South & Central America

Corcovado National Park & Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula, located in Costa Rica’s south western corner, is one of the country’s most remote regions and is home to some of Central America’s last remaining and most ecologically important coastal rainforest. At the heart of the peninsula is the Corcovado National Park, which extends to over 42,000 hectares and is arguably the most beautiful and pristine of all the nation’s protected parks and reserves and is one of its great natural wonders.

Its rivers, mangroves, rain forest and cloud forest are home to a fabulous variety of wildlife including many monkey species, coatimundis, tapir, sloths, giant anteaters, peccaries and even the endangered jaguar. The area also plays host to over 6000 insect species such as the extraordinary leaf cutting ants and over 365 bird species including toucans, tanagers and the magnificent scarlet macaw.

The nearby Cano Island Biological Reserve incorporates the 326 hectare Cano Island, situated 17 kms from the mainland and is just the tip of a large underwater rock formation. These protected waters are one of the best areas for snorkelling in Costa Rica and are home to 15 different coral species as well as a fantastic number of fish, rays and occasionally turtles and whales. The island itself has some lovely trails through the rain forest and a small beach and is the perfect place for a full day trip.

Our preferred hotels include:

Casa Corcovado Lodge

Villa Corcovado

Lapa Rios EcoLodge

Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge