The Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica: Wet & Wild Fun For Nature Lovers
If you’re a nature-loving slow traveler looking for a new destination in the natural beauty of a tropical rainforest, we can’t think of a better place than the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica.
From the Osa peninsula, Costa Rica still looks and feels like its marketing slogan “still more monkeys than people”. It’s hard to get to and likely to stay that way if locals have anything to say about it.
That fact alone is what makes it one of thebest places to visit in Costa Ricaand our perennial favorite.
Costa Rica in Central America is a top travel destination for nature lovers, known for its beautiful beaches on both the Pacific andCaribbean coasts, famous surf breaks, active volcanoes, mountain cloud forests,amazing wildlife, warm and friendly people, and of courseCosta Rica's monkeys!
But there are parts of the country that aren’t for everyone. The Osa peninsula is wet, and steamy, and buggy, and nothing ever really dries completely. And the remote location means its raw and natural beauty is still intact.
We think travel should be for everyone, but there are certain destinations around the world that self-select for the type of traveler who would appreciate it. The Osa peninsula is one such place.
Costa Rica is committed to eco tourism, and they’ve dedicated one quarter of its total land to the protection of its unique diversity of plants, insects, and wildlife. And if Costa Rica shines as a green destination, the Osa peninsula is surely its beating heart.
So start planning yourslow and immersive deep diveto the Osa peninsula in Costa Rica.
What’s in this Article?
Where is the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica?
How to Get to the Osa Peninsula
Where to Stay on the Osa Peninsula
History of the Osa Peninsula
Osa Peninsula: The Most Biodiverse Place on Earth
Things to Do in the Osa Peninsula
Where is the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica?
Located in the southwest Pacific corner of Costa Rica, Osa peninsula extends fromDrake Bayon the northwest coast to Cabo Matapalo in the southeast and covers an area that’s approximately 700 square miles.
Costa Rica itself is about the size of Denmark or the US state of West Virginia, and the Osa peninsula is three quarters the size of Rhode Island.
Bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Golfo Dulce to the east, andPanamato the south, the remote Osa Peninsula appears like an appendage attached to the mainland by a narrow strip of land.
To be sure, this is the most remote region of Costa Rica located in the Puntarenas region and not near any major metropolitan areas. But it’s the isolation that protects the ecosystems of the Osa and entices ecotourists into making the journey.
How to Get to the Osa Peninsula
You can certainlyDRIVEto the Osa. Costa Rica highways are generally well-maintained, and the Pacific coast highway is fairly new.
Highway 34runs along the Pacific coast and has some amazing overlooks and a few small towns worth spending some time in.Dominicalis a small and fun town known for good surfing, great hiking and excellent beaches.
Uvitais another peaceful small town with great beaches and theMarino Ballena National Park,also known as theWhale’s Tail. Both are well worth an overnight or two.
Ultimately you’ll need tohop on Highway 2which will take you a bit inland,然后245号公路which crosses from the mainland onto the Osa peninsula skirting its northeast coast along the Golfo Dulce all the way to the southern tip of the Osa peninsula.
Puerto Jimenez is a good jumping off point for discovering the eastern part of the Osa peninsula including the Golfo Dulce, Cabo Matapalo, and the lodges along the southeast coast.
This is small another laid back town and popular with backpackers. Most nearby lodges and resorts will pick you up in Puerto Jimenez to take you to your lodge.
Some car rental agencies have drop-off locations here, but not all, so choose wisely — if you’re planning on driving to the Osa and flying back to San Jose, check to see if they accept returns in Puerto Jimenez.
For consistently competitive rates and availability, we preferdiscovercars.comwhenever we choose to drive.
Osa Peninsula Airports
FLYINGto the Osa is the most convenient choice. There arethree airportsthat serve the Osa Peninsula:
Palmar Sur(though technically not ON the Osa peninsula)
Drake Bay Airport
Puerto Jimenez
BothPalmar SurandDrake Bayairports service the Osa peninsula destinations in the northern Osa, whilePuerto Jimenezairport services the southern peninsula.
SANSA Airlinesis the primary (if not only) airline that now provides direct service to the Osa peninsula from San Jose. They fly from San Jose to Drake Bay and San Jose to Puerto Jimenez.
About SANSA Airlines:The aircraft used by SANSA, a domestic commuter airline in Costa Rica, to fly into both Drake Bay Airport and Puerto Jimenez Airport is the Cessna Grand Caravan that seats up to 14 people.
With the aircraft’s low overhead it’s a bit of a tight fit which means that you have to bend over at the waist to get to your seat which is also a tight fit. And these aircraft are not equipped for wheelchairs or handicapped accessibility.
Flying Between Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez: SANSA also has a few scattered flights during the weekfrom Puerto Jimenez to Drake Baybut not the other way around for some reason (as of this writing in 2022 at least).
We hired a private driver to get us from Drake Bay over the mountain to Puerto Jimenez for around $140 USD.
Drake Bay Airport
The short landing strip at Drake Bay is carved into the jungle close to the coast. If you’re staying at one of the ecolodges around Drake Bay, they will typically arrange pick you up at the airport.
If you’re staying at a lodge that’s not in the town of Drake Bay, this is where the fun begins. You’ll be driven to a beach where you wade into the water to board a shuttle boat that will take you to your hotel.
Puerto Jimenez Airport
Located on the edge of the town of the same name, the Puerto Jimenez Airport is the stepping off point for the nature lodges tucked into the jungle at the southern end of the peninsula.
From this airport you’ll also need to make arrangements with your hotel for transportation to and from the lodge.
Where to Stay on the Osa Peninsula
Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge
Cabo Matapalo
Bosque del Cabo is our all-time favorite nature lodge not just on the Osa Peninsula but in all of Costa Rica — and we’ve stayed at a lot of places.
Located at the southern tip of the Osa, the lodge is situated on 750 acres and rainforest jungle and overlooks where the Golfo Dulce meets the Pacific Ocean.
鸟类和动物丰富的访问美丽的grounds daily so wildlife sightings are common, often from your very own cabina.
The staff is super friendly and remember your name within hours. The cabinas are spacious and comfortable, and the food is amazing — most plans are all-inclusive and include 3 meals a day plus access to all trails and amenities.
Trust us, it’s as good as it gets on the Osa peninsula, and we know you’ll love it as much as we do.
Cost:BdC is one of the bestall-inclusive family resorts in Costa Rica, though because of the variety of accommodations at Bosque del Cabo, prices vary.
They have cabinas for 2 and multi-bedroom houses that can sleep 8 or 12. Also price depends on the time of year you visit. We suggest calling or emailing Bosque directly and they can help work through the type of accommodation that’s best for you.
La Paloma Lodge
Drake Bay
La Paloma is nestled in the rain forest overlooking the Pacific on the northern coast of the Osa. Monkeys, birds, and an assortment of critters pass through the property daily.
Rooms are very comfortable (with a/c), the staff is great, and the food is some of the best we’ve had in a Costa Rican nature lodge. Walk to the beach, book a tour, or just relax and take the path to Drake Bay for some local food.
Cost:Prices at La Paloma Lodge range from around $1200-$1500 per person for a 3-night stay during High Season (Jan-Apr) and less during the Green season. These include all meals and 2 tours during your stay.
History of the Osa Peninsula
The Osa peninsula is obviously remote, but it has a fascinating history that may surprise you. Indeed, its remote nature helped guard some secrets many never wanted exposed.
A gold rush started here in the 1930s and lasted in some form until the establishment ofCorcovado National Parkin 1975. Still, illegal gold mining by small scale miners continued for years after, along with the use of mercury to extract gold — a process which is lethal to the environment.
Thankfully today, there are strict laws to control mining practices, and the illegal hunting and poaching that seems to go along with it.
You can step back in time and pan for gold yourself. About eight and a half miles from Puerto Jimenez is the small town ofDos Bravos de Rio Tigre. When you get there head to the tourism office located in the largest building in town. Here you can book a guided gold mining tour (panning for gold in a river).
The tour involves a bit of hiking, but with a seasoned guide the tour is fascinating and kid friendly.
Nearly perfectlyround stone spheresof different sizes made by early indigenous people have been discovered in many places in the region including on Isla del Caño off the Osa’s Pacific Coast and on the Diquis Delta. The Diquis Delta is part of a short isthmus that links the mainland to the Osa peninsula.
Archaeologists are not sure of the stone spheres’ significance, and there is no folklore that describes what their cultural importance may have been.
Osa Peninsula: The Most Biodiverse Place on Earth
Scientists estimate that 2.5 percent of the world’s biodiversity exists in the Osa Peninsula. The number of species both documented by scientists and yet to be described is staggering.
Consisting of 13 distinct ecosystems, National Geographic described the Osa Peninsula as “the most biologically intense place on earth”, due in large part to its remote location, limited accessibility, and the actions taken by conservationists and the Costa Rican government to enact laws to protect this national treasure. The Osa peninsula wildlife is unparalleled.
Wildlife in the Osa peninsula
Monkeys
White-faced Capuchins -Everyone comes to Costa Rica hoping to see monkeys. Visit the Osa and you won’t be disappointed. Large groups of white-faced capuchins forage all day in the tree tops.
They can be pretty aggressive and will often chase spider monkeys away from a favored food source.
You can’t miss the commotion. And they can be entertaining as they try to grab, and taste, anything that’s not nailed down especially in the open areas of a jungle lodge like your bedroom, the kitchen or dining room.
A local friend and resident best described the capuchins as the “Costa Rican Mafia”.
Spider Monkeys -The Osa Peninsula has the largest population of endangered spider monkeys in the Americas.
Spider monkeys travel in small groups high up in the canopy eating as they go.
They swing and can jump incredible distances from tree to tree getting to their preferred foods, and can be quite territorial.
Once there they hang by their prehensile tails while chomping away. It’s actually relaxing to hear them chittering as they move along eating.
>>> Read about our experiencerescuing spider monkeys from captivityin Costa Rica — an incredible true story! <<<
Howler Monkeys -The real favorite at the top of everyone’s list is the Mantled Howler monkey. As the sky begins to pale in the morning, usually around 4:30-4:45am, they begin their, well, howling, as they let other groups of howlers know where they are feeding.
You’ll hear them off in the distance and sometimes right outside your front door like a growling alarm. Trust us, you won’t sleep through the sound. We’ve had them close enough at times that our hut seemed to vibrate from the loudness.
Squirrel Monkeys -Another favorite is the Mono Titi, commonly known as the squirrel monkey. When we first started traveling to Costa Rica years ago they were in large groups moving through the trees.
遗憾的是,由于destruc栖息地tion and the illegal pet trade, they are now critically endangered and when you do see them, they are in very small groups.
Jaguar -Without question, at the top of the Osa Peninsula food chain is the majestic Jaguar. Weighing up to 250 pounds, the jaguar can prey upon anything it likes.
But being a pinnacle predator has a down side. The favorite prey of the few remaining jaguars on the Osa is the white-lipped peccary. Illegal hunting has decimated the peccary population to the point where this magnificent cat is now critically endangered.
In 1999, the Osa Peninsula was declared a Jaguar Conservation Site and one of the most important places for conservation of this species.
Puma -Smaller than the jaguar, pumas can range in size from 110-180 pounds. They will prey on small mammals, birds, and even sea turtles when they come ashore. This is another of Costa Rica’s endangered species primarily due to loss of habitat.
Smaller Cats -It is not uncommon to see an ocelot while hiking on a trail in Corcovado. You’re not likely to see the others - the margay and the jaguarundi. They are solitary cats, and like most cats are predominately nocturnal.
Other Mammals and Marine Life -There are 140 mammal species that call the Osa peninsula home. Besides monkeys and cats, the ones most often seen by visitors are coatis, agoutis, collared and white-lipped peccaries, and tapirs.
While hiking in Corcovado if you keep a close watch, you might even see an anteater.
There are 25 species of dolphins and whales in the waters around the Osa. Take a snorkeling or diving tour and you’ll likely see spotted and bottle-nose dolphins.
Get lucky at the right time of year and you may also see whales as they congregate along the coast and in the Golfo Dulce on the eastern side of the peninsula.
The Golfo Dulce is the only place on earth where populations of both northern and southern Humpback Whales give birth to their young in the same place.
Turtles -There are four species of sea turtles that nest on the Osa.Olive Ridley turtlesare the most common and nest primarily on the southern Osa along withGreen turtles,Hawksbill turtles, and the largest of them all,Leatherback turtlesalso nest at various places along the peninsula.
You can see and even swim with these gentle giants by booking a snorkeling or diving tour to Isla del Caño. It’s amazing and you won’t soon forget the experience.
Birds -By the latest count there are 463 species of birds in the Osa Peninsula.Toucansare often seen feeding in the trees. They make a lot of noise and are fun to watch with their banana-like beaks.
Although endangered, through conservation efforts the Osa Peninsula now has the largest breeding population ofScarlet Macawsin Central America. Along with so many unique species is theBlack Cheeked Ant Tanager, the symbol of the Osa Peninsula only found here.
Native Plants -Costa Rica boasts an extensive and robust rainforest which is nowhere better defined than on the Osa Peninsula. Because Corcovado National Park is virgin rainforest, there are trees that reach 200 feet in height.
令人兴奋的700种树木和植物s that includes 800 species of ferns, and 30 species of the ubiquitous heliconia, the Osa Peninsula is a botanist’s dream come true.
Common among the species of trees in the Osa are ficus trees often referred to as “strangler figs”. In fact, the word Matapalo (as inCabo Matapalo) is the local word for “strangler fig”, a more common name for these giants with their amazing above-ground root structures.
Along with a variety of fruit producing palm trees, the ficus trees (like the one above) provide much needed fruit for foraging monkeys, birds, and ground dwelling critters (monkeys are sloppy eaters and drop a lot of fruit)!
Along the coastline around beaches you’ll find lots of wild almond trees, a favorite food source of Scarlet Macaws. If you see these trees, look closer and you’re bound to see a Scarlet Macaw wrestling nuts from the bright orange husk!
FUN FACT:
The largest tree in Central America is in Corcovado National Park, a giant Silk Cotton tree that’s 253 feet tall. Corcovado also holds the largest remaining tract of Pacific Tropical Wet Forest in Central America. It’s quite a place!
Orchids -Costa Rica has 1300 identified orchid species many of which can be found growing wild in the Osa. Some have sweet smelling blooms but those usually don’t last very long.
Others are tiny and hard to find, but they’re there. Take your time hiking in Corcovado and keep your eyes peeled for small splotches of color amongst the layers of green.
Things to Do in the Osa Peninsula
Hike Corcovado
Most of the Osa peninsula (a whopping 33%) consists of Corcovado National Park, and it’s the biggest draw for eco-travelers coming to the Osa peninsula in Costa Rica.
The amazing thing about the Osa peninsula is the nature and wildlife that you’ll see all around you, from large mammals like the giant Baird’s tapir to the smallestinsects and critters, they’ll cross your path at every hour of the day.
It’s like being inside out at a zoo, and you — not the animals — are on display.
There are a number of ways to hike or take a hiking tour ofCorcovado National Park:
Wildlife Tours
Visiting Corcovado National Park is an ideal way for experiencing a pristine primitive wilderness. And because the rainforest is quite dense in places,we recommend taking a guided tourfor the best and safest experience.
This tour of Corcovadois a comprehensive full day tour and one of our favorite tours for a more immersive experience.
This private group tourstarts atLa Sirena Ranger Stationand you’ll get there much quicker from Drake Bay than you will from the south end of the peninsula.
The boat ride from Drake Bay to Corcovado is an easy 45 minutes. From Puerto Jimenez, it’s a 2-3 hour car ride each way (5 hours total) before you even get on the boat.
There’s also agreat tour to Corcovado from Sierpethat will let you experience the wilderness of theTerraba Sierpe Wetlandsalong the way.
Believe it or not, taking a night hike in the Osa is one of the most popular things to do, because it’s a whole different world out there at night! It’s so cool, and creepy, but a knowledgable guide will show you exactly where to walk and what to touch so you’ll be in good hands.
We took severalnight hikes in Drake Bay including this one, and we can’t say enough about it!
Go Deep Sea Fishing
Charter boats operate out of Drake Bay with several lodges billing themselves as “rainforest and marine” lodges. You can stay in a beautiful nature lodge that offers deep sea fishing as a main activity.
A few charters also operate out of Puerto Jimenez on the Golfo Dulce. Target species include several species of marlin, sailfish, dorado (mahi mahi), wahoo, and tuna.
Snorkeling and scuba diving tours
Snorkeling tours to Isla del Caño operate daily out of lodges in Drake Bay. It’s about a 30 minute boat ride to the reefs around the island where you can swim with reef sharks and sea turtles.
If you have an open water dive certificate you can take advantage of dive tours from Drake Bay to Isla del Caño. Bring whatever personal gear you want to use and make arrangements ahead of time to rent the other gear you’ll need.
Surfing
Although you can surf near Drake Bay, surfers agree that the best breaks on the Osa are at the southern tip of the peninsula around Cabo Matapalo where the Golfo Dulce meets the open Pacific.
Take a lesson or two and rent a board from a local surf shop then head to Playa Matapalo, the main beach in Cabo Matapalo. Many lodges have boards to rent and can arrange to give you a ride to and from the beach.
Beaches
The Osa peninsula boasts beautiful beaches for just about everyone. The beaches around Drake Bay are raw and natural with strong currents so we stay close the water’s edge.
We especially love the beaches on the peninsula’s eastern shore south of Puerto Jimenez. This stretch of beach sits on the Golfo Dulce and is more shallow than the Pacific, and perfect for swimming.
There is often wildlife close to the beach. We’ve watched Scarlet Macaws mating in almond trees, monkeys feeding, and a huge Baird’s tapir walking on the beach along the water’s edge.
As always, use common sense when entering the water — the surf can get pretty intense at times and there can be rip currents. Always check with your lodge on conditions before heading out.
NOTE:它是非法的贝壳的海滩d out of Costa Rica. Instead, take your camera and get some cool pics of shells.
Bird watching
When it comes to bird watching you just can’t miss and several lodges offer birding tours and hikes. From first light until dark birds, birds, and more birds are feeding and flitting about.
You only need to bring your binoculars/scope, a birds of Costa Rica book, and your log book. The birds will do the rest.
Visit the Osa Conservation Biological Station
There are several biological corridors in the Osa peninsula established for conservation and theCorcovado-Matapalo Biological Corridoris one you can visit in the southern peninsula.
TheGreg Grun Conservation Center,Piro Research Center, andOsa Verdeare three research facilities clustered together that make up theOsa Conservation Biological Station.
你需要一辆车去那里transpo或工作rtation with your lodge. For reference, from Puerto Jimenez the drive takes 45 minutes to an hour.
The work being done here by researchers and conservationists to protect the diversity of all animal and plant species on the Osa Peninsula is extremely important. You can find out more about their work and even reserve a stay at the station. For visitor’s information or to reserve a stay, click here.
To find out more about the research station and reserving a stay at their facility,click here for visitor’s information.
*****
The Osa peninsula is one destination that keeps us coming back again and again. After many visits, Costa Rica still remains one of our favorite places on the planet, and the Osa Peninsula offers a perfect slow travel experience in a virgin rain forest on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and Golfo Dulce — it’s paradise.
If you’re dreamed of immersing yourself in nature, you owe it to yourself to experience this one-of-a-kind view of the natural world in Costa Rica’s Osa peninsula.