OSA PENINSULA TOURS BY OSA GUIDES
OSA PENINSULA
A WALK ON THE WILDSIDE
Discover the authentic charm of the Osa Peninsula through tours thoughtfully designed by our passionate guides themselves.
With their in-depth knowledge and love for the Peninsula, each excursion is carefully crafted to showcase its unique biodiversity while promoting sustainable practices.
Book your ecotour with Osa Peninsula Tours today and join us on a journey that not only allows you to experience the splendor of nature but also contributes to the conservation efforts of this precious ecosystem.
Together, let’s explore, learn, and appreciate the true essence of this colorful peninsula.
OSA TOURISM SIGNATURE TOURS
Osa Peninsula Tours by Osa Guides
Discover the extraordinary flora and fuana tours, expertly crafted by knowledgeable local guides with a deep understanding of the region’s natural history. These exceptional tours offer a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the captivating natural world of the Osa Peninsula.
Highly recommended by OsaTourism, these guide-designed tours operate exclusively from our charming village of Puerto Jimenez.
NATURE’S CASCADING WONDERS TOUR
Discover Hidden Osa Peninsula Waterfalls, a Journey Known Only to Locals
Waterfalls are not just magnificent natural phenomena; they possess a special ability to resonate with the human soul. Their captivating allure and the hypnotic rhythm of falling water can stir the senses and inspire a profound sense of wonder. Waterfalls exude a magical and mystical aura that has the potential to deeply impact our emotional and spiritual well-being.
Journey to Secluded Waterfalls Deep in the Rainforest
A Waterfall Tour deep within the heart of the Osa Peninsula Rainforest is an enchanting journey into the pristine and secluded beauty of one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions. This immersive adventure leads you through lush, unspoiled rainforest terrain, taking you to hidden waterfalls that remain a well-kept secret of the local communities.
As you trek through the dense rainforest, you’ll witness a vibrant tapestry of flora and fauna, all while being serenaded by the symphony of nature’s sounds. The highlight of this tour is the discovery of breathtaking waterfalls, each with its unique character and charm. These cascading wonders not only captivate with their sheer beauty but also possess the remarkable ability to evoke a sense of awe and wonder in those who witness them.
With each step, you’ll find yourself more deeply connected to the natural world, as the waterfalls’ mystical aura has the power to awaken your senses and offer a profound connection to the rainforest’s emotional and spiritual essence. This adventure in the Osa Peninsula Rainforest is a remarkable opportunity to explore the untamed wilderness and discover the transformative magic of these hidden waterfalls, making it an experience that leaves an indelible mark on your memory and soul.
Waterfalls on the Osa Peninsula
Osa Peninsula Major Rivers
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RIO PIRO RAINFOREST TOUR
With its closer proximity, immediate access to primary (virgin) rainforest, and sparse foot traffic, this full-day hike was designed as a superior alternative to the day hike into Corcovado National Park.
Despite being open to the public if you are accompanied by a guide, Rio Piro is mostly utilized as a site for biological studies and conservation projects, which offers an escape from the crowds of hikers heading into the national park.
Discover More About Rio Piro Rainforest Tour
With an elaborate trail network and abundant wildlife, the Piro Reserve houses some of the largest and oldest tree specimens on the Osa Peninsula. Plus, large populations of endangered animals populate the secluded area.
But, this tour also takes time to focus on the small wonders of the tropical rainforest. We discover fascinating insects like the helicopter damselfly, metallic blue and green orchid bees, the hourglass frog, and the glass-winged butterfly. We unlock some of the mysteries of the forest, unveiling some of the complex and interconnected relationships between plants and animals, like the acacia ant which defends the bull-horned acacia tree. By tapping into the deeper workings of the forest, we discover a complex web of relationships which help make the tropical rainforest the world’s most biodiverse land-based ecosystem.
The tour ends with a picnic lunch overlooking the unique rock outcroppings found on Piro Beach. We explore the tide pools and admire the long uninhabited coastline and the large ocean waves erupting on the nearby rocks.
Immerse yourself with this exploration of our natural world.
Monkey Species Osa Peninsula
Species of Wildcats Osa Peninsula
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BOAT TOUR RIO ESQUINAS ESTUARY
The Esquinas (“corners”) river is the second largest river system in the Golfo Dulce and by far the wildest and most pristine. The trip takes us across the gulf by boat, offering a chance at pelagic species, as well as dolphins, whales, sea snakes, and sea turtles along the way.
Discover More About The Rio Esquinas Estuary
By crossing the gulf, we arrive along the remote and inaccessible coastline of Piedras Blancas National Park, where jagged forested hillsides tower over the water’s edge.
We troll our way along the stunning coastline, eventually entering the red mangrove lined mouth of the river to explore the narrowing interconnecting canals. Gradually, the mangrove forest grows in height, as the red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) are replaced by the taller, tightly packed majestic white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) with their dense stands and elaborate root mazes. Calls of the many bird species that are endemic to these distinct forests break the silence, singing through the trees and echoing off of the water, like mangrove hummingbirds and mangrove warblers, joined by the occasional pop of a butter clam bursting back open. A litany of birds greet us around each bend of the river, like tiger and boat-billed herons, kingfishers, roseate spoonbills, white ibis, whimbrels, willets and much more.
We proceed up river, passing by areas of forest that eventually lead to open pasture framed by the forests of Piedras Blancas National Park and the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve, offering a staggering array of habitats for one trip, brimming with their respective bird species.
Average Yearly Lifespan of Mangroves
The Estimated Threatened Species Around The World Protected By Mangrove Forests
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THE MYTHS OF THE GOLFO DULCE
Designed to explore the Golfo Dulce, this tour goes one step further and includes a look down the rabbit hole of the myths that surround Costa Rica’s Sweet Gulf. So along with seeing the resident dolphin pods, the underwater wonderland and the humpback whales in season, you will get a chance to experience the deeper natural history of this tropical fjord.
Discover More About The Myths
For example, folklore has made a connection between the Golfo Dulce near Rincon to UFOs. Depths of 275 meters are recorded in that area, and legend says flying saucers flew from the sky into the gulf and followed a series of underwater tunnels that reached as far as the Sierpe wetlands.
The Golfo Dulce has a mystical feeling as the rainforest mountains rise out of the water and it looks very much like it did when Sir Frances Drake, then in 1569, visited the shores of the OSA. He allegedly buried a treasure somewhere along the Pacific coast that continues to hide from discovery today.
Explore the natural history of the Golfo Dulce on this unique Osa-guide designed experience.
Species of dolphins and whales
Length of the Golfo Dulce in kms
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BIRDING BIODIVERSITY TOUR
The Osa Peninsula is one of the premier birdwatching destinations in Costa Rica and is known for its high levels of biodiversity and unique habitats. This tour goes from sea level to the mountaintop with an option of entering the Piro Reserve.
This tour starts early and can range from half-day trips to multi-day expeditions and are led by an experienced guide who can help you spot and identify the different bird species in the area.
The Osa Peninsula is home to a high number of bird species, with over 400 species identified in the area. This includes a number of endemic species, such as the Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager and the Mangrove Hummingbird.
More about Birding on the Osa Peninsula
Location: The Osa Peninsula is located in southwestern Costa Rica and is part of the Osa Conservation Area. The peninsula is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Golfo Dulce to the east.
Biodiversity: The Osa Peninsula is home to a high number of bird species, with over 400 species identified in the area. This includes a number of endemic species, such as the Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager and the Mangrove Hummingbird.
Habitats: The Osa Peninsula has a variety of different habitats that attract a range of bird species. This includes mangrove forests, rainforests, wetlands, and beaches. Some of the most popular birdwatching spots on the peninsula include Corcovado National Park, Piedras Blancas National Park, and the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve.
Best time to go: The dry season, which runs from December to April, is generally considered the best time to go birdwatching on the Osa Peninsula. During this time, the weather is more predictable, making it easier to plan birdwatching trips. However, the Osa Peninsula can be birded year-round, with different species more active at different times of the year.
Bird Species Osa Peninsula
Osa Ecosystems
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THE OSA NOCTURNAL WILDLIFE CRAWL
This 2-hour guided-night-tour, within a private reserve on the watershed that enters the village of Puerto Jiménez, is both convenient and enlightening. The river systems are a hot spot for wildlife and we often find caimans, turtles, basilisk, herons, and bats.
The night walk follows 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.
Explore The Osa Nights
Some creatures only come out at night so this is your only chance of spotting and hearing them, while getting the chance to experience a unique side of our natural world. These captivating moments will be treasured memories and give depth to your understanding of the magic of the Osa Peninsula.
It’s a whole different world as the sun goes down and the night comes alive. Experience the Osa night life.
%
of the world biodiversity is here on the Osa
%
of the tropical rainforest wildlife comes out only at night
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PHOTOGRAPHING THE BIODIVERSITY
The Osa Peninsula offers photographers a unique opportunity to capture the beauty and diversity of one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Whether you are interested in wildlife, birding, or landscapes, the Osa Peninsula has something for every photographer.
This designed tour explores the area’s incredible biodiversity and unique landscapes. The lighting on the Osa Peninsula is often ideal for photography, with soft morning and evening light providing stunning opportunities for capturing the natural beauty of the area.
Be guided to remote areas unknown to other to take in the uniqueness of photographing the Osa Peninsula and the Natural World.
More about Photography on the Osa
Wildlife: The Osa Peninsula is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, tapirs, and big cats like jaguars and pumas. This makes it an ideal destination for wildlife photography.
Birds: As mentioned earlier, the Osa Peninsula is also a birdwatching paradise, with over 400 bird species identified in the area. This makes it a great destination for bird photography.
Landscapes: The Osa Peninsula has a variety of unique landscapes, from lush rainforests to pristine beaches. This provides ample opportunities for landscape photography.
Lighting: The lighting on the Osa Peninsula is often ideal for photography, with soft morning and evening light providing stunning opportunities for capturing the natural beauty of the area.
Accessibility: Despite being a remote location, the Osa Peninsula is relatively accessible for photographers, with a number of lodges and tour operators catering to photographers and their unique needs.
Species on the Osa Peninsula
Species of Insects
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THE GIANTS OF THE OSA
This exploration of our canopy, and the influence of individual trees, gets to the roots of the Osa Peninsula natural history.
There are 13 major ecosystems, ranging from sea level to a height of 745 meters. These ecosystems encompassing mangroves, sandy beaches and elevated primary forests.
Discover More About the Giants of the Osa
As a result, the Osa Peninsula is home to over 800 species of trees, which is more than all the North temperate regions of the world combined. Trees that are comparable in grandeur to the best that the Amazon Basin and the South East Asian forests have to offer, with 80 endemic species and the largest tree in Central America, a giant Silk Cotton tree some 77 metres tall.
With all their wacky local names, the trees of the Osa Peninsula are described as ‘a source of beer and stinking toes’, ‘fruits too delicious to get’, ‘cow milk and bark cloth’, ‘the real chewing gum’, and ‘bitter drops for your health’…to name a few.
Walk among these giants of the Osa and gain a greater knowledge of our natural world.
Tree Species on the Osa
Meters... The Giant Silk Cotton tree
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OSA PENINSULA TOURS BY OSA GUIDES
THERE’S MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
The Osa Guides are deeply passionate about the Osa Peninsula and offer their unique perspective by designing their own Osa Peninsula tours. This allows visitors to experience the many layers of the Osa through the eyes of experienced natural guides who are certified by ICT (The Costa Rican Tourism Board) and recommended by Osa Tourism.
With their in-depth knowledge and a passion for storytelling, these guides are excellent communicators who can share fascinating insights into the natural world of the Osa Peninsula.
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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.