In short
- Base entry costs $15 USD for adults and $5 USD for children.
- A certified local guide is mandatory for all visitors.
- Permits are capped at 330 people daily and must be booked in advance.
In this article
Understanding the costs to visit Corcovado National Park involves more than just the base entrance fee. Strict conservation rules require guides and cap daily visitor numbers. Because of this, most people book all-inclusive tours to handle the complex permit logistics.
What is the base Corcovado National Park entrance fee?
The base entry fee is $15 USD per day for non-resident adults.
Non-resident children ages 2 to 12 pay $5 USD per day. This fee goes directly to SINAC, the national park system. However, this base ticket does not cover the cost of your mandatory guide or transportation. Those required additions will significantly increase your total cost.
Can I enter the park without a guide?
No, a certified guide is mandatory for all visitors entering the park.
Costa Rican law requires an ICT-certified local guide to accompany you at all times. This rule protects both visitors and the fragile ecosystem. Guide fees vary but are usually included in the price of a full tour package. You cannot buy an entry permit if you do not have a registered guide attached to your reservation.
How do I get a permit for Corcovado National Park?
You must secure your entry permit in advance; walk-ups are strictly prohibited.
The park caps total daily visitors at 330 people across all sectors. Because of this strict limit, you must arrange permits weeks or months ahead of time. Most visitors book a tour package, and the operator secures the permit on their behalf. If you arrive without a prepaid permit, park rangers will turn you away.
What is the total cost to visit?
Expect to pay from $150 USD to over $450 USD for a guided visit.
Tour prices change based on the platform, your departure point, and the duration of your trip. Day trips typically cost between $100 USD and $185 USD. These packages usually include your $15 USD park entry fee, the mandatory guide, and boat transportation. Multi-day trips cost significantly more.
Are there limits at Sirena Station?
Yes, Sirena Station limits entry to 100 daytime visitors and 80 overnight guests.
Sirena Station is the biological center of the park and the most popular sector. You need to book overnight stays months in advance because the 80 nightly bunks sell out quickly. Day-trip permits for the 100 daily slots also vanish fast, especially during the dry season from mid-December to April.
Is the park open year-round?
The park is open 11 months of the year, but it closes entirely in October.
Do not book permits or travel plans for October. The park closes for maintenance and to protect trails during extreme seasonal rainfall. During the rest of the year, permits are valid for the specific date you book. You must carry your original passport to verify your permit at the ranger station.
Questions travellers ask
Do you need a guide for Corcovado National Park?
Yes. All visitors must be accompanied by an ICT-certified local guide at all times inside the park.
How much does it cost to visit Corcovado National Park?
The base entry fee is $15 USD for adults, but total costs range from $150 USD to over $450 USD. This total includes mandatory guides and transport. Tour prices change based on the provider.
Is Corcovado National Park closed in October?
Yes. The entire park closes to visitors during October for maintenance and due to extreme rainfall.
