ABOUT COSTA RICA - SOUTH PACIFIC: Dominical beach and more...

The Southern Pacific in Costa Rica starts at Playa Dominical Beach going south to Panama. This region is a true jewel for being the biologically richest area of Costa Rica. Everywhere you look the nature will impress you. It is a land covered by luxuriant verdant forest, pristine beaches along the coast, and the biggest reef of Costa Rica perfect for scuba diving. The Peninsula de Osa is the only place in our country blessed with the arrival of whales and their incredible process of giving birth to their whale calves in our warm waters. The dolphins are always a spectacular show and the first class Sportfishing is another great attraction in this area.

All the beauty of Peninsula de Osa has been described by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on earth.” It is home of Corcovado National Park one of the only untouched sea level rainforests in the world. The lodging facilities that you will find spread around the Osa are sure to please even the most discerning adventure traveler. Most hotels offer packages with three meals included a day. To get to this area you can drive but in a 4x4 car or there are flights from San José to Palmar Norte or Puerto Jimenez.

Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge

With 330 hectares of wall-to-wall wildlife, this privately owned rainforest habitat is a rewarding ecological experience that must not be missed. Guided canopy tours, naturalist-guided rainforest hikes, bird watching, platform wildlife viewing, tree climbing, butterfly garden and jungle excursions are among the main attractions. For families and couples preferring to take things at their own pace, the 7km self-guided trails and 3km of pristine beach offer a refreshing way to spend a memorable morning or afternoon. On a lucky day, some visitors have been known to report non-stop sighting of wildlife in playful actions.

Corcovado National Park

Comprising 54,540 hectares on land and 2,400 hectares of sea, this is the site of stunning waterfalls and the country's largest tract of virgin forest. It is widely regarded as one of the world's most biologically diverse regions. The park is home to at least 400 species of birds, 140 of mammals, 116 of amphibians and reptiles, 500 types of trees, and 6,000 types of insects. The park's six distinct ecosystems shelter scarlet macaws, jaguars, pumas, tapirs, poison-dart and golden frogs, the harpy eagle, and other endangered species. As much of the wildlife is nocturnal, the experience is even more intense after dark.

Ballena National Marine Park

This park is 5,400 hectares of mostly ocean. It is the home of the Pacific coast's largest coral reef. Humpback whale sightings are common at Ballena Island between December and April. Several types of sperm whales are also seen near Tres Hermanas (three sisters) Islands. Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles nest on these beaches during May to November (rainy season). The ranger station is in the small seaside community of Bahia, just south of Uvita.

Cano Island Reserve

Located about an hour boat ride from Drake Bay, this uninhabited island is renowned as a diving spot. Trails on the island lead to a pre-Columbian cemetery and several of Costa Rica’s mysterious stone spheres. Mystery shrouds the spheres, which measure from one to two and a half meters in diameter and are found mainly in the Palmar region and on Cano Island. Some researchers believe the pre-Columbian ancestors of the Boruca Indians made the spheres to represent the earth and the cosmos. Others believe they were ancient navigational markers.

Chirripo National Park

San Gerardo de Rivas, near San Isidro, is near the entry of Chirripo National Park, which boasts the country's highest peak (3,820 meters/12,530 feet). No technical climbing is required to hike Chirripo, but altitude and a rugged trail make for a strenuous trek. The hike to Los Crestones base camp takes six to 12 hours, half that time coming down. Most hikers allow two to three days to make the entire trip. Los Crestones base camp shelter is the only permitted lodging in the park (no camping allowed). Once at the shelter, day hikes to the peak, lakes, and high-altitude meadowlands are available. Call at least a month in advance to reserve a bed at the shelter.

Chirripo treks are most popular during December to May. The park may close during rain and pack horses are not permitted on the trail during the rainy season. Crestones shelter has rooms with bunk beds, shared ice-water baths, shared kitchen, and solar electricity. Temperatures can drop to as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit at night.