This small peninsula, on the Pacific coast, is host to almost half of Costa Rica's species of birds, mammals, and reptiles and amphibians. Almost 750 species of trees have been catalogued in the area, more trees than in all of the northern temperate regions of the world combined. The 43,000-hectare Corcovado National Park occupies a large swathe of the peninsula, and its ecosystems comprise of rainforests, swamps, rivers, lagoons, marshes and beaches.
Osa peninsula is home to Corcovado National Park, and endless wildlife, including more than 400 species of birds and more than 100 species each of amphibians and mammals. This tropical primary forest is home to monkeys, scarlet macaws, coatimundis and an abundance of other wildlife. It's not cheap, but taking a private charter flight into the Corcovado National Park for a day tour is well worth it.
The park is home to a plethora of endangered species such as Baird's tapir, the white-lipped peccary, jaguars, ocelots, crocodiles, giant anteaters, scarlet macaws and the harpy eagle. The seas shelter three species of marine turtles and you can even witness the migration of humpback whales in December and January.
On the other side of the peninsula is the Golfo Dulce, which is a sheltered area of ocean ideal for kayaking, visits to mangrove swamps or hiking and wildlife viewing at the Piedras Blancas National Park.
Finally, forest-covered Cano Island is a biological reserve which offers superb snorkelling and, for experienced divers, superb deep freshwater experiences with large schools of jacks, barracudas, manta rays and sharks.
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Osa Peninsula & Golfo Dulce |
We have both said it was the best honeymoon we have ever had!! Thank you for all your efforts to provide us with a very special experience.
Lapa Rios, Osa Peninsula - wonderful - we loved the lodge, the area, the weather (v hot, dry), the wildlife (much of which you could see from the lodge) and the incredible primary rainforest on the property. We saw 6 scarlet macaws before we even left the town.
Gorgeous spacious bungalows with incredible views from one's bed! Loved the fact the walls were mesh so all very open. The main lodge is a wonderful open structure with the perfect veranda for birding in the early morning.
Really good fresh food - lots of fish, fruit, inventive salads. Lots of activities, walks etc... on offer and keen, knowledgeable and friendly guides.
A gorgeous pool.
The staff set up a table for us there one evening for dinner under a full moon - amazing. Steep walk down to the beach which was totally unspoilt - rainforest literally meeting The Pacific. Needless to say, we were not ready to leave after our 2.5 days/3 nights...