2-Day Corcovado Sirena Tour from Drake Bay: Rainforest Wildlife

Two days in the rainforest instead of a rushed afternoon

A 2-day guided tour from Drake Bay into Corcovado National Park, staying overnight at Sirena Ranger Station with two full days of rainforest exploration, wildlife observation and jungle hikes. The itinerary includes a 1.15-hour boat ride to Sirena, morning and afternoon hikes on day one, a pre-dawn hike on day two, all meals, lodging and park entry. Children from age 5 are welcome. Moderate fitness is required for the daily hikes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and rainforest exploration

• Board boat at 6:00 AM
• Boat ride to Sirena station
• Arrive at Sirena and settle in
• Explore rainforest with guide
• Return to station for lunch
• Afternoon rainforest exploration
• Dinner at the station

Day 2: Morning hike and return

• Wake up at 5:00 AM
• Early morning hike
• Breakfast at the station
• Relax and freshen up
• Final rainforest hike
• Lunch and pack belongings
• Walk to boat and return to Drake Bay

The experience

The boat leaves Drake Bay at 6:00 AM and reaches Sirena in just over an hour, arriving by 7:15 AM. After dropping luggage at the ranger station, you head into the rainforest with your guide for the first exploration. The morning hike takes you through the jungle until around 11:30 AM, when you return for lunch. The afternoon brings a second hike lasting roughly three hours, ending around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. Dinner at the station closes the day with other travelers and your guide, a chance to talk through the wildlife you've spotted.

Day two starts before dawn: a 5:00 AM wake-up captures the cooler hours when nocturnal animals are still active and visible. The pre-dawn hike runs 2 to 2.5 hours, bringing you back to the station by 7:30 AM for breakfast. After time to rest and freshen up, you head back into the rainforest for a final hike of 2.5 to 3 hours. By midday you're back at the station, collecting your gear and walking to the boat for the return journey to Drake Bay. Corcovado is one of National Geographic's favorite sites for wildlife (jaguars, tapirs, macaws, poison dart frogs), and two full days gives you far more chance of encountering them than a single afternoon allows.

Your guide speaks English or Spanish and leads both hikes. Park fees, all meals (dinner, breakfast, lunch), lodging at Sirena Ranger Station and boat transport are included in the price. The only thing to arrange separately is gratuities for your guide.

What’s included

• Park entry fees.
• boat transport from Drake Bay to Sirena and return.
• English or Spanish-speaking guide for all hikes.
• lodging at Sirena Ranger Station.
• dinner on day one.
• breakfast and lunch on day two.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Pacheco Tours

Is this one for you?If you're arriving in Drake Bay without a car or staying at a lodge without transport to Corcovado, this tour picks you up at the dock and handles the boat, the guide, the meals and the overnight stay. You show up ready to hike and the rest is arranged. The two-day format is what makes the early morning hike possible, when wildlife is most active and visible.

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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 (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

How fit do I need to be for the hikes in Corcovado?

Moderate physical fitness is required. You'll hike for 2 to 2.5 hours in the early morning on day two and 2.5 to 3 hours in the afternoon on day one, moving through rainforest terrain. The pace is set by your guide and the group, but the jungle floor is uneven and the heat builds as the day goes on.

What wildlife might I see at Sirena?

Corcovado is home to jaguars, pumas, tapirs, coatis, sloths, poison dart frogs, macaws and countless other species. Early morning and late afternoon hikes give you the best chance of spotting animals, since many are less active during midday heat. Your guide will know where to look and what signs to read.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes park entry fees, the boat ride from Drake Bay to Sirena and back, your guide for all hikes, lodging at Sirena Ranger Station, dinner on day one, breakfast and lunch on day two. You'll need to arrange gratuities for your guide separately.

Why is staying overnight better than a day trip to Corcovado?

A day trip gives you only a few hours in the rainforest. Two days and one night lets you hike at dawn when animals are most active, rest at midday, explore again in the afternoon, and sleep in the jungle itself. That rhythm and the extra time dramatically increase your chances of seeing wildlife.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer for the boat ride?

The boat ride is 1.15 hours each way along the Pacific Coast. The boarding is described as "wet," meaning you'll wade into shallow water to board. Bring a change of clothes or wear something that can get wet. Swimming ability is not required, but comfort with water is helpful.