Osa Peninsula & Dulce Gulf Attractions
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.
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.
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Corcovado National Park
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.
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Lapa Ríos Wilderness Resort
The Lapa Ríos Wilderness Resort is located in rainforest, offering hiking trails and other activities.
Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge
Situated at the very tip of the Osa Peninsula, this wilderness lodge covers 140ha/345ac, about half of which is virgin rainforest. The 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.
Facilities
Gift shop
Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp
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.
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.
Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp
c/o Costa Rica Expeditions
Box 6941-1000
San José, Puntarenas
Costa Rica
c/o Costa Rica Expeditions
Box 6941-1000
San José, Puntarenas
Costa Rica
Pavón Bay
This area is extremely popular with surfers. The beach is rough and rocky, and there are several basic accommodations in the area.
Playa San Josecitas - Orchid House
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.
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.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | ||||||
| Close |
Tours begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday to Thursday.
Any lodges or hotels in the area can arrange tours.
Visitors not arriving from San Josecitas Beach must reach the gardens by boat.
There is one cabin available for rental period of 1 week or more.
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
Facilities
On-site accomodations
Rainbow Adventures
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.
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.
San Josecitas Beach
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.
Facilities
On-site accomodations
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Sierpe, Costa Rica
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.
Sierpe River
The mangrove areas along the Sierpe River present excellent birding opportunities. Hiking is good along the riverbanks.
