Osa Peninsula is located in the South Pacific of Costa Rica and is part of the Punterenas province. It is known as one of the most fabled and also most remote destinations in Costa Rica and the whole of Central America. The long stretches of pristine white sand are set against shimmering, turquoise waters. Many of the wildlife species found here are unique to this area. In fact, the Southern Pacific region of Costa Rica is considered to be one of the most important areas because of the extraordinary biodiversity of the wildlife and plant life found only here. Being here will feel like walking around in a Real Life Jurassic Park!
Corcovado is home to over 400 species of birds alone. With hundreds of types of exotic mammals, reptiles, insects, monkeys, amphibians whales and dolphins. No wonder that National Geographic declared Osa Peninsula as one the most diverse and wild places on the planet! You’re sure to have a wild Costa Rica vacation in the Osa Peninsula.
Top Destinations
Puerto Jimenez
Wedged between Golfo Dulce and Corcovado National Park, you will find the small town of Puerto Jimenez. The nature enthusiasts can enjoy hikes and dolphin watching while those looking for some fun can experience the active nightlife scene. Puerto Jimenez is one of the largest towns in Osa and holds some historical value as a logging and gold mining community.
As far as the tropical rainforest goes, this is a gem you need to cross off your list for its legendary flora and fauna as well as some endangered species. This small area alone contains 5% of the animal population on the planet. This makes it one of the most popular ecotourism destinations. Take a hike on the famous Los Patos trail and try to spot all four monkeys, over 40 frog species and all four sea turtle species. In addition, there are 100 butterfly species, several types of snakes, 10,000 insect species, over 25 lizard species, tapirs, crocodiles, all six feline species, peccaries and over 400 bird species! You can spot the white-faced capuchin, sea turtles, many species of birds, jaguar, harpy eagle, tapir, howler monkeys, the list really is endless.
If you feel like setting up camp, Corcovado is the perfect place to do that. Keep in mind that you have to make reservations up front!
This small bay is located at the northern part of Osa Peninsula. It is a stunning destination where you can try your hand at snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, sports fishing, swimming, horseback riding, bird watching and hiking. While Drake Bay is the northern entrance, Cabo Matapalo is the southern point. This is a truly remote piece of nature with stunning jungle and ocean.
Uvita may be small, but it is famous for two big things. The Whale Tail Beach, and the Envision Festival. The beautiful golden sands and swaying palm trees feature tropical rain forest right up to the sand. From here you can take the famous whale watching tours in the hope to spot the Humpback whales, whale sharks, dolphins and Bryde´s whales at Marino Ballena National Park. If you are up for a bit of extra fun, visit the Uvita waterfall. Perhaps not the most grand waterfall in Costa Rica, but the only one that is also a natural water slide!
Facts
Osa Peninsula vacations
Osa Peninsula is a perfect spot for all sorts of water sports such as swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in crystalline Pacific waters. Also kayaking through caves or among mangroves, whale and dolphin watching, sports fishing and so much more. The Corcovado National Park is truly one of the world’s wonders while the Ballena Marine National Park is the ticket for whale and dolphin watching. There are even a few elusive and endangered jaguars in Corcovado. These awesome big cats are down to a few hundred in Costa Rica. The Osa Peninsula provides an experience of a lifetime for anyone who appreciates nature’s bounty and beauty.
Osa Peninsula Weather
Osa Peninsula has a tropical climate which means lots of heat and lots of humidity! The temperatures rarely drop below 26 degrees Celsius and the humidity levels are pretty high all year round. Make sure to visit during the dry season (December to May) because during the rainy season, hurricanes often find their way to Osa Peninsula.
Osa Peninsula biodiversity
Because of its biodiversity and stunning beauty, the Osa is a prime destination for eco-tourists. In fact, the largest concentration of ecological projects and initiatives are centered in this area. All this to preserve the vast forests with all the trees, rainforest plants, and animals that call this Paradise home. There is a myriad of exciting activities and tours available to do on the Osa Peninsula.
For those feeling a bit adventurous, there are boat rides offered on the Sierpe River from the small town of Sierpe. This is one of the most commonly used methods to reach Drake Bay. This trip will take around two hours.
If you prefer a quicker and more hassle-free way of reaching Drake Bay, you can get a domestic flight. A small airport near the town of Drake Bay offers daily 40-minute flights to and from San Jose. You can get shuttles, private or shared, or rent a car. But keep in mind that Osa Peninsula has a rather intemperate climate and flooded roads are not uncommon. Once here, you have some amazing hotel options such as Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge,Crocodile Bay Eco Resort and El Remanso Lodge.
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