Playa Carate
A black-sand beach at the end of the road on the south coast of the Osa Peninsula, where scarlet macaws flit among the almond trees. It is the southeastern gateway to Corcovado.
Playa Carate lies on the south coast of the Osa Peninsula at the end of the road, with Corcovado's La Leona ranger station about 2 km to the west. The long, dark-sand beach backs onto rainforest, and the almond trees along the shore often host scarlet macaws, making it a great spot to photograph them. Nearby are a basic airstrip and several rainforest tent camps. From Puerto Jiménez, a collectivo truck takes about 2 hours (roughly two departures a day, subject to local conditions). Driving yourself requires a 4WD and fording a river. Waves and rip currents are strong, so swimming is not recommended.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- La Leona Ranger Station
- Puerto Jiménez
- Dos Brazos del Río Tigre
- Sirena Ranger Station
- Los Patos Ranger Station
- Corcovado National Park
- Cabo Matapalo
- Playa Platanares