National Parks

Southern Costa Rica is home to some of the country’s wildest protected areas, many of them within reach of Pavones.

Corcovado National Park

On the Osa Peninsula, across the Golfo Dulce, Corcovado is considered one of the most biologically intense places on the planet: primary rainforest, wild beaches, rivers and lagoons home to tapirs, monkeys, scarlet macaws and big cats.

Entry is only allowed with a certified guide and must be booked in advance. The park is usually reached from Puerto Jiménez or Drake Bay, so a day or two in the Osa Peninsula is the best way to enjoy it.

Piedras Blancas and the Golfito Wildlife Refuge

On the northern shore of the Golfo Dulce, Piedras Blancas National Park protects one of the last large lowland rainforests of the Pacific coast. Its trails, rivers and waterfalls are excellent for birding and wildlife watching, and it is much less visited than Corcovado.

Around Golfito, the Golfito National Wildlife Refuge protects the forested hills that surround the bay, with trails and great views of the gulf.

Other Parks Worth the Trip

Marino Ballena National Park: near Uvita, famous for its whale-tail-shaped sandbar and whale watching.
Caño Island Biological Reserve: the best place for diving and snorkeling in the region.
La Amistad International Park: a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Talamanca mountains, shared with Panama.
Chirripó National Park: home to Costa Rica’s highest peak; the summit hike requires reservations.

Tips: buy tickets in advance when required, bring your passport, start early and hire a local guide. Our concierge team can plan the whole excursion for you.