The coolest place in Costa Rica (in my humble opinion) is the Osa Peninsula. Why? Because it is Costa Rica in its wildest and most untamed nature. A large chunk of the peninsula is the Corcovado National Park. That is the same one that National Geographic boldly proclaimed the most biologically intense place on earth. Trekking in the park is one of the obvious cool things to do on the Osa Peninsula. Below are a few other cool things and some specific ways you might consider experiencing this marvel of nature.
Cool Thing #1: Visit Cabo Matapalo
Cabo Matapalo is the extreme southeastern tip of the peninsula. It is about 45 minutes from the town of Puerto Jimenez and next door to the Corcovado National Park. This place boasts some really great surf with long rights that rival the long lefts of Pavones. The place is serene and full of wildlife. It is also very close to Lapa Rios (see bellow).
Cool Thing #2: Super sustainable stay at Lapa Rios Eco-Lodge
Lapa Rios is the grandfather of eco-resorts not just in Costa Rica, but perhaps the entire world. It was built by John and Karen Lewis who left corporate-style U.S. careers to come to Costa Rica and make a difference…and indeed they did. So much so, that in 2005 the resort they founded was the recipient of the 2005 Award for Corporate Excellence. An award presented to them by U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. But if you want to stay there, make your reservation early! It will be a great experience demonstrating how sustainability does not have to be inconsistent with profitability.
Cool Thing #3: Visit Sirena Station in the heart of Corcovado
There are several ranger stations one can visit, but this one is right in the heart of the park. It is the most remote, gets the least human traffic and therefore has the most wildlife to view. You can hike to it, take a plane to it, or go by boat. Hiking will take a couple of days from Puerto Jimenez, or a day from La Leona (see below). You can take a boat from Drake Bay and that takes about 1.5 hours. Regardless of how you get there, get ready for a magical experience of Corcovado that you will never forget.
My personal Sirena Station photos
Cool Thing #4: Take a boat across the Golfo Dulce to Pavones
Pavones is one of Costa Rica’s most famous surfing locations, if not the most famous. It is often called the world’s longest left breaking wave. But getting there by car is a chore. It is possible to take a plane. It is not on the peninsula, but across the gulf near the small strip of land that shares a border with Panama and home to the southernmost tip of Costa Rica, Punta Burica. If you are visiting the park and staying in Puerto Jimenez (as many do), a cool thing to do is take a boat across the Golfo Dulce to Pavones. We once did it and surfed the break from the boat. That was way cool!
Cool Thing #5: Rough it in style at the Corcovado Tent Camp
This may not sound like the way you want to spend your Costa Rica vacation….in a tent. But the tent camp features really nice tents. And there’s something about sleeping in the jungle in a tent that just seems, well, cool. The food is great as well…bunkhouse style. It is great place to meet other trekkers. The grounds are gorgeous. There are numerous hiking trails….heck, just hiking into Drake Bay from the camp is quite an experience. Highly recommended and it ain’t really roughing it all that much.
Personal Photos of Drake Bay and Corcovado Tent Camp
Cool Thing #6: Go snorkeling or scuba diving at Caños Island
From Drake Bay just off the coast is the amazing Isla del Caño. The island is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs that make it perhaps the most popular scuba and snorkeling spot in Costa Rica. There are numerous tours you can sign up for. It is best to visit from Drake Bay, but you can also get there from Sierpe via a longer boat ride down the river and then out into the ocean. I have heard that they currently are not allowing island trekking, which is a shame. On the island you can find the mysterious and ancient stone spheres that are also found in other parts of Costa Rica.
Cool Thing #7: Stay overnight at Sirena Station
As mentioned above, the hand’s down best place to see Costa Rica critters, including such endangered ones as the Baird’s Tapir and perhaps even a jungle cat, is Sirena Station. You can do a day hike, but if you want to greatly increase the odds of seeing a lot of stuff, stay overnight. The ranger station features very basic dorms. Good idea to bring your own food.
Cool Thing #8: Go sport-fishing with Crocodile Bay Lodge
There are great sport-fishing opportunities off the coast of the Osa Peninsula and in the Golfo Dulce. This place specializes in fishing trips in this area.
Cool Thing #9: Super eco-intensive stay at La Leona Eco-lodge
La Leona is another super sustainable eco-lodge. It is located near the La Leona ranger station. This one is about 16 kilometers from Sirena. So, an idea is to start your trek to Sirena at the La Leona Lodge.
Cool Thing #10: Surf Cabo Matapalo and Pavones
Visiting Cabo Matapalo or Pavones strictly for the natural beauty of these places is a great idea. But if you are a surfer and really want to experience Costa Rica surf at its best, these two spots are a must. The waves can be a bit fickle, however, so check surf conditions prior to making the trip. But if you can catch either, or both, when they are “going off”, get ready for the ride of a lifetime.
About a year and a half ago I moved to the Southern Zone of Costa Rica. One of the great benefits of doing so is that it puts me in closer proximity to the magical place called the Osa Peninsula. It is off the list of most Costa Rica visits to more well-trod touristic paths, but if you want to see the real “wild-side” (and I ain’t talking Jaco nightlife), try some of these cool things to do on the Osa Peninsula!
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