Osa Peninsula & Corcovado

The "most biologically intense place on Earth": base yourself in Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez, then hike the primary rainforest of Corcovado with a guide, dive at Caño Island and watch dolphins in the Golfo Dulce.

The Osa Peninsula lies in the far southwest of Costa Rica, in Puntarenas province, embraced by the Pacific Ocean and the Golfo Dulce. Corcovado National Park on the peninsula preserves the largest tract of primary lowland rainforest on the Pacific coast of Central America; National Geographic called it "the most biologically intense place on Earth," and about 2.5% of the world's species live here. Trips usually use one of two bases: Drake Bay on the northwest coast (reached by boat, good for day trips to Corcovado's San Pedrillo/Sirena, diving at Caño Island and night walks in the rainforest), and Puerto Jiménez on the east side (with a road and an airport, good for the La Leona hike, surfing at Cabo Matapalo and dolphin watching in the Golfo Dulce). The Sierpe mangroves and the Diquís Spheres World Heritage site to the north can be visited on the way in or out of the peninsula; across the Golfo Dulce are Golfito, Playa Zancudo and the Pavones surf break. The best season is the December–April dry season; May–November is the rainy season, with the heaviest storms in September–October, when some ranger stations close. Getting there: a domestic flight from San José to Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez takes about 1 hour, or you can drive for about 6–8 hours. We suggest 4–6 days. Since 2014, entering Corcovado requires a licensed guide, and lodging at Sirena must be booked months in advance; it is hot, humid and buggy, so bring long sleeves, waterproof shoes and cash.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries