Bucket list experience:
The last remaining stand of coastal Pacific rainforest in Central America is protected by this, the crown jewel in Costa Rica’s park system – a sprawling 425sq km reserve that occupies much of the Osa Peninsula.
It’s a National Geographic special waiting to happen: a riot of lush forest occupied by bellowing monkeys, snorting peccaries and noisy flocks of scarlet macaws – not to mention elusive night-time species such as pumas and jaguars.
The marine areas around the Osa Peninsula are an important breeding ground for dolphins and whales. Lodges can arrange boating trips in search of these incredible mammals.
Cabo Matapalo, at the south-eastern tip of the Osa Peninsula, is blessed with a good point break. Most lodges can arrange lessons, surfboard rentals and transport.
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Destination Guide >Access to the park is via the village of Bahia Drake, at the northern end of the park, or Puerto Jimenez, at its eastern tip. Domestic airlines fly to both these points, after which travellers transfer to one of the lodges that line the coast all the way to Corcovado. Access to the park is entirely on foot, but it’s possible to reach the entrances either by car, boat or light aircraft.
The remote location means there are no restaurants – jungle lodges include board as part of the fee. They also provide picnic lunches for day-long excursions into Corcovado. The excellent El Remanso Lodge can arrange excursions of all types into the park for its guests, as well as other activities such as surfing and tree climbing.
Hardier travellers regularly hike from one end of the park to the other along the coastal trail. This takes a minimum of three days.
Take a hat, sunglasses, water bottle, mosquito repellent with DEET and clothes you don’t mind getting mucky – expect to be wet and muddy at most times.
This is heavy duty rainforest so dry season is best, from December to April. Trails are generally at their least muddy in January.
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Rainforests, powdery beaches, white-water rivers and towering volcanoes: this relaxed Central American country offers exceptional wilderness adventures in stunning landscapes.
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