Bahía Drake to Corcovado

Introducing Bahía Drake to Corcovado

The craggy shore stretches 10km from Bahía Drake to Corcovado, a series of sandy inlets that disappear at high tide, leaving only the rocky outposts and luxuriant rain forest. Besides the lodges that dot the coastline, this beautiful stretch is uninhabited and undeveloped. The setting is magnificent and wild, but be aware that travelers are more or less dependent on their lodges. There are no other facilities outside of Agujitas.

A public trail follows the coastline for the entire spectacular stretch. It is easy to follow and wonderful for wildlife. Among the multitude of bird species, you are likely to spot (and hear) squawking scarlet macaws, often traveling in pairs, and the hooting chestnut-mandible toucan. White-faced capuchins and howler monkeys inhabit the treetops, while eagle-eyed hikers might also spot a sloth or a kinkajou.

This entire route is punctuated by pretty little inlets, each with a wild, windswept beach. Just west of Punta Agujitas, a short detour off the main trail leads to the picturesque Playa Cocalito, a secluded cove perfect for sunning, swimming and body surfing. With no lodges in the immediate vicinity, it is often deserted. Playa Las Caletas, in front of the Corcovado Adventures Tent Camp, is supposed to be excellent for snorkeling.

Further south, the Río Claro empties out into the ocean. Water can be waist deep or higher, and the current swift, so take care when wading across. This is also the start of the Río Claro trail, which leads inland into the 1000-acre Punta Río Claro Wildlife Refuge (formerly known as the Marenco Rain Forest Reserve) and passes a picturesque waterfall along the way. Be aware that there are two rivers known as the Río Claro: one is located near Bahía Drake, while the other is inside Corcovado near Sirena station.

South of Río Claro, the Playa San Josecito is the longest stretch of white sand beach on this side of the Península de Osa. It is popular with swimmers, snorkelers and sunbathers, though you’ll rarely find it crowded.

From here you can access another private reserve, labeled La Selva. A short, steep climb leads from the beach to a lookout point, offering a spectacular view over the treetops and out to the ocean. A network of trails continues inland, and eventually connects La Selva to the Río Claro reserve. Be advised that La Selva does not have any facilities: the trails are not labeled; there is no water or maps; you will likely meet no one along the way. If you choose to continue past the lookout point, make sure you have food, water and a compass.

The border of Parque Nacional Corcovado is about 5km south of here (it takes three to four hours to hike the entire distance from Agujitas to Corcovado). The trail is more overgrown as it gets closer to the park, but it is a well-traveled route.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009