OSA INTERACTIVE GARDENS
PUERTO JIMENEZ
Osa Peninsula
THE OSA INTERACTIVE GARDENS
CELEBRATE OUR ECOSYSTEMS
Puerto Jimenez, Osa Peninsula
THE EXPERIENCE
Osa Peninsula Ecosystem
A Walk on the Wildside
Osa Interactive Gardens in Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula is a botanical garden and nature reserve located in the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is a unique destination that provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about and experience the incredible biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula region.
The garden features a variety of plants and trees, including many that are native to the Osa Peninsula and have medicinal properties. Visitors can learn about the traditional uses of these plants, as well as the importance of protecting the rainforest and preserving indigenous knowledge.
In addition to the botanical garden, Osa Interactive Gardens offers guided tours, workshops, and educational programs that aim to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and sustainable development in the Osa Peninsula region. The garden also works with local communities to support sustainable agriculture and promote the use of rainforest plants for medicinal purposes.
Visitors to Osa Interactive Gardens can enjoy a unique and immersive experience, learning about the plants and animals of the Osa Peninsula, while also contributing to the preservation of this unique and important ecosystem.
THE HISTORY OF THE MEDICINAL RAINFOREST
The Osa Peninsula is a region located in the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, and it is well known for its rich biodiversity and abundance of plant species, many of which have medicinal properties.
The use of medicinal rainforest plants has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient civilizations. Indigenous peoples have been using rainforest plants for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, long before the advent of modern medicine. In fact, many modern pharmaceutical drugs are based on compounds derived from rainforest plants.
The indigenous peoples of the Amazon Rainforest have used a vast array of plant-based remedies for a wide range of health conditions, including digestive problems, skin conditions, and fever.
As modern medicine developed, many pharmaceutical companies began to take an interest in the potential of rainforest plants as a source of new drugs. In the mid-20th century, researchers discovered that the rosy periwinkle, a plant found in the rainforests of Madagascar, contained compounds that could be used to treat childhood leukemia. This discovery led to the development of the first effective chemotherapy drug for the treatment of childhood leukemia.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards the sustainable and ethical use of rainforest plants for medicinal purposes, which aims to protect the rainforest and support the local communities that rely on these plants for their livelihoods.
MEDICINAL PLANTS ON THE OSA PENINSULA
UNCOVER THE SECRETS OF NATURE’S PHARMACY
Some of the most commonly used medicinal rainforest plants from the Osa Peninsula include:
Aloe vera: The sap of this succulent plant is used topically to treat burns, wounds, and skin conditions.
Wild ginger: The roots of this plant are used to make a tea that is used to treat digestive issues and stomach pain.
Passionflower: The leaves and stems of this plant are used to make a tea that is used to treat anxiety and insomnia.
Guava: The leaves of this plant are used to make a tea that is used to treat diarrhea and stomach problems.
Turmeric: The roots of this plant are used to make a spice that is used in cooking and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Neem: The leaves of this tree are used to make a paste that is applied to the skin to treat skin conditions, such as acne and eczema.
Soursop: The leaves of this plant are used to make a tea that is used to treat fever and stomach problems.
Bacuri: The fruit of this tree is used to make a paste that is applied to the skin to treat wounds and insect bites.
Chiric Sanango: The bark of this plant is used to make a tea that is used to treat a variety of health conditions, including arthritis, respiratory problems, and fever.
Chanca Piedra: The leaves and stems of this plant are used to make a tea that is used to treat kidney stones and liver problems.
Yerba Mate: The leaves of this plant are used to make a tea that is used to boost energy and improve mental alertness.
Cat’s Claw: The bark of this vine is used to make a tea that is used to treat a variety of health conditions, including inflammation, arthritis, and digestive problems.
Uña de Gato: The bark of this plant is used to make a tea that is used to treat a variety of health conditions, including cancer, arthritis, and digestive problems.
Mora: The fruit of this tree is used to make a juice that is used to treat a variety of health conditions, including high blood pressure and digestive problems.
Boldo: The leaves of this plant are used to make a tea that is used to treat digestive problems and liver issues.
These are just a few examples of the many medicinal rainforest plants that are found in the Osa Peninsula. It is important to note that the use of these plants should be done under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner, as some plants can have side effects or interact with other medications.
THE OSA INTERACTIVE GARDEN TOURS
DISCOVER THE HEALING POWER OF THE NATURAL WORLD
The Interactive NIGHT TOUR
This is a 2-hour guided night tour at Osa Interactive Gardens and Private Reserve. Enter the forest and cross a narrow bridge under the huge Ceiba tree. The river is a hot spot for wildlife and we often find caimans, turtles, basilisk, herons, and bats. Walk the path along the river to look for kinkajous, sleeping monkeys, insects, and frogs but watch your step while we look for our slithering scaly friends. We check the frog ponds, where we almost always find red-eyed tree frogs, and if we are lucky, gladiator and masked tree frog, tadpoles, and eggs. We explore the gardens to find sleeping butterflies hiding under leaves and many other colorful and strange insects. Then walk to another winding trail back down to the river, where, with some luck, we find more frogs, sleeping birds, owls, lizards, and a huge variety of insects.
5:30-7:30 pm
$40/person, 8 years and under free.
MACRO-PHOTOGRAPHY at Osa Interactive Gardens
Professional, quality photography and easy access to the biodiversity of the Osa. In this workshop, guests have the opportunity to photograph the diverse wildlife of the Osa Peninsula with all of the conveniences of our private rainforest reserve; close to town, easy, well-maintained trails, bathroom, covered area with fans for gear and cooling off. No need to travel far down the bumpy, dusty roads with all of your expensive gear. The trails are scouted the night before and in the early morning before the group arrives, guaranteeing close encounters with some of the most iconic rainforest species, like the red-eyed tree frog and gravity defying basilisk lizards. Osa Interactive Gardens is frequently visited by 4 species of monkey and scarlet macaws are very common. However, macrophotography is where we really take it to the next level. This is an entomologist’s paradise for amateurs and professionals alike. Join us for this 2.5-3 hour unforgettable jungle experience.
Times flexible to guest’s schedule.
$40/person (minimum 2 people) free for group leader of groups 4 or more.
Osa Interactive Birdwatching and Wildlife Rainforest Tour.
(Only Offered in the High Season)
On the 2-hour Osa Interactive Gardens tour we explore the reserve and large number of medicinal plants. Enter the property under the huge kapok tree and cross the bridge over the Ignacia river, where there is often wildlife like herons, basilisk, and caiman. Follow the trail along the river where there is a good chance to see monkeys, macaws, and toucans. Head up to the main part of the reserve to check the frog ponds and the permaculture garden, producing many fruits and medicinal plants. Enter the large pavilion that has a labeled botanical collection with many endemic plants found only on the Osa Peninsula. The gardens can be viewed from 3 tall and beautifully carved treehouse platforms. This jungle experience is located right in Puerto Jimenez but feels deep in the jungle.
8:00-10:00 am
$30/person, 8 years and under free.
Osa Interactive Gardens is dedicated to promoting the conservation of the region’s biodiversity and showcasing the medicinal properties of the rainforest plants found on the Osa Peninsula as well as the wildlife that lives within it.
DISCOVER THE NATURAL WORLD
The Osa Interactive Gardens – Schedule 2021-2022
Please reserve your tours by messaging us from the email tab.
Please wear close-toed shoes. And we recommend you bring a camera, binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, and long pants.
THE OSA TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER
Up-To-Date Tourist Information from the Osa Peninsula
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TOP TEN THINGS TO EXPERIENCE ON THE OSA PENINSULA
1. Visit Corcovado National Park: The Park is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws.
2. Go Whale Watching: The Osa Peninsula is one of the best places in Costa Rica to go whale watching. You can spot humpback whales, pilot whales, and even orcas.
3. Explore the Beaches: The Osa Peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. From white sand beaches to black sand beaches, there is something for everyone.
4. Go Sport Fishing: The Osa Peninsula is a great place to go sport fishing. You can catch a variety of fish, including marlin, sailfish, and roosterfish.
5. Visit the Waterfalls: The Osa Peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica. From the majestic King Louis (Matapalo Waterfall) to the awesome Magical Mogos Waterfalls, there is something for everyone.
6. Go Bird Watching: The Osa Peninsula is home to a variety of birds, including toucans, parrots, and oropendolas.
7. Take a Boat Tour of the Golfo Dulce: Take a boat tour of the Osa Peninsula and explore the mangroves, islands, and beaches.
8. Go Kayaking: Kayaking is a great way to explore the Osa Peninsula. You can paddle through the mangroves and explore the islands.
9. Go Hiking: The Osa Peninsula is home to a variety of hiking trails, from easy to difficult. Explore the rainforest and spot a variety of wildlife.
10. Surfing: It is a great destination for surfers, with some of the best waves in the country. The waves here are suitable for all levels of surfers, from beginners to experienced surfers.