Planning a Trip to Osa - Things you need to know
The Osa Peninsula isn’t like a zoo or a circus where you see trained animals locked in confinement in unnatural habitats. This is the real thing - a raw authentic experience with wildlife. In a world that is constantly being overdeveloped, the Osa is one of the most undeveloped areas in Costa Rica.
read more closeThe Osa Peninsula is for adventurous travelers willing to surrender into nature and often times give up the luxuries of electricity and Wi-Fi. The rainfall is unpredictable. The rocky dirt roads are bumpy and offer no sign posts to get around. And the animals like crocodiles, poisonous snakes, jaguars, and ocelots can be dangerous if you don’t practice constant awareness of your surroundings. Withstand all of these conditions, and a world of wonder can open before you.
Here are the things you need to know when planning your trip:
What to see and do
Sierpe is a gateway to one-day boat and fishing tours to the northwestern area of the Osa Peninsula, boasting the Sierpe Terraba Mangrove Forest and the Sphere's Park. Drake Bay – the town of Agujitas - is a popular hot-spot with dozens of activities to pick from. And just like Sierpe, almost everything is reached by boat. Snorkeling tours to the Cano Island, San Pedrillo Ranger Station tour, Sirena Ranger Station, Dolphin tours, and whale-watching tours can be taken from any of these towns.
On the southwestern side of the peninsula, nestled against the waters of Golfo Dulce, you’ll find Puerto Jimenez, a well-known small town that offers world-class fishing, trips to the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary and the Casa Orquideas gardens, and hiking tours to any of the ranger stations in Corcovado. Further south are the beaches in Matapalo, where surfing, kayaking, and stand up paddling are king. Keep driving up the main dirt road and you will find yourself in Carate, where you can go horseback riding, do gold panning, or walk through the La Leona Ranger Station in the Corcovado National Park.
Other popular activities in the Osa include zip lining, farm tours, whale watching, night hikes, bird watching, and turtle hatchings.
Mentality
It is best to arrive to the Osa with an open mind that is determined to thrive in challenging conditions because it knows of the value that lies on the other side. Many areas of the Osa are rustic and minimalist. Your comfort zone will be pulled from right underneath your feet as you merge into Costa Rica’s most condensed nature hotspot.
Best time to go
Mid-November to late April is an ideal time to go as this is considered the dry-season. Keep in mind that it doesn’t mean that it’s actually dry. It just means that it rains less, so prepare accordingly! While this is the best time to go for the weather, it is also the most expensive time to visit. Budget-friendly travelers who wouldn’t mind dealing with extra rain showers will find it best to visit from May through September. October is the least popular month to go due to the weather – a reason that Sirena Ranger Station completely shuts down.
What to bring
It is absolutely imperative to bring sunblock and wear it all day. The sun can be relentless in this part of the world and you can burn without even knowing it, as the UV rays penetrate through clouds undetected. A wide brim hat is also recommended along with loose long sleeve clothing. Waterproof hiking shoes or boots can go a long way, as well as a travel umbrella to protect you from the random rain showers.
Planning
Regardless of where you stay, make sure you do research to find out how long it takes to travel from one point to the next. For example, driving 10 miles through Matapalo is far different than driving 10 miles on most roads. Short and narrow bridges, rising rivers, and bumpy roads are all hindrances on your path. If you choose to drive, a 4 X 4 vehicle is practically necessary.
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