Corcovado National Park, a remote wilderness gem on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, offers unparalleled biodiversity but requires careful planning and a significant budget. Access is primarily by boat from Drake Bay or Puerto Jimenez, with internal trails often challenging. A certified guide is mandatory for all visitors, ensuring safety and enhancing wildlife spotting, making solo exploration impossible. While open year-round, the dry season (December-April) is ideal, as the rainy season (May-November) brings difficult trail conditions and swollen rivers. Visitors should expect a high cost, including daily park entrance fees (approx. $15-20), mandatory guide fees (e.g., $60-100+ per day), and transport, often totaling several hundred dollars per person for a multi-day trip. A typical visit duration of 2-4 days is recommended to fully immerse in its rich ecosystem and increase chances of seeing iconic wildlife like tapirs, jaguars, and all four monkey species. Booking well in advance for permits, guides, and accommodations is crucial, and packing sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, and insect repellent is essential for this rugged, yet rewarding, adventure.