- Papagayo Gulf
- Tamarindo Beach
- Samara Beach
- Nicoya Peninsula
- Manuel Antonio Beach
- Osa Peninsula
- Arenal
- San Jose
- Tortuguero
- Cahuita and Puerto Viejo
Osa Peninsula
Jutting out from the southern coast of Costa Rica, lies the Osa Peninsula, the country’s wildest and most spectacular region. The peninsula is bordered on the east by the pristine Golfo Dulce and on the west, the Pacific Ocean. It is more lush and tropical here than in northern Costa Rica with spectacular wildlife, deserted beaches and virgin forests.
The Osa’s unique bio-diversity is made up of eight different habitats including cloud forest and the largest and most exuberant lowland wet tropical forest remaining in all of Pacific Central America. Species density and geographical location make it totally unique. The Osa is home to Corcovado National Park, the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s National Park system and habitat where many endangered animal and plant species still thrive. The largest trees in Costa Rica are found in the forests of the Osa.
Corcovado and the surrounding area has been called one of the most biologically diverse places on earth by none other than National Geographic. Truly a paradise lost, it is a place where jaguars still roam the jungles, Scarlet Macaws fly freely around the towns, and monkeys are found in numbers unmatched in all of Costa Rica and most of Central America.
Non "mainstream" tourist’s have discovered this previously little known, rugged paradise and come from around the world to experience the "wild side" of Costa Rica and sample some of the world class fishing, surfing and exploring. The Osa Peninsula is unquestionably Costa Rica’s best kept secret!
Location: South Pacific Coast
Distance from San Jose:
8 hours (6 hours driving and 2 hours in boat)
40 to 60 minutes flights
Weather:
Is characterized by warm, breezy days. Because of afternoon clouds, August through November are cooler months. From the middle of December to the end of April it is rare that it will rain at all. The "green season", usually from May to November, is probably the best time to experience a true rain forest, with regular rains through the week.
Pros:
Beautiful rainforest, amazing views and a once in a lifetime experience.
Cons:
Due its location, it is hard to get to and it is recommended to take a domestic flight.
Hotels offers full pension system due their locations and lack of restaurants and options.
The area does not offer modern amenities such as air conditioning.
Not all the hotels are close to the beach.
HOTELS
Lapa Rios Eco Lodge
Rainforest wilderness adventure in a class by itself...
Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge overlooks the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean, a destination matching everyone's idea of paradise.
The Nature Conservancy and CEDARENA will ensure this primary forest be preserved in perpetuity, the land never to be developed. The 930-acre Lapa Rios Reserve helps buffer the Osa Peninsula’s Corcovado National Park and serves as a wildlife corridor.
Lapa Rios was designed in harmony with the surrounding forest and beach environment. The main lodge and bungalows line three ridges and are connected by walking paths and steps. Built over 350 feet above the sea, Lapa Rios catches the cooling tropical ocean and forests breezes. The main lodge and the Brisa Azul restaurant soar 50 feet above the sea and, like the private 16 bungalows, are built of locally harvested materials and have intricately woven palm thatched roofs. Climb the lodge’s three-story circular stairway to overlook the forest canopy and breathtaking ocean vistas. Comfortable, locally made bamboo furniture and huge private decks aid relaxation amidst pristine nature.
Lapa Rios Ecolodge is more than just a beautiful rainforest hotel or an eco resort near the beach. Lapa Rios is a model Ecotourism project, demonstrating that No matter how you cut it a rain forest left standing is worth more. Lapa Rios has won worldwide awards for social and environmental excellence, and is a featured sustainable tourism pioneer in many international publications and research projects. The ecolodge employs only local community members, is committed to environmentally sound practices and has been awarded Costa Rica’s highest sustainable tourism certification (CST).
Rain forest and ocean activities bring together guests and the community. Daily guest experiences include a variety of staff naturalist led rain forest interpretive hikes, bird watching walks and sustainable/educational local project visits. Ocean-mangrove boating trips, dolphin and whale watching, kayaking and surfing are offered by neighboring guides, as well as massages and yoga classes. Some guests’ highlights include a day hike in Corcovado National Park (via small plane transfer) or a night spent on the overnight platform; others find relaxing at the pool or hammock napping most memorable.
Lapa Rios is an ideal vacation for people who enjoy adventure in nature and want to be a part of conservation and local culture (often called Geotourism). The majority of guests are active couples, honeymooners and families (children over 6 years) looking for a more active and uniquely personal experience. Come be a part of ecotourism at Lapa Rios, become a traveler who participates in real sustainable tourism.
