South Pacific, Corcovado and Golfito
The evergreen jungles of the South Pacific region are the best-kept natural treasures of Costa Rica. The largest national parks and reserves are the core of this region known as Costa Rica´s “last green frontier”.
Near the Panamanian Border, lies the Osa Peninsula, a portion of virgin rain forest that spreads out into the Pacific Ocean on the southwest end of Costa Rica. The peninsula is a natural sanctuary, home to terrestrial and marine species of flora and fauna that not too long ago were completely unknown to the world. The largest part of the peninsula and the Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) continues to be intact and unspoiled by touristic, commercial and urban development projects. For this reason, very few adventurous explorers can assure they know the true green wealth of Costa Rica.
The tropical rain forest of the country´s southwest end is refuge to countless species of land and marine animals and plants. Scientists assure that many of these flora and fauna species have not been discovered yet. It is a common belief among the scientific community that the cure to some of the most dreadful human pandemics could be hidden within these forests guarded by the tallest trees of the country. Due to this region´s biological importance, the Corcovado National Park was declared by the National Geographic Society as “the most biologically intense place on the mainland”.
The beaches of Costa Rica´s South Pacific region, some of which remain virgin, are the preferred surfing points for those who want to walk on waves facing an intact environment bursting with biodiversity. In this area, one can easily see a female jaguar walking along the beach with her cubs. If surfing in a 100% natural environment is your idea of adventure, Pavones Beach is the perfect place.
Attractions:
LA AMISTAD INTERNATIONAL PARK AND BIOSPHERE PRESERVE Declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, La Amistad International Park protects lands in both Costa Rica and Panama; hence, its name: “Friendship.” Considered the largest tropical forest-covered mountain system in the country, the park contains wet, rain, and cloud forest. An extraordinary number of different habitats give rise to a wealth of biodiversity, the product of differences in altitude, soil, climate and topography. As the largest mountain system in Central America, this rich protected area is made up of Tapantí National Park–Macizo de la Muerte, Chirripó National Park, the Hitoy Cerere Biological Preserve and La Amistad International Park, in addition to several forest and indigenous preserves. Visitor services include a series of trails and natural viewpoints. The area designated as La Amistad Biosphere Preserve includes La Amistad International Park, Chirripó National Park, the Hitoy Cerere Biological Preserve and the Talamanca, Tayni, Telire and Cocles Indigenous Reservations. CHIRRIPÓ NATIONAL PARK Variations in altitude, climate, and soil give rise to one of the most ecologically diverse regions in Costa Rica. This park is situated in the Cordillera de Talamanca, which, at 320 kilometers (200 miles), is the longest mountain range in the country. To get to Chirripó, visitors must travel to San Gerardo de Rivas. Here begins the hike through this wilderness area comprising several life zones from an altitude of 1,400 meters on the Caribbean and Pacific slopes to 3,821 meters at the summit of Mount Chirripó. The highest point in the country, from its peak, on clear days, both Caribbean and Pacific coasts may be admired.
CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK Protecting 41,788 hectares of shallow lagoons, marsh, mangrove swamps, rivers, wet forest, and low-altitude cloud forest, as well as 46 kilometers (29 miles) of sandy beach, Corcovado is one of Central America’s most unique ecosystems. This is why naturalists from all over the world come to study its riches. Within its extensive territory, visitors can observe the rich biodiversity of the last virgin natural area in all of Central America. Some 6,000 insect, 500 tree, 367 bird, 140 mammal, 117 amphibian and reptile, and 40 freshwater fish species live here in coexistence. BALLENA NATIONAL MARINE PARK This park is home to the southernmost migration point of the humpback whale, an endangered mammal 15 to 16 meters long, of which only around 5,000 remain in the world. Ballena was created in order to protect Bahía Coronado’s coral reefs and rocks, as well as the migrating whales, which can be observed from December to April and from August to November. The coastal environment also attracts colorful birds, and its rich waters are enticing to divers. Visitor services include information, trails, signage, restrooms, and drinking water.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Diquis Valley stone spheres in Palmar Norte
Caño Island Biological Reserve
Las Cruces Biological Station in San Vito, Coto Brus
Piedras Blancas National Park
Activities:
HIKING Hiking is a major activity for enjoying the region's natural and cultural attractions. Outstanding areas include Chirripó, Piedras Blancas, La Amistad, and Corcovado National Parks. There are an endless number of beaches and forested areas, both public and private, where you may go hiking.
RECREATIONAL CYCLING The Southern Zone features a variety of roads for adventure and nature watching. Touring is possible on regular or mountain bikes. Interesting trips include Palmar Sur/Sierpe, Rincón de Osa–La Palma, Dominical–Parque Marino Ballena, Golfito–Playa Cacao, San Vito–Agua Buena, and Jiménez–Playa Carate, to name just a few.
SPORT-FISHING Sport-fishing is easy to enjoy here, thanks to the Gulf’s riches and the many places offering services, such as Puerto Jiménez, Golfito, and Zancudo.
CHIRRIPÓ MOUNTAIN RACE Unique in Central America, this competition takes place every year during the last week of February, in the village of San Gerardo de Rivas in Pérez Zeledón. More than 200 athletes participate, mostly nationals, though there are entrants from other parts of the world as well. The ascent is steep; athletes climb from 1,000 to 3,500 meters in the Valley of Los Crestones in very short time. The route is 14 kilometers long.
BIRD-, WILDLIFE- AND NATURE-WATCHING Public protected areas such as Ballena, Térraba-Sierpe, Golfito, and Corcovado, as well as the Wilson Botanical Garden, offer wonderful experiences amid the region’s natural diversity.
