Luxury Vacations in the Osa Peninsula

The main natural attraction of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is the sprawling Corcovado National Park. Home to rare and endangered species including jaguar, puma, crocodile, tapir, and poison dart frogs, visiting the park gives an authentic jungle experience. Notably, it’s also home to a monumental number of birds – over 350 species – including the harpy eagle and scarlet macaw.

This massive area of rainforest is crisscrossed by an extensive network of trails, giving you the chance to spot wildlife as you explore with your group. 

All visitors to the park need a permit and must visit with an accredited guide. Luckily, our travel specialists will arrange all of this for you. Whether you want to hike your way through the forests or swim in the park’s tranquil riverways, we’ll help you plan experiences to make your trip unforgettable.

Alongside its vast rainforest, the Osa Peninsula’s Pacific beaches are a must-see when visiting the region. With long stretches of sand creeping up to tropical palms that lead into the thick jungle beyond, this idyllic landscape is perfect for relaxation and adventure alike. Explore these largely undisturbed shores on foot, or head to the Golfo Dulce coast for calm swimming waters, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. 

Surfing is a major draw for those heading to Costa Rica, and the Osa Peninsula is the star of the show for the most dedicated surf-loving travelers. Two of our favorite lodges, El Remanso and Lapa Rios are conveniently located within easy reach of Matapalo, a revered surfing spot on the tip of the peninsula where converging swells create big, consistent waves. There are other places to catch a wave, including Pan Dulce, which has gentler conditions more suitable for beginners.

If you’re the adventurous type, there are all kinds of thrilling activities: from rappelling down a thundering waterfall in the middle of the jungle to riding a zipline through the lush forest.

One of our favorite places for outdoor activities is the tranquil Golfo Dulce. This serene, fjord-like bay is popular for snorkeling, whale watching and fishing. Make sure you keep a lookout for the many dolphins that can often be seen frolicking in its waters.

Many of the hotels in the Osa Peninsula also organize exciting activities for you, depending on your interests. Think nature hikes through the thriving rainforest, horseback riding tours, and night walks through the jungle to see nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat.

Thanks to its remote location, you’ll find plenty of solitude and patches of paradise to call your own when you visit the Osa Peninsula. As you take in the rich sounds of the jungle around you, alive with birdlife, raucous monkeys, and hundreds of species camouflaged in the trees right under your nose, it’s easy to feel like nature is in charge. 

Many of the Osa Peninsula’s hotels and resorts offer gorgeous retreats deep in the heart of the jungle, complete with all the amenities you’ll need for a fabulous stay. Located on the Golfo Dulce in the beautiful Piedras Blancas National Park, Playa Cativo Lodge is a waterfront haven set in a private rainforest reserve. Accessible by boat only, this secluded resort offers a private beach, yoga area, and peaceful gardens – the perfect place to relax in a setting that feels utterly removed from the buzz of the modern world.