The Osa Peninsula- The Hawaii of Costa Rica and Central America
The Osa Peninsula, on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is a primitive paradise of rain forests, empty beaches and backwater settlements. The National Geographic magazine once described the Osa Peninsula as “the most biologically intense place on earth.” On the tip of the peninsula, on the banks of the Golfo Dulce, is the area’s main hub: Puerto Jimenez. Many of Osa Peninsula’s great gems, like Corcovado National Park and Drake Bay, are easily accessible from Puerto Jimenez. Carate and Cabo Matapalo are two great beach towns to explore while on the peninsula. If you head north past Drake Bay, where the Osa Peninsula rainforest covered mountains tumble on to pristine beaches, you’ll find Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita, another national park in Costa Rica abundant with wildlife.
Transportation
The easiest way to get to the Osa Peninsula you can take a one hour flight from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez or cross the Golfo Dulce in a boat or ferry from Golfito. Golfito is directly across from Puerto Jimenez. Once on the Osa Peninsula bumpy transportation is possible by bus to many major locations- taxis and car rentals are available as well. From Puerto Jimenez you can easily access the nearby beach towns of Carate and Cabo Matapalo. Puerto Jimenez also provides easy access to Corcovado National Park and Drake Bay. However, if you prefer, charter planes can be taken from either Pavas or San Jose to Corcovado and Drake Bay.
To Do
The Osa Peninsula is an ecotourism goldmine! Corcovado National Park is widely considered the crown jewel in the extensive system of national parks and biological reserves spread across the country. So, it is highly worth visiting! Drake Bay is a beautiful region on the northern edge of the peninsula, both remote and luxurious. Puerto Jimenez has lovely beaches for ocean activities: Playa Platanares on the protected inner coast of the Golfo Dulce for swimming; Pan Dulce and Matapalo farther down the coast for surfing. If your interested in doing some camping or hiking around the peninsula, Puerto Jimenez functions as a good base. It is also a good place for shopping and seeing the local culture.
Located just outside of town, the Herrera Botanical Gardens are a beautiful and serene sight to behold and consists of 260 acres of botanical gardens. There are truly an endless number and a wide range of adventurous activities to engage in on the peninsula, that fit any number of vacation styles.
Whether you plan on admiring the wildlife in the area, relaxing on the white sand beaches, or hiking through lush rainforest, visiting the Osa Peninsula will be an unique and unforgettable trip.