Corcovado National Park stands as a raw, vibrant wilderness on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, inviting adventurers to engage with its untamed forests and rushing waters. Starting near Puerto Jiménez—a lively gateway filled with local energy and last-minute supplies—hikers set out into rainforest trails where dense canopy shades you and forest floors hum with life. The park’s rivers dare you onward, their currents pushing forward to dramatic waterfalls that command respect.

One standout route is the trail to San Pedrillo Station, approximately 9 kilometers one-way with a gentle 150 meters elevation gain. The path moves through tropical lowland rainforest, where the air is thick with humidity, and birds like toucans and scarlet macaws call overhead. Trail surfaces can be muddy and uneven, so good traction and steady footing are essential. On sunny days, the canopy filters sunlight into golden patches that dance beneath your steps.

For those seeking a waterfall experience, the San Josecito Waterfall trail near the Sirena Ranger Station offers a challenging 12-kilometer round trip with a 300 meters climb. The terrain is rugged, including slippery rocks and narrow sections alongside the roaring river, making trekking poles recommended. When you reach the waterfall, its powerful cascade plunges into a natural pool that tempts many to cool off—water temperatures hover around a brisk 20°C. This spot is alive with butterflies and, if luck is on your side, you may glimpse tapirs drinking nearby.

Plan your day thoughtfully to avoid the midday heat and afternoon showers common in the wet season. Early mornings offer the clearest skies and active wildlife; flowers open to greet the sun, monkeys swing with practiced zeal, and the forest feels fiercely alive. Hydration is critical—carry at least 2 liters per person and pace yourself steadily up the inclines. Waterproof footwear with ankle support will carry you through mud and stream crossings confidently.

Puerto Jiménez itself is more than a launchpad; it’s a practical base with options for guided tours, last-minute gear, and local eateries serving fresh catch and tropical fruits. Consider hiring a knowledgeable guide for complex sections—they enrich your understanding of the park’s fragile ecosystems and track wildlife footprints invisible to the untrained eye.

Both trails engage every sense: the chorus of insects, the scent of wet earth, the cool mist from waterfalls, the rustle of wildlife unseen but sensed. Corcovado commands respect. It offers adventure that humbles rather than conquers, revealing nature as an active participant in your journey, not a backdrop to be checked off.