The Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park offers travelers the wildlife immersion experience of a lifetime. Simply put, “The Osa” is unmatched anywhere on earth and is the home the last remaining old growth rainforest on the Pacific Coast of Central America. There are 13 major ecosystems including lowland rain forest, highland cloud forest, mangrove swamps, as well as coastal marine and beach habitats.

The Osa is home to the highest concentration of biodiversity on the planet.  Home to Jaguars, Scarlet Macaws, Baird’s Tapirs, endangered squirrel monkeys and an amazing variety of bats, reptiles and exotic insects. The Osa is remote, rugged and wet, but the trails are relatively good, and there are a full range of accommodations to cater

If you have ever imagined yourself swimming up to a deserted golden sand beach lined with coconut palms, then rinsing off under a waterfall surrounded by the verdure of the rainforest. Then you’ll find Corcovado 23 miles (39 km) of beaches appealing. We walked 11 miles (18 km) of beach one day and saw one other person. Take care where you swim, there are areas where hammerhead sharks school (there has never been a reported attack), and crocodiles are common in Corcovado Lagoon and the estuaries of the Ríos Claro and Sirena.

All four of the monkey species (including the highly endangered Red-backed squirrel monkey), and all six of the feline species found in Costa Rica inhabit Corcovado.  All four of the sea turtle species that nest in Costa Rica visit the beaches of Corcovado as well.

Over 40 species of frogs including red-eyed tree, rain, glass, dink, and poison arrow varieties, dozens of snakes including a variety of Boas and the dreaded bushmaster, as well as 28 species of lizards. More than 100 species of butterflies and at least 10,000 other insects call the Osa peninsula home (including a few you may wish were endangered).

More than 400 species of birds including 16 different hummingbirds and the largest number of scarlet macaws anywhere in Central America

Drake Bay

Drake Bay, or Bahia Drake as it is also locally known, is located in the northern part of the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. Osa is the most remote region of the country, and for this reason it’s favorite among tourist who are in tune with nature and ecology. Osa, and the Corcovado National Park were said to be the most Biologically Diverse Region of Earth by National Geographic! There are now beautiful lodgings in the Drake Bay area, including resorts and eco-lodges, all in harmony with their surroundings. This bay was named after Sir Francis Drake, who discovered it during his voyage around the world, in the 16th Century.

Drake Bay is the adventurers-explorers’ dreamland. There are few places on earth offering such natural bliss and peace. The scattered lodges and hotels blend in marvelously with their surroundings, making it the ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing place, away from the maddening crowd and rush. There are however so many to-dos as well; exploring this area is so rewarding—discover miles of deserted coastline and pristine beaches. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain bike riding and hiking are all on the menu. Also, go sports fishing, whale and dolphin watching or bird watching.

Manuel Antonio is the Central Pacific’s the one-stop destination for eco adventure: nature hikes, canopy tours, river rafting, snorkeling, wildlife watching, extreme adventures, and so much more. Manuel Antonio National Park, recognized at one of the most beautiful parks in the world by Forbes Magazine, brings the eco experience all together in one destination with its  emerald rainforests, abundant wildlife, fine white sand beaches all set against a prestine turquoise ocean.

The Manuel Antonio beach strip features hotels, restaurants and a full array of activities. The winding road  to Quepos climbs to nearly 100 feet above sea level where you will find upscale hotels and restaurants with spectacular, panoramic ocean views.

Wildlife encounters include three-toed sloths, coatimundis, and highly endangered subspecies of Central American squirrel monkey. Manuel Antonio park is home to hundreds of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians!

Playa Hermosa 

Playa Hermosa is about a 45 minute drive from Manual Antonion and issituated just five kilometers south of Jaco.   Playa Hermosa is one of the best surfing havens for professionals both national and international, in the country. , Playa Hermosa offers surfers some of the best and most consistent surf breaks in the world. Playa Hermosa is an expert surfer’s beach with waves reaching as high as 13 feet and strong currents. There are a number of affordable surf board rental shops on the beach. Playa Hermosa hosts the International Quicksilver Surf Championships every year in August. 

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