Osa Wildlife
Friday, December 4th, 2009
Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park no longer allows unguided hiking, which is not a bad thing. Hiking with a local biologist is the best way to learn about wildlife in untamed places such as this lowland tropical rainforest. And it is safer, especially when your guide was born and raised in the Corcovado.
To experience the Osa Peninsula’s incredible biodiversity, you’ll fly to Puerto Jimenez from San Jose or drive five hours out of Boquete, Panama and boat across Golfo Dulce after a border crossing right out of the ‘wild west’. Deep sea fishing enthusiasts will want to stay more than one night in the port. There are also excellent surfing and birding opportunities from this hub.
When you are ready to leave civilization, you’ll enjoy a two hour drive on dirt roads from the port to Carate, crossing several large rivers. After this road, you’ll be ready for the 45 minute hike along a pristine beach bordered by tropical jungles to reach a comfortable eco-lodge with excellent food. Your bags will follow by pony cart. Here you are in paradise.
When you are ready to hike into the national park, it is important to time the tides. It is six hours to the first ranger station and your biologist guide will point out animals, plants, and native burial grounds. You’ll drink fresh coconut milk, enjoy crustaceans, and maybe even have fresh cacao for dessert. You’ll see thousands of phyto-geographically unique plants, rare insects, and a stunning population of birds, mammals, reptiles, and marine life.
You’ll sleep at the ranger’s station (tents or dorms) and share meals unless you packed your own grub. Now you have many exciting options. You can explore the surrounding areas looking for tapirs, monkeys, scarlet macaws, crocodiles, anteaters, and snakes. You can rest up for a night hike to see the jungle’s nocturnal side. You can hike to the next ranger station for more camping, indigenous villages, and a different return route. Or, you can return the way you came via the eco lodge.
The Osa has something for everyone’s thirst for adventure. We recommend a week and will arrange for more or less comfort depending on how much wilderness you seek to explore. This is an unforgettable journey with authentic jungle experiences within reach of all types of travelers.
