Corcovado National Park hike from Drake Bay: 18–20 km jungle

Eighteen to twenty kilometers of river crossings, forest obstacles and waterfall swimming in the oldest part of the park

A full-day guided hike through Corcovado National Park from Drake Bay covers 18–20 km of non-traditional jungle trails, primary and secondary forest, river swims and a waterfall, with 4×4 pickup from your hotel, a guide in English or Spanish, and lunch in the jungle. The tour starts at 6 am and returns around 3–4 pm. Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Moderate fitness required.

The experience

The day starts at 6 am with pickup in a 4×4 from your hotel (or the office if you're staying nearby), followed by a 40-minute drive to Los Planes station where the hike begins. This is not a standard park loop: the trails cut through the wildest, least-visited sections of Corcovado, where you walk without the crowds that gather on the main routes. The 18–20 km ahead crosses irregular terrain with climbs and descents, fallen trees to navigate, streams to ford, and sections where the forest floor itself becomes the challenge.

Along the way you'll move through ancient forest older than 4,000 years, passing an impressive waterfall where you can swim and cool off. The rivers you cross are places to stop and wade in, not obstacles to hurry past. Lunch happens in the middle of the jungle, not at a lodge or clearing, but surrounded by the forest itself. The focus throughout is the jungle and what it feels like to move through it, not wildlife spotting. You may see animals, but the tour is built around the terrain, the vegetation and the physical experience of being inside it.

The guide speaks English or Spanish and leads the entire route. Children from age 10 are welcome if they have moderate fitness. The tour ends around 3–4 pm, leaving the afternoon free. Bring water, wear sturdy hiking shoes and be honest about your fitness level. This is a serious hike, not a nature walk.

What’s included

• Park entrance fees.
• air-conditioned 4×4 pickup from your hotel and return transport.
• a guide in English or Spanish.
• box lunch in the jungle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

AgesAdult (19 to 65 years) · Youth (15 to 18 years) · Child (10 to 14 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Top Trails Corcovado

Is this one for you?Book this if you're a serious hiker comfortable with 18–20 km of uneven terrain, river crossings and obstacles: the non-traditional trails and wildest sections of the park are the whole point. Skip it if you prefer shorter walks, established paths or wildlife-focused tours.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 18 years); Child (10 to 14 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

How difficult is the 18–20 km hike through Corcovado?

The hike covers irregular trails with ups and downs, fallen trees, stream crossings and obstacles throughout. Moderate physical fitness is required. The operator does not recommend it for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Pace yourself and let the guide know if you need to adjust the route.

What rivers and waterfalls will I see on this hike?

You'll cross multiple rivers where you can stop and swim to cool off, and you'll reach an impressive waterfall where swimming is also possible. The exact number and size depend on water levels, but water crossings and the waterfall are core parts of the route.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the trailhead?

No. A 4×4 picks you up from your hotel at 6 am (or from the office if your hotel is far away) and drives 40 minutes to Los Planes station, where the hike starts. The same vehicle brings you back to Drake Bay around 3–4 pm.

Is this tour focused on seeing wildlife?

The main focus is the jungle itself: the forest, the terrain, the rivers and the physical experience of moving through it. You're surrounded by wildlife habitat, but spotting animals is not the goal. The tour is built for hiking and adventure lovers, not wildlife watchers.

What's included in the price?

Park entrance fees, the 4×4 transport to and from the trailhead, the guide, and a box lunch eaten in the jungle are all included. Bring your own water and snacks if you prefer extras.