The Osa Peninsula, considered 'the most
biologically intense place on earth' by
National Geographic, houses the largest
rain forest in Central America, Corcovado National
Park. It's considered by many to be the most
beautiful location in Costa Rica.
Indisputably, however, Osa is the most remote location in this well-traveled country, bringing in a low number of tourists.
Corcovado National Park houses countless endangered species, most well known the scarldt macaw, Baird's tapir, giant anteater, the highly-endangered Central American jaguar and the rare harpy eagle (the world's largest bird of prey). Additionally, it is not uncommon for a visitor to see all four species of monkeys that live in the park. Sea turtles nest on the shores nightly and hikers often see their paths in the sand. Just make sure you watch out for peccaries!
Cabo Matapalo marks the entrance to the gulf, 17 km south of Puerto Jimenez and 27 km before Carate (one entrance to Corcovado). Surfers flock here from across the world for the pristine beaches but that isn't all Matapalo offers. Different breaks around the peninsula offer a variety of surfing difficulty, making this location good for experienced and beginner surfers alike. Great hiking and wildlife make Matapalo an excellent day trip location from Puerto Jimenez. The magestic King Louis waterfall, a 90ft waterfall, is an easy hike from the beach. Different tours and services are available, from tree climbing to waterfall-rappelling to surfing lessons.
Golfito is on the other side of the Golfo Dulce and a quick ferry ride from Puerto Jimenez. Although the town itself isn't much of a tourist attraction (and has even been described as "slightly sketchy" by Lonely Planet) it is an excellent departure point for tourists. A national park behind town houses many interesting plants and the view of the gulf is pleasing. But tourists mainly come to town before jetting off to other locations, such as Playa Cacao and Zancudo.
Indisputably, however, Osa is the most remote location in this well-traveled country, bringing in a low number of tourists.
Corcovado National Park houses countless endangered species, most well known the scarldt macaw, Baird's tapir, giant anteater, the highly-endangered Central American jaguar and the rare harpy eagle (the world's largest bird of prey). Additionally, it is not uncommon for a visitor to see all four species of monkeys that live in the park. Sea turtles nest on the shores nightly and hikers often see their paths in the sand. Just make sure you watch out for peccaries!
Cabo Matapalo marks the entrance to the gulf, 17 km south of Puerto Jimenez and 27 km before Carate (one entrance to Corcovado). Surfers flock here from across the world for the pristine beaches but that isn't all Matapalo offers. Different breaks around the peninsula offer a variety of surfing difficulty, making this location good for experienced and beginner surfers alike. Great hiking and wildlife make Matapalo an excellent day trip location from Puerto Jimenez. The magestic King Louis waterfall, a 90ft waterfall, is an easy hike from the beach. Different tours and services are available, from tree climbing to waterfall-rappelling to surfing lessons.
Golfito is on the other side of the Golfo Dulce and a quick ferry ride from Puerto Jimenez. Although the town itself isn't much of a tourist attraction (and has even been described as "slightly sketchy" by Lonely Planet) it is an excellent departure point for tourists. A national park behind town houses many interesting plants and the view of the gulf is pleasing. But tourists mainly come to town before jetting off to other locations, such as Playa Cacao and Zancudo.