Scarlet macaws soar overhead, waves crash against rocky shores and the giant rainforest canopy towers overhead: this is Osa. Described by National Geographic as the “most biologically instense place on Earth,” the Osa is home to 50% of all species found in Costa Rica. This is an incredible feat, considering 5% of the world’s species can be found in this tiny country that occupies only .25% of the world’s landmass. The Osa Peninsula can be found on the southwest coast of Costa Rica close to the border with Panama, and is a must-see destination for nature lovers.
Walking along the coastal path, Osa Peninsula
Location of Osa Peninsula
Within Osa, you will find Corcovado National Park, where you will find an incredibly well-protected and biodiverse area. Corcovado is home to Baird’s Tapir, Harpy Eagle, crocodiles and caimans, jaguars, ocelots, margays, jaguarundi, four species of monkeys, sloths, anteaters and more! Off the coast it is not uncommon to see manta rays, dolphins, whales and even the occasional orca, or killer whale. This truly is Costa Rica’s most wild and untamed area and is perfect for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies alike.
A visit to Osa can be done in various ways and with visits to several different locations. Drake Bay, or Bahia Drake, is one entrance point to Corcovado National Park and can only be reached by car during the dry season from January to May. During the rest of the year, you can fly in from San Jose or take a boat down the Sierpe river to the sleepy village off the beaten track. A more conventional route is to head straight for Puerto Jimenez by car, plane or boat. This is the largest town on the Osa Peninsula and serves as the gateway for most travelers to this amazing place. No matter how you get there, Osa will not disappoint even the most seasoned of travelers.
Looking for tracks in Corcovado National Park
Once there, you can hike through the park either overland or along the coast, staying at ranger stations along the way. You should give yourself several days to do this and it is certainly not for the faint of heart. The less intrepid can stay in one of the many beautiful ecolodges outside of Corcovado National Park and still enjoy the natural beauty of the Osa from the comfort of a hammock rocking in the gentle sea breezes. Whether you’re up for adventure or looking to relax at a jungle retreat, Osa has it all!
Taking boat back to lodge at Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula
