Osa Peninsula

Costa Rica, Central America

The Osa Peninsula is a lush, biodiverse wonderland in Costa Rica, home to Corcovado National Park, brimming with unique wildlife like jaguars and scarlet macaws. Known for its pristine beaches, towering rainforest, and vibrant culture, it offers adventurous trails, stunning waterfalls, and thrilling eco-tours. Ideal for nature lovers and thrill-seekers, the Osa encourages travelers to immerse in its spectacular scenery, making it a quintessential Costa Rican experience.

Quick facts

Target stay

4-7 days

Type

Region

Vibe

Active

Airport

Golfito

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

11 Best Things to Do in Osa Peninsula

1

Est. 8 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Corcovado National Park

Discover incredible biodiversity in this pristine rainforest.

Booking required
2

Est. 5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Drake Bay

Relax on the stunning beaches and enjoy water sports.

No booking required
3

Est. 4 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Go Whale Watching

Spot migrating humpback whales in the Pacific waters.

Booking required
4

Est. 5 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Snorkel at Caño Island

Experience vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters.

Booking required
5

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hike to La Leona

Enjoy breathtaking views along the coastal trail.

No booking required
6

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Take a Night Tour in the Jungle

Experience the rainforest's nocturnal wildlife.

Booking required
7

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary

Learn about animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

No booking required
8

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Surfing at Matapalo Beach

Ride the waves at one of Costa Rica's best surf spots.

No booking required
9

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Golfo Dulce

Kayak and enjoy the serene beauty of the gulf.

No booking required
10

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Puerto Jimenez

Experience local culture and vibrant community life.

No booking required
11

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Bird Watching in Osa Peninsula

Spot exotic birds in their natural habitats.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Not expected

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

7 (#29 globally)

Cost

Standard

Currency

Costa Rican Colon

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Spanish

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Gallo Pinto

VE

Rice and beans breakfast staple. (National dish)

Casado

Rice, beans, meat, and salad plate.

Chifrijo

Rice, beans, pork, and avocado bowl.

Arroz con Pollo

Rice with chicken and vegetables.

Olla de Carne

Beef stew with vegetables and potatoes.

Phrases to learn

English

Spanish

Hello

Hola

(Oh-lah)

Yes/No

Si / No

(See / No)

Thank you

Gracias

(Grah-thee-ahs)

Excuse me

Perdón

(Per-dohn)

How much?

¿Cuánto?

(Kwan-toh)