Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [374]
Always check with the rangers about trail conditions and tide charts before setting out. This is extremely valuable, so that not only are you up-to-date on this information, but also the rangers know the route you are planning to follow and your time of departure. Pay attention to their recommendations as river crossings can be very dangerous.
If you’re hiking without a guide, bring a compass and know how to use it! Also recommended is a topography map or a modern GPS navigation system. If you have limited wilderness experience, hire a guide – you will get your money back many times over in peace of mind.
Guides are most often hired through the park office in Puerto Jiménez, at any of the ranger stations heading into the park, or near the airstrip in either Carate or Sirena. You can also inquire with tour operators and hotels in Puerto Jiménez and Bahía Drake. As you’d imagine, prices vary considerably depending on the season, availability, the size of your party and the type of expedition you want to arrange. In all cases, you will need to negotiate a price that is inclusive of park fees, meals and transportation to the park.
Generally speaking, it is difficult to recommend a particular agency or guide as things change quickly in this part of the country. On top of that, we constantly receive mixed reports from travelers detailing life-changing and life-threatening experiences in Corcovado, which means that this is one destination where it pays to put the book down and do things yourself.
Although there is no hard and fast rule for sizing up the quality of a guide, the three things you want to measure are their communicative ability, professionalism and park knowledge. Perhaps most important of all is their English ability, especially if you don’t have a strong command of Spanish. Trekking through the rainforest can be a dangerous activity, though it doesn’t have to be if both you and your guide stay in constant communication.
Professionalism is best assessed by using your common sense – simply put, ask yourself whether or not this is the kind of person you would trust your life with. Professional guides are also usually outfitted with modern and well-maintained gear, and are quick to reassure travelers of the length and breadth of their experience.
On that note, the final factor in choosing a guide is park knowledge. No matter how many guidebooks you’ve read or maps you’ve studied, Corcovado can be a tricky place to access. Before choosing your guide, talk to them about your intended route, and be sure that they are knowledgeable about the trek ahead.
Finally, don’t stress – Corcovado is truly a world-class trekking destination, and so long as you’re comfortable with your guide, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing experience here.
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CORCOVADO FOR CHILDREN
While so many natural spaces in Costa Rica are undeniably kid-friendly, Corcovado is raw wilderness that commands a healthy amount of respect. As such, the decision to bring your children along for the adventure is not to be taken lightly, and you should carefully weigh the potential risks before doing so.
At the bare minimum, your children should be old enough to fend for themselves. Carrying a toddler on your back through the jungle is a taxing, not to mention potentially dangerous, feat of endurance. You should also make the call as to whether or not your children will be able to endure the rough conditions in the park. Tropical sun, creepy crawlies, strenuous exercise and the lack of bathroom facilities can quickly overwhelm inexperienced city slickers.
However, if your kids are the outdoors type, then feel free to choose a trail that is appropriate to their skill level. Day hikes around Sirena or San Pedrillo offer curious young minds a glimpse of the unknown, while longer inter-station treks provide older children and teenagers an unforgettable experience. Whichever trail you opt for, strongly consider taking along a guide – it’s always wise to