south pacific

Because of it’s remote location and distance from the Central Valley, the South Pacific region of Costa Rica is one of the most undeveloped, wildly beautiful places in the country, the focus here being on the biodiversity and ecological wonders. For the truly adventurous and those who want a real taste of the jungle, visiting the South Pacific is a must. In addition to lush and pristine rainforest, the rich Osa Peninsula holds many secrets such as rugged waterfalls and secluded beaches perfect for surfing, snorkeling, and exploring.

Exploring the region:

Corcovado and Corcovado National Park : People that visit this area do so because they are interested in more than just the typical half day hikes into small preserves and would like to truly immerse themselves into the rainforest. Because Corcovado hosts such a large area of pristine jungle, you'll have a better chance here of seeing larger mammals and rare birds. When visiting, keep in mind that Corcovado is a real live jungle. It's hot, it's humid, and it can get muddy.

Corcovado National Park was named "One of the Most Biologically Intense Places On Earth" by NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine and this area of the Osa Peninsula is a rewarding visit for those seeking to immerse themselves in the flora and fauna for which Costa Rica has become famous. Activities here include: Hiking along the coast and inside Corcovado National Park - one of the two only remaining breeding areas of the scarlet macaw. Boat trips out to Caño Island with opportunities to snorkel and enjoy the "deserted beach" setting. The area also features all inclusive resorts and eco-lodges with deluxe accommodations in the jungle and on the beach.

Drake Bay and Isla del Cano: Named for the British Explorer Sir Francis Drake, Drakes bay is bordered by rocky, rugged shorelines and wild jungle backed beaches. In Drake’s Bay and off the Isla del Cano, you’ll find some of the greatest scuba diving and snorkeling the country has to offer on account of the pristine waters that allow for crystal clear views of bottle nose dolphins, migrating whales, and thousands of large fish.

La Amistad National Park and Biological Preserve: Spanning nearly 800 square miles and stretching from Southern Costa Rica into western Panama, La Amistad is the largest park in Costa Rica. Because of the rugged terrain, it’s difficult to access the preserve unless you are in a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Playa Pavones: Situated at the end of a dirt road and far away from the attractions, Playa Pavones is an undeveloped beach among untouched rainforest well known in the surfing community for one of the longest waves in the world. Here you’ll have the option to horseback ride or venture through the jungle.

Isla del Coco (Cocos Island): The uninhabited Isla del Coco , 500 kilometers off the Pacific Coast, holds over 200 stunning waterfalls and flourishes with exotic and untouched marine and terrestrial life. Famous for its debut as Dinosaur Island in Steven Speilberg’s blockbuster hit Jurassic Park, Cocos Island is recognized as one of the world’s most pristine tropical paradises. Scuba dive in the island’s world-renown waters up-close to countless scalloped hammerheads, whale sharks, schools of marbled sting rays, manta rays, sail fish, marlin, sea turtles, dolphins and giant moray eels. Hike through Cocos Island National Park and up the trail to the 2,092-foot summit of Mount Iglesias, the highest peak on the island, where you can take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the Pacific. And if that doesn’t get your heart pounding, the legend of buried pirate booty on the island attracts treasure seekers worldwide!

CALL AN IAU TRAVEL PLANNER AT  800-990-9738