Southern Costa Rica and the Osa Peninsula

A MAGICAL WONDERLAND

South of civilization and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean rests a mystical land where nature seekers find all they’ve always wanted. Lush rainforests filled with wildlife, banana plantations and untamed waves dominate the landscape in the Osa Peninsula and southern Costa Rica.

The ecological grandeur is protected through 17 national parks, wildlife refuges and reserves that create the perfect habitat and guarantee the survival of the many endangered species found in the region. National Geographic magazine described it best calling it “the most biologically intense place on the mainland.”

PUERTO JIMENEZ

The heart of the Osa Peninsula is Puerto Jimenez, a small hamlet with population 6,000. The main street is lined with cafes, restaurants, and small hotels that cater to the increasing number of tourists attracted by the many ecological treasures.

Located within the gulf, Puerto Jimenez is ideal for surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and sea kayaking. Tour operators in the region specialize in one or multiple-day tours on the mainland and surrounding ocean guaranteed to satisfy your craving for adventure.

If wildlife viewing is what you’re after, head to the Platanares river where crocodiles and caymans relax in the mangrove estuary as monkeys play on the trees and rainbow-colored birds fly overhead. A total of 70 species of crab, 60 varieties of freshwater fish, 46 amphibious, 70 reptiles, 375 kinds of birds, 124 mammals and 58 bat species are only a few of the many natural perks found in the Osa Peninsula.

BAHIA DRAKE

In 1579 the famous pirate Sir Francis Drake discovered his greatest treasure on the northwestern flank of the Osa Peninsula: an environmental display beyond compare. The bay where he came ashore still remains the virgin landmass it once was and now bears his name.

Palm trees adorn the landscape at Drake Bay where modern-day pirates in fancy yachts and sail boats seek the unparalleled beauty of the rainforest on the mainland. Out at sea the diversity is just as breathtaking, with dolphins and whales playfully swimming about.
Tours and expeditions feature up-close marine encounters, including scuba diving and swimming with dolphins. Keep your eyes open because these amazing animals, as well as giant manta rays and sea turtles, swim by the thousands around the area.

ISLA DEL CAÑO

Caño’s island is a biological and archeological jewel set on the Pacific Ocean, just 9 miles (15 km) off Drake Bay. Glittering white sand and clear sapphire waters surround the island, but its greatest assets lay under the waves and deep in the forest.

Volcanic rock formations support the base of the island making room for 5 coral reef platforms. The underwater world teems with mollusks, crustaceans, 10 ft. (3 m) sharks, turtles, manta rays, eels, dolphins and an endless assortment of rainbow-colored fish. Superb scuba diving and snorkeling are available but closely regulated in order to protect the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Only 10 divers at a time are allowed in the water and touching anything, whether dead or alive, is strictly prohibited.

Above the surface, the intricate forest hides more than 150 species of plants, 13 varieties of land birds and several water birds. However, Caño’s island is best known for its indigenous heritage. During pre-Columbian times the site was used as a sacred burial place. Excavations throughout the forest reveal domestic artifacts, gold work and giant stone balls whose perfection boggles the minds of archeologists and tourists alike.

The most biologically diverse place on Earth.

No other place on Earth protects wildlife like Corcovado National Park. More than 370 kinds of birds, 500 species of trees, 140 mammals, 40 varieties of freshwater fish, 150 orchids, 120 reptiles and 6000 types of insects are just the tip of the iceberg.

Endangered species such as jaguars, pumas, scarlet macaws, crocodiles, tapirs, poison-dart frogs and golden toads find a safe haven within the nine different habitats protected by Corcovado, including the last very humid tropical forest ecosystem in Central America and the American Pacific.

Located on western tip of the Osa Peninsula, the park safeguards more than 100,000 acres (41,787 ha) of land and 5,856 acres (2,400 ha) of surrounding ocean, embracing as many as two-thirds of the planet’s estimated plant and animal species.

The biodiversity found in Corcovado can rarely be seen anywhere else in the world, which is why the park is often described as a compact version of the Amazon. All these wonders can be easily explored through an efficient trail system that takes you through rivers, mountains, beaches and a magical world where nature dominates.
Puerto Jimenez is the starting point for most hiking adventures since Corcovado’s administration is located there. Ranger stations are conveniently laid out throughout the park and connected by clearly marked trails. The tours may take between 4 and 8 hours depending on pace and the area to be covered. If you want to explore the entire park, camping and lodging are available at the ranger stations. Arrangements can be made ahead of time and a little rest will allow you to continue the journey the following morning. Smaller trails are also available for quick runs through the forest.

Corcovado’s lagoon is a mandatory stop for a close encounter with the park’s wild residents. Jaguars and other big cats come to quench their thirst in its waters and so do tapirs and crocodiles. Birds fly playfully over the lagoon creating a colorful spectacle in the sky. After dark it’s the bats turn to come and fish with equally impressive agility.
At the beach nature also puts on a show where four different species of sea turtles come to lay their eggs and majestic scarlet macaws fly about in pairs searching for their favorite food: almond trees near the coast.

If you can, hire a guide at the ranger stations or lodges to get the most out of your hike. Experts will point out the secret hideaways of the elusive wildlife and name the thousands of animals and plants that inhabit the forest.

Information courtesy of Canatur