Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa

From the chilly heights of Cerro Chirripó (12532ft, 3820m) to the steamy coastal jungles of the Península de Osa, this sector of Costa Rica encompasses some of the country's most remote land. Vast tracts of forest remain untouched in Parque Internacional La Amistad, and the country's most visible indigenous groups – the Bribrí, Cabécar, Boruc and Ngöbe – maintain traditional ways of living in their territories.

Quetzal sightings around San Gerardo de Dota are frequent, and scarlet-macaw appearances are the norm along the coast. Monkeys, sloths and coatis roam the region's abundant parks and reserves, and in Parque Nacional Corcovado there's also the rare chance to spy on slumbering tapir. Meanwhile, the rugged coasts of the Golfo Dulce and Península de Osa captivate travelers with empty beaches, world-class surf and opportunities for rugged exploration.

Explore Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa

Parque Nacional Isla del Coco
Around 500km southwest of the Costa Rica mainland, Isla del Coco is a natural wonder that teems with wildlife, including the largest schools of hammerhead…
C
Cloudbridge Nature Reserve
About 2km past the trailhead to Cerro Chirripó you will find the entrance to the mystical, magical Cloudbridge Nature Reserve. Covering 283 hectares on…
P
Parque Nacional Chirripó
While much of the Cordillera de Talamanca is difficult to access, Costa Rica’s highest peak, Cerro Chirripó (3820m), is the focus of popular two-day…
Q
Queso Pacheco
Queso is not Costa Rica’s strong suit, but this little cheese operation, run by a former president’s son, is one example to the contrary. Abel Pacheco has…
Parque Nacional Los Quetzales
Spread along both banks of the Río Savegre, Parque Nacional Los Quetzales covers 50 sq km of rainforest, cloud forest and premontane forest lying along…
R
Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Golfito
This small, 28-sq-km reserve encompasses most of the steep hills surrounding Golfito, though it's easy to miss. There are no facilities for visitors, save…
F
Finca Köbö
About 8km south of La Palma, Finca Köbö is a chocolate-lover’s dream come true (in fact köbö means ‘dream’ in Ngöbere). The 20-hectare finca is dedicated…
B
Batsù Garden
A garden designed specifically for birdwatching and photography. Feeders and fruits attract the birds to viewing platforms, while trails wind through the…
P
Playa Cacao
Just a quick trip across the bay, this small beach offers a prime view of Golfito, with the rainforest as a backdrop. It's a pleasant spot to spend the…

Parque Nacional Isla del Coco
Around 500km southwest of the Costa Rica mainland, Isla del Coco is a natural wonder that teems with wildlife, including the largest schools of hammerhead…
C
Cloudbridge Nature Reserve
About 2km past the trailhead to Cerro Chirripó you will find the entrance to the mystical, magical Cloudbridge Nature Reserve. Covering 283 hectares on…
P
Parque Nacional Chirripó
While much of the Cordillera de Talamanca is difficult to access, Costa Rica’s highest peak, Cerro Chirripó (3820m), is the focus of popular two-day…
Q
Queso Pacheco
Queso is not Costa Rica’s strong suit, but this little cheese operation, run by a former president’s son, is one example to the contrary. Abel Pacheco has…
Parque Nacional Los Quetzales
Spread along both banks of the Río Savegre, Parque Nacional Los Quetzales covers 50 sq km of rainforest, cloud forest and premontane forest lying along…
R
Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Golfito
This small, 28-sq-km reserve encompasses most of the steep hills surrounding Golfito, though it's easy to miss. There are no facilities for visitors, save…
F
Finca Köbö
About 8km south of La Palma, Finca Köbö is a chocolate-lover’s dream come true (in fact köbö means ‘dream’ in Ngöbere). The 20-hectare finca is dedicated…
B
Batsù Garden
A garden designed specifically for birdwatching and photography. Feeders and fruits attract the birds to viewing platforms, while trails wind through the…
P
Playa Cacao
Just a quick trip across the bay, this small beach offers a prime view of Golfito, with the rainforest as a backdrop. It's a pleasant spot to spend the…

Latest Stories from Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa

Wildlife & Nature Osa Peninsula: a guide to the most adventurous corner of Costa Rica
Jun 28, 2021 • 6 min read
On the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, the Osa Peninsula remains one of the country’s most remote destinations, and this wild region is worth a trip.
Wildlife & Nature Adventure awaits in Costa Rica’s national parks
Jul 11, 2018 • 5 min read
Covering some 10% of Costa Rican territory, the country’s national parks protect a stunning array of landscapes – wetlands and forests, caves and…
Wildlife & Nature Costa Rica’s top five marine adventures
Apr 17, 2015 • 5 min read
Costa Rica’s thriving forests and abundant wildlife have made it a premier destination for eco-travelers, but the country’s lesser-known offshore…
Wildlife & Nature Spotting Costa Rica's 'Little Five'
Jul 31, 2012 • 3 min read
Spotting Africa’s ‘Big Five’ – elephant, rhino, cape buffalo, lion and leopard – has become something of a Holy Grail for wildlife watchers. While Africa…
Beaches Get your kicks in Costa Rica
Jan 14, 2012 • 3 min read
Adrenaline junkies of the world unite – Costa Rica isn’t just about quiet walks in the park. On the contrary, this action-packed country is full of…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa.

See
Parque Nacional Isla del Coco
Around 500km southwest of the Costa Rica mainland, Isla del Coco is a natural wonder that teems with wildlife, including the largest schools of hammerhead…
See
Cloudbridge Nature Reserve
About 2km past the trailhead to Cerro Chirripó you will find the entrance to the mystical, magical Cloudbridge Nature Reserve. Covering 283 hectares on…
See
Parque Nacional Chirripó
While much of the Cordillera de Talamanca is difficult to access, Costa Rica’s highest peak, Cerro Chirripó (3820m), is the focus of popular two-day…
See
Queso Pacheco
Queso is not Costa Rica’s strong suit, but this little cheese operation, run by a former president’s son, is one example to the contrary. Abel Pacheco has…
See
Parque Nacional Los Quetzales
Spread along both banks of the Río Savegre, Parque Nacional Los Quetzales covers 50 sq km of rainforest, cloud forest and premontane forest lying along…
See
Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Golfito
This small, 28-sq-km reserve encompasses most of the steep hills surrounding Golfito, though it's easy to miss. There are no facilities for visitors, save…
See
Finca Köbö
About 8km south of La Palma, Finca Köbö is a chocolate-lover’s dream come true (in fact köbö means ‘dream’ in Ngöbere). The 20-hectare finca is dedicated…
See
Batsù Garden
A garden designed specifically for birdwatching and photography. Feeders and fruits attract the birds to viewing platforms, while trails wind through the…
See
Playa Cacao
Just a quick trip across the bay, this small beach offers a prime view of Golfito, with the rainforest as a backdrop. It's a pleasant spot to spend the…

Guidebooks

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