According to National Geographic, the Osa Peninsula is "the most biologically intense place on earth". Corcovado National park is one of the wildest and largest protected areas in Costa Rica. It has more than 40,000 hectares of protected land with virgin rain forests and a complex system of freshwater and marine resources. It’s unique ecosystems are home for an immense biodiversity, almost 400 species of birds, 140 species of mammals and 116 species of amphibians and reptiles and 6000 species of insects. 6 natural eco-systems have been identified in the park and it protects endangered species such as the jaguar, puma, crocodile, tapir, poison dart frogs, harpy eagle, toucans, squirrel monkeys, scarlet macaws, coatimundis and three species of sea turtles (olive ridley, pacific green and the leatherback).

There are plenty of daily hiking tours and activities to explore the park and for nature observation.


There are boat tours along its coast where the tourist will occasionally spot humpback whales and dolphins.

Caño Island, a biological reserve in the Osa Peninsula is covered with exuberant forests and it used to be a burial ground for Pre-columbian indigenous cultures. The main attraction of the island is its white sand beaches and its ocean which is great for snorkeling. Its surrounding deep blue freshwaters offer some of the country’s best scuba diving spots with large schools of jacks, barracudas, manta rays and sharks.

How to get there:
From San Jose to Palmar / Sierpe / Corcovado

1- From San Isidro take the road and follow the signs to Dominical. Once at Dominical continue the coastline south to Punta Uvita, Tortuga Beach, Cortes, and keep driving towards Palmar Norte. Once at the stop sign of the Panamerican Highway South turn right, cross the bridge, and turn right again to Sierpe. Here the road turns into a gravel road. Follow this road through the Banana plantations and it will lead you to Sierpe.

2- From San Isidro del General take the Panamerican Highway south to Buenos Aires. Along the way you will see coffee, sugar cane and pineapple plantations. After Buenos Aires continue the highway along the side of Terraba river until you reach Palmar Norte. Cross the bridge of this river and turn right to Sierpe. From here on the road turns into a gravel road. Continue through Banana plantations and this road will lead you to Sierpe.

From San Jose to Puerto Jiménez / Corcovado

From San Isidro del General take the Panamerican Highway south to Buenos Aires. Along the way you will see coffee, sugar cane and plantations. After Buenos Aires continue the highway along the side of Terraba river until you reach Palmar Norte.

Continue straight until you will see the sign on your right side to Puerto Jimenez. Once there you can ask for the road to Carate, which is one of the entrances to Corcovado National Park.