Nestled on Costa Rica’s southwestern coast, the Osa Peninsula stands as a pristine jewel of biodiversity and natural beauty. Accessible yet remote, reaching this ecological haven requires a blend of land and water travel. In this guide, we embark on a journey along the various routes to the Osa Peninsula, detailing the modes of transportation along the way!

Booking a Flight: Plane Travel

The most common way to get to the Osa Peninsula is by plane from San Jose. This is the way most of our trips our planned, with some destination-dependent exceptions. Short domestic flights can be arranged by a Costa Rica Expert into the Drake Bay airport or Puerto Jimenez airport (the main hub), depending on where you are staying. Private charter flights are also available for maximum flexibility. The flights typically last 40 minutes – 1 hour and the views are strikingly scenic.

To get to Lapa Rios Ecolodge on the Osa Peninsula, travelers take a flight from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez. When they arrive at the local airport, a driver will pick them up for the drive to the lodge.

Once you land, you will have some combination of ground and/or boat transfer to reach your Osa Peninsula hotel.

Most flights from the Osa Peninsula depart San Jose early in the morning, so an overnight at a San Jose hotel the night prior is often necessary. If you opt for a private charter flight, you can depart from any of Costa Rica’s major destinations; this is a great option if you want to connect the Osa Peninsula with Arenal Volcano or Tamarindo. The logistics of visiting the Osa Peninsula can be a little involved, but your Costa Rica Expert will coordinate the details for you!

The Road Less Traveled: Ground Transfer + Private Water Taxi

Copa de Arbol boat transportation

Boat from Sierpe

While scheduled domestic flights and private charter planes are the fastest routes to the Osa Peninsula, it is possible to travel by land and boat from certain destinations. If you’re staying on the South Pacific coast in Uvita, we can arrange a private ground transfer to the small town of Sierpe. where private boats and water taxis shuttle guests down the scenic Sierpe River and onto the rugged, coastal shores of Drake Bay. This option is also available from San Isidro de General, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Ojochal.

Boat Transfer from Puerto Jimenez

Travelers visiting the Puerto Jimenez side of the Osa Peninsula can also transfer by ground from the Central and South Pacific regions. The ground transfer takes about 3 – 3.5 hours.  From there, you’ll either transfer by 4×4 SUV or by private boat to your rainforest eco-lodge.

Lodges like Lapa Rios and El Remanso are in the rainforest on the Puerto Jimenez side of the Osa Peninsula and are reached in a 4×4 vehicle. Guests arrive to dense rainforest surroundings and cliffside ocean views.

Guests of Playa Cativo and Playa Nicuesa will arrive in Puerto Jimenez and then transfer by boat across the Golfo Dulce. As the boat glides across the tranquil gulf waters, passengers are treated to panoramic views of the coastline and Piedras Blancas National Park. Expert tip: Keep an eye out for dolphins along the way!

Inter-peninsula transfer

Adventurous travelers might choose to spend a few nights on each side of the Osa Peninsula – 3 or 4 nights around Puerto Jimenez and 3 or 4 nights in Drake Bay. Travel between these two hubs is typically by ground and takes about 3 hours. Because this road crosses one of Costa Rica’s most remote stretches, road conditions vary depending on weather conditions. If you’re looking for a smoother journey, your Expert agent can arrange for a private charter flight instead.

Arriving in Paradise: Exploring the Osa Peninsula

In search of wildlife from Botanika Osa Peninsula

Most often, you’ll be based at your eco-lodge for the duration of your stay. These special rainforest resorts are designed to offer an inclusive experience, with all dining and activities operating on-site. Nature and wildlife spotting, yoga, waterfall hikes, sustainability tours, and cultural experiences are just some of the options available during your stay. Whether you base yourself out of Puerto Jimenez or Drake Bay will depend on the kind of experiences you want to prioritize on your trip.

Puerto Jimenez vs. Drake Bay

The Puerto Jimenez side of the Osa Peninsula is home to some of the country’s best eco-lodges and rainforest hotels. Lapa Rios and El Remanso are nestled into the rainforest, offering an immersive rainforest experience on their on-site nature trails. Botanika Osa Peninsula is just steps away from downtown Puerto Jimenez but feels like a world away. Guests can take a short trip to the hotel’s Cahui Beach Club for an off-the-beaten-path day in the sun. Across the gulf, travelers can explore Piedras Blancas National Park right from rustic Playa Nicuesa or luxurious Playa Cativo. Both are situated on the coast between the rainforest and the gulf, offering a mix of water and land adventures.

Nestled along the remote northern shores of the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay is the gateway to two of Costa Rica’s most famous attractions: Corcovado National Park and Caño Island. Hikes to Corcovado operate daily from lodges like Aguila de Osa Inn and Copa de Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort. Head out by boat to Caño Island for some of the country’s best snorkeling and SCUBA diving. The rugged coast is dotted with hidden beaches, connected by the popular Drake Trail walking path. Monkeys, birds, and other wildlife are commonly spotted along the route.

Reaching the Osa Peninsula is an adventure in itself.

Reaching the Osa Peninsula is an adventure in and of itself. Whether by plane, 4×4 vehicle, or boat, the journey to the Osa Peninsula offers travelers a taste of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture before immersing them in the unparalleled beauty of one of the country’s last untouched wilderness areas.

The stunning beauty of Osa Peninsula is well worth the journey, but coordinating the logistics can require a lot of time and attention to detail. Our Costa Rica Experts – who travel the Osa Peninsula routes themselves – are available to make your travel arrangements and answer any lingering questions about your journey. Ready to go? Click here to get started working with a Costa Rica Expert on your vacation.

Related Articles:

The post How to Get to the Osa Peninsula Rainforest appeared first on Costa Rica Experts.

A Compromise

As the Experts on Costa Rica, we can safely assure you that a balanced honeymoon is not a problem. A sunset romance paired with a rainforest adventure is totally feasible. So what are your options? How will you compromise? Read on for some of our favorite romance-adventure pairings for couples.

Tour Pairing 1: Hanging Bridges Hike & Hot Springs

Trek into the Costa Rican rainforest and cross a series of hanging bridges. This afternoon hike has views that can’t be found anywhere else in the country. You’ll start this combination with an unforgettable hike with the magnificent Arenal Volcano backdrop. Your knowledgeable guide will point out nature and wildlife native to the area that many hikers miss!

Then head to the hot springs. These thermal pools are heated by the volcano itself and will provide satisfying relief to sore muscles after your hike. Spend the evening relaxing, dining, and exploring various thermal pools in this romantic paradise.

Tour Pairing 2: Rafting & Sundowner

Costa Rica has abundant opportunities for rafting with varying degrees of difficulty. Adventures range from day trips on the Pacuare River to pleasant float trips on the Peñas Blancas River. Rafting is available in multiple destinations throughout Costa Rica, so this adventure fits easily in many itineraries.

Expert Recommendation: Rafting tours can even be arranged en route to some destinations! Ask an expert if this is an option in your itinerary.

So, what is a sundowner? A sundowner is a romantic, typically private, dinner planned for sunset. This can be arranged at nearly every hotel and is the perfect combination of romance and relaxation at the end of an exciting day.

Tour Pairing 3: Canopy Zip Line & Couples Massage

Zip lining is a tour not to be missed on your Costa Rica vacation. We highly recommend the zip line tours from Arenal Volcano or Manuel Antonio. And if zip lining doesn’t interest you, substitute an activity that does! Waterfall canyoning, horseback riding, and snorkeling are just a few of the many activities available

Following your morning adventure, pamper yourself into the evening with a private couple’s massage. Most hotels would be happy to arrange spa treatments so location isn’t an issue

These are just a few of the many adventure romance pairings available in Costa Rica. With the help of our Experts, tailor these or create your own to create the perfect balance for your honeymoon.

Check out our Costa Rica Honeymoon Vacations page for more romantic trip ideas.

Related Articles:

The post Adventure & Romance Tour Pairings For A Well-Balanced Honeymoon appeared first on Costa Rica Experts.

Zipline through the Tree-Tops.

The zipline was invented in Costa Rica. It began in the 70’s when scientists first developed the zipline to study the forest canopy. So it is only fitting that when you visit the birthplace of the zipline, you try it out yourself. It isn’t for nothing that the 1967 and 1997 George of the Jungle films were such a big hit. The idea of soaring tree to tree through the rainforest canopy sends a child-like thrill through all of us. Not to mention those unbeatable bird’s eye views and the abundant wildlife living in the canopy.

Related: 9 Best Costa Rica Zipline & Canopy Tours

Soak in Volcano-Fed Hot Springs.

Tabacon Hot Springs shared with us by @yanayart

Yes, there are hot springs around the world, but not like Costa Rica. Visit the hot springs at Arenal Volcano for ultimate relaxation, lush rainforest surroundings, and jaw-dropping volcano views.

Related: Best of Costa Rica Hot Springs

Decompress at All-Natural Spas.

A surreal spa experience from Hotel Parador near Manuel Antonio

Pair an afternoon in the hot springs with a relaxing pre-dinner massage and revel in tropical tranquility. Let’s not forget Costa Rica is the land of all-natural, holistic wellness. If you can’t pronounce the ingredients, they’re not in your spa treatment. The cherry on top? Most treatments can be arranged outside, with nature’s symphony serenading you into a euphoric bliss.

Related: Top 7 Costa Rica Spa Retreats

Discover Rainforest Wildlife.

A trip to Costa Rica wouldn’t be complete without a rainforest excursion. There are over 230 mammal species alone that call Costa Rica home. Discover this unique ecosystem of the rainforest and gain an appreciation for how nature, wildlife, and locals have learned to co-exist for so many years.

Related: Discover the Costa Rica Rainforest

Traverse Jungle Mangroves.

Tortuguero National Park is one of the most well-known destinations in Costa Rica for mangrove jungle canals. However, mangroves can be experienced well beyond this little corner of the country. The Osa Peninsula, Manuel Antonio, and Guanacaste also have mangrove excursions with plentiful opportunities for spotting wildlife. Book a tour with an experienced naturalist guide to increase your chances.

Related: Discover the Costa Rica Jungle

Raft Wild White Water Rapids.

White Water Rafting with Tropical Rivers

An adventurous way to discover the lush landscape of Costa Rica is on a white-water rafting excursion. Many different whitewater rapid levels are available in Costa Rica for all levels of experience. For the best rapids and best views, we recommend the Pacuare River. For the adventurous traveler, raft into your jungle lodge at Tropical Rivers Lodge or Pacuare Lodge.

Related: 9 Best Costa Rica White Water Rafting Trips

Walk Through the Cloud Forest.

Exploring Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on hanging bridges

Misty and eerie, the cloud forests of Costa Rica are an unparalleled experience with a variety of flora and fauna found only in this unique tropical climate. Visit one of the most popular cloud forest destinations, Monteverde Cloud Forest. Or if you’re on a time restraint, consider Bajos del Toro or the Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve, located closer to the San Jose international airport.

Related: Costa Rica Cloud Forest Vacation Guide

Visit Chocolate & Coffee Plantations.

Make chocolate in Costa Rica!

The cloud forests of Costa Rica are where chocolate and coffee are commonly grown. Environmental factors and climate generally make the mountainous interior of Costa Rica an ideal environment for growth. Stay overnight at a coffee plantation, like Finca Rosa Blanca Inn, or at the new coffee-inspired boutique hotel, Chayote Lodge. Otherwise, book a day tour to discover how coffee and chocolate are made. Just be sure there’s a taste test!

Related: Culinary & Cultural Vacations

Re-energize with Rainforest Yoga.

The seaside yoga platform at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge.

The Nicoya Peninsula is a popular yoga destination, but the wellness and yoga experience does not end there. The entire country is turning into an international wellness destination, attracting the best yoga instructors and wellness gurus to its inspiring all-natural rainforest setting. A morning yoga class is essential. 

Related: Costa Rica Yoga & Retreats

Learn to Surf.

Surfing from Harmony Hotel on the Nicoya Peninsula

If you haven’t surfed before, Costa Rica is the place to start. Surfers from around the world visit Costa Rica to catch the year-round waves. Coastal hotels can arrange surf lessons for the novice or more experienced surfer. Not sure surfing is your style? Grab a paddleboard and try stand-up paddle boarding, the latest hit in Costa Rica water sports.

Related: Best Costa Rica Surf Spots & Lessons

Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our Adventure Vacation Packages.

Related Articles: 

The post 10 Costa Rica Must-Do Bucket List Experiences appeared first on Costa Rica Experts.

What is there to do at Arenal?

Zip Line

The volcano may not be located near the ocean, but it still has the widest range of tour options available in the country. One of our favorite zip line tours in Costa Rica can be done in Arenal with incredible sweeping views of the volcano and rainforest below. Some will advise that this is a tour that only needs to be tried once. But if you’re an adrenaline junkie like me, this is an adventure to experience over and over. Check out my latest zipline excursion for yourself on YouTube.

Hanging Bridges

A hanging bridges hike should also be on your to-do list. This is the kind of stuff you see in the movies. Tarzan trekking through the forest looking for Jane… Okay, maybe not, but you may very well see monkeys and almost definitely wildlife. I would personally recommend doing this hike in the early morning. While getting up at daybreak may not be your idea of a vacation, there is nothing like an early morning sunrise over the volcano. You’ll also likely be the first ones on the trails giving you a better opportunity to spot wildlife.

Expert Recommendation: You can combine a hanging bridges tour with an evening soaking in the Arenal hot springs. The perfect adventure and relaxation combo!

Hot Springs

This leads to another favorite, the Arenal hot springs. These volcano-fed thermal pools give you the feeling that you’re swimming in your own private pool in the middle of the jungle. The only major difference? You can jump out and ask your server for a cocktail! If this all sounds too good to be true, you don’t have to limit this experience to just one day. Of the numerous hot springs in Arenal, some of them are located on resort properties. The Springs Resort & Tabacon Thermal Resort both allow guests unlimited relaxation in their thermal pools during their stay. So you can have your cake and eat it too. Exploration by day, relaxation by night.

More Arenal Adventure Activities

Kayaking on Lake Arenal

In all actuality, this is only the tip of the iceberg or in this case, the volcano. If you’re interested in learning more about what Arenal has to offer, read more on our Arenal Volcano Destination Guide.

For adventure travel ideas, check out our Adventure Vacations.

Related Articles:

The post Arenal Volcano: Adventure Capital of Costa Rica appeared first on Costa Rica Experts.

Canopy Zipline Tour

Canopy zipline tours are available throughout Costa Rica. If you haven’t experienced the feeling of swinging from tree to tree, Costa Rica is the place to do it. This is where the zipline was invented after all! Scientists created the first canopy zipline system as a tool to better observe the rainforest. Our Expert-approved canopy zipline tours can be arranged from Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, Guanacaste, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. That bird’s eye view over Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and the Arenal Reserve takes the cake for me though.

Related Article: 9 Best Zipline And Canopy Tours

Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling

Canyoning is a popular adventure activity accessible in the Arenal region. A series of picturesque gorges and waterfall rappels impress even the most adventurous travelers. Canyoning tours typically start out with a hike alongside a river or creek to waterfalls or rock faces, where your adventure begins!

Related Article: Best of Costa Rica Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling

Mangrove Kayaking

Gulfo Dulce Kayaking from Lapa Rios Ecolodge on the Osa Peninsula

Tropical mangrove ecosystems are plentiful along the warm coastal waters of Costa Rica. Cruise through thick jungle estuaries with a professional naturalist guide. You’re bound to see an abundance of wildlife while paddling along without a motor such as: shorebirds, snakes, monkeys, crocodiles, and anteaters. Popular mangrove kayaking destinations include Manuel Antonio, Tortugero National Park, and the Gulfo Dulce.

Related Article: 7 Best Costa Rica Kayaking Excursions

Jungle Night Hike

If you haven’t explored the rainforest at night, you’re missing half the wildlife. A jungle night hike is your ticket. Again, a guide is a must here. Their senses have been fine-tuned to hear each distinct chirp, ribbit, and rustle. Plus, it’s safer. Your guide will point out a variety of nocturnal insects, amphibians, and mammals including the nocturnal sloth! Jungle night hikes can be arranged from nearly everywhere from Monteverde to the Osa Peninsula.

Mountain Biking at Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio, on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is known for its gorgeous beaches and abundant wildlife, but great adventure can be found there too. Mountain biking is a fantastic option because of the region’s varied topography. Biking enthusiasts are often pleasantly surprised with the adventure biking tours in Manuel Antonio, which vary in intensity.

Related Article: Costa Rica Mountain Biking & Cycling Tours

Expert Pick: Pacuare River Rafting

Adrenaline junkies make the Pacuare River a first priority during their stay in Costa Rica. Accessible from San Jose, overnight rafting trips on the Pacuare give travelers a truly unique retreat that combines serious adventure and raw nature. Not your typical rafting tour, this excursion sends you down the roaring Pacuare River on the way to your rainforest eco-lodge. With riverside lunches, stunning natural scenery, and the rush of the rapids, Pacuare overnight rafting tours give travelers a lot to brag about back home.

Related Article: Experience World Class Rafting on the Pacuare River

Rio Perdido Canyon Adventure, Guanacaste

The Canyon Adventure Tour at Rio Perdido Hotel puts an adventurous spin on canopy ziplining. Traverse the Rio Blanco Canyon on a cable adventure with 15 platforms, a 50 foot Tarzan swing, a pendulum cable, 5 ziplines, a challenge bridge, and 4 via ferratas for rock climbing. The professional photographer and cold water stations are a nice addition to an exciting day!

Related Article: Rio Perdido Hot Springs Hotel Review

Other Adventure Tours:

• Hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall
• Caving

Read for your Costa Rica adventure? Browse our Adventure Vacations.

Related Articles:

The post Top Costa Rica Adventure Tours For Active Travelers appeared first on Costa Rica Experts.