Corcovado and the Osa Peninsula, in southwestern Costa Rica, are considered one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
The Osa Peninsula has two main towns, in addition to a large national park. Here's the main destinations you should know about if planning a trip on Osa Peninsula.
- Corcovado National Park: A jewel of biodiversity and extremely important for the planet’s environment. This region is home to hundreds of species of mammals, thousands of insects, and many marine animals and birds.
- Puerto Jiménez: Everyone loves the beaches of Puerto Jiménez for their beauty and proximity to protected areas. Here you can enjoy bird watching, beautiful sunsets, and days filled with whale watching.
- Drake Bay: Drake Bay is a special place for ecotourism, with many trails and beautiful landscapes. It is also one of the main gateways to the Corcovado National Park.
The Osa Peninsula is home to some of the last remaining primary rainforests in the country, and is considered one of the most biodiverse places on earth. It is known for its dense rainforest, mangrove swamps, and off-the-beaten-track beaches. The park is home to 500 species of tree, over 100 mammal species, 367 bird species, and 117 species of amphibians and reptiles. Some of the favorites include tapirs, jaguars, scarlet macaws, ocelots, pumas, and howler, spider, squirrel, and white-faced capuchin monkeys. The average elevation of this region reaches 885 feet (270m meters).
Golden season
December to April
Green season
May to November
Average temperature
80 °F (27°C)
Average rainfall
189 inches (4820 mm)
Corcovado National Park is home to the only primary tropical rainforest that remains globally. Due to the presence of gold in its hills, it was a land exploited for a long time until the government banned mining in places near the park in 1986. As with the rest of the south of Costa Rica, several indigenous tribes lived in this region, including the Boruca tribe, led by the Osa Chief. The national park was created in October 1975 announcing the beginning of the country’s dedication to conservation in the area after decades of industry and exploitation.
Where is the Osa Peninsula located?
- 6 hours* from Juan Santamaria Airport (220 miles/353 km)
- 10 hours* from Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia ( 287 miles/461km)
