Osa Peninsula
Corcovado and the Osa Peninsula region are a real highlight of Costa Rica - a stunning wilderness where pristine rainforest tumbles down onto wild beaches and where the forest and ocean are teeming with wildlife. This is one of the best spots in the world for dolphin and bird watching. With much of the area designated national park, it plays host to a huge biodiversity and the few accommodations on offer tend to be superb small eco lodges each set within their own slice of virgin rainforest.
Set in the the Southwest of Costa Rica, getting here is the tough part. There are regular light aircraft flights from San Jose or it is a long drive, usually broken with a stop at Manuel Antonio or in the whale region around Uvita. The flights are an experience in themselves offering stunning views over the Pacific Coast flying directly over Manuel Antonio and the famous whale tale geological formation. This area plays host to a good number of superb ecolodges each set within their own slice of pristine rainforest and offering a mix of ocean and rainforest experiences. Some of the best lodges in the area charge up to $400 per person per night but there are more reasonable alternatives around $300 per person per night (such as El Remanso and Nicuesa). Even so, this is not really a region to consider if your budget is very tight.
Lodges within the Golfo Dulce contrast nicely with those facing the Pacific Ocean in the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado area. So a 2 lodge stay can make sense. The gulf is best for dolphin viewing and kayaking. Those on the Osa Peninsula around the opening to the Gulf benefit from open ocean views and offer superb beginner and pro surfing opportunities and those in Drake Bay, Corcovado are best located for treks in Corcovado and trips out to Cano Island (some of the best snorkelling in Costa Rica).
The region is subject to the same weather patterns as the rest of the country but we would consider it a good option year round. In the rainy season (May to October) you are likely to see afternoon rainfall on a daily basis, but come morning it is bright and sunny and the tropical rainstorms are themselves an experience to savour. In the dry season, rain is still common but more likely only one or two afternoons a week.
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