Pura Osa
The short answer
- You need: a registered guide, a reserved date and an open sector.
- Easiest way: book a tour or lodge that bundles guide, boat, park reservation and lunch.
- Fee: US$15 per day for foreign adults; ₡1,600 for nationals and residents.
- Overnight at Sirena: book lodging and meals separately, months ahead.
The seven steps
- Pick your month and sector Check which sectors are open on your dates. In October 2026 only San Pedrillo and La Leona receive visitors; Sirena, Los Patos and El Tigre are closed. The dry season, December to April, is easiest for trails. Compare the sectors →
- Choose your base Drake Bay is the base for boat trips to Sirena and San Pedrillo. Puerto Jiménez and Carate are the base for La Leona, Los Patos and El Tigre. Drake Bay guide →
- Hire a registered guide or a tour A registered local guide is mandatory. Most lodges and local operators coordinate the guide, the boat, the park reservation and lunch in one package. Ask to see the guide’s credential and confirm what is included.
- Let the operator reserve your date Reservations open up to six months ahead and each sector has a daily cap (Sirena 366, San Pedrillo 120, La Leona, Los Patos and El Tigre 80 each). For December to April, we suggest booking two to three months ahead.
- Reserve Sirena lodging and meals separately If you want to sleep at Sirena, lodging and meals need their own reservation, made well ahead. This is the only station with beds and meals.
- Pay the fees Park entrance is US$15 per day for foreign adults and ₡1,600 for nationals and residents, plus tax (SINAC). It is usually included in tours. Guide, boat, meals and lodging are separate.
- Confirm 48 hours before Ask your guide to confirm that the sector is open, the boat time and tide, what to bring and where to meet. Sectors can close for weather or maintenance. What to pack →
What to budget
| What | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Park entrance (foreign adult) | US$15 per day + tax | Usually included in tours |
| Park entrance (national or resident) | ₡1,600 per day + tax | SINAC |
| Day tour from Drake Bay | US$110–165 | Boat, guide, park fee and lunch |
| Day tour from Puerto Jiménez | US$160–180 | Boat, guide, park fee and lunch; early departure |
| Night at Sirena (from Drake Bay) | US$350–545 | 2 days, 1 night; closed in October |
Prices checked in October 2026 with operators and official sources (SINAC); they change by season and operator. Full details in our Corcovado guide.
Common mistakes
- Arriving without a reservation or a guide.
- Booking Sirena for October, when it is closed.
- Assuming the park fee covers guide, boat and meals.
- Choosing the cheapest tour without asking what is included.
- Not asking what happens if the sector closes on your date.
If you live in Costa Rica
The steps are the same, but nationals and residents pay ₡1,600 per day plus tax instead of US$15, and local agencies in Puerto Jiménez and Drake Bay can arrange everything in colones. Bring your ID, and plan weekends and holidays early, since caps fill first. Daily caps by sector →
Corcovado’s entrances and docks on the map of OsaOpen map →Frequently asked questions
Can I enter Corcovado without a guide?
No. Every visitor needs a local guide registered with the Osa Conservation Area. Ask to see the credential before you pay.
Can I just show up and buy a ticket?
We do not recommend it. Each sector has a daily cap, and visits are arranged with a guide or operator, so reserve ahead, especially from December to April. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
Does the park fee include the guide and the boat?
No. The SINAC fee covers only your entrance. Guide, boat, meals and lodging are paid separately, although most day tours bundle everything into one price. Always ask exactly what is included.
What is the cancellation policy?
It depends on the operator, so ask before paying. Because Sirena closes every October and sectors can close for weather or maintenance, check what happens if your sector is closed on your date.
How do I book a night at Sirena?
Lodging and meals at the station need their own reservation, separate from the entrance. Book months ahead, especially from December to April, and ask your operator whether the package already includes them. The station is closed in October.
Do Costa Ricans book differently?
The process is the same, with a guide, but nationals and residents pay ₡1,600 per day plus tax instead of US$15. Puerto Jiménez and Drake Bay both have local guides and agencies.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, Pura Osa may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Recommendations are not paid. Prices, hours and schedules change; always confirm locally.