We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: the Osa Peninsula is spectacular.
It’s one of the last remaining pieces of untouched paradise in Costa Rica. A region where a secluded beach or backwater settlement is still the norm. Where pristine rainforest, muddy mangroves, and expansive blue sea are a haven for biodiversity – 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, to be exact.
A third of the Osa Peninsula is protected by Corcovado National Park. One of the most important parks in the Americas, Corcovado is home to jaguars, tapirs, over 500 species of trees, and more than 367 species of birds, just to name a few. The moment we arrived in the Osa Peninsula, the vibrant and dense array of wildlife was obvious. Macaws dotted almond trees in pairs. Toucans appeared left and right. Spotting a White Capuchin Monkey became standard. And though we didn’t see any wildcats firsthand, we did find their tracks left behind in the mud, evidence of their existence amongst the shadows of the park.
We were searching for the wild side of Costa Rica. The Osa Peninsula was the answer.
This is the final post in our ‘Wildlife in Costa Rica‘ series. While we were grateful for our animal encounters in the other parts of Costa Rica, we can easily say it was child’s play when compared to the Osa Peninsula. Again, we couldn’t photograph all the birds or even animals we saw, many of them too far away in the dense jungle for the zoom on my camera, but here are some of our favorites:
North American Crocodile
Cayman
Albino Tree Frog
Poison Tree Frog
Blue Heron
White Capuchin Monkey
Toucan
Sloth
Who Can Find The Bird?
Jesus Lizard
Scarlet Macaws
Dolphin!!
Agouti. Kinda like a big rat :-p
Our faithful companion at Blue Osa. Not technically wild but still one of our favorite animals on the Osa.
We knew Corcovado National Park would be a must-see before we arrived in Costa Rica. However, we couldn’t have imagined that our timing would coincide with that of our friends and mentors at Green Global Travel! We were waiting for two companions to join us on the boat that would lead us to Casa Corcovado, our lovely accommodation and base for exploring the National Park, when of course none other than Bret and Mary joined us. Talk about a sweet surprise!
On Monday, we’ll be sharing more details about Corcovado National Park, the amazing eco-resort we stayed at, and a complete DIY guide for visiting the park. If you’re ever hoping to visit Costa Rica in the future, this will be one post you’ll want to read!
Which animal above is your favorite? Have you visited Corcovado National Park? Have you ever traveled to a hard-to-reach destination that was so worth it in the end?
You got some amazing shots! I’ve heard really good things about the wildlife experiences in CR…would love to go someday.
Andrea recently posted…Texas Junk
Thanks Andrea! The wildlife in Costa Rica, especially on the Osa Peninsula is fascinating. If you love animals, you’ll love Costa Rica :-)
While I’m not much of a bird watcher, the toucan and macaws are gorgeous! I’ll definitely have to check out this region the next time I’m in Costa Rica.
Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans recently posted…Snacks & Street Food
I wouldn’t have considered myself much of a bird person before Costa Rica. We loved seeing the pairs or families of macaws fly :-)
Sure glad for the zoom lens so you did not have to TOO close to the poison tree frog! Great pictures, Dan!
Thanks! The tree frogs are pretty friendly, I was more worried about that Croc :-p
The flora and fauna of Costa Rica is truly impressive. I saw a crocodile once in my life in Vietnam :).
Agness recently posted…Miso Hungry: How To Eat Well In Japan Without Going Broke
I’ve seen a couple of croc’s in Florida but this was by far had the biggest body (and smile) I’ve ever seen.
That’s so cool that you guys met up with GGT out of the blue like that, fate is sneaky like that.
Devlin @ Marginal Boundaries recently posted…Comment on Day Trip to Valladolid, Mexico by T.W. Anderson
We were very surprised that the timing worked out like that. It’s a small world after all :-p
Wow, we were just there this month as well! Talk about an amazing place! We’ve lived in CR for over a year, and Osa is the most exotic, natural chunk, in our opinion. Nice article!
Emily recently posted…How to Travel Light: 5 Tips on Going Vagabond!
Thanks Emily! The Osa was by far our most successful in terms of wildlife sightings. They’re everywhere!! :-p
What an amazing opportunity to see so many animals in their natural habitat! I’d love to go to Costa Rica!
Heather recently posted…The Royal Palace of Gödöllő, Hungary
If you’d like to see wild animals in the jungle then the Osa is the place to be for sure :-) I hope you get the chance to check it out!
I can say that Osa Peninsula is my favorite place of Costa Rica, definitely another world, did you go to Golfo Dulce?
Costa Rica Vacation recently posted…Flight San Jose to Tamarindo
We didn’t get the chance to explore Golfo Dulce, just the ferry ride :-p