Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula

A Central American Wilderness Adventure Ideal for Nature Lovers

Jun 7, 2009

For those looking for a jungle adventure south of the border, Costa Rica's pristine Osa Peninsula may be the closest ticket to vacationing Tarzan-style.

This less-frequented destination is often considered the hidden gem of the Central American country. And for travelers willing to make the trek, it's sure to be an unforgettable experience.

The peninsula itself is located on Costa Rica's Southern Pacific Coast. Vacationers looking for all-inclusive resorts and nightclubs are better off heading to the Nicoya Peninsula, just north up the coast. However, nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will relish this pristine and rugged region, which is viewed by many as a secluded Shangri-la.

How to Get to the Osa Peninsula

Getting there could be the first challenge. No matter the mode of transportation, it's going to be a bumpy ride. A precautionary note: motion sickness medications are highly recommended.

For those planning to drive, a 4x4 SUV is mandatory to navigate the rustic roads, which can be treacherous at times and sometimes washed over by swollen streams and rivers. Shuttle rides and flights might be a better option for first-time travelers, who are unfamiliar with the terrain.

An eight-hour shuttle ride from San Jose to the area's main hub, Puerto Jimenez, costs between $40 to $60 US. The jerky drive through winding mountain roads can certainly be nerve-racking, particularly on tight turns, but otherwise a relatively enjoyable way to see the Costa Rican landscape. Companies, such as Shuttle Osa and Easy Ride, provide daily service and have schedules online.

Flying is a faster, yet pricier option. Sansa Regional and Nature Air are the two airlines that offer service to various points on the peninsula. A fifty minute flight from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez can cost anywhere between $60 to $110 US. Make sure to pack light. Both airlines charge extra for baggage exceeding certain weights and sizes.

Visiting Corcovado National Park

For many visitors, the region's most noteworthy characteristic is the rich biodiversity it offers. Declared "one of the most biologically intense places on earth" by National Geographic Magazine, the Osa gives travelers the rare experience of getting up-close-and-personal with a vast number of species. And the best place to witness the region’s ‘wild-side’ is undoubtedly Corcovado National Park.

Considered by many the Amazon of Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park is nearly 42,000 hectares in size - covering a third of the peninsula. The enormous park is home to a vast array of flora and fauna, including ten percent of mammals found in the Americas. Frequent animal sightings include toucans, sloths, turtles, scarlet macaws, tree frogs and squirrel monkeys. For those who fancy insects, the Corcovado is essentially the epicentre of a bug bonanza. There are roughly 6,000 species of insects in the park, some sure to make even the biggest creepy-crawly fans squirm a little.

In order to properly experience the park, a three-day hike is recommended. The trek can be done solo, but guided tours can ease the planning process and ensure hikers don't lose their way through the park. For more information about reservations or camping permits, visit Costa Rica's National Park website or contact an outdoor outfitter for more information.

But that’s not all the region has to offer its bold visitors. There are a multitude of activities and areas to be discovered on the peninsula, including surfing at Cabo Matapalo, fishing in the Golfo Dulce or climbing a 100-foot strangler fig tree. Ideal times to visit the region are during the dry season, which is between December and April. But no matter the time of year, travelers will find the Osa Peninsula has something magical to offer to anyone who dares to venture into its spellbinding setting, which time after time will entice wilderness seekers to come back for more adventures.

Top Five Items to Pack When Visiting the Osa Peninsula

The copyright of the article Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica Travel is owned by Nilou Shahvarani. Permission to republish Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Jun 9, 2009 8:12 PM

Guest :

wonderful article

Jun 10, 2009 8:59 PM

Guest :

thanks very much...very informative!!

Jun 10, 2009 10:57 PM

Guest :

Well written. Crisp, engaging style. Obvious that you've done a lot of research. And I learned something about a place I'd never heard of. It's too bad it's so hard to get good $$$ for good travel writing. Keep up the good work. If you're interested, check out my blog, www.remyscalza.com, for some Vancouver travel stories. Also, insidervancouver.ca is taking on bloggers right now to write about the city. No pay, but maybe good exposure (They're affiliated with Tourism Vancouver). We should definitely network about places to pitch. Please get in touch with me through Steph and vice-versa.

Remy
www.remyscalza.com

Jun 11, 2009 12:12 PM

Guest :

The article is written in an honest and informative manner, which is especially useful for first time travelers to Costa Rica. It is always a great asset, when researching a potential travel destination, to have the "heads up" on what to expect from travel to areas such as the Oso Peninsula. Often,tourists tend to romanticize the notion of travel, and forget the important measures of which they should be aware at the onset. Great information, and very well written!