For those seeking natural wonders, the Península de Osa offers unparalleled seclusion and splendor. The amazing concentration of diverse plant and animal life includes species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. From the wetlands around Sierpe to the sprawling forests of Parque Nacional Corcovado, no other Costa Rican region has kept itself away from tourist hordes with such great success. Bounded only by wide expanses of empty beaches, the untouched wilderness seems endless. Puerto Jiménez is the most convenient base for exploring Corcovado, but the intrepid explorer will find that entrances to the park can be found in nearly every port town on the peninsula. If the jungle isn’t enough of a challenge, escape to the beaches, and try surfing on one of the world’s longest lefts in Pavones, or snorkel among rainbow fish and dolphins off the coast of Reserva Biológica Isla de Caño.
Founded about 60 years ago, tiny Sierpe was originally a community of banana plantation farmers. The 15km road from Palmar leading to this serene, rural town is now lined with palm tree farms and cattle ...more
As the legend goes, Sir Frances Drake moored at Drake in the 1570s to bury treasure along its lush green coast. Although locals say that small pieces of Spanish currency wash ashore on a regular basis ...more
Golfito (pop. 18,000), former home of the United Fruit Company headquarters, sits on the northeast coast of the Golfo Dulce. Drastic banana production cutbacks in 1984 led officials to revive a weakening ...more
Named after the flocks of Great Curasaw turkeys that used to roam here, Pavones is home to the second longest left-break waves in the world—at times over a mile long—and for this reason is known ...more
With five kilometers of black sand beaches, top-notch ocean swimming, consistent waves for surfing, and world-record sportfishing, Zancudo should be full of tourists and outrageously high prices to match—but ...more
Named in honor of three-time Costa Rican President Ricardo Jiménez, Puerto Jiménez has become known as the backpacker alternative to Bahía Drake, offering far lower prices and many more options for ...more
Sprawling along the western coast of the Osa Peninsula, Parque Nacional Corcovado feels like an Edenic garden. Cool, clear streams spill out of the rainforest and into the warm surf of the Pacific. While ...more
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