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BAHIA DRAKE (pronounced "Dra-kay") is one of the most stunning areas in Costa Rica, with the blue wedge of Isla del Cano floating just off the coast, and fiery-orange Pacific sunsets. Bahia Drake and the tiny hamlet of AGUJITAS make a good base for exploring the Parque Nacional Corcovado on the southwest corner of the Osa Peninsula - the park's San Pedrillo entrance is within walking distance, and hikers can combine serious trekking with serious comfort at either end of their trip by staying at one of the upscale rainforest eco-lodges that have sprung up around the park in recent years. Like many other places in the Zona Sur, getting to Bahia Drake requires some planning. There are three choices: the tough way, hiking in from Corcovado; the cheap way, by bus from San Jose and then by boat along the Rio Sierpe; and the luxury way, flying from San Jose to Palmar or Sierpe, and taking one of the many packages offered by hotels in the area, which include transport to your lodge. Travelling independently you'll need to get a bus from San Jose to the banana processing town of Palmar Norte (6 daily; 5hr 30min), 120km southwest of San Isidro de el General; depending on what time you get in, you can then either bed down or get a local bus or taxi (about US$12) to Sierpe , where there are a few cabinas . In Sierpe, you must find a boatman to take you the 30km downriver to Bahia Drake (2hr). You need someone with experience, a motorized lancha, and lifejackets; Chichu Mora is recommended - ask Sonia Rojas at the Fenix pulperia to help you find him (and for any other general advice you may need). You can also hook up with a boatman in Bar Las Vegas , a rendezvous for tourists and boat captains - check out the ancient jukebox while you wait. The going rate for a one-way trip to Drake is currently about US$20 per person or around US$65-85 per boatload (usually a maximum of 8 people); ask around for the best rates.
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