Beyond Corcovado...
Welcome back, explorer!
As is well known, the biggest attraction of the Osa Peninsula is Corcovado National Park. However, our natural and cultural richness goes far beyond the boundaries of the national park. And while Corcovado is definitely a must-do tour, the peninsula has much more to offer. So keep reading, because here we tell you about the best activities outside the national park that you can’t miss during your trip to the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica.
The Osa Peninsula has a unique characteristic: a great variety of local businesses are still run by their owners. This allows you to enjoy more personalized and familiar experiences. Additionally, you’ll know that every time you buy a tour outside the park, in most cases you are helping the economy of these families who lovingly work to provide you with unique experiences, making each tour a unique memory.
Kayaking in the Golfo Dulce is a mandatory stop. Whether you decide to take a mangrove or bioluminescence tour, I assure you that the magic of the Gulf’s landscapes never disappoints. Besides the tours, there’s the option to rent a kayak and explore on your own. However, if you choose this option, I recommend that you look for information on tide times, as here, unlike other places, the tides can be very high or very low. It’s also important to consider the weather conditions and the condition of the equipment you rent.
Dolphin and Whale Watching
The Golfo Dulce is home to two resident species of dolphins and has two whale seasons, so you will undoubtedly find a spectacle of marine mammals in their natural habitat. Sightings on these tours are very common because the local population is healthy, and a responsible viewing practice is maintained. Therefore, they can be observed in pods and in their natural behavior, undoubtedly a spectacle you cannot miss. Remember that humpback whales visit us seasonally, so if you want to see them, it is necessary to verify that you are traveling during the correct season.
Gold Tour
The history of the Osa Peninsula is linked to gold, as it was the main driver of the economy for many years. On this tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about the history and experience artisanal gold panning firsthand with local workers. You might even find gold! In addition, the captivating afternoon landscapes will leave you breathless, definitely a unique experience where you will discover another side of the Osa Peninsula’s history.
Night Walks: The Osa Peninsula has as much to offer by night as it does by day. On our night tours, you can observe a wide variety of animals such as the popular red-eyed tree frog, the glass frog, different types of snakes, and even mammals like the kinkajou or common opossum. Definitely, the night walk tour is a must-do where you can observe a lot of wildlife. These tours are generally done in local spots around Puerto Jiménez, because although you spend the night in the national park, it is forbidden to walk at night in that area. So, if you are looking to see nocturnal wildlife, the national park will not meet that expectation.
Another reason that adds weight to these activities is that you will find less crowded trails and amazing biodiversity, as the trails outside the boundaries of Corcovado offer equally exciting encounters with local flora and fauna. You could consider guided walks by local experts who share their knowledge about medicinal plants, exotic birds, and other secrets of the forest, focusing on learning and conservation of the Osa Peninsula.
Taking the time to explore beyond the well-known tourist spots will show you how ecotourism directly benefits the local communities around the Osa Peninsula and the Golfo Dulce. You can also learn about the local culture, traditional activities, and enjoy authentic cuisine, generating income for families and promoting the conservation of their environment.
Remember that if you want to get to know Costa Rica and especially the Osa Peninsula, at Corcovado Explorers, remember we don’t sell tours, we craft extraordinary experiences. We look forward to seeing you!