Piedras Blancas & Corcovado National Parks in Costa Rica

Explore the dense rainforest, coastal terrain and river trails that dot the landscape of Piedras Blancas and Corcovado National Parks, and embark on excursions that highlight the diversity of one of the world's most enthralling ecosystems. Many trails and hikes are waiting within moments of the lodge.

Piedras Blancas National Park

Step outside the lodge and set out on a rainforest hike through the wilderness of Piedras Blancas National Park. Previously a part of the lush Corcovado National Park, Piedras Blancas surrounds Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge on three sides. This richly biodiverse national park features scenic rainforest hiking trails, waterfalls and diverse plant and animal life, including scarlet macaws, toucans, wild cats, peccaries and all four of Costa Rica's monkey species. Head to the coastline and explore the beautiful tropical coastal rainforest beaches of Piedras Blancas that serve as the "front yard" of Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. Get there first thing in the morning for the best visibility and head straight to the area's snorkeling spots or just paddle board and kayak in the calm waters.

Corcovado National Park

Across the gulf from Playa Nicuesa is Corcovado National Park. Corcovado, also rich in biodiversity, offers the chance to catch rare glimpses of some of Costa Rica's most precious wildlife, from river crocodiles and bull sharks to the harpy eagle, once thought to be extinct. Corcovado National Park is accessible by chartered boat or plane. This would be a full day tour that entails a very early rise & departure with a late afternoon return.

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FAQs

What makes the Corcovado and Piedras Blancas National Parks in the Osa Peninsula - Golfo Dulce Region so unique and amazing?

According to National Geographic, 2.5% of the biodiversity of the entire planet is found in this remote and pristine area. Imagine the wildlife and plant life that thrives here! And, the Golfo Dulce, the gulf that is the front yard to Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge and sits between these two national parks, is one of the top 10 deepest gulfs in the world and one of only 4 tropical fjords on Earth. Thus, making it home to abundant marine life and a unique marine ecosystem.

What kind of wildlife might I see in these parks?

Throughout your visit, you'll find that the Osa Peninsula is home to over 450 species of birds, including toucans, trogons, and the largest population of scarlet macaws in Central America; over 10,000 insects including several rare butterfly species; reptiles such as snakes, crocodiles, sea turtles, basilisk lizards and iguanas; and a myriad of mammals including tapirs, nocturnal wildcats, all four species of monkeys (white faced monkeys, howler monkeys, spider monkeys and squirrel monkeys), anteaters, peccaries (wild pigs), coatis, and 3 toed sloths, Don't miss the humpback whales that visit the Golfo Dulce during the months of January, February, July and August. It is also important to note that the Golfo Dulce is the only place on the planet visited by both Northern and Southern Humpback whales and their calves.