The National Geographic Society has defined the Corcovado National Park as the most biologically diverse area on the planet, protecting 41,788 hectares of lagoons, marshes, mangrove-swamps, rivers, rainforests and low altitude cloud forests in the Osa Peninsula. In addition, 46 km of sandy coastline is under the park’s protection. Within the park, scientists have identified about 6000 insect species, 500 tree species, 367 bird species, 140 mammal species, 117 amphibian and reptile species, and 40 freshwater fish species that exist in its streams and rivers.
You will take a van to Rio Sierpe and the guide will explain to you the itinerary. After 30 minutes you arrive in Palmar Sur and your guide will tell you something about the historic sculptures found in that area and some of the theories about them. Once in Sierpe you will have a Tico breakfast in Las Vegas restaurant (not included); which includes fruits, pinto, scrambled eggs, cheese, jam, orange juice and coffee. After that, you travel by boat to the mouth of the river and then the guide will provide you with life jackets. The trip will take you through the open sea and after 30 minutes you arrive at Corcovado National Park. The hiking takes 3 hours, and the guide will point different kind of plants and explain how they are used as medicine, tools, weapons, etc. You will learn something about the animals and insects you see along the way. Once back to the park offices, take a healthy lunch which will include vegetables, fruits, jam, cheese, fruit juice, water and some cookies. The boat will take you to Sierpe and the van will be waiting for you to return to Dominical.
This tour is for everybody who wants to get into the tropical forest and learn about our natural treasures.7 kilometers north of Dominical is the Hatillo Mangrove Swamps, next to Guapil Beach. The mangroves adventure starts at the moment you got in the van, where you learn about the area and its history and at the same time observe the plants and animals along the road.
When you get to Hatillo Mangroves, the guide will teach you how to kayak, and then introduce you to the mangrove world and all its secrets. In the beginning you will soft paddle, later, stronger paddling is required when crossing river mouth, where the ocean comes together with the river. In this educational tour you will learn the importance of the mangroves and how the plants purify the water and function as a natural filter.
You can see different kinds of animals like raccoons, black falcon, different kind of crabs and fisher birds. During this entire trip, you can ask any question about animals, plants and mangroves. The experience of kayaking adds to the day’s enjoyment.
