Corcovado and the Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula, where the Corcovado National Park is located, is an untouched region with unexpected panoramas of nature in the most pristine and primal state. In the Corcovado National Park visitors can witness the unique combination of marine and land ecosystems. The area holds thousands of species of flora, many unique to the area and others that disappeared from other regions. Several of the animal species located in Corcovado are in danger of extinction; the Scarlet macaw, wild boar, jaguar and the crocodile are some of them. Scarlet macaws, flying over the treetops two at a time, are not too hard to see, as long as you keep your eyes open and learn to recognize their call. The terrain in the park includes beaches of soft sand, swamps and mangroves and tropical forest, but hikers spend most of their time on beach and the forest trails.

Drake Bay, a picturesque area lying at the base of the Osa Peninsula is an ideal spot for hiking in the jungle, fishing, swimming and surfing on powerful waves.

The Golfo Dulce is a magnificent natural harbor created by the Osa Peninsula, and has some of the country's most imposing forests, which cover the hills and line the valley of the peninsula.

Caño Island, which is part of the Corcovado National Park, is a tropical paradise for lovers of water sports, such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Its beaches of white sand and crystal clear waters are perfect observation points for turtles, dolphins, sailfish and coral reefs.

The Corcovado National Park is definitely the wild frontier of Costa Rica, and even if you're not into living on the edge, you could still go there with the direction and comfort of an experienced guide.