Corcovado / Southern Zone |
Hotels Guide Osa Peninsula |
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Stretching from the highest point of the country, Mt Chirripó, and the Amistad International Park on the continental divide’s mountainous border, to Corcovado National Park in the Osa Peninsula, the Southern Zone has the highest percentage of land devoted to National Parks and Forest Reserves and the greatest biodiversity of any region in the country.
A remote area with pristine forest and wonderful eco tourism opportunities, the South Pacific also offers great deep-sea fishing and diving. One of “the most biologically intense places on earth”, according to National Geographic, this region serves up gigantic portions of adventure and nature. The Osa Peninsula will not disappoint with its array of brightly colored exotic birds, azure waters, and emerald canopies that stretch for miles. . Corcovado National Park is an undeniably beautiful place, considered to be one of the most important natural preserves in the Americas, this virgin rain forest park invites superlatives from all who visit and has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the most biologically intense places on earth given the density of wildlife and plant species per squared hectare. With one of Central America’s most unique ecosystems, Corcovado National Park protects 41,788 hectares of shallow lagoons, marsh, mangrove swamps, rivers, wet forest and low-altitude cloud forest, as well as 46 kilometers of sandy beach. Within its extensive territory, visitors can observe some 6,000 insects, 500 trees, 367 birds, 140 mammals, 117 amphibians and reptiles, and 40 freshwater fish species. Jaguars, giant anteaters, hundreds of white-lipped peccaries, tapers, and a host of rare rain forest animals inhabit the vast reaches surrounding the crocodile-filled lagoon at the park’s center. The captivating visual beauty of its forest and of its coastline, with miles of uninhabited beaches and roaring cascades, draws visitors from all over the world. Caño Island Biological Reserve is located less than 30 miles off the Pacific coast of southwest Costa Rica and is one of of the most valuable archeological sites in the country. Caño Island is also one of the world’s newest hot spots for adventure diving. This virgin area offers a variety of unique diving attractions. “The Devil’s Drop” for example, is a rock pile which begins at 40′ and drops to as deep as 250′. It is not uncommon for divers upon descent to be met by schools of thousands of fish swimming freely among them. This could very well be Costa Rica’s finest diving spot! |
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Attractions
Chirripo National Park
Mountain Chirripo is the highest peak in southern Central America at 12,500 feet above sea level. The 22 km. climb is awe-inspiring and challenging and experienced hikers make it to the peak and back in two days. Chirripo National Park encompasses 123,921 acres and contains 160′ tall oak trees, glacial lakes, and COLD temperatures.
Marina Ballena National Park
Just south of Uvita, this park encompasses the largest coral reef on the country’s Pacific coast and from December through April the area transforms to the winter home of migrating humpback whales. Visitors can also see whales from July until the end of October.
Las Cruces Biological Station
Includes the famous 25 acre Wilson Botanical Garden, which contains the most important botanical collection in Central America.
La Amistad National Park
The border into Panama is Costa and one of the richest ecological biospheres in Central America, comprising eight life zones. It’s the wildest and wooliest of all, but with few trails or tourist facilities.
Mountain Chirripo is the highest peak in southern Central America at 12,500 feet above sea level. The 22 km. climb is awe-inspiring and challenging and experienced hikers make it to the peak and back in two days. Chirripo National Park encompasses 123,921 acres and contains 160′ tall oak trees, glacial lakes, and COLD temperatures.
Marina Ballena National Park
Just south of Uvita, this park encompasses the largest coral reef on the country’s Pacific coast and from December through April the area transforms to the winter home of migrating humpback whales. Visitors can also see whales from July until the end of October.
Las Cruces Biological Station
Includes the famous 25 acre Wilson Botanical Garden, which contains the most important botanical collection in Central America.
La Amistad National Park
The border into Panama is Costa and one of the richest ecological biospheres in Central America, comprising eight life zones. It’s the wildest and wooliest of all, but with few trails or tourist facilities.
Costa Rica Classic Osa Experience: Itinerary:Day 1:
Pick up at your hotel in San Jose for transfer to airport and early morning flight to the town of Palmar Sur where you’ll be met by friendly lodge personnel for continued ground and boat transportation to your lodge in the beautiful and remote Osa Peninsula. Activities offered include: scuba diving (both resort courses and regular trips), sea kayaking, horseback riding, and sport fishing Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Days 2,3: Full day guided tours to Corcovado National Park, recognized as one of the most “biologically intense” places on Earth, and Caño Island Biological Reserve, only 10 miles from Drake but a world apart from the mainland. Indians once used the island as a burial ground, however little is known about the Pre-Columbian artifacts found there. Picnic on a white sand beach sheltered by coconut palms and snorkel among the coral reefs that surround this tropical paradise. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 4: After breakfast, boat trip up the Sierpe River, going through jungle, mangrove swamps and forest areas and transfer to airport for return flight back to San Jose. Meals included: Breakfast PACKAGE RATES High Season; Jan 6 – April 30, 2023 Total cost: $1,730.00 per person based on double occupancy. Green Season; Nov 15 – Dec 14, 2022 , May 1 – Aug 31, 2023 Total cost: $1,540.00 per person based on double occupancy. **Please inquire for pricing during Holiday period (Dec 15, 2022 to Jan 5, 2023 and April 2nd - April 10, 2023 ) |
Package includes:
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