13 Feb 2022
We did 3 days, with 2 nights at La Sirena Station in Corcovado Park. We hiked in from Carate, then took a boat out to Drake Bay.
Allan organized for our bigger luggage to be transported to Drake Bay so that we could meet it there after the tour, which saved us a lot of hassle!
The first day we hiked about 13 miles. It was long and hot, but we took lots of breaks and stopped for snacks (I highly recommend bringing breakfast and lunch, it’s a long day - you can buy food from the bakery where you meet your guide). They recommend bringing at least 2.5 L of water as well, since there is nowhere to refill between La Leona station and the La Sirena boat pickup spot, which is like 8 miles. Most of the hike is in the shade, but there are a couple 30 min - 1hr stretches on the beach without cover. Bring lots of sunblock or upf clothes.
The station has wifi but it’s not great, and no cell service. The food is amazing, all locally sourced and prepared fresh. They also have a small gift shop and sell some snacks. There’s a clothes washing station, but nothing really dries out with the humidity. I’d plan to bring socks/underwear in a dry bag so they stay nice and dry, and quick dry clothes so you’re not just soggy all day.
Days 2 & 3 were short hikes close to the station between meal times, and it was nice to explore different areas without needing to carry a backpack most of the time.
All of the guides have scopes and are experts at taking photos with your phone through the scopes, which are better than basically anything except the most expensive professional camera lenses. We saw so many animals and learned a ton about the indigenous traditions as well as the flora and fauna.
Due to a scheduling issue, we were lucky enough to have 2 guides - Michael and Eric (“Forta”), who were both amazing.
It’s the experience of a lifetime and I’m already looking forward to doing a similar tour next time I can make it down to Costa Rica!