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bus that runs between San Isidro and San Vito and get off in the town of Guácimo (often called Las Tablas). From Guácimo buses depart at noon and 5pm daily and travel the 16km to the town of El Carmen; if the road conditions permit, they continue 4km to the village of Altamira. From the village of Altamira, follow the Minae sign (near the church) leading to the steep 2km hike to the ranger station. To return to Guácimo, buses depart from Altamira at 5am and 2:30pm daily.

Vehicles with 4WD go all the way to Altamira station. In theory, it is possible to hire a 4WD taxi to bring you here, either from San Vito or from Buenos Aires. Keep in mind, however, that the roads are grueling, and bad conditions can make it pretty tough for anyone to get there. If you are driving here, inquire about road conditions prior to your departure.

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Península de Osa & Golfo Dulce

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TO CORCOVADO VIA BAHÍA DRAKE

SIERPE

HUMEDAL NACIONAL TÉRRABA-SIERPE

BAHÍA DRAKE

BAHÍA DRAKE TO CORCOVADO

RESERVA BIOLÓGICA ISLA DEL CAÑO

TO CORCOVADO VIA PUERTO JIMÉNEZ

RESERVA FORESTAL GOLFO DULCE

PUERTO JIMÉNEZ

CABO MATAPALO

CARATE

PARQUE NACIONAL CORCOVADO

HISTORY

ORIENTATION & INFORMATION

ACTIVITIES

TOURS

CORCOVADO FOR CHILDREN

SLEEPING & EATING

GETTING THERE & AWAY

GOLFO DULCE

GOLFITO

PARQUE NACIONAL PIEDRAS BLANCAS

PLAYAS SAN JOSECITO, NICUESA & CATIVO

ZANCUDO

PAVONES

PARQUE NACIONAL ISLA DEL COCOS

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Locals and tourists alike regard this remote enclave in the extreme southwestern corner of the country as the most picturesque, the most pristine and the most perfect spot in Costa Rica. Centered on Parque Nacional Corcovado, which contains one of the continent’s last remaining patches of Pacific rainforest, and shaped by the serene waters of the wildlife-rich Golfo Dulce, the entire peninsula operates as a vast biological corridor. Not surprisingly, National Geographic famously labeled Corcovado as ‘the most biologically intense place on earth.’

Although much of the rainforest in Costa Rica is protected by the national park system, no other region of the country can offer the breadth and extent of wildlife found in Osa. In Corcovado, it’s sometimes possible to see all four native species of monkey swinging in the canopy overhead, while rare animals such as Baird’s tapir can be spotted regularly. Indeed, the Osa peninsula is Costa Rica at its finest, and striking evidence that there is an intrinsic value and beauty of the rainforest that is worth saving.

Beyond Corcovado, the Osa peninsula captivates travelers with its abandoned wilderness beaches, world-class surf and endless opportunities for rugged exploration. In a country where adventure is all too often downgraded and packaged for tourist consumption, Osa is the real deal. Simply put, it’s a place for travelers with youthful hearts, intrepid spirits and a yearning for something truly wild. If you’ve been growing old in a concrete jungle, spend some time in this verdant one – just be sure to bring a good pair of boots, a sturdy tent and some serious quantities of bug spray!

HIGHLIGHTS

Testing your survival skills by trekking across Parque Nacional Corcovado, the country’s premier wilderness experience

Exploring the dense jungles that fringe the crystalline waters of Bahía Drake

Catching a ride on the world’s longest left break at the undiscovered surfing paradise that is Pavones

Watching the sun rise over the Golfo Dulce and set over the Pacific from the deserted beaches on Cabo Matapalo

Diving off the coastlines of the far-flung Isla del Cocos (Click here), the on-screen location of Jurassic Park

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History

While the Guaymí were the earliest inhabitants of the Osa (for more information see boxed text), the vast majority of the peninsula was never populated or developed by Ticos (Costa Ricans). In fact, because of the remoteness of the region, commercial logging was never a threat until the early 1960s.

Although this tumultuous decade saw the destruction of much of