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All about the Osa Peninsula

 

The Osa Peninsula has been Costa Rica's best kept secret until now. All who have visited agree that it is by far the most beautiful, remote and least spoilt area of this tropical country.

It is the last stronghold in Central America for many endangered species, 2.5% of the world's biodiversity within 100,000 acres of national park and surrounding area makes it easy to understand why National Geographic decribed the Osa Peninsula as 'one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth'.

Corcovado National Park conserves the largest primary forest on the American Pacific coastline and one of the few remaining sizeable areas of lowland tropical rainforests in the world, boasting 700 species of trees, more than 365 species of birds (with several endemic species), 117 species of reptiles, almost 10,000 species of insects, and about 140 species of mammals (representing 10% of the mammal-species in America). The Osa's breathtaking rugged natural primary rainforest splendor rivals in grandeur with the best that the Amazon can offer; definitely the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s National Parks.

​Wild and magical, this natural paradise is a soothing and nurturing haven for the soul! 
One of only four tropical fjords in the whole world, the pristine Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf), also in this region, is an extremely important calving ground for whales from both the northern and southern hemisphere during their annual migrations. Also, hundreds of marine turtles, many on the verge of extinction, come to nest every year. If that were not enough, the Gulf is the home and play ground to hundreds of spotted and bottlenose dolphins.

The largest intact mangrove ecosystem in Pacific Mesoamerica is located in the delta region of the Sierpe and Terraba rivers, which together form a continuous network of waterways through the mangroves and the Golfo Dulce; a crucial nursery for a wide variety of fish, shrimp and many other marine species. Needless to say, the delicate ecology and unique marine environment is not only very special, it is very fragile.

Sharks and crocodiles feed together in the river mouths, jaguars patrol the beaches while the abundant Tapir take a morning bathe in the ocean; giant red Macaws fly in groups overhead, and  large herds of White-Lipped Peccaries forage through the green underbrush. As part of the "land bridge" and wildlife corridor that links the large continents of North America and South America, diverse habitats include montane forest (more than half the park), cloud forest, jolillo forest (palm swamp), prairie forest, alluvial plains forest, swamp forest, freshwater herbaceous swamp and mangrove.

Caño Island, a 300 hectar National Park, 15km away from the western end of the Peninsula is a smaller yet no less important marine refuge. The oceanic sector of the reserve protects 5,800 ha. of marine habitat surrounding the island. Colorful fish as Moorish Idols, Blue Parrotfish, King Angelfish, Spotted Sharpnose Puffers, Barberfish, and Rainbow Wrasses along with numerous other marine species swim in and about the last living corals in the area.

Tourism and traditional fishing are two of the most important industries in the region, enjoy the art of Osa living, while helping to preserve this peninsula through ecotourism. On the Osa Peninsula local rural tourism is being encouraged and developed in order to create more job opportunities and preserve cultural identity as well as the impressive flora and fauna of the area.

The unique ecosystems on the Osa Peninsula provide invaluable services to the people of Osa and all of humanity, who depend on clean air, drinking water, food, a stable climate, jobs, and cultural resources. The beauty of the Osa Peninsula is bound to change your perspective on life. Experience first hand the healing energy the Peninsula of Osa has to offer, reconnect with your inner self and share in the Light.

 The Osa needs sustainable development in order to preserve not only its nature, but also the diversity and uniqueness of its people. We invite you to visit, and with your conscientious presence, be part of the solution.
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