The Osa Peninsula is found at the southwest corner of Costa Rica and is the country's second largest peninsula. The Dulce Gulf separates the peninsula from the rest of the Puntarenas province. Some of Central America's best stretches of coastal rainforest are found on the Osa Peninsula, and are protected in Corcovado National Park.
The Osa Peninsula features several beaches and is a very popular area with surfers. Other popular activities in the region are diving, snorkelling and fishing. Puerto Jiménez is the area's largest town, and several fine lodges are found in the Drake Bay area.
Historically, the Osa Peninsula was one of Costa Rica's most remote areas. Gold mining and logging in the 1960s resulted in a lot of ecological destruction. However, the creation of Corcovado National Park in 1975 as well as the work of the internationally funded BOSCOSA organization have served to protect the region's natural wealth.
Corcovado National Park lies in the far south of Costa Rica, on the Osa Peninsula. The park protects an area of rainforest with important habitat, and is home to hundreds of species of trees, birds, and mammals.
Situated at the very tip of the Osa Peninsula, this wilderness lodge covers 140ha/345ac, about half of which is virgin rainforest. Bosque del Cabo lodge is situated on a hilltop and offers scenic ocean vistas. The grounds feature several hiking trails through the forest, to the ocean, and to nearby rivers and a waterfall. Birding in the area is very good.
Address: Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge, , Puntarenas , Costa Rica
Tips: Contact the lodge for more information on accommodations and rates.
This comfortable tent camp is owned and operated by Costa Rica Expeditions, one of the most reputable tourist companies in the country. The grounds feature a beach and canopy platform within a 160ha/395ac private rainforest preserve.
There are several hiking trails on the grounds and the canopy platform is found halfway up a 60m/196ft guapinol tree. Overnight stays on the canopy platform are available. Birding and wildlife observation are popular activities, as well as horseback riding. Several tours and activities are offered from the tent camp.
Address: Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp, c/o Costa Rica Expeditions Box 6941-1000, San José, Puntarenas , Costa Rica
Tips: The camp is a good place from which to explore Corcovado National Park.
Surrounded by primary rainforest, this private botanical garden is owned by self-taught botanists, Ron and Trudy MacAllister. The gardens feature a large collection of tropical fruit trees, cycads, bromeliads, palms, heliconias and ornamental plants.
Also featured are over 100 varieties of orchid, for which the garden is named. Guided tours encourage "touching, feeling, smelling and tasting" in order to fully experience the gardens.
Rainbow Adventures is a private 400ha/988ac preserve situated on the northeast corner of the Dulce Gulf. The lodge is found on Cativo Beach, and a scenic boat ride is required to get there. Swimming and snorkelling along the 1.5km/0.93mi beach is popular, as well as hiking in the nearby forest.
Several species of birds and wildlife are spotted around the lodge, including monkeys and olingos. There is a library on the grounds offering 8,000 natural history publications collected by the lodge owner. The lodge itself is a unique, wooden three-story building that is elegantly furnished. There is a swimming pool and Rainbow Adventures offers several excursions, including dolphin watching.
This beach is a port of entry and features several accommodations. Cruise ships often moor at this port of call for day visits. Activities here include swimming and snorkelling.
The small village of Sierpe lies on the banks of the Sierpe River, about 30km/18.6mi from the Pacific Ocean. Sportfishing excursions are popular in this area.
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Corcovado National Park
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Corcovado National Park
