Scarlet macaws fly over secluded lagoons, wild ocelots roam the jungle, and the call of howler monkeys carry in the wind. This is the Osa Peninsula, an area famous for its remote rainforests and abundant marine life. Whether you're on a solo spiritual journey or a family adventure, this guide shows you how to enjoy it to its full potential.
The Osa Peninsula is one of the most remote areas in Costa Rica. In recent years its untouched rainforests and beaches have given rise to a fitting style of jungle accommodation: the ecolodge. Here are your best options for lodging that operates in harmony with the area's delicate ecosystem.
Home to one of the largest rainforests in Central America (widely protected by Corcovado National Park), the Osa Peninsula is the wildlife and hiking jewel of Costa Rica. Dubbed "the most biologically dense place on Earth," you can see much of the country's famed wildlife by hiking through the jungle and watching whales and dolphins in Drake Bay. Then, take your adventures to the next level by surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving at Cape Matapalo and Isla del Caño Biological Reserve.
Sporty travelers, adventure seekers, and outdoor enthusiasts will find endless active experiences in Costa Rica, a country filled with rainforests, beaches, coral reefs, volcanoes, national parks, waterfalls, rivers, and more—all waiting to be discovered. In Costa Rica, you can rappel into canyons, raft through whitewater rapids, mountain bike near active volcanoes, hike through national parks, surf at world-renowned beaches, snorkel above reefs, zipline through the rainforest, and more!
The Osa Peninsula is located in one of the most remote areas of Costa Rica and is home to windswept beaches, virgin rainforest, and exotic wildlife. Over five days you'll alternate between a pampered holiday lifestyle, rugged jungle treks, and scuba-diving/beach adventures. It's the best way to enjoy this gem of biodiversity tucked away in the great tropical paradise that is Costa Rica.
Corcovado National Park, located on Costa Rica's remote Osa Peninsula, is one of the most biodiverse places on earth. It's the perfect spot for jungle exploration, and this six-day itinerary mixes rugged adventure with culture and luxury. It's designed for those who want an off-the-beaten-path nature experience featuring windswept Pacific beaches and trails that meander through virgin rainforest abounding with wildlife.
The Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse areas on earth. Over half of all animal species in Costa Rica exist here, and on this six-day luxury tour, you'll have ample opportunity to spot unique flora and fauna. You'll also visit Corcovado National Park, a protected area and veritable Lost World that preserves one of the country's few remaining lowland rainforests.
Snorkel, hike, and bird-watch by day, then sleep in elegant eco-lodges at night on this luxury four-day wildlife tour around Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. A naturalist guide will point out rare avian species during an evening hike, and then you'll explore the wilderness of Corcovado National Park on day two. Plunge into the pristine waters of the Isla del Caño Biological Reserve for a snorkeling or diving adventure to finish off the itinerary.
Wildlife lovers will thrive on this quick trip around Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Five days may not seem like a lot, but this action-packed itinerary allows you to see the main highlights of the region. Hike through the world-renowned Corcovado National Park, snorkel among colorful fish, and traverse a mangrove forest by boat—with over half of all wildlife species in the country calling the peninsula home, you're sure to see some spectacular flora and fauna on each outing.
Explore one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse regions on this luxury eco-escape to Corcovado National Park. The weeklong adventure begins and ends in the lively capital, San José, and includes a stay at an all-inclusive oceanfront resort in the Osa Peninsula's pristine rainforest. Spend your days trekking through Corcovado National Park to spot exotic wildlife and take a private boat trip to Caño Island Biological Reserve, where you'll snorkel among rainbow-hued marine creatures.
In this eight-day luxury itinerary, you'll travel in style to southwest Costa Rica and the Osa Peninsula. Here you'll embark on excursions in Corcovado National Park, a veritable Lost World preserving one of the country's few lowland rainforests. You'll then fly to Arenal Volcano National Park, where even more active adventures await.
Get off the beaten path on this weeklong luxury adventure around Costa Rica's beautiful landscapes. After a day exploring the capital city, you'll travel to the Osa Peninsula for a sunset bird-watching tour around Drake Bay. Explore Corcovado National Park on a guided hike, then look for whales and dolphins in the wild on a boat tour. You'll sleep in luxury hotels throughout the week and finish the trip in the Arenal region with a visit to a sloth habitat and a wildlife rehabilitation center.
Embark on the honeymoon of a lifetime as you explore the great natural menagerie that is Costa Rica. This adventure will take you up and down the country's Pacific coast, where you'll swim with exotic marine life at Isla del Caño, go on waterfall hikes, and perhaps glimpse the elusive jaguar in Corcovado National Park. Then, head up to the powdery white-sand beaches at Manuel Antonio, where, between swimming and sunset catamaran rides, there will be ample time for luxurious spa treatments.
On this 16-day luxury itinerary, you'll go off-the-beaten-path in Costa Rica. First, it's the waterfalls of the Vara Blanca region and enjoying horseback-riding excursions in the Talamanca Mountains. Then it's off to the southern Osa Peninsula, the most biodiverse region in the country, where you'll hike through unspoiled rainforest to secluded beaches while enjoying the local wildlife.
This 14-day Costa Rica holiday covers the highlights of the entire country: tropical waterfalls, secluded beaches, exotic wildlife, and more. You'll travel from the north of the country to the south, from high-altitude cloud-forests to golden beaches. The icing on this great big tropical cake is that each night you'll be staying in the most comfortable luxury hotels and eco-lodges in the country.
There are few countries where you can enjoy a luxury vacation complete with eco-tourism adventures and immersion in the local culture. Costa Rica is one such place, and on this 12-day itinerary, you'll hike to tropical waterfalls, visit secluded beaches, horseback through the mountains, and embark on many wildlife tours. To cap the adventure you'll do some exotic bird-watching as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean.
Checking off three key regions in Costa Rica, this 10-day itinerary is perfect for adventurous travelers. The trip starts with a visit to Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano for hiking and natural hot springs before continuing to the Pacific Ocean for some beach time at Manuel Antonio National Park. Finish off in one of the country's most remote areas—Osa Peninsula—for undeveloped rainforests, rare wildlife, and near-empty coastline.
This unique 15-day Costa Rican holiday mixes equal parts adventure and luxury. Besides staying in four-star accommodations, you'll enjoy thrilling activities such as horseback riding, a tour of exotic bird sanctuaries, private waterfall hikes, and much more. The journey will take you from the central highlands to the Pacific coast, and by the time you're done you'll have accumulated memories to last a lifetime.
On this 13-day tour of Costa Rica, you'll enjoy exciting wildlife hikes, tropical waterfalls, and luxury accommodations in unspoiled rainforests. More than that you'll discover the soul of the country on nature hikes, horseback rides through local villages, and visits to family-run farms. Add in some beach time on the Pacific coast and you have the makings of a perfect holiday.
In less than a week you'll get to visit two of Costa Rica's most stunning regions. This six-day itinerary you'll visit the cloud-forest region of the central highlands before heading south to the biodiverse wonderland that is the Osa Peninsula. Throughout it all, you'll enjoy horseback rides, waterfall hikes, and wildlife spotting all while enjoying luxury accommodations.
Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, and to vacation here is to partake in a great ecological adventure. That's just what you'll do on this 11-day itinerary as you embark on nature hikes, bird-watching tours, and visits to tropical waterfalls. On top of staying in luxury accommodations, you'll also get a sense of the local culture by visiting family farms and working coffee plantations.
Enjoy Costa Rica in style on this high-end six-day trip around the wildlife habitats of the Osa Peninsula and Arenal. After a day exploring the capital city of San José, you'll travel to Drake Bay for a colorful birdwatching tour and hiking in Corcovado National Park. Continue to La Fortuna—and check into a luxury hotel—where you'll soak in hot springs, spot nocturnal mammals on a private jungle tour, and get up close with animals at a wildlife rehabilitation center.
Explore Costa Rica's landscapes and wildlife habitats by day—and sleep in luxury hotels at night—on this 10-day itinerary around the country. Travel to the Osa Peninsula to hike around Corcovado National Park and snorkel the Isla del Caño Biological Reserve. Then move onto the Arenal region for waterfall hikes and hot spring relaxation. You'll finish up in Monteverde with a nighttime nature walk and a day of zip-lining through the cloud forest.
Only in Costa Rica, where unspoiled nature and luxury resorts exist side by side, can you mix adventure and pampering. This nine-day itinerary includes horseback riding through local villages, hiking along secluded beaches, and exotic bird-watching. And at the end of each day, you'll rest and recharge in the best hotels in the country.
Discover the spectacular landscapes of Costa Rica on this luxurious 11-day trip. You'll explore the great outdoors by day and sleep in luxury lodgings at night, traveling first to the Osa Peninsula to do some world-class snorkeling in the Isla del Caño Biological Reserve. Then hike around Arenal Volcano, soak in natural hot springs, and enjoy a gourmet dinner in a beautiful natural setting. Finish the itinerary with a nighttime nature walk and zip-lining in the Monteverde cloud forest.
In a mere week, you can enjoy some major highlights of Costa Rica like riding around local farms on horseback, spotting exotic birds on nature walks, and hiking to exotic waterfalls. You'll even travel to the far south and the remote Osa Peninsula, which is one of the most biodiverse places on earth. And every night, you'll stay in the finest hotels and eco-lodges in the country.
Experience Costa Rica's far-flung wonders, traveling in comfort and style as you go. This 10-day luxury excursion kicks off in thrilling style with adventure sports, waterfall hikes, and birding in the hidden gem of Bajos del Toro. Continue to the Pacific coast and enjoy the unspoiled beaches at Esterillos Este, tour the mangroves of Sierpe, and finish with nature hikes on the rugged Osa Peninsula.
In 10 days you can not only embark on wildlife excursions around Costa Rica and immerse yourself in its local culture, but you can do it all while staying in luxury accommodations. This is a packed itinerary that involves horseback riding, visiting a working coffee farm, and plenty of bird-watching and wildlife spotting. Keep your camera ready because you'll be visiting tropical waterfalls, too.
For romance mixed with unspoiled tropical beauty, it doesn't get better than Costa Rica's Pacific coast. This relaxed 10-day adventure starts with kayaking and snorkeling around the golden beaches of Sámara, then continues south for waterfall hikes at Manuel Antonio National Park. Then, after thrilling zipline rides and hiking in the cloud forests of Montverde, you'll visit the far south and end the journey with snorkeling at Isla del Caño and hiking the wilds of Corcovado National Park.
Encounter Costa Rica's extraordinary animals on this luxury two-week wildlife adventure. Begin in Tortuguero to spot manatees and caimans by boat. Head inland for private rainforest hikes and bird-watching trips in Sarapiquí and Boca Tapada, and end in Corcovado to glimpse biodiverse marine life while snorkeling at Isla del Caño. Along the way, you'll settle into a succession of luxury hotels and exclusive wildlife lodges, chosen for their unique locations and wildlife-watching opportunities.
This active 11-day itinerary is designed to appeal to nature lovers and adventure fiends of every stripe. It starts on the southern Pacific coast, in the remote, Corcovado National Park. Here you'll enjoy rugged hikes abounding with wildlife-spotting opportunities. Then it's off to the north where you'll explore the misty cloud forests of Monteverde and fly over the forest canopy. After a visit to the famed Arenal Volcano, it's time for another hike, this time to the Hule Lagoon, an ancient crater lake like something out of Conan Doyle's "Lost World." Enjoy waterfall rappelling before ending your Costa Rican adventure with a wild rafting trip down the Pacuare River.
This 11-day itinerary celebrates Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity and highlights four of the country’s magnificent national parks. Traverse the coastal Caribbean waterways of Tortuguero, see the mythical quetzal bird in the cloud forests of Los Quetzales, and search for jaguars and tapirs in the remote habitats of Corcovado. After a day of snorkeling with colorful sea life at Caño Island, travel up the Pacific coast to the white sand beaches and lush jungles of Manuel Antonio.
Costa Rica is a ruggedly beautiful country whose natural highlights are best experienced on foot. That's just what this eight-day luxury vacation itinerary has in store in the form of nature walks and waterfall hikes. You'll also get to the visit the secluded beaches of the southern Osa Peninsula and enjoy a horseback excursion in the remote mountains.
Enjoy the best of Costa Rica on this adventurous 12-day itinerary featuring excursions with private guides and overnight stays in luxury hotels. Begin with a few days of birdwatching, snorkeling, and hiking on the Osa Peninsula, then transfer to La Fortuna, your base for exploring the Arenal area. Trek around Arenal Volcano and relax in hot springs before continuing to Monteverde for a coffee tour and an unforgettable trip through the cloud forest on horseback.
This itinerary is designed for families who want a nature excursion with plenty of adventure mixed in. Your first adventurous destination is the remote Osa Peninsula, where you'll indulge in beaches and rainforest hikes. From here, you'll head inland to pay a visit to Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you'll hike among the treetops via suspension bridges and enjoy even more natural wonders. Finally, make your way to The Gulf of Papagayo to spend three days relaxing on pristine beaches.
This active 9-day itinerary is designed to appeal to nature lovers and adventure fiends of every stripe. It starts on the southern Pacific coast, in the remote, wild Corcovado National Park. Here you'll enjoy rugged hikes abounding with wildlife-spotting opportunities. Then it's off to the north where you'll explore the misty cloud forests of Monteverde and fly over the forest canopy on a zip-line tour. After a visit to the famed Arenal Volcano, it's time for another hike, this time to the Hule Lagoon, an ancient crater lake like something out of Conan Doyle's "Lost World."
This road trip itinerary is a truly off-the-beaten-path nature excursion. Head to the remote beaches and rainforest of the Osa Peninsula before a scenic drive up the Pacific coast. You'll experience white-sand beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park, along with the cloud forest ecosystem of Monteverde where you'll hike over the jungle canopy via suspension bridges. Finally, you'll pay a visit to Arenal, an active volcano and one of Costa Rica's most famous landmarks.
Explore Costa Rica's beautiful natural landscapes—and treat yourself to luxury hotel stays—on this two-week adventure around the country. The itinerary takes you to two national parks, Corcovado and Manuel Antonio, for hiking, snorkeling, and boating excursions. You'll also spot wildlife on a night tour, visit a coffee farm, zip-line through the jungle in the Monteverde cloud forest, and hike to Arenal Volcano, enjoying a dip in natural hot springs nearby to finish the trip.
Take in the best of Costa Rica's wildlife and nature on this two-week trip into the rainforest. Start in Arenal to hike around the Arenal Volcano and soothe your muscles in the regenerative hot springs, then head to Monteverde for a treetops adventure in the cloud forest. You'll zip line through the canopy and hike through the nighttime forest before ending your trip in Manual Antonio, where crystal clear water and endless beaches await.
This memorable two-week adventure in Costa Rica will take you both on and off the tourist trail as you explore the country's most spectacular national parks and nature reserves. See the highlights of San José, then venture south to the rugged paradise of Corcovado. After hiking, surfing, and boat trips along the southern coast, you'll enjoy the beaches of Manuel Antonio, followed by the cloud forests of Monteverde, finishing with more outdoor adventures in the shadow of the Arenal volcano.
Families with tweens and teens will love this active 14-day adventure that starts on the coasts of Tamarindo, where you'll hike to electric-blue waterfalls and see nesting sea turtles. Then, it's off to Monteverde for horseback rides through lush cloud forests and a visit to a sloth sanctuary. Play on the beaches of Manuel Antonio, kayak through the mangroves of Isla Damas, and snorkel at Drake Bay's Isla del Caño before ending in the capital city of San José to see its colorful streets, lively markets, and historic sights.
This adventurous itinerary checks off four of Costa Rica’s key regions. Raft down some of the world’s best rapids, head to Arenal for hikes and hot springs, and lounge on the Pacific beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. End your journey on the remote Osa Peninsula, where rainforests, wildlife, and a near-empty coastline await.
This itinerary is designed for those who want a classic tropical excursion into Costa Rica's rainforests. Start with the remote Osa Peninsula, where you'll visit beaches and hike through the rainforest. Then, drive north along the Pacific coast to the white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park before heading northwest into the Monteverde region. Finally, pay a visit to Arenal, an active volcano and one of Costa Rica's most famous landmarks.
Explore many of Costa Rica's off-the-beaten-path destinations on this 16-day self-drive tour. You'll travel to all corners of the country, from the surf town of Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast, to Arenal Volcano in the north, and to Pacific beaches and protected areas home to exotic wildlife like scarlet macaws. The final leg of this adventure will be a trip to the far south and the remote and beautiful Osa Peninsula.
Enjoy active adventures and luxurious stays on this 11-day Costa Rica journey. Conquer whitewater rapids in Pacuare, before heading to the Arenal Volcano region with opportunities to zipline, hike, and soak in natural hot springs. Then, stop to visit the crocodiles along the Tarcoles River en route to coastal Manuel Antonio, where you'll explore the rainforest and snorkel in pristine waters. Next, hop a flight to an Osa Peninsula eco-lodge, before one last day of exploration in San José.
Experience Costa Rica in style, enjoying excursions with private guides and overnight stays in luxury hotels on this wide-ranging itinerary around the country. Start with birdwatching and snorkeling on the Osa Peninsula, then transfer to Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll take surf lessons. Go horseback riding in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, hike around Arenal Volcano, and relax in natural hot springs before heading back to San José for one last night out on the town.
Go from coast to coast as you encounter wildlife, swim under jungle waterfalls, and unwind on magnificent beaches on this well-rounded Costa Rican adventure. You'll start in the rugged Osa Peninsula on the remote southwestern coast, where you'll find untouched shores and a plethora of tropical animals. Then explore the rainforests of Monteverde and Arenal before embarking on a two-day whitewater rafting trip down the famous Pacuare River. End your unforgettable stay in the Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo, where you'll snorkel, surf, and enjoy the pura vida.
Go from coast to coast as you encounter wildlife, swim under jungle waterfalls, and unwind on magnificent beaches on this well-rounded Costa Rican adventure. You'll start in the rugged Osa Peninsula, where you'll find untouched shores and a plethora of tropical animals. Then explore the rainforests of Monteverde and Arenal before embarking on a two-day whitewater rafting trip down the famous Pacuare River. End your unforgettable stay in the Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo, where you'll snorkel, surf, and enjoy "pura vida".
This two-week nature tour is all about Costa Rica's biodiverse national parks. Begin in Tortuguero, where, depending on the time of year, you can embark on a nighttime turtle nesting tour. In Monteverde, explore the cloud forests via the hanging bridges and ziplines. Manuel Antonio provides the best of both worlds—rainforest and beach scenery–while a tour of the famous Corcovado National Park is a bucket list field trip for nature enthusiasts.
This 14-day seaside adventure takes you from scenic Uvita Beach on the south Pacific Coast all the way to Puerto Viejo, on the Caribbean side. Along the way, you’ll stop in Manuel Antonio, with its beautiful beaches and namesake national park. Then, enjoy a day exploring La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano. Mingle with monkeys, sloths, and other animals at the Jaguar Rescue Center on this family-friendly vacation that ends in the capital city of San José.
Costa Rica is a prime destination for birders. It's home to 850 different species including rare specimens like green parrots, scarlet macaws, resplendent quetzals, and motmots. This 10-day birding itinerary includes stops at the best locales in which to view Costs Rica's abundance of birds, including national parks, remote mountain ranges, and rivers near the Pacific coast.
This itinerary is specifically tuned for wildlife lovers. Expect to get up early and stay out late to see monkeys, lizards, birds, insects, and other spectacular fauna that inhabit the virgin rainforest, cloud forest, and swampy estuaries covered here. The trip begins with a southwest journey from San José to Parque Nacional Corcovado (Corcovado National Park) before continuing northwest along the Pacific coast. Next, head inland to Monteverde for birdwatching and spotting wildlife in the unique ecosystem of the cloud forest.
Costa Rica is a Mecca for bird lovers. Here there are around 850 species of not only endemic birds but also migratory birds that arrive from throughout the hemisphere. Over 11 days you'll view many of these exotic species as you travel to remote rainforests, national parks, biological research centers, and even birding hotspots on Costa Rica's stunning Pacific coast.
