
WILDLIFE ON THE OSA PENINSULA
Experience the awe-inspiring wildlife of the Osa Peninsula, home to an astounding 250,000 species, including 323 endemic plants and animals found exclusively in this region. Prepare to be captivated by the Peninsula’s iconic wildlife, leaving first-time visitors in a state of wonder, awe, and fascination. From rare endemic species to breathtaking biodiversity, the Osa Peninsula offers a wildlife experience like no other on Earth.
Mother Nature’s Rules
#1 Protect the things we love
#2 Don’t feed the wildlife
#3 Watch your step
In this insightful proverb rooted in Indigenous (Huron) wisdom, we are reminded of Mother Nature’s timeless rules for coexisting harmoniously with the natural world. The three guidelines are succinct yet profound: to protect the things we love, to avoid feeding the wildlife, and to watch our steps carefully. These principles resonate with the essence of ecological balance and respect for all living beings. The proverb calls upon us to listen to the voice of nature, which reveals its invaluable treasures to those who tread gently and attentively. It serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between humans and the environment, urging us to act as responsible stewards of the Earth’s splendor.
EXPLORING COSTA RICA’S HIDDEN GEM
Located in southwestern Costa Rica, the Osa Peninsula is a biodiverse region that attracts nature and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. The region boasts a rich variety of wildlife and natural attractions, including protected national parks, stunning beaches, and marine reserves.
Corcovado National Park is one of the main attractions of the Osa Peninsula and is considered one of the most biologically diverse national parks on the planet. It’s home to numerous species, such as monkeys, sloths, jaguars, tapirs, and hundreds of bird species. Visitors to the park can join guided tours to explore the rainforests and beaches and increase their chances of spotting wildlife.
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The Osa Peninsula’s marine life is also a popular attraction, with opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and whale and dolphin watching. The region has vibrant coral reefs and a variety of exotic fish, sea turtles, and dolphins.
Birdwatching is another popular activity in the Osa Peninsula, with toucans, parrots, and the rare scarlet macaw among the many species that can be found. Visitors can join guided tours or use birding guides and binoculars to spot the diverse birdlife.
The Osa Peninsula offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, with numerous opportunities to immerse oneself in the region’s rich biodiversity. As the region gains popularity, it’s important to ensure responsible travel practices to preserve the environment and sustain the well-being of local communities.
In summary, the Osa Peninsula is a hidden gem that offers a rich variety of natural attractions and wildlife experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or a beginner, the Osa Peninsula is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature and wildlife.
A NATURAL EXPERIENCE
THE WILDLIFE OF THE OSA PENINSULA
2.5%
OF OUR PLANET’S BIODIVERSITY
SEE AND HEAR
OSA BIODIVERSITY
The Osa Peninsula, located in southwestern Costa Rica, has a unique geological history. It was once submerged under the sea and later rose above the surface due to the collision of the land bridge connecting North and South America. This geological event has contributed to the high biodiversity of the region.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Osa Peninsula’s rainforests are home to over 100 species of trees per hectare and a rich wildlife population of over 100 species of mammals, such as the tapir and puma, along with a diverse range of bird species and over 8,000 insect species. Unlike other rainforests across the globe, the Osa’s rainforests are easily accessible by car, bike, hiking, or kayaking. Even stepping out of your ecolodge will reveal the incredible natural energy that surrounds you on the Osa Peninsula.
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However, human activity has had a significant impact on the natural world of the Osa Peninsula. Despite the plea of Spanish naturalist Fernandez de Oveido in the 18th century to preserve the forests, clearing the jungle was considered the best way to improve the land. It wasn’t until the creation of Corcovado National Park in the 1970s and the departure of foreign mining companies in the late 1980s that the Osa Peninsula began to turn towards conservation.
The rise of ecotourism in the 1990s has further supported conservation efforts, allowing wildlife on the Osa to recover and spread out from the traditional safe areas to the refugios established around the ecolodges. By staying at an ecolodge on the Osa Peninsula, visitors can support the conservation of the region’s wildlife.
Today, the Osa Peninsula remains a popular destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The Corcovado National Park is considered one of the most biologically diverse national parks in the world and offers a variety of guided tours for visitors to experience the region’s rich biodiversity. Additionally, the Osa Peninsula is known for its vibrant reefs, exotic fish, sea turtles, and dolphins, making it a popular destination for underwater enthusiasts.
Tree Species Osa Peninsula
Flora&Fauna Species Osa Peninsula
Species of WildCats
Endemic Plants and Animals
Species of Mammals


Humans Living In Sync
Support Our EcoSystems and the EcoTourism
The Wildlife of the Osa Peninsula
Discover the mysterious and fascinating ways in which animals, plants and people interact with one another in the rainforests of the Osa Peninsula.
WILDCATS

Read About The Wildcats
The Osa Peninsula has 5 of the 6 wildcats in Costa Rica; the puma, the jaguar, the ocelot, the margay, and the jaguarundi. The largest cat is the jaguar. The smallest on the Osa Peninsula is the margay.
MONKEYS

Read About The Monkeys
All four species of Costa Rica’s primates are found on the Osa Peninsula and each have unique personalities. The squirrel monkeys seem like the children of the Osa primates. Often on the move, they jump around with their youthful energy. The spider monkeys are more like teenagers as they play and swing through the primary rainforest. The whiteface monkeys are smart. They are the adults while the howler monkeys are the old men of the rainforest as they seem to complain about everything from waking up in the morning to going to sleep at night you can hear their howls from kilometers away.
INSECTS

Read About Insects
Insect populations account for 85% of all animals that live on the Osa Peninsula. There are more than 10,000 species of insects here. The Osa contains the most significant wetland ecosystem and mangrove forests of Central America and the largest remaining tract of lowland rainforest in Pacific Mesoamerica. Enjoying this balanced environment allows you to also see the importance of the small natural world.
BIRDS

Read About the Osa Birds
Birding in the Osa Peninsula is an unforgettable experience, harboring over 460 species of birds alone. Birding on the Osa Peninsula is one of the best places in the world for birding enthusiasts by far. Check out our Birding on the Osa.
REPTILES

Read About Reptiles
Common amphibians and reptiles include frogs, toads, iguanas, crocodiles, snakes, geckos and anoles. The high herpetological diversity is based on the region´s exceptional geographic situation. The nocturnal concert of frogs call is unforgettable. On a night hike, you are likely to encounter spectacularly coloured frogs and catch a glimpse of some of the world’s most fascinating reptiles.
TREES

Read About the Giants of the Osa
With 13 ecosystems on the Osa Peninsula from sea level to its highest point of 782 meters, there are an amazing array of tree species…800 and counting! As a result, the Osa Peninsula is home to more species of trees than all the Northern temperate regions of the world combined. The locals have colourful wacky names, such 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.
PLANTS

Read About the Plants of the Osa Peninsula
The Osa has more than 4,000 vascular plants, with 323 endemic species. Osa Pulchra, a member of the Rubiaceae (coffee family) is one of Costa Rica’s most spectacular and rare endemic species of flowering plants. The genus, named after the Osa peninsula, was formally described in 1979 and has only this one species. Pulchra, of course, means beautiful. To fully appreciate plant diversity in this corner of Costa Rica, get a local nature guide to show you how to recognize some of the area’s most remarkable plants while appreciating Costa Rican rainforest’s medicinal bounty.



JUST THE FACTS
The Wildlife on the Osa Peninsula
December to May
Weather has a lot to do with your natural experience on the Osa. This is the time of least amount of rain on the Osa, with the driest month being March.
PROS – when exploring nature you must be in nature, so the dry season allows for a more comfortable hiking experience.
CONS – more people on the trails. There are loads of trails but more pople means animals are less likely to show themselves.
May to September
These are the transitional months and a time of afternoon rains and storms.
PROS – many people say the transitional months are the best. With the rains comes life. More animals less people.
CONS – be prepared. With rain comes different challenges.
Sept to December
This is the peak of our rainy season with showers daily and the wettest month being October.
PROS – nature rules at this time of year. So when hiking in the Osa Rainforest, you will feel totally immersed.
CONS – flexibility is important during these times with the heavier rains. Not everyday will cooperate with your plans.
Donations to the Osa Peninsula
Supporting the conservation efforts on the Osa Peninsula is a great way to add your energy to an incredible place of such biodiversity. We will be listing many of the projects that put donations to good use in the near future.
Costa Rica law bans hunting as a sport.

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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.