Costa Rica Osa Peninsula - Rainforest Aid 2009

Rainforest Aid 2009: The Osa Peninsula

The pristine rainforests and the rugged natural beauty of the Osa Peninsula make this region among the most beautiful areas in Costa Rica. Declared ‘one of the most biologically intense places on earth’ by the National Geographic Magazine, the Osa Peninsula has become the premier eco-tourism destination in the county.

With numerous luxury lodges, in the Osa Peninsula & Drake Bay, that cater to your every whim, accommodations in this region offer tourists everything from the knowledgeable guides for hiking the rainforest, to whale and dolphin watching tours, to simply lying on the beach and relaxing in the sun. There are also a number of lovely affordable lodges here that cater to those travelers who are on a strict budget. And with plenty of both pricey and affordable adventure tours to choose from, this area lets you experience a completely different lifestyle from the rest of the country.

The southern most peninsula in Costa Rica, the Osa Peninsula is a secluded nature wonderland, playing home to many of the country’s rare and endangered animal and bird species including the puma, jaguar, Harpy Eagle and Scarlet Macaw. With a large chunk of the peninsula forming the Corcovado National Park, this area has the single largest expanse of a lowland tropical rainforest in Central America and is one of the tallest rainforests in the world. If you do wish to explore this park, using a tour guide is your best bet as the Corcovado is also the home of Costa Rica’s most deadly snake, the extremely aggressive Fer-de-lance. A guide will not only keep you from getting lost, but can also educate you on this incredible habitat.

The best way to visit the Parque Nacional Corcovado is through the town of Puerto Jimenez. An excellent place to start hiking as an extensive network of trails begin from here, there is a ranger station in town with detailed information for trekking and camping in the park.