Corcovado National Park: a romantic destination

Corcovado is often considered one of the jewels of Costa Rica’s national parks. Its remoteness and isolation help preserve unspoiled nature, providing the ideal setting for a romantic getaway away from the crowds. Nature lovers will be impressed by the park’s diverse ecosystems, which include tropical rainforests, mangroves, deserted beaches and crystal-clear rivers. Like Tortuguero National Park on the other side of Costa Rica, the rainforest reigns supreme here.

To declare your love to your partner, celebrate your honeymoon in Costa Rica or celebrate an event as a couple, this is undoubtedly The Place to Be.

Getting to Corcovado Park

From Puerto Jimenez

If you choose to visit Corcovado National Park from Puerto Jiménez, you’ll either have to catch a plane, then travel by 4×4 to the south of the Osa Peninsula.
You’ll have to cross fords and take roads that are often in poor condition, with speeds barely exceeding 10 km/hour, but you’ll be in for a real treat all the way.

Puerto Jiménez, on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, is one of the gateways to Corcovado National Park in southern Costa Rica. It’s an ideal destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway. With its tranquil ambience, charming accommodations and multitude of activities for two, Puerto Jiménez is perfect for an unforgettable romantic getaway.

Romantic accommodations in Puerto Jiménez

Lapa rios écolodge

Description : Nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by rainforest, Lapa Rios is a luxury ecolodge offering a unique experience overlooking nature. The wooden bungalows are spacious, with panoramic views of the jungle and ocean. Each bungalow has a private terrace, perfect for watching the sunset or observing the surrounding wildlife. This luxury hotel was one of the pioneers in the area and has received numerous international awards. It is one of the most renowned on the Osa Peninsula.
Romantic characteristics : Lapa Rios organizes private candlelit dinners, outdoor massages and guided nature walks on the surrounding beaches. Lapa Rios’ intimate, secluded atmosphere is ideal for couples looking to reconnect away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Bosque del Cabo rainforest lodge

Description : this lodge, located on the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula, offers elegant cabins and bungalows nestled in the forest, with spectacular ocean views. The cabins feature large terraces with hammocks, perfect for relaxing while listening to the sounds of nature.
Romantic characteristics : private trails for couples’ walks, natural pools and secluded waterfalls, and the possibility of booking romantic dinners in exclusive lodge locations.

El Remanso Lodge

Description : this charming ecological lodge is located in the heart of the rainforest, with bungalows built in harmony with nature. The bungalows are spacious and open, with incredible views of the forest canopy and the ocean in the distance. Some have their own private pool, and service is impeccable.
Romantic characteristics : private yoga classes, guided hikes, candlelit dinners and access to secluded beaches. El Remanso is perfect for couples who want to relax while immersed in nature. It’s one of our favorites in Costa Rica.

From Bahia Drake

The second option for exploring Corcovado Park is to reach Bahia Drake. Here again, you have several options: fly from San José, take a boat from Sierpe or simply drive. This last option is the most adventurous, but also the most romantic.
If you’re staying in Bahia Drake for 3 days, you’ll need to include an excursion to Caño Island and a visit to Corcovado National Park, either in San Pedrillo or La Sirena. Some heavenly beaches offer the opportunity for a romantic lunch and a memorable day in the land of green gold.

Romantic accommodations in Bahia Drake

Bahía Drake is a must-see wilderness in Costa Rica. A number of intimate lodges have sprung up on this side of the peninsula in recent years. But make no mistake: most of them are hidden away in the jungle, and in no way detract from Bahía Drake’s enchanting scenery. Here are some of the best lodges in Bahía Drake.

Copa de arbol beach

Description : located in the heart of the rainforest on the edge of a small beach, Copa De Arbol is a luxury ecolodge offering a romantic and exclusive setting. The cabanas are built with sustainable materials and offer breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding jungle. The pool is undoubtedly the most beautiful in Bahia Drake.
Romantic characteristics : the lodge offers private candlelit dinners on the beach, couples massages in a natural setting, and guided walks to observe the local wildlife. The cabins feature private terraces, ideal for watching the sunset with a glass of wine.

Aguila de Osa Inn

Description : Aguila de Osa is a charming lodge nestled on a hill with spectacular views of Bahia Drake. The lodge offers the perfect blend of luxury and nature, with spacious rooms open to the surrounding nature and decorated in a rustic chic style.
Romantic characteristics : The lodge offers personalized excursions, including private hikes in Corcovado National Park and boat trips to watch dolphins and whales. Dine al fresco on the lodge’s terrace, with panoramic ocean views.

Bahia Drake Getaway

Description : This boutique hotel offers modern villas perched on a hillside, offering breathtaking ocean and forest views. Each villa is designed to maximize comfort and privacy, with panoramic windows, private balconies, and luxury amenities.
Romantic characteristics : Ideal for couples seeking privacy, Drake Bay Getaway offers tailor-made activities such as guided hikes, kayak excursions, and scuba diving trips. After a day of adventure, relax on your balcony with ocean views.

La Paloma Lodge

Description : Perched on a hill overlooking the ocean, La Paloma Lodge offers spectacular views of Bahía Drake and the surrounding jungle. The bungalows and suites are spacious and tastefully decorated, offering a romantic and serene setting. Along with Lapa Rios, it is one of the oldest luxury hotels on the Osa Peninsula.
Romantic characteristics : The lodge offers private ocean-view dinners, couples massages, and personalized excursions to discover the local wildlife. You can also relax by the pool or explore the lodge’s private trails. A small beach is nestled nearby, with confidential access.

Pirate Cove

Description : this more rustic yet affordable lodge is located directly on the beach, offering easy access to the sea and water sports. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with a warm and welcoming ambience, ideal for couples looking for a quiet getaway.
Romantic characteristics : take a sunrise boat trip, explore the secluded beaches nearby, or relax in a hammock listening to the waves. Pirate Cove also offers private dinners on the beach, perfect for a romantic evening under the stars.

Romantic Activities in Bahía Drake

Sunset boat trip

Take a private sunset cruise, where you can admire the Bahia Drake coastline while sipping a delicious cocktail or glass of champagne. It’s the perfect way to end the day, gazing up at the vividly colored sky.

Snorkeling at Caño Island

Take a trip to Isla del Caño, a snorkeling site off Bahia Drake for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. You can swim among tropical fish, turtles, and maybe even spot manta rays or harmless sharks. Private tours are available for added privacy.

Waterfall bathing

Discover the surrounding jungle and the various waterfalls hidden in the rainforest. Take a dip in the cool waters and enjoy a moment of tranquillity in the middle of nature.

Dolphin and whale watching

Take a boat trip to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. From July to November, the waters around Bahia Drake are home to these majestic marine mammals. The spectacle is guaranteed and the experience unforgettable.

Romantic dinner under the stars

Bahia Drake is more of a seaside village than a town to visit. We like to suggest this stopover to anyone wishing to celebrate an event such as a honeymoon, anniversary or marriage proposal.
We organize private dinners under the stars, either on the beach or on your private terrace. It’s the perfect opportunity to savor fine cuisine while enjoying the privacy and natural beauty of the region.

NB: Please note that entry to Corcovado National Park must be booked with a guide or tour operator. A guide is required to visit the park.

Exotic and fascinating fauna

Corcovado National Park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, making it an ideal place for couples with a passion for animal watching. It’s important to note, however, that Costa Rica’s national parks are not fenced or gated. Here, wildlife roams without boundaries. If you choose accommodation close to these protected areas, your chances of observing a multitude of animals increase considerably.

You’ll be able to admire iconic species such as pumas, Baird’s tapirs, howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, stingrays, crocodiles and even dolphins and whales off the coast.

Depending on the resort, you can also enjoy a swim in a beautiful waterfall in the heart of the rainforest for a wild and natural experience. You’ll cross rios and enjoy magical views.

Intimate, secluded beaches

Corcovado is bordered by pristine beaches where you can relax in total privacy.

Some are only accessible by sea.

Here are some of the region’s most emblematic beaches.

Playa Llorona

Description : Playa Llorona is one of the park’s most secluded and unspoiled beaches. Accessible by boat or by a long hike through the forest, it is often deserted, offering a true experience of communion with nature. The beach is bordered by steep cliffs and ends in a small waterfall that flows into the ocean.
Fauna : visitors can spot scarlet macaws flying over the beach, iguanas sunning themselves on the rocks, capuchin monkeys and, more rarely, puma or tapir footprints.

Playa San Pedrillo

Description : playa San Pedrillo is a spectacular beach located near one of the park’s ranger stations. It is surrounded by dense jungle, offering a striking contrast between the intense green of the forest and the deep blue of the ocean. This beach is often the starting point for hikes in the northern part of the park.
Fauna : the area is rich in wildlife, with howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys and coatis frequently spotted near the beach. Snorkelers can also explore the reefs on either side of the beach.

Playa Madrigal

Description : playa Madrigal is a secluded beach located south of the Sirena resort. Accessible only on foot or by boat, it is one of the park’s most peaceful beaches. The sand is golden and the beach is lined with coconut palms, offering an idyllic setting for those looking to relax away from it all.
Fauna : the clear waters of playa Madrigal are ideal for snorkeling. There is an abundance of tropical fish, rays and the occasional sea turtle. On the beach, it’s not uncommon to spot a tapir.

Playa Carate

Description : Playa Carate is located at the southern end of the park, close to the entrance to Corcovado Park in La Leona. This long sandy beach is often the first (or last) stop for visitors hiking in the park. It’s more accessible than some of the park’s other beaches, but still very wild.
Fauna : Playa Carate is a nesting ground for sea turtles, and it’s not uncommon to see traces of their nests in the sand. The beach is also an excellent place to observe seabirds, as well as the monkeys that inhabit the trees lining the beach.

Playa La Leona

Description : located near the park entrance, playa La Leona is the first beach visitors discover on entering the park, in the La Leona sector. This beach is known for its spectacular setting, with jungle-covered hills that slope straight down to the sea.
Fauna : playa La Leona is a good place to observe spider monkeys, sloths and a wide variety of tropical birds. Visitors can also take advantage of the tides to explore the natural pools that form in the rocks.

Luxury and ecotourism

This region of Costa Rica and the famous Corcovado National Park are first and foremost a destination for nature lovers and ecotourists. Hotels and lodges combine luxury, comfort and service in the heart of the jungle, in a fragile ecosystem that requires major preservation efforts.

Let’s hope that these combined efforts will enable species such as jaguars, Macaw macaws and tree anteaters to thrive and no longer be listed as threatened or endangered.