Attractions in Osa Peninsula & Southern Pacific
The wild, beating heart of Costa Rica's biodiversity 🐋🌿
Showing 22 attractions · Sorted by importance
Caño Island Biological Reserve
📍 Drake Bay
⛱ BeachAn island sanctuary offering exceptional snorkeling and diving in clear waters teeming with sea turtles, rays, and colorful coral reefs.
Cerro de la Muerte - Inter-American Highway South
📍 San Isidro de El General
🚗 Road TripThe highest section of the Pan-American Highway in Costa Rica, reaching 3,335 meters (10,942 feet).
Corcovado National Park
📍 Puerto Jiménez
🧗 AdventureWidely considered the most biologically intense place on Earth, this park offers world-class wildlife trekking and rainforest expeditions.
Costanera Sur (Highway 34)
📍 Quepos
🚗 Road TripA 105km fully paved scenic coastal highway (approx. 2 hours) connecting the Central and Southern Pacific. It offers stunning ocean views, passing through the surf town of Dominical, the 'Whale Tail' at Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita, and the sea caves of Ventanas. The road is well-maintained and suitable for all vehicle types.
Marino Ballena National Park
📍 Uvita
🧗 AdventureA premier coastal activity center famous for its whale-tail shaped sandbar and seasonal humpback whale watching boat tours.
La Leona to Sirena Trail
📍 Carate
🥾 Hiking & Cycling20km challenging day hike through coastal jungle and sandy beaches. 7-9 hours duration with minimal elevation gain but extreme heat and tidal river crossings. Mandatory guide required. Essential for wildlife viewing including tapirs and scarlet macaws.
Los Patos to Sirena Trail
📍 Guadalupe
🥾 Hiking & Cycling20km expert-level trek through the deep interior of Corcovado. 8-10 hours duration with moderate elevation gain through primary rainforest. Known for sightings of all four monkey species and rare primary growth. Steep, muddy sections are common.
Museo de Sitio Finca 6
📍 Palmar Sur
🖼 Art GalleryA UNESCO World Heritage site and museum showcasing the mysterious, perfectly round stone spheres carved by the ancient Diquís civilization.
Wilson Botanical Garden
📍 San Vito
🌿 GardenOne of the most important botanical collections in Central America, this world-class research station features a massive collection of tropical palms, bromeliads, and rare orchids.
Piedras Blancas National Park
📍 Golfito
🌲 NatureA rugged and lush rainforest park that protects critical biological corridors and harbours exceptional biodiversity, including 96 mammal species, over 350 bird species, and rare tropical flora.
Playa Dominical
📍 Dominical
⛱ BeachA famous surfing destination with a scenic coastline and vibrant town atmosphere, perfect for sunset walks and watching professional surfers.
Rancho La Merced
📍 Uvita
🐄 FarmA historic working cattle ranch and wildlife refuge where families can experience the traditional Costa Rican cowboy lifestyle through cattle herding and horseback tours.
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
📍 Dominical
🦁 ZooAn educational rescue center offering guided tours to see native wildlife such as spider monkeys, anteaters, and sloths on a lush hillside.
Boruca Community Museum
📍 Boruca
🏘 Town / VillageA vibrant indigenous village museum where families can watch artisans carve traditional masks and learn about ancient Talamancan history.
Casa Orquideas Botanical Garden
📍 Golfito
🌿 GardenAccessible only by boat, this meticulously maintained coastal garden offers families a lush maze of exotic orchids, heliconias, and edible fruit trees in a remote tropical setting.
Drake Bay Coastal Trail
📍 Agujitas de Drake
🥾 Hiking & Cycling12km moderate one-way hike from Drake Bay to Playa San Josecito. 4-5 hours duration, featuring rolling coastal terrain. The trail crosses several secluded beaches and suspension bridges. Public access with no guide required for the main path.
Envision Festival
📍 Uvita
🎭 EventLate February, 7-day transformational festival. A globally recognized gathering focused on music, yoga, and spirituality that attracts over 10,000 international visitors. Activities include world-class electronic and live music, yoga sessions led by international instructors, and sustainability workshops; includes family-friendly zones and kid-focused programming.
Hacienda Barú Wildlife Refuge
📍 Dominical
🧗 AdventureAn eco-adventure hub featuring the 'Flight of the Toucan' zipline, extensive hiking trails, and birdwatching observation towers.
Osa Peninsula Route (Highway 245)
📍 Chacarita
🚗 Road TripA 118km journey (3-4 hours) starting from the Inter-American Highway at Chacarita. The first 75km to Puerto Jiménez is paved and offers beautiful views of the Golfo Dulce. The final 43km stretch to Carate (the gateway to Corcovado National Park) is a rugged gravel road requiring a 4WD vehicle. Highlights include sightings of scarlet macaws, monkeys, and untouched primary rainforest.
Térraba-Sierpe National Wetlands
📍 Sierpe
🌲 NatureThe largest mangrove system in Costa Rica, offering calm boat tours where families can spot crocodiles, monkeys, and exotic river birds.
Whale's Tail Coastal Walk
📍 Uvita
🥾 Hiking & Cycling4km easy round-trip walk on a natural sandbar formation. 1-2 hours duration. Flat terrain accessible only during low tide. Located within Marino Ballena National Park. Remarkable for its aerial 'whale tail' shape. Entry fee required at park entrance.