Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [348]
In recent years, the peninsula has attracted the attention of wealthy foreigners who want to trade in their workaday world for a piece of paradise. Prime real estate is being snatched up, and it’s inevitable that things are set to change in Osa as they have in the rest of Costa Rica. However, there is hope that development will be more sustainable in this part of the country, particularly since there is a vested interest in keeping the peninsula green. For a local perspective on the changes in the region, see boxed text.
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Climate
The Osa peninsula has two drastically different seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. During the rainy season (mid-April to mid-December) the amount of precipitation is astounding, with most months boasting more than 500mm. Even in the dry season, better described as the ‘less rainy season,’ you can expect a good downfall every now and again, especially while trekking through Corcovado.
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Parks & Reserves
As the country’s premier ecotourism destination, the Península de Osa is home to a plethora of parks, reserves and wildlife refuges.
Humedal Nacional Térraba-Sierpe (Click here) Approximately 330 sq km of protected mangrove wetlands that harbor numerous species of aquatic birds.
Parque Nacional Corcovado This national park, which occupies a great bulk of the peninsula, is Osa’s shining crown jewel, and one of Costa Rica’s last true wilderness areas.
Parque Nacional Isla del Cocos Visually stunning, utterly pristine and – by far – the country’s most remote and difficult spot to access.
Parque Nacional Piedras Blancas Formerly known as Parque Nacional Esquinas, this contains one of the last remaining stretches of lowland rainforest in the country.
Refugio Nacional de Fauna Silvestre Golfito This tiny 28-sq-km reserve surrounding the town of Golfito is home to rare cycads or living plant fossils.
Reserva Biológica Isla del Caño (Click here) A tiny marine and terrestrial park in Bahía Drake that is a popular destination for snorkelers, divers and biologists.
Reserva Forestal Golfo Dulce On the northern shore of Golfo Dulce, this is an important biological corridor for migrating wildlife.
Reserva Indígena Guaymí (see boxed text) Home to the vast majority of the peninsula’s indigenous communities, though most of the reserve is not open to tourism.
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Dangers & Annoyances
The greatest hazard in Osa is the difficult environment, particularly in Parque Nacional Corcovado. Trails are generally well marked but it can be difficult going at times, especially if you’re not accustomed to wilderness navigation. Also, the many large rivers that run through the park create their own hazards, especially if they’re running swift in the rainy season. Any help at all, much less medical help, is very far away – if you get lost out here, you have a serious problem on your hands.
To minimize these risks, it’s recommended that you explore Corcovado either as part of an organized tour or with the help of a local guide. Hiring a knowledgeable guide will also provide up-to-date information on potential hazards, and it provides safety through numbers.
Areas of Corcovado are also prime territory for the deadly fer-de-lance snake. The chance of getting bitten is remote, but you should be careful – always wear boots while walking in the forest.
Although they don’t carry Lyme disease, ticks are also everywhere in Corcovado. In reality, they’re nothing more than a nuisance, though you’d be wise to bring a good pair