Puntarenas Province, southern Pacific coast · Costa Rica
The most biologically intense place on Earth, a wild rainforest peninsula of tapirs, macaws and jaguars.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC0
The Osa Peninsula, in the southwest of Costa Rica, is wild, remote and astonishingly rich. National Geographic once called it the most biologically intense place on Earth, and Corcovado National Park protects a large block of Pacific lowland rainforest where jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws, four species of monkeys and thousands of insects live.
The park is not easy to visit. A guide is required, trails are hot and muddy, and accommodation inside is limited to ranger stations such as Sirena. Many visitors choose day trips from Drake Bay by boat, while multi-day treks take you to the heart of the forest. Puerto Jimenez, on the Golfo Dulce side, is the other main gateway.
Elsewhere on the peninsula, you can go whale watching, kayaking and snorkelling, and relax in eco-lodges on remote beaches. It is more expensive and less comfortable than other parts of Costa Rica, but the wildlife experience is among the best in Central America.
Why visit
Corcovado is Costa Rica's wildest corner.
Among the richest on Earth.
Few visitors.
Real jungle immersion.
Whales and dolphins.
Stay in the rainforest.
Main attractions
The park and the coast are the main draw.
The ranger station deep in the park.
Tip Book far ahead.
A bay with boat trips and lodges.
Tip Gateway for day trips.
The other gateway town.
Tip Entry for La Leona trail.
Snorkelling and diving.
Tip Boat from Drake Bay.
Calm gulf with dolphins.
Tip Kayak trips.
Remote sand and surf.
Tip Watch for rip currents.
Things to do
Guided activities fill the days.
A multi-day trek.
Tip Book a guide.
A day trip.
Tip Leave at dawn.
Colourful reefs.
Tip Calm seas.
At dawn and dusk.
Tip Bring binoculars.
Humpbacks migrate.
Tip Seasonal.
Mangroves and dolphins.
Tip Go early.
Local food
Food is simple and fresh.
Local catch.
Where to try it Lodges.
Plate of the day.
Where to try it Local sodas.
Pineapple, papaya.
Where to try it Roadside.
Rice and beans.
Where to try it Breakfast.
Cold.
Where to try it Beach stands.
Accommodation
Eco-lodges dominate.
Transport
Corcovado is remote.
Boats and walking.
When to go
The dry season makes trekking easier.
Dry and hiking-friendly.
Green.
Heavy rain.
Wettest.
Worth planning around: October and November, when rains are heaviest.
Itinerary
Jungle immersion.
Drake Bay
Sirena
Cano Island
Beach
Travel tips
Tips for remote Osa.
FAQ
Yes in the park.
Very unlikely.
Three to five days.
Yes.
December to April.
Yes with a guide.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Corcovado and the Osa Peninsula, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Puntarenas Province, central Pacific coast, Costa Rica
Costa Rica's most visited park, with beaches, forest trails, wildlife, rafting nearby and views from the hills of Quepos.
Don't miss Spotting a sloth overhead, then swimming at a hidden beach.
Explore Destination — Manuel AntonioLimon Province, northern Caribbean coast, Costa Rica
A remote Caribbean national park of rainforest canals, turtle nesting beaches, caimans, monkeys and birdlife.
Don't miss Watching a green turtle haul itself ashore to nest at night.
Explore Destination — TortugueroPuntarenas Province, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
A rugged southern Nicoya coast with Santa Teresa, Malpais, Montezuma, waterfalls and some of the best surf in Costa Rica.
Don't miss Surfing at sunrise, then eating fresh fish on the sand.
Explore Destination — Santa Teresa and the Nicoya PeninsulaRead next
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