Pura Osa
The short answer
- Best wildlife: Sirena. Closed in October; it normally welcomes visitors the rest of the year.
- Easiest from Drake Bay: San Pedrillo.
- From Puerto Jiménez: La Leona, through Carate.
- Always: a certified guide, and check that the sector is open for your dates.
The sectors side by side
| Sector | Access | Daily cap | Status | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sirena | Boat from Drake Bay, Sierpe or Puerto Jiménez; or on foot from La Leona or Los Patos | 366 | Closed in October 2026 | Best wildlife; the only station with lodging and meals (by reservation) |
| San Pedrillo | Boat from Drake Bay | 120 | Open | Shorter day tours and forest trails; camping allowed |
| La Leona | Carate, by road from Puerto Jiménez | 80 | Open | Beach and coastal forest walks; start of the walk to Sirena |
| Los Patos | La Palma, near Puerto Jiménez | 80 | Closed in October 2026 | Inland route to Sirena for experienced hikers |
| El Tigre | Dos Brazos, near Puerto Jiménez | 80 | Closed in October 2026 | Quiet trails and community tourism |
| Los Planes | By land near Drake Bay | — | Ask your guide | A land option from the Drake side |
Daily caps from SINAC-ACOSA resolution D-R-0106-2026, in force since September 17, 2026. Sirena’s 366 include 230 day visitors, 105 overnight and 31 reserved for the local community and the park administration. Sources: Semanario Universidad · The Tico Times.
How to choose your sector
| If you have… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One day from Drake Bay | San Pedrillo (or Sirena when it is open) | Boat tour, guide and lunch from about US$110–165 |
| Two or three days, best wildlife | Sirena with a night at the station | Reserve lodging and meals months ahead, especially December to April |
| Staying in Puerto Jiménez | La Leona from Carate | A day on the beach and coastal forest; longer walks with a guide |
| Experienced hikers | La Leona → Sirena or Los Patos → Sirena | 16.5 km or 23 km with a certified guide and permits |
| Short on time or budget | San Pedrillo or La Leona | Fewer logistics than an overnight at Sirena |
Sirena
The heart of Corcovado and the park’s best wildlife area, with the most intact forest and the longest trails. It is reached by boat from Drake Bay, Sierpe or Puerto Jiménez, or on foot from La Leona (16.5 km, 6–7 hours) or Los Patos (23 km, 8–9 hours). It is the only station with lodging and meals, which must be reserved in advance. A night here gives you the best chance of seeing tapirs and other shy animals at dawn.
San Pedrillo
Reached by boat from Drake Bay, San Pedrillo suits shorter day tours and forest trails, and camping is allowed. It admits 120 visitors a day and is one of the two sectors open in October 2026. It is the easiest first visit if you are staying in Drake. Drake Bay guide →
La Leona
The entrance from the Golfo Dulce side, reached through Carate by road from Puerto Jiménez. It is a good option for walks along the beach and coastal forest, and it is where the walk to Sirena begins. It admits 80 visitors a day and is open in October 2026. Puerto Jiménez guide →
Los Patos, El Tigre and Los Planes
Los Patos (from La Palma) is an inland route to Sirena for experienced hikers. El Tigre (from Dos Brazos) has quiet trails and community tourism. Both admit 80 visitors a day and are closed in October 2026. Los Planes is a land option from the Drake side; ask your guide about current access.
Why the caps keep changing
Daily limits are set by SINAC and the Osa Conservation Area, and they have moved several times. In July 2026 Sirena was capped at 225 people; on September 17 the limit rose to 366 after the station restored its wastewater treatment system, according to the Ministry of Environment. Critics say the earlier increases lacked a technical basis, and a 2025 Constitutional Chamber ruling ordered a new, justified resolution on caps and reservations. For you, the lesson is simple: reserve early and confirm the current limit with your guide. How to book Corcovado →
Every Corcovado sector, open or closed, on the mapOpen map →Frequently asked questions
Which Corcovado sector is best for wildlife?
Sirena is widely considered the best: it is the heart of the park, with the most intact forest and the longest trails. San Pedrillo is a good shorter option from Drake Bay, and La Leona mixes beach and coastal forest. In every sector a certified guide is mandatory.
Which sectors are open in October 2026?
Only San Pedrillo and La Leona receive visitors. Sirena, Los Patos and El Tigre are closed during October for maintenance and the heaviest rains. Confirm the reopening date with your guide before you book.
How many people can enter each sector per day?
Under the resolution in force since September 17, 2026: Sirena up to 366 (230 day visitors, 105 overnight and 31 reserved for the local community and the park administration), San Pedrillo 120, and La Leona, Los Patos and El Tigre 80 each. Caps are set by SINAC and have changed several times, so confirm them.
Can I walk from one sector to another?
Yes, on long routes with a guide and permits: La Leona to Sirena is about 16.5 km (6–7 hours) and Los Patos to Sirena about 23 km (8–9 hours). These are demanding hikes in heat and humidity, for experienced walkers.
Do Costa Ricans pay less to enter?
Yes. Nationals and residents pay ₡1,600 per day plus tax, compared with US$15 for foreign adults (SINAC). Guide, boat, meals and lodging are paid separately.
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