Peninsula de Osa: Getting there & around

Many travelers pass through Sierpe on their way to Bahia Drake and Corcovado. Scheduled flights and charters fly into Palmar Sur, 14km (9mi) north of Sierpe.

If you're heading to Bahía Drake, your lodge will likely make arrangements for the bus and boat transfer. Otherwise, boats to Drake (90min) depart from the dock in front of Hotel Oleaje Sereno daily. Private boats can also be chartered through Corcovado Expeditions.

To get to Parque Nacional Corcovado from Bahía Drake, it's possible to walk the coastal trail that leads to San Pedrillo station (about four hours from Agujitas), or any lodge can drop you off as part of their regular tours to Corcovado. Alternatively, you can charter a boat to San Pedrillo or Sirena.

A rough dirt road links the peninsula with Agujitas Rincón, from where you can head south to Puerto Jiménez or north to the Interamericana. A 4WD is recommended for this route, especially from June to November. There are several river crossings, the one at Río Drake being the most significant. Once in Agujitas, you will likely abandon your car, as most places are accessible only by boat or by foot.

If you're hiking through Parque Nacional Corcovado, but you want to avoid the arduous San Pedrillo trail, you can hire a 4WD to La Palma and start the hike there. In theory, a bus also to goes to La Palma, departing Drake during the dry season only.

The area is a hardcore hiker's dream. From Bahía Drake, it's a hike (4-6hr) along the beachside trail to San Pedrillo ranger station at the north end of Corcovado. If you're heading into the park, make sure you have reservations to camp at the ranger stations.