The Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica’s Natural Treasure

Costa Rica has one of the most extraordinary biodiversity on the planet, its riches are so abundant that it is not possible to count them. This Central American country preserves its beauty in natural spaces as extraordinary as the Osa Peninsula, a treasure of magical character.

In Costa Rica it is possible to find corners never imagined and wonderful beaches, as well as the odd volcano and jungles with impregnable foliage. However, due to climate change and forest destruction, many indigenous species are in danger of extinction.

The Osa Peninsula is a true Eden, a paradise for the most amazing flora and fauna imaginable.

Osa peninsula: life in paradise

Due to the large influx of tourists who come to this iconic jungle space, the town of Puerto Jiménez has enabled some hotels. This town, located in the province of Puntarenas, has approximately 8,000 inhabitants.

Here, visitors can take a pleasant walk through its picturesque streets, receive the affection of its people and taste delicious tropical recipes. Likewise, we will be presented with the opportunity to glimpse iguanas, monkeys and other animals that usually roam the surroundings in total freedom.

It is advisable to purchase any of the products that we need for our subsequent excursion before entering the Corcovado Park. We need to decide in advance what activities we want to practice. Possibilities include fishing, a kayak tour through the haunting mangroves, and horseback riding or cycling. Do not leave the town without spending a pleasant day sunbathing on the nearby beach.

How to visit the Osa Peninsula

This peninsula located in the Pacific is an area full of tall forests, beautiful beaches and a large number of coves.

Dolphin watching takes place on the coast, and it is even very likely that they will allow us to swim with them. Of course, if we set out to live this experience we must take extreme precautions, it is an area inhabited by sharks.

On the other hand, when it comes to solid terrain, we will find a great variety of typically Costa Rican birds, insects and mammals. These animals coexist in gigantic jungles formed full of natural wealth. The explorer will be able to walk through them and climb steep mountains while being subjugated listening to the sound of the falls or the particular swaying of the trees.

To get to this little Eden we will only need to invest an hour and a half, which we will spend embedded in a small boat or, if we prefer, an hour by commercial plane. The road route must be carried out in a 4 × 4 off-road vehicle so that the wheels do not get stuck in swamps in the middle of the road. There is a bus prepared to travel these places but it takes just over 8 hours to reach its destination.

Incredible natural spaces in the Osa peninsula

Drake bay

Drake Bay occupies one third of the Osa Peninsula. It can be reached by crossing the Sierpe river and continuing the journey by sea for approximately two hours. The more adventurous tend to opt for this option.

On the other hand, it is also accessible by air from the San José airport. The itinerary can be carried out by road, but only during dry seasons. This is so because during the rest of the year the mangroves overflow.

The name of this place originated from the legend that stated that the famous pirate Drake was the one who discovered it,  later using it as a hiding place for the fortunes he stole.

Today, its main urban nucleus, Agujitas, is inhabited by only about 1000 people. The reasons why this beach receives so many bathers is simple, it is a very quiet place whose calm resembles the authentic paradise. Taking a dip or diving in its waters is a true delight. Perhaps with a bit of luck we will find a piece belonging to one of the thousands of treasures that the corsairs kept on these shores.

Corcovado National Park

This park can be considered one of the most unique that exist on the planet, as well as being one of the most extensive. It is not easy for the common public to reach it, which is beneficial since, thanks to this, it is very well preserved.

Within this reserve there are several areas of interest, among which the mangroves and marshy areas stand out. In them we may grow up with the odd crocodile. Likewise, if we pass near the mouth of the rivers we will find sharks.

The jungle strip, for its part, has a great diversity of fauna. Of her the ones that usually attract the most attention are the colorful macaws, the strange reptiles and amphibians and the imposing jaguars.

Here the climate is tropical, humid and very rainy, so it is advisable to go with a specialized guide, as well as to wear high-top rain boots. The latter can prevent us from being bitten by a snake.