Osa Peninsula & Drake Bay

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 along with Drake Bay have today, become the premier eco-tourism destination in the county.

Luxury in the Forest

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.

Secluded Nature Wonderland

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.

Map of Osa Peninsula & Drake Bay

Click to enlarge map - Osa Peninsula & Drake Bay Map

Visiting Corcovado National Park

The best way to visit the Corcovado National Park 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.

Drake Bay

Most people who tour the Osa Peninsula prefer to stay at Drake Bay.

First discovered by Sir Francis Drake during his circumnavigation of the globe, this town has a lot to offer.

From here one can take a day trip to snorkel off the coast of the gorgeous Caño Island or one can go sportfishing or sea kayaking.

For the more adventurous, there is a night tour about the fascinating bugs and other creepy crawlies in the area.