The Corcovado National Park is located in the Puntarenas province on the Osa Peninsula. It is one of the most exotic destinations this country has to offer and it fulfills the expectations of the most demanding and adventurous of our tourist friends.
As if this were not enough, the Corcovado National Park contains 2400 wonderful coastal hectares (5928 acres). The abundance of the place is enviable! The bio-diversity of the multiple ecosystems it contains has made it a prevailing spot as an eco-tourist destination in the international sphere.
The adventure began with surprises: rivers and waterfalls everywhere, a land that flows with water and life. Without a second of doubt they decided to wander through the unbelievable mountain forest, rich in flora and fauna. They were hopeful that, with luck, seeing some wild animals would reward them.
The diversity of the forests is fascinating. Among the principal habitats are: the mountain forests (which offer the largest variety of species), the cloud forests (rich in oaks and arborescent ferns), the high forest of the plain, the marsh forest, the jupati palm forest, the herbaceous marsh and the coastal vegetation. All of which leaves one in awe.
Some of these trees are gigantic, such as the Ceiba (the largest in Costa Rica) which reaches heights of up to 50 to 70 meters (55 to 77 ft.). Those are majestic and imposing, defying time and man.
Spectacular parade of animals
It is impossible to wander through the park and not see an abundance of multi-colored birds since the park contains 367 species.
The travelers knew that the Corcovado National Park protects some of the endangered species that are here. These include the tapir, the giant anteater and the six species of felines that are found in the park: the puma, the ocelot, the jaguarundi, the margay, the wild cats and the jaguar. Consequently, they were harboring the hope that they would be surprised by some of these precious animals.
As the days went by, inside the mountain forest, the intrepid hikers were surprised by an extraordinary herd of tapirs that offered a spectacular, dignified memory because above all, in this day and age, it is hard to find this kind of animal.
It was impossible for them to see the giant anteater on this occasion; nor could they observe many of the other species in the National Park. Perhaps in the near future, they will have the good fortune of again finding themselves surprised by something of this kind.
The much longed-for felines also made themselves present: a panther surprised the group. To tell the truth, who knows who was more startled, the boys or the animal? We only know that the incident left an impressive mark on them, it was a true fantasy.
The pumas, ocelots, jaguarundis, wild cats and jaguars never let their presence be known, but we all know that they are out there. All are in danger of extinction. The incident with the panther was enough; one cannot have everything all at the same time. They must wait for the next journeys.
Ecotourism and Nature 
