Sirena Ranger Station

Sirena is Spanish for “mermaid,” and the endless variety of wildlife at the Sirena ranger station definitively lends it a mythical, magical quality. Boat landings are the most common method of arrival, but there is also an airstrip by the main building. To reach the station, those coming from the beach must walk for 20 minutes along the flat Naranjos Trail. Scarlet macaws, trogons, sloths, spider and squirrel monkeys are common sightings along the way. 

The building itself is painted a natural green to blend in with its surroundings. It features a large lawn for camping; a covered area for tents; dorm style rooms with running water; and a cafeteria.  There is a telephone for staff use only – but it is comforting to know that it is available in case of emergency.

Sirena’s two river crossings can be dangerous. The Rio Sirena empties into a lagoon known to be inhabited by aggressive bull sharks and abnormally large crocodiles – this crossing should, under no circumstances, be attempted at high tide. When in doubt, just rent a canoe. The Rio Claro crossing is known to be safer, containing fewer and smaller predators.

A number of local trails are clustered around the Sirena Station in the shape of a wobbly four-leaf clover. They range in length from one to three hours.

Trails: (from shortest to longest):

Naranjos Trail: Also known as the “Sendero al Estacion,” or, “Trail to the Station,” this short path leads exactly where its name implies. It is less than one mile long, and meets up with the Rio Claro Trail.

Guanacaste Trail: The Guanacaste Trail is about a mile in length, and connects the Sirena River Trail to the Sirena canoe landing. This is convenient for hikers who wish to cross the river at high tide. The large Guanacaste tree for which the route was named no longer exists.

Ollas Trail: This steep, one and a half mile trek takes about two hours to complete. Toward the end, there is a junction with the Espavel Trail, which is marked by an ancient and enormous cedar tree. Wild nutmeg, cow trees, and silk cottons are numerous. While elusive and difficult to spot, jaguars and pumas tend to meander around the Ollas Trail; their presence can be detected by the smell of their urine.

Rio Claro Trail: The Rio Claro Trail takes about two and a half hours to complete, and passes by numerous swimming holes. The two-mile trail terminates by the beaches estuary, where hikers can either walk up shore to the Naranjos Trail and back to the station, or wade up the Rio Claro. The second option provides phenomenal birding opportunities, as several rare species of kingfishers can be found along the riverbank.

Espaveles and Sirena River Trails: The trailhead to this 3.5-mile path can be picked up off the Olla Trail, and leads to the mouth of the Rio Sirena. Birders will delight in the wildlife inhabiting this estuary. To return, take a left at the beach and walk .75 miles to the Naranjos Trail.

Los Patos Trail: Sendero Los Patos is a challenging, 11-mile trail that can be completed in seven to ten hours. It starts at the Sirena ranger station, passes through primary and secondary wet tropical forest, and crosses three rivers. Extra care should be taken during the rainy season, when the path gets notoriously muddy. The trail ends at Los Patos station, and from there it is another four hours to the nearest town, La Palma – which is located about nine miles farther eastward. 

San Pedrillo to Sirena Trail: One of the most intense hikes in the park, this 15-mile long course takes about eight hours to complete. Because it crosses over the Corcovado, Llorona, and Sirena Rivers, a great deal of planning is required to ensure that river crossings are only attempted at low tide. Due to dangers like dehydration, this is for advanced hikers only – and hiring a guide is strongly recommended. This trail is only open during the dry season months of December through April.

La Leona to Sirena: The coastal route from La Leona to Sirena is about 10.5 miles long. Hikers should be sure to bring plenty of water for the trip, and to time crossing the Rio Madrigal and Rio Claro with the tide. Most of this trip is along the beach, so be sure to bring extra sunscreen.

Fees:

Camping: A large, uncovered camping yard and a covered pavilion are the designated areas for pitching tents. Both cost $4 per night per person, plus the daily park fee. The maximum number of campers is 40. Reservations are required, and can be made no more than 30 days in advance. Note: The Sirena Ranger Station is closed every October.

Dormitory Lodging: Dorm lodging costs $8 per night per person, plus the daily park fee. These consist of five rooms, each containing four to five beds with shared bathrooms. Guests should bring their own sheets. Mosquito nets are also a consideration, as netting is available for some but not all beds – and therefore not guaranteed. Reservations are required, and can be made no more than 30 days in advance.

Restaurant: Breakfast is $12, and lunch and dinner are both $17 each. While this may seem a bit steep for the budget traveler, most guests agree that the food is tasty – and worth a few extra dollars to avoid the hassle of cooking. Reservations are necessary, and can be made no more than 30 days in advance.

Permits: Permits to stay at Sirena are obligatory, and a bit complicated to obtain. They require multiple steps. It is often easier for visitors to simply hire someone local to complete the paperwork.

1)    Email the Corcovado ranger station’s main headquarters with pertinent information about the trip (date of arrival, number of people in party, etc).

2)    Fill out reservation form, and prepay. This can be done via wire transfer, or at a local bank.

3)    Take the bank payment voucher to the Puerto Jimenez station. They will give you another voucher.

4)    Take both of these vouchers to the Sirena station.

Facilities:

There are four main ranger stations within Corcovado National Park. Click on the links to get detailed information about each ranger station.

•    Sirena

•    San Pedrillo

•    La Leona

•    Los Patos

The park’s headquarters are located at Sirena, which is equipped with an airstrip, research station, and dormitory lodging. Camping is permitted in designated areas of all of the park’s ranger stations.  Facilities include potable water and latrines. Tents and sheets are not provided.

Back to Corcovado National Park main page.

Getting There:

The Sirena station can be reached on foot, by boat, or by plane.Hiking trails to and from Los Patos, San Pedrillo, and La Leona are available, but lengthy. Boat transfers can be arranged, including lunch and a tour guide, from Drake Bay. The trip takes about one hour each way. Chartered flights depart Golfito, Drake Bay, Puerto Jimenez, and San Jose for the airstrip at Sirena.