Travel: National Parks

What to look out for on a visit to Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park

1 SCARLET MACAW

Corcovado is home to Costa Rica's largest population of this vibrant parrot. Many roost in coastal mangroves then fly into interior forests at dawn to feed. Listen for harsh screeches and squawks in the canopy, and gaze up to spot its bright red and blue plumage. QUITE LIKELY

2 BAIRD’S TAPIR

Possibly 200–300 of this endangered tapir snuffle the forests of Corcovado. This, often solitary, herbivore grows up to 250kg and communicates via shrill whistles. Head onto one of the park’s trails at dawn or dusk for the best chance of spotting this tapir. LIKELY

3 OTHER SPECIES

Keep an eye out for groups of red-backed squirrel monkeys scampering through the canopy. There are also around 370 bird species here, including the huge (but rarely spotted) harpy eagle. Green turtles visit the shore to nest between July and October. LIKELY