:00–12:00) | Moderate | Public boats from Drake Bay complete their wet beach landings, bringing day-trippers to the flat trails around Sirena Station. |
| Midday (12:00–14:00) | High | Hikers retreat to the shade of the ranger station to rest and eat purchased snacks during the hottest part of the day. |
| Afternoon (14:00–16:00) | Low | Day-tour boats depart the peninsula, leaving the coastal paths quiet for visitors holding overnight permits. |
Day trips require a full day to hike 10 to 12 kilometers of primary rainforest, while overnight itineraries at the Sirena Ranger Station last two to three days. Independent, self-guided hiking has been illegal since 2014, meaning your exact duration depends entirely on your licensed guide's schedule. The absolute maximum continuous stay allowed inside the park is five days and four nights.
Secure your park entry and guide reservations at least 60 days ahead through the SINAC online system or a licensed operator. The Sirena Ranger Station caps daily visitors at exactly 100 people. Permits sell out rapidly during the peak dry season from December to April.
Plan your trip between January and April to avoid heavy rains that turn trails into impassable mud pits. February offers the most stable weather patterns and prime whale-watching opportunities. Arrive right at the 8:00 AM opening time to maximize your exploration before the intense afternoon heat sets in.
Rangers will confiscate outside food or snacks during mandatory bag checks at the entrance. Eat a heavy breakfast before arriving and carry at least 2 liters of water in a reusable bottle. You can purchase basic meals and snacks exclusively at the Sirena Ranger Station shop.
Boat arrivals require wet beach landings where ocean waves frequently splash over the sides. Store your camera, phone, and binoculars in a high-quality waterproof sack to prevent water damage. Leave heavy suitcases at your gateway hotel, as small charter flights enforce a strict 30-pound luggage limit.
Sturdy hiking boots are mandatory for navigating the rugged, muddy trail system. Sandals are completely unsafe for the forest paths, though you should pack a pair specifically for boat rides and resting at the ranger station. Crossing swollen rivers during high tide exposes hikers to strong currents and bull sharks.
International adults pay a $15 USD daily entrance fee. Non-resident children aged 2 to 12 cost $5 USD. Costa Rican citizens and residents receive reduced rates, dropping the price for resident children to ₡500.
Gates open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Arrive at 8:00 AM to maximize your time on the trails and beat the heaviest crowds. Day trips typically involve 10 to 12 kilometers of hiking before closing time.
Hiring a certified naturalist guide is strictly mandatory. Independent, unsupervised hiking has been illegal since 2014. Guides keep you on designated trails and steer you away from hazards like bull sharks and crocodiles in the Rio Sirena.
Secure your permits at least 60 days ahead, especially during the December to April dry season. Sirena Ranger Station enforces a strict daily cap of exactly 100 visitors. Book these mandatory permits through the SINAC online system or a licensed tour operator.
Sirena Ranger Station offers the only authorized overnight lodging inside the park. Facilities consist of basic dormitories and camping areas. Expect to pay between $315 and $450 USD per person for an overnight tour package covering permits, guide fees, and meals.
Bringing outside food or snacks into the park is strictly forbidden. Rangers inspect all bags upon arrival and confiscate unauthorized items. Carry water in a reusable bottle and purchase your meals exclusively at the Sirena Ranger Station shop.
January through April provides the driest conditions and most accessible trails. February guarantees the most stable weather patterns. Heavy rains from May to December turn dirt paths into deep mud and swell rivers past the point of safe crossing.
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