This morning we woke up on the outer side of the Osa Peninsula. Once described as the most biologically dense place in the world, the Osa Peninsula (and particularly Corcovado National Park) is one of the last remaining intact rainforests in Mesoamerica.
Physically isolated from the rest of the country by its distance from the central valley and by a narrow isthmus-like attachment to the mainland, the Peninsula was until the 1980s about 8 hours away from the capital city of San Jose. By boat from the nearest town, it could take two and a half hours. Without any access roads, electricity or commodities, the Peninsula was kept from the negative effects of development. Nowadays, the area is very popular specifically because of its untouched conditions, where visitors are looking for a direct contact-with-nature-experience.
In the morning, we visited our friend BanBan, who owns Caletas beach, where we could take a horseback ride, a long forest walk, or a walk through the premises looking mainly for birdlife.
In the afternoon, we could choose from two ways of exploring the amazing Corcovado National Park. One was a challenging hike to the San Pedrillo waterfall and waterhole. Another was a walk on the Pargo River trail, better suited for wildlife searching and photography. Two great ways to experience the true essence of the tropical rainforest.
