Tropical rainforest in Corcovado
The Osa Peninsula is located in southwestern Costa Rica on the Pacific Ocean. Half of all the flora and fauna found in Costa Rica can be found here. On the north side of the peninsula is Bahía Drake. Until recently, the bay was only accessible by sea and partly because of this, it is one of the last remaining lowland tropical rainforest areas on the coast. It has miles of beautiful coastline with rocks and coves. Much of the peninsula is occupied by the 425-square-mile Corcovado National Park, also known as the Amazon of Costa Rica. Perhaps the most beautiful park in the country, with incredible ecological diversity. The wealth of flora and fauna can be partially explained by the variety of vegetation species, at least 13, together accounting for 500 different tree species, among others. A second explanation for this great diversity is the fact that the park (like the rest of Costa Rica) lies on the land bridge between North and South America.
Birding in Corcovado
Peninsula Osa, according to National Geographic "the most biologically intense place on earth" with 140 species of mammals and as many as 500 species of birds is a "must see" for bird lovers. Look for species such as Bairds trogon (found only on the Osa), Turquoise and Yellow-billed Cotinga (which are on every birder's target list), Manakin, Red Antangare, Red-tailed Thrush, White-throated Cormorant Gangare and many species of parrots and toucans.
