Osa Peninsula holidays
Osa Peninsula holidays at a glance
The Osa Peninsula is a remote rainforest region at the southern end of Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline. Unlike the drier landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula, Osa is dominated by dense tropical rainforest and protected wildlife reserves.
The region is home to Corcovado National Park, a globally significant conservation area known for its extraordinary biodiversity. Rare mammals including tapirs, ocelots, white-faced capuchins and Central American squirrel monkeys inhabit its forests, while crocodiles, caimans and numerous bird species thrive throughout the region.
Osa remains one of Costa Rica’s least developed destinations, rewarding you with a genuine sense of wilderness and adventure. Its remote location helps preserve habitats that support some of the country’s most remarkable wildlife encounters.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Osa Peninsula
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Wildlife reserves dominate this lush region, sheltering rare species like white-faced capuchins, ocelots and harpy eagles.
When to visit Osa Peninsula
Best time to visit Osa Peninsula? December to April for the driest, easiest conditions, with January to March the pick of the bunch.
Although hot and humid all year round, the best time to visit is from the end of December to the beginning of April when rainfall is at its lowest. Sea temperatures of 28°C and consistent outside highs of 30-32°C make this a brilliant time for combining the ocean with wildlife spotting in the reserves.
The Osa peninsula, like most of the rest of the country, experiences its ‘green season’ from May to November. Temperatures are balmy at around 29°C during the day, but the peninsula is one of the wettest areas of this lush country, with peak rainfall in August, September and October.
Top Things to do in Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula is all about wildlife, rainforest exploration and outdoor adventure – among the best things to do in Osa Peninsula is simply heading into Corcovado with a good guide and seeing what turns up.
Visit the biological reserve of Caño island to submerge yourself in a natural aquarium of manta rays, lobsters and hundreds of tropical fish.
Spot exotic animals and birds in Costa Rica’s most biodiverse national park.
Accommodation in Osa Peninsula
Our featured accommodation across the peninsula takes in Aguila de Osa, El Remanso, La Leona Eco Lodge, Lapa Rios and Playa Nicuesa. These properties give excellent access to the region’s wildlife and rainforest environments.
Aguila de Osa is a beautiful eco-lodge on Costa Rica’s wildife-rich Osa Peninsula.
Relaxed lodge in a secluded area of natural beauty, set above a private beach. A peaceful place to stay, in harmony with its jungle surroundings.
Tent-cabins in an idyllic jungle setting by the sea: a fabulous option for those wishing to be surrounded by nature.
Exceptional luxury eco-lodge in a setting rich in exotic wildlife. Spacious, rustic but chic accommodation overlooks the Pacific Ocean of Costa Rica with 2km of beaches.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Tailor-Made Osa Peninsula Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Costa Rica Wildlife Discovery
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Osa Peninsula
13 days from £4,565
Off The Beaten Track Costa Rica
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Savegre valley and Chirripo foothills · Pacific coast · Osa Peninsula
14 days from £3,750
Signature Costa Rica and Panama Coast: Pacific route
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Osa Peninsula · Boquete and the Chiriquí Highlands · Pacific Coast of Panama · Panama City
14 days from £3,800
FAQs about visiting Osa Peninsula
Osa Peninsula is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit the Osa Peninsula?
If good weather is your priority, choose the dry season Dec-Apr when there is plenty of sun. The green (i.e. rainy) season is quieter in terms of number of visitors. It’s hot and humid all year round.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken in the Osa Peninsula?
The main language spoken in the Osa Peninsula is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in the Osa Peninsula?
The Colón is the main currency used in the Osa Peninsula. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in San José using a UK credit or debit card. You may have to authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited to amounts lower than in the UK. US dollars cash can be exchanged in banks too. Stock up with your local currency needs before travelling to the Osa Peninsula.
- What is the time difference between the Osa Peninsula and the UK?
The time difference between the Osa Peninsula and the UK is GMT -5 hours.
- What places combine well with the Osa Peninsula?
Arenal, in the north, the most spectacular volcano; Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, for excellent bird watching; Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast for wildlife and turtle watching. Costa Rica is a tiny country so road journeys, even winding ones through the highlands, are relatively short. Some roads are in good condition while others require 4WD vehicles.
- How do I get to the Osa Peninsula?
By light aircraft from San José to Palmar Sur. By road along the Pan-American Highway to Puerto Jiménez. From Puerto Jiménez there is an air taxi service to Carate and San Pedrillo.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.