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The most remote (and beautiful) corner of Costa Rica
If you want to experience Costa Rica for its natural parks and avoid beautiful-but-touristy places (such as Quepos) head over to Osa Peninsula, home of Corcovado National Park, which is the largest park in the country (and much of Central America). I was just there in November and would recommend it to anybody who is looking for adventure travel. November is a good time to go, too, because it is the end of their rainy season but not quite their high season yet. You will end up doing a lot of trekking--both in jungle and on the beach--so plan accordingly and bring a lot of sunscreen.
We took a local flight on Sansa from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez and rented a 4X4 car from there. You can also take a "colectivo" shuttle bus (cheaply) or a taxi (expensively). It is about a three hour drive to Carate. This is where "the road ended" and we hiked 3 miles on the beach to the eco lodge. The beaches are amazing and so are most of the eco lodges. Still, the key here is modest: tents, simple meals and lots of scenery. Anyone looking to get "eco-pampered" with a massage in the sunset should probably go to Quepos instead.
Costa Rica is a beautiful country that has so much to offer to different types of travelers. Don't get discouraged just because your neighbor told you it is getting touristy. There are still real gems to find in Costa Rica.
###Also: Check out the story + gallery (below) of Gadling blogger Jerry Guo catching bats in Costa Rica.
Gallery: Catching bats in Costa Rica
Filed under: Hiking, North America, South America, Costa Rica, Camping, Ecotourism
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Adam Brown Feb 1st 2008 4:38PM
I'll be in Costa Rica in November 2008 for a cousin's wedding somewhere in the Northwest (not sure yet). But, I really want to visit the Osa Peninsula. What eco lodge did you stay at and would you recommend it? Any other recommendations of any kind will be appreciated.
R. Cohen Feb 1st 2008 4:50PM
My wife and I stayed at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest lodge two years ago. It is an AWESOME place. The lodge will meets you at the airport and then transports you by boat (the only way to get to the lodge). I can't say enough good things about it. Great food, great cabins, great hiking, decent snorkling, great birding, nice owners and staff... paradise!
Fiznatty Feb 1st 2008 4:19PM
I was in CR in '05 and loved it, especially the Osa Peninsula. A few of my shots are even in the Gadling pool. ;) I plan to finally return sometime later this year. It's the one international desitination (of many) that I've immediately wanted to return to. Three years later, I may finally get to do it.
As for lodging, we stayed at the Corcovado Tent Camp lodge, which was on the pricey side ($100+/night), but absolutely wonderful. It was one of those places that required a 45 minutes walk along the beach.
iva.skoch Feb 1st 2008 4:43PM
We stayed at La Leona Ecolodge and loved it. http://www.laleonaecolodge.com
The rates was about $50/tent, or $90 with three meals and drinks. They also run tours of the rain forest from there. Well worth it.
The Arenal volcano area is also nice (and the hot springs rock!) but you have to plane to spend a few days there because the volcano is cloud-covered very often...
Al T Feb 2nd 2008 10:31AM
This kills me...an article for the American tourist on how to avoid the "touristy" places in a country that's already absolutely lousy, overrun by American, who not only are tourists, but have bought half the land there. What- one gringo with sport sandals and a nalgene bottle is really all that different from the next and deserves something less "touristy" in a land colonized by his/her countrymen?
Barb Feb 2nd 2008 10:33AM
I've been to Costa Rica twice the second time I was there 2 months! Saw Arenal erupt,swam at beaches that were deserted except for a playful dog or two. Road horses in the jungle. It is a beautiful country and would go back in a heart beat! Casados for lunch are great. So many corners of this country are yet to be discovered by tourists. Nothing but pleasure.