Adventures, Activities, Incredible Outings.
Explore The Osa: Adventures Await
When you come to the Osa, you may want to do it all, or absolutely nothing at all. The good news: you can!
It's not Disneyland (thank goodness) – it's the Osa. Still untrammeled, not yet ravaged by commercial tourism, the jungle lives on unaware of anything but its own essence.
There are many ways to experience the Osa here, and there is something for everyone — so why be a tourist when you can be an explorer?
We have compiled a book of our favorite adventures below. We recommend them because of the great personalities involved; the interesting and unique aspects of the Osa Peninsula and its environs they illuminate; the guides’ knowledge, support and commitment to the environment; and most importantly because of the continual, overwhelming, and enthusiastic recommendations by our guests.
Nature And Wildlife
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Explore the Jewel of Costa Rica – Corcovado.
In the lofty treetops, hang out with monkeys, sloths, and maybe even a sneaky jaguar. Down below, catch glimpses of tapirs, peccaries, and river antics with bull sharks and crocs.
It's a sweaty, humid trek through tropical goodness.
Your hike will take anywhere from six to eight hours – 11 to 16 miles – depending on your route. But don't worry; our in-house private naturalist guides are here (to, well, guide you!), sharing fascinating wildlife stories along the way.
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Wildlife, Waterfalls, Incredible Beaches
Take a walk on the wild side in Matapalo. A 45 minute drive south, on the tip of the Osa Peninsula, various trails lead you through a remarkable are rich with wildlife and waterfalls ~ and great surf breaks.
Head to Sandalo and take a twilight / night hike. Expect to see a variety of mammals and other wildlife,: sloths just about guaranteed, along with several species of monkeys, anteaters, birds, frogs, etc!
Head up the Rio Nuevo at night with our spectacular guide, Sidnar.
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Birders travel from around the world to see the many exotic birds, and vacationing snow birds here. There are a variety of areas to bird with world-class birding guides.
Right here at the lodge recently folks went out for three consecutive mornings. The first morning they spotted 45 species of birds, and a tapir. The second and third morning they added bird species on to their list as well as spotting an ocelet, jagarundi, tyra, and anteater …among other mammals.
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Gallop down our endless beach and ride through our local refuge, or head into the hills.
Or head into the primary forest for a three hour ride, lots of ups and down, with swimming options along the river.
We can arrange for some intense trail riding if you already have some experience or want to become more skilled.
If you time your visit right, you might even participate in the traditional Cabalgatas – local horseback rides featuring dozens of spirited Costa Ricans. Join in the fun, and who knows, you might even ride home with a prize – perhaps a saddle! Shoot us an email, and we'll make it happen.
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There are a couple great ways to almost guarantee a sloth sighting. First, go on a drive to Sandalo, with our friendly taxi driver, and see them in a special place they like to hang out.
Or head to a naturally occuring Sloth Sanctuary…. La Perica Sloth Garden has developed a unique way to enjoy sloths in their natural habitat protected by a local family. This tour takes a couple of hours, you are led by a tour leader and refreshments are served.
Water Activities
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Cruise the Golfo Dulce and catch a glimpse of three dolphin species, plus whales and turtles. Plus, manta rays. Plus a myriad of seabirds.
The Golfo Dulce is the only place on earth where Humpback whales' meet — northern AND southern populations.
Hop on a boat, paddleboard, or kayak and witness their breaches off our beach. And because we're THAT beachfront, you can observe them while sipping a cool cocktail on your balcony.
Or keep a lookout for whale sharks, and we'll take you out to snorkel alongside these gentle giants.
And if you head out on a dolphin spotting trip, you'll likely find yourself in a pod of a hundred or more of these playful creatures.
Here’s a guest video of humpbacks in our beautiful Golfo Dulce.
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High tide dependent (two high tides every 24 hours), paddle Into the mangroves looking for caimans, crocodiles, Jesus Christ lizards, lots of aquatic bird life, and a variety of animals. typical of the mangrove.
Thenportage over a sliver of land onto the beach and find yourself in the ocean, where you may see rays, dolphins and other sea life.
Snack on some pineapple and learn how to open a coconut - all with local guides.
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When there is no moon, blow your mind by exploring the Golfo Dulce at night, and see the magnificent tinkerbellesque bioluminescence.
For all you scientists (we get a lot of them): The chemical reaction occurs between the luciferase enzyme catalyst and oxygen when the algae are jostled while suspended in water. Oxygen oxidizes the luciferin molecules, while luciferase accelerates the reaction and releases excess energy as light without generating heat.
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Folks travel from afar to surf at Matapalo and Pavones (the world’s second longest left). Catch a wave there, or catch a fast break right here on our beach - when the surf is up.
Fabulous surf lessons too at Pan Dulce - one of the best places to learn to surf in Central America. Warm water and a long point break.
Thrilling Adventures
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If you crave adventure, Iguana Lodge is your gateway to the best adrenaline experiences.
Explore Osa's rich biodiversity as you climb some of the seven hundred tree species. It's not just tree climbing; it's one of the most spectacular adventure tours invented by man. That's because the "man", Andy, is a heck of a lot of fun.
This tour guarantees getting muddy, bloody, bruised, and sweaty.
It takes you through the mind-bogglingly beautiful and wildlife-rich Matapalo, up the river, past the poison-tree frogs, under the monkey troops, to a spectacular 120-foot waterfall called King Louis. There, you'll dip into the tropical pool to cool off.
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Hook up with Andy Pruter and rappel down an incredible waterfall (occasionally cliffs when the real dry season hits).
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A series of seven zips let’s you zip right along. LOL. Sloths and monkeys and other wildlife abound.
Family Activities
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There are SO many things to do with your family… The kids really enjoy Andy’s tree climbing - and they do it faster than most others!
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There are so many fabulous things to do with your family… Kids love it here!
Cultural Activities
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From bananas to avocados and everything in between, you'll get to taste it all as you pick your own fruit!
This family project boasts over 20 hectares of property. Learn all about growing organic fruits such as bananas, papayas, white pineapple, corn, cocoa beans, avocados, squash, ginger, plantains, yucca, and sugar cane in the tropics.
Keep your eyes peeled for toucans, monkeys, iguanas, and the grandeur of one of the Osa Peninsula's largest trees.
Plus, the family is eager to treat you to a typical Costa Rican lunch!
“There is an activity for everyone: salsa dancing, paddle boarding, yoga classes, bonfires, surfing, kayaking, nature walks, a library of books, tree climbs, hammocks.”
— Andrea Ste Marie, Los Angeles