Curator’s statement
The Osa Peninsula is one of Costa Rica's best destinations for an off-the-grid, nature-loving and wildlife-spotting adventure. This is a diverse area made up of jungles, mangrove swamps and beautiful beaches. The Osa Peninsula is the southernmost point in Costa Rica, which makes it a little difficult to get there, but it is totally worth the trek.
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Where to stay in the Osa Peninsula
Things to do in the Osa Peninsula
Corcovado National Park: This is the main attraction in the area. It is the best place to spot wildlife in Costa Rica. Furthermore, this park is the most biologically intense place on Earth. Amongst its 140 mammal species, 370 bird species and over 10,000 insect species, you might see scarlet macaws, tapirs, jaguars, anteaters, sea turtles, crocodiles, howler, spider and squirrel monkeys, just to name a few. This park is meant to be explored on foot, so hiking trails follow coastal and in-land routes. To be able to hike in the park, you must be accompanied by a certified guide. You can also kayak on the lagoons and rivers of the Corcovado National Park. Sport-fishing is one of the best spots to reel in a large catch here too. Finally, take a horseback tour in Corcovado National Park, because there are so many areas of this park that are difficult to reach by foot or even a 4 x 4.
Scuba Diving at Isla de Cano: This island is a popular spot for migratory birds. If you choose to scuba or snorkel, you will most likely see some white-tip reef sharks. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the island.
The Bug Lady Night Tour: It is time to see what happens in the rainforest after the sun goes down. Most insects and reptiles and some mammals are nocturnal. This is the best way to safely see what is happening in the jungle after dark.
Waterfall Rappelling: This is an on-site activity that can be done at El Remanso Lodge.
Tree Climbing with Everyday Adventure in Matapalo: Hike through the forest and see some beautiful waterfalls. You will eventually arrive at a Strangler Fig tree. After you are all harnessed in, climb up around 70 feet to a viewing point that is about 450 feet over the Golfo Dulce. After your climb, an exhilarating free-fall/swing brings you back to the ground.
Osa Wildlife Sanctuary: This is still one of our favorite wildlife sanctuaries that we have been to over the years. They are committed to providing wildlife rescue and rehabilitation for orphaned, injured and displaced animals indigenous to the southern zone of Costa Rica.
Places to Eat & Drink in the Osa Peninsula
As there aren’t many roads or towns in this area, so most of your meals will be eaten at the lodges.
El Remanso Lodge: Enjoy all of your meals surrounded by the jungle in their open-air restaurant. This lodge serves seed-to-table and sea-to-plate Costa Rican cuisine.
Juanita’s: Mexican bar and grill in Puerto Jiménez.
Pizza Mail.It: Pizza in Puerto Jiménez.
Italian Restaurant Carolina: Delicious Italian food in Puerto Jiménez.
Kalaluna Bistro: Amazing seafood in Drake Bay.
Soda Jimenez: Mom-and-pop place that serves traditional Costa Rican food in Puerto Jiménez.
Looking for more adventure travel inspo? Check out my guide Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Adventure in Aruba and A Two-Week Safari and Mount Kilimanjaro Summit Adventure in Tanzania.