SINAC restores Corcovado National Park capacity on 17 September
Published on 09/27/2026 at 10:51 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
A visitor-capacity change at Corcovado National Park and its Sirena station took effect on 17 September 2026 in Costa Rica (Parque Nacional Corcovado). The revised limit applies to the protected area near Puerto Jimenez, although Sirena will close to tourists during October.
Sirena capacity rises to 366 visitors from 17 September
The National System of Conservation Areas, known as SINAC, restored the maximum daily capacity at Sirena to 366 people on 17 September 2026. The decision followed work on the station’s wastewater treatment system and compliance with health requirements.
The allocation includes 230 places for day visitors and 105 for people staying overnight. A further 16 places are reserved for the local permit holder, while 15 are assigned to the Osa Conservation Area administration. The capacity decision reported on 17 September was covered by The Tico Times on 19 September 2026.
Teletica reported that the change followed sanitary orders and the restoration of the treatment plant. Its report also records the same 366-person allocation and identifies the Osa Conservation Area as the authority behind the resolution.
Corcovado National Park links access to a central station
Sirena is the central station within the national park, which occupies part of the Osa Peninsula in south-western Costa Rica. SINAC lists six sectors: Sirena, La Leona, San Pedrillo, Los Patos, Los Planes and El Tigre.
The return to 366 places matters because it changes access at the station that visitors reach from several directions. SINAC describes routes to Sirena from Puerto Jimenez by boat or air, and on foot from La Leona or Los Patos. The operator’s official access information for Sirena also sets out routes through Drake Bay, Sierpe and Uvita.
The increase therefore affects the number of people who may enter or stay at Sirena when that sector is operating. It does not remove the separate October closure, which remains the immediate constraint for autumn travel.
October closure limits the practical effect of the increase
Sirena will remain closed to tourists throughout October 2026 for regular maintenance and because the Osa Peninsula usually experiences its wettest conditions then. El Tigre and Los Patos will also close during October.
San Pedrillo and La Leona are the sectors identified as available to tourists during that month. Outside October, the reported daily limits are 120 visitors for San Pedrillo and 80 each for La Leona, Los Patos and El Tigre. These figures describe the current arrangement, not a permanent guarantee of future capacity.
Visiting Corcovado National Park: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The Sirena capacity change took effect on 17 September 2026, raising its maximum to 366 people per day when the sector is open.
- Sirena, El Tigre and Los Patos will be closed to tourists during October 2026, while San Pedrillo and La Leona remain the available sectors named by the authorities.
- From Puerto Jimenez, visitors can travel towards Carate, Los Patos or El Tigre by road, while Sirena can also be reached by boat from Puerto Jimenez, Drake Bay, Sierpe or Uvita.
- Access involves beaches, forest paths, river crossings and long walks on some routes. SINAC says visitors should use official entrances and arrange the required reservation and guide arrangements.
- Costa Rica’s official language is Spanish and its national currency is the Costa Rican colón.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Corcovado National Park
When did the Sirena capacity change take effect?
The new maximum of 366 people per day took effect at Sirena on 17 September 2026. It applies when the sector is open to tourists.
What changes at Corcovado National Park during October 2026?
Sirena, El Tigre and Los Patos will close to tourists during October 2026. San Pedrillo and La Leona remain available under the reported arrangement.
Where is Corcovado National Park and how do you get there?
The park is on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, near Puerto Jimenez. Routes include road access towards Carate, Los Patos and El Tigre, plus boat connections to Sirena and other sectors.
