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Corcovado National Park and the Osa Peninsula (South Pacific Coast)
This area has been called the most biologically intense place on earth by National Geographic. It features pristine rainforests and the natural beauty at the Osa Peninsula.
Thirteen ecosystems and almost one hundred species of trees. Close to four hundred species of birds and the densest population of tapirs, jaguars and scarlet macaws in the entire Meso-America. As a result of the variety of unknown life forms in these “hidden tropical worlds”, the estimation of life on the planet increased twenty fold. For instance, the world’s first studies of the tropical forest canopies took place at the Corcovado National Park. Here is a video on some of Corcovado and the Osa Peninsula’s Wildlife:
Most of the Osa Peninsula is taken by the Corcovado National Park. It is home to thirteen major ecosystems. From mangrove swamps to lagoons, beaches, freshwater herbaceous swamps and primary lowland rainforests. The park protects and is home to over 140 mammal species and 400 bird species. In addition to 116 amphibian and reptile species, 40 species of fish and at least 500 species of trees. It is the habitat of the rare Harbor Squirrel Monkey and the Harpy Eagle. Furthermore, the Corcovado Park is a great place to spot the poison arrow frog, jaguars, pumas, and four species of sea turtles among others.
Caño Island National Park
The Caño Island National Park is an amazing marine biological reserve in Costa Rica. This island is just northeast of the Corcovado National Park Coast. A former burial ground dating back to the pre-Columbian era. In addition to the evergreen forest of this island, there is yet more beauty underwater. A good water visibility (rare for Costa Rica), spectacular variety of stunning marine flora and fauna and even gorgeous coral reefs. This is one of the good underwater adventure diving spots in the world. You might see: sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, manta rays, moray eels, barracudas, tuna snapper and grouper. You may see them swimming alongside a variety of sharks and humpback or pilot whales.
Puerto Jimenez & Golfo Dulce
The Puerto Jimenez and the Golfo Dulce area are likewise another important part of the Peninsula. Puerto Jimenez has a nice beach where one can relax while enjoying the beauty of the Gulf and some great rainforest areas around it. Piedras Blanca’s National park has a fantastic boutique Eco-Lodge. Activities in the Osa Peninsula area include: hiking through rainforests, whale and dolphin watching, zip lines as well as snorkeling and diving at Cano Island National Park. Other adventures include horseback riding, sport fishing or simply enjoying the beach and relaxing under the sun.
IMPORTANT: Type of people suited for this Area: This is a remote location. Therefore, tours involve surf launches and landings. We recommend these tours and hotels for those in good physical condition and who are serious nature lovers. Some hotels tend to be pretty basic, however, there are a few top notch Deluxe Eco-lodges.
Climate: The temperature is high, tempered by sea breezes on the coast, and humidity is high. A minimum stay of 3 nights is recommended to enjoy this area.
Approximate driving distances to Corcovado, Peninsula de Osa: From San Jose 9-10 hours or a 55 minute light flight.