penguino

Planning our 2-week trip in March. Thinking of Diving Cano and hiking Corcovado park. Anyone have any advice on either? If so, is it possible to stay the night on Cano Isand? What are the best scuba sites? Has anyone camped Corcovado park or had any other advice/experience with a mulit-day trek through the park? Thanks.

tully

Never heard of staying on Cano Island, doubt that is possible. Maybe Ballardo will chime in here, he is a guide on the Osa and can hook you up with your requests.

Jaguarman

penguino,

it's not possible to overnight on Caño Island. You can boat back to Drake Bay, overnight there, and then head out for a second day at the island. One of the best spots is in an area for marinelife is called "the garden" but be advised that because of the increased tourism in the waters around Caño the marinelife is moving farther away, especially whales and dolphins.

it is possible to camp on the covered platform or sleep in the dorm rooms at Sirena Biological Station inside Corcovado. Also, meals are available in the cantina. Reservations for the park can be made 30 days in advance. Advance reservations are necessary to overnight at Sirena - no walk-in reservations.

people usually spend 3 or 4 days hiking in, enjoying, and hiking out of the park. the two entrances are from Los Patos and La Leona. Los Patos is the more challenging of the two. both should be treated as moderately difficult hikes, and you should be able to carry your pack, belongings, and water for a good 6-8 hours in the tropical heat.

an amazing amount of wildlife can be seen from the trails and around Sirena - wild pigs, tapirs, anteaters, puma, coati, crocks, scarlet macaws, turkeys, herons, and many more birds, lots of insects, bats, and other nocturnals. it's a very bio diverse place.

feel free to post more questions to this forum or send me a private message and I can try to answer for you.

Pura Vida,
Ballardo Diaz, jungle guide

penguino

Thanks for the great advice, Ballardo. Do you think it is still worth going to isla de cano or should I look into other places?

And Corcovado: (I've been reading a lot about the park, but I still have a few questions if you have the time)
-I tried to inquire about reservations by email [email protected] and it was not able to go through. Is it because of park closures due to the rain? Should I call at a later date?
-Which route would you recommend? (would like to hike one end to the other) And you know of any maps or guidebooks for tide and trail specific information?
-I was reading that swimming is not recommended at Sirena, but what about other beaches along the trail? And I also noticed there are reefs in the San Pedrillo area. Are those safe to explore?
Thank you so much!

Jaguarman

Caño Island is a very interesting place to explore. You can make a day trip, do some snorkling/diving and also make a short hike on the island. Or just hike on the island in search of the mystery spheres, which are quite interesting in themself.

There are many email addresses that "look" like the correct park address, but they are made to fool people into thinking they are contacting the park directly. The correct and only address for Parque Naticonal Corcovado is "[email protected]"

The park has just launched an new official website (in spanish) at: www.acosa-cr.org

Depending on your ability, many people like to make the Los Patos - Sirena - La Leona 3 day expedition. You can read more about this hike here: http://www.facebook.com/jaguarmans.a...64&topic=15173

Otherwise, the La Leona - Sirena - La Leona is also a fantastic trek that follows the beach/jungle trail. Even though it's in and out along the same trail, it's always different everytime.

Swimming is dangerous due to bull sharks and current. I suggest taking a dip at Rio Madrigal on your hike out to La Leona.

If I can help further with information about hiking in the park just post here or send me a private message.

Pura Vida,
Ballardo Diaz, Jungle Guide