The Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

It’s said that more than half of all of Costa Rica’s animal species live in the Osa Peninsula. This biologically rich area is accessible only by plane or boat, which ensures that most of its land remains unspoiled by civilization. 

Uncompromising, sustainable eco tourism is the what hotels in the Osa Peninsula are famous for. The Osa is home to the world famous Corcovado National Park, perhaps one of the biggest attractions in all of Central America. The park is open to the public and is home to some of the most fascinating creatures on earth including scarlet macaws, bull sharks, and tapirs.

For visiting Corcovado National Park, Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez are the two gateway destinations on the Osa Peninsula. 

Drake Bay is on the north side of the peninsula with Caño island, the second major attraction in the area, just under an hour ride away by boat. The tiny town of Carate, near Puerto Jimenez, serves as the southern gateway to visit the park.

Visits, either alone or guided, to the Corcovado National Park are, of course, a must! The pristine beaches and primary rainforests of Corcovado, with its fantastic array of tropical flora and fauna, will simply mesmerize you.

Corcovado is one of the most beautiful conservation regions of the world. This is a favorite destination for ecotourists and lovers of nature. In Corcovado, you're likely to see ocelots, margay, jaguars, tapirs, red macaws, toucans, quetzals, and more amazing tropical animals.

Although not on the Osa Peninsula (it's located on the mainland, across the Golfo Dulce from the Osa), Piedras Blancas National Park is another gem of the area. 

Boasting much of the same flora, fauna, and interesting landscapes as Corcovado, this park is much less-visited, making it that much more off the beaten path. 

Trails navigate the jungle-covered forests, rivers, waterfalls, and beaches that never fail to astound. Research in the park is ongoing as new plants, animals, and native history are still being discovered here. The Birdwatching here is some of the best in the country, and just off the coast are many intact coral reefs which make for excellent snorkeling and swimming.

See also the Punta Río Claro National Wildlife Refuge and the Campanario Biological Reserve. They offer courses on Neotropical Ecology and have very basic lodging.

Drake Bay is a good place to stay if you want to visit the uninhibited Caño Island and the Caño Island Biological Reserve; this is one of the best snorkeling and scuba diving locations in the country, famous for its crystal-clear waters.

• Caño Island Biological Reserve
• Corcovado National Park
• Campanario Biological Reserve
• Osa Wildlife Sanctuary
• Piedras Blancas National Park
• San Pedrillo Waterfalls
• La Llorona Waterfall

• Isla del Caño (Caño Island)
• Corcovado National Park
• Punta Rio Claro National Wildlife Refuge
• San Pedrillo Waterfalls