Costa Rica - Wild Osa Peninsula

One of the most remote places on earth, and perhaps troublesome to reach in some cases, the Peninsula de Osa in Costa Rica is also one of the most picturesque settings in the country. Famously referred to as the “most biologically intense place on earth” by National Geographic, the Osa Peninsula is indeed crammed with life.

It is home to a huge strip of land covered by lush rainforest, where you can observe from up close exotic species roaming around. From army ants, scarlet macawa, and Baird’s tapirs, to the four species of monkeys, this is without a doubt the perfect spot to witness life at its wildest in Costa Rica. The most famous destination from travelers who make the journey to this remote area is the beautiful Parque Nacional Corcovado, but if you prefer traveling independently and avoid crowds, there are many other areas worth visiting. The Peninsula is filled with natural reserves which offer great opportunities for wildlife observation.

The Peninsula protects the Golfo Dulce from the Pacific and its powerful streams, allowing whales and dolphins to seek refuge in the tranquil waters of the gulf. Immerse yourself in the most pristine nature, exploring the bay, where no human soul lives but a plethora of birds and swaying palms. Much os this area has remained un touched by man, as Costa Ricans never populated or tried to develop the area. Guyami Indians were the earliest and only inhabitants of the peninsula, and still live here, but their impact on the land is minor. This means that roads are relatively poor, rending access to the peninsula more difficult, but also allows this piece of paradise to remain intact.

The most attractive part of the peninsula is located in the north, in the Valle de Diquis, named after the indigenous group that originally inhabited the area. The valley stretches from the basin of the Rio Grande de Teraba and south to Sierpem, from where the Rio Sierpe flows out to Bahia Drake. This incredible region is home to the Humedal Nacional Terraba-Sierpe Park, covering just under 33,000 ha of protected wetland, as well as the Bahia Drake, a small settlement nestled between the Corcovado Park and the crystalline waters of Bahia Drake, from where you can admire the wildlife as well as observe the local way of life. And of course, Corcovado Park, located in the southwestern part of the peninsula, and home to at least 8 different natural habitats.

Costa Rica at its wildest in the Osa Peninsula