A river delta of waterways, channels and mangrove swamp, the Humedal Nacional
Terraba-Sierpe is a protected wetland of nearly 33,000-hectares (81,500-acres).
Composed mostly of red mangrove, the swamps attract birdlife such as herons,
egrets and cormorants.
Red mangrove is the most common in Costa Rica and is recognized by its
above-ground pop roots. These roots support the plant's sap system while other
kinds of mangroves have vertical roots which stick out above the mud to provide
access to oxygen.
The mangrove has an exceptional tolerance for salt and absorbed salinated
water; it excretes the salt through leaves and roots so salt crystals are
visible. The mangrove root system is so effective as a filter that the water
from a cut root is drinkable.
Mangroves protect land from erosion and are refuge for fish and wildlife,
especially birds.
Composed of two tiny towns, Drake Bay Costa Rica is located between the jungle of
Corcovado National Park and the waters of Drake Bay. The town of Agujitas
sits on the southern shore of the bay and Drake is on the northern shore.
There are a number of accommodation and lodge options in Drake Bay. These
offer tours to Corcovado National Park, including
hiking, snorkeling, diving, wildlife viewing, insect viewing, horseback
riding, sport fishing, kayaking and canoeing.
Drake Bay has 25 species of dolphins and whales
that pass through during migration. As a result, this area is unique for
dolphin- and- whale- watching. It is illegal to swim with dolphins and whales in
Costa Rica.
In addition to the typical wildlife scene in Costa Rica, visitors can go on a
nighttime bug tour.
Drake Bay travel activities
- Hiking from
Agujitas along the coast for 10-km (6.25 mi) to the border of Corcovodo National
Park.
- Snorkeling & swimming at the beaches along the bay, including Playas San
Josecito, Las Caletas and Cocalito.
- Diving can be arranged to go to the
nearby Isla del Cano Biological
Reserve.
- Kayaking & canoeing is recommended in this area because it's so scenic. It's
best to go during high tide.
- Horseback riding is available at few places in the bay including Cabinas El
Mirador Lodge and Poor Man's Paradise.
- Fishing in the bay is excellent
year-round. Drake Bay has more than 40 fishing records and offers sierra and
Spanish mackerel, roosterfish, wahoo, snapper, yellow fin tuna, sailfish, black,
blue & striped marlin, sailfish and cubera.
Aguila de Osa is a lodge dedicated to anglers.
- Whale & dolphin watching in the Drake Bay
is fabulous because the bay is filled with marine life.
Corcovado National Park covers 44,178-hectares (103,000-acres) of land in the
Osa Pensinsula and is the last rain forest on the pacific coast of Central
America. Technically known as a tropical wet forest, this forest has 13 distinct
ecosystems and is home to 500 species of trees. These habitats range from
mangrove swamps to rain and cloud forest. Read more about traveling to
Corcovado National Park.
Isla del Cano Biological Reserve is a 326-hectare (800-acre) island
surrounded by 2,700 marine hectares (6,700-acres) of ocean. It is popular for
snorkeling, diving and to view fish and marine mammals.
Animals of interest in Isla del Cano
- Humpback whales during migration season.
- Threatened animal species such as Panulirus lobster and giant conch.
- Hammerhead sharks
- Manta rays
- Olive Ridley sea turtles
- Coral-covered reef with 15 documented species of coral
- 45 dolphin species
- Boa constrictors
- Giant frogs
- Hummingbirds
- 13 terrestrial bird species
At the highest point on Isla del Cano, there is a pre-Columbian cemetery of
the Boruca people. Two spheres covered with moss sit under the forest canopy and
are believed to have been brought to Cano by canoe and rolled to the cemetery.
Thousands of spheres like this have been found in many locations in the south
of Costa Rica and have even been found in northern Panama.
The origins and significance of these spheres is still a mystery but it's
speculated that they were made in villages on the Osa Peninsula near Palmar
Norte.
There are stone spheres of varying sizes. Some are as small as a piece of
fruit, while others are over 2m (6 ft) in diameter.
These spheres act as headstones and are oriented to the east. They have a
secret chamber and were covered with coral and pebbles. Many spheres found in
groups have been placed to reflect the position of the stars.
It's forbidden to overnight at Isla del Cano Biological Reserve.
To the east of Corcovado National Park is Puerto Jimenez, a main town on the
Osa Peninsula and a gateway to the park. The town has an
ecotourism chamber that can recommend guides and assist visitors plan a
visit to the peninsula. The town offers reasonably priced lodging and food and
is accessible by car or bus.
Travel sights & activities in Puerto Jimenez
- Playa Platanares is 5-km east of town and offers great swimming and sun
bathing.
- Mangroves of RÃo Plantares are great for kayaking and
bird watching.
- Herrera Gardens & Conservation Project offer 100-hectares (250-acres) of
botanical gardens.
- The canopy tours of Aventuras Bosquemar can zip travelers through this side
of the peninsula.
- Several adventure tour companies offer wildlife and bird watching tours.
- Deep sea fishing is fabulous in this location and can be organized through
Osa Sport fishing which offers multiple-day fishing vacations.
The Guaymi are the earliest inhabitants of southern Costa Rica and
migrated from Panama. They have a reserve in the Valle de Coto Bus and on
the Osa Peninsula in southern Golfo Dulce.
This indigenous group continues to preserve their traditional customs.
It's relatively easy to identify some of them, as they dress in vibrant
colored clothing. They still speak their native tongue.
The Guaymi reserves are not accessible, however, the growing tourism to
the southern area has put a demand on this groups traditions and
handicrafts. It is important to be respectful of this group and not endanger
their culture. Traveling with guides and taking the time to learn about
their lifestyle, traditions and folklore may help the preservation of this
group.
Cabo Matapalo is located about 17-km (11 mi) north of
Puerto Jimenez. This area has miles of pristine beaches and offers some of
Costa Rica's best surfing. There is a network of trails in the foothills, which
are inhabited by wildlife. There are a number of luxurious lodges and beachside
rental properties and makes a terrific spot to use as a base for adventure travel.
Sights & activities in Cabo Matapalo Costa Rica
- Exploring miles of trails on one's own is a realistic option in Cabo.
- Hiking to King Louise "a magnificent 27m (90 ft) waterfall" can be
accessed by trail from Playa Matapalo.
- Kayaking on the ocean is an option as there are outfitters and kayaks for
rent.
- Surfing is one of the highlighted
activities in Cabo.
- Tree climbing or waterfall-rappelling is offered with a naturalist guide.
Golfito is located on the eastern side of Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica and is
sheltered from the open sea by islands and peninsulas. In 1938, the United Fruit
Company recognized that Golfito was the perfect harbor and developed it into a
major shipping port. Golfito served as a banana-exporting port until 1985.
However, United Fruit decided to close down in 1985. A combination of declining
markets, rising taxes and worker unrest forced the closure. A depression set in
leaving the town searching for work. There are only 12,000 people living in
Golfito today.
Unfortunately, the town is fading and the jungle is slowly reclaiming it.
Although, there is a duty free zone on the waterfront where consumer goods are
40% of the price of goods in San Jose, there is still little sustaining the
local economy.
- Sport fishing is good year-round but
sailfish fishing season is from November to May. There are several outfitters
and they claim that Golfo Dulce offers the best fishing in the world.
National Refuge of Fauna Silvestre Golfito
Refugio Nacional de Fauna Silvestre Golfito is a small 2,810-hectare
(6,900-acre) reserve that encompasses the hills around Golfito. It was
originally created to protect the watershed of Golfito and has succeeded at
keeping the water clean and flowing.
This watershed has preserved several species of plants and trees:
- Cycads which are called "living fossils" a primitive plan abundant before
the time of dinosaurs.
- Heliconias
- Orchids
- Tree ferns
- Kapok tree
- Butternut tree
- Cow tree
Hiking in Golfito Costa Rica
A steep hiking trail begins in Golfito opposite the Samoa del Sur hotel and
leads visitors to the radio towers.
A second hike is along the dirt road heading toward Gamba. This road begins a
couple of kilometers northwest of the duty-free area and crosses through part of
the refuge.
There are several trails off the road to Playa Cacao. There are waterfalls
and beautiful views of the gulf from these trails. Ask locals to point out the
trailhead and about trail conditions before setting out.
Piedras Blancas National Park
Established in 1992 as an extension of
Corcovado National Park, Piedras Blancas National Park has 12,000-hectares
(29,600-acres) of tropical primary rain forest and an additional 2,000-hectares
(4,900-acres) of secondary forest, coastal beaches and pasture land. The
biodiversity of Piedras Blancas is the densest in all of Costa Rica surpassing
even Corcovado.
Zancudo is a tiny town only 15-km (9 mi) south of Golfito. Gentle, warm
Pacific waters lap up onto the black sands of this lovely beach which is perfect
for swimmers, sun worshippers, and surfers. On the east side of this area is a
mangrove swamp with crocodiles, fish and birds.
Early in February, there is an annual Fishing & Blues festival and the town
is popular with Ticos during this time.
This is a small remote village and visitors are not abundant. The water is
clean and the surf is gentle.
Travel activities in Zancudo
- Kayaking is possible and rentals are available.
- Sport fishing is best form December to May.
- Horseback riding is offered at Oasis on the beat which is about 7-km (4 mi)
from Zancudo.
- Surfing is good for beginners.
- Deep sea & sports fishing is great from May to September and snook is found
in the mangrove swamps of Zancudo.
Pavones is about 15-km (9 mi) south of Zancudo and is legendary among surfers
and is nearly Costa Rica's most southern point. The beaches are sand and wide
and lined with palms. The coastal hills are covered with rain forest with a
stunning vista.
Formerly an off-the-beaten-track travel destination, Pavones is slowly being
transformed into a destination offering modern amenities, including hotels,
restaurants and activities. Outside of surf season, this is still a tranquil
destination and a striking number of accommodation options are available.
Activities in Pavones Costa Rica
- Surfing is best between April and
October and the village transforms into an international surfer mecca during
these months.
- Hiking on the local hillside at the Tiskita Jungle Lodge offering 14
trails through the rain forest where visitors will find waterfalls and fresh
water pools good for swimming.
- Visiting the Guaymi de Conte Burica Reserve which is 8-km (4.5 mi) east
of Pavones is an interesting trip. Hiking and horseback riding are options.
- Learning tai chi at the Chen Taji International.
- Taking Ashtanga yoga or traditional shotokan karate at the shooting star
studio.
Isla Cocos is 500-km (310 mi) southwest of Costa Rica and is composed of
52-km (32.5 mi) of mountainous terrain. In 1997, it was declared a UNESCO
World Heritage site. It has one of the oldest chains of volcanoes, which are
mostly submarine. This chain stretches to the equator and surfaces at the
Galapago Islands.
This island offers dramatic scenery with cliffs that reach more than 100m
(330 ft) and waterfalls that cascade onto beaches. It is one of the best
places in the world to view sharks, rays, tuna and dolphins.
It is believed that gold and silver that were stolen while being
transported from Spain are hidden in these hills. Many unsuccessful
expeditions to uncover this lost treasure have been attempted. The Costa
Rican government has put a moratorium on the treasure hunts.
Access to this island is restricted. To learn more about it, visit
Friends of Cocos Island.
