The Travel Chica

Live Simple. Consume Less. Experience More.

24 hours in the most biodiverse place on the planet

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I had been on the fence about visiting the Osa Peninsula.  I had only 24 hours to visit, and I was not sure it was worth the drive.

During my stay at Bodhi Surf and Yoga Camp, one of the owners Travis kept talking about how special Osa is and about some of the success stories for sustainable, local tourism.  Being only 2.5 hours away, I had to see the place that National Geographic called “the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity.”

Danta Lodge

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Danta Lodge is owned by a local and is one of the best success stories in the area for sustainable tourism and shows how local businesses give back to their community.  This is one of the best examples of simple, rustic comfort and how I prefer to experience a wild and natural place.  Even the monkeys consider this place home.

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I was awed by the intricate, beautiful handmade wood carvings throughout the property.  The owner does this himself and has taught some of his employees as well.  Such incredible talent.  It is the small touches that can make a simple place feel so special.

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Exploring the Osa Peninsula

Danta Lodge has hours of private trails you can explore on your own to experience primary and secondary rainforest.  And I swear I heard a puma about 20 yards away.  No joke.

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Danta Lodge also provides guides who will take you to explore areas of the Osa Peninsula outside the property.  The dense trees and plants and flower blooms hold hours of lessons if you want them.  It’s nearly impossible to walk a few meters without coming across a trail of leafcutter ants.
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The views are gorgeous, even with rain clouds looming.

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While there is never a guarantee with wild animals and birds, several came out to play during the short hike.  I saw families of cute squirrel monkeys, a variety of papaya-craving toucans, scarlet macaws, and three different species of vulcher, including the rey (aka king) vulcher.

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I saw all of this and much more in 24 hours.  I didn’t even go into Corcovado National Park, which is the main attraction in the Osa Peninsula.  I’m pretty sure the animals do not abide by the park boundaries.

Have you been to the Osa Peninsula?  Do you have any tips for a short visit?

Comments

  3. This was one place I missed during my trip to Costa Rica last year – will have to spend some time there when I get back there!

  7. Such a small island and so many things to see! It looks like a little piece of heaven. You should visit the Danube Delta some time, if you ever venture to Europe. :)

  9. This is really interesting. I went to a place within the Yasuní National Park in Ecuador – spent about a week there, and I was told THAT was the most biodiverse place in the world. I thought about it and realized there’s no way to know for sure (how do they count every species?)..I guess I’m headed to Costa Rica again!
    Christian Ostmo recently posted..Solo Travel vs Couple Travel – I’m a Changed Man

  10. Hello Stephanie!

    Your blog picture is very beautiful your depth research on nature that i appreciate in this blog

    Thanks for shearing

  11. I love the Osa Peninsula! I spent a week in ‘La Chosa’ where I was surrounded by a sloth, a spider monkey, white faced monkey, plenty of different birds and so many more animals. What a dream come true. It’s such an amazing place :) I will definitely come back! Especially after I was so lucky to spot whales on my last day just from the shore walking along the beach. Best day!

  15. Nice blog. I definitely will visit South America after i complete my European trip. And this is the blog i will follow. If there is another travel blog or site that is giving specific details about traveling to South America, please recommend.

  16. Hi Stephanie,
    As a nature lover makes me want to pack and visit this place.
    This is certainly on my bucket list.
    Thanks,
    Kate

  18. The pictures Perfect post. All the snaps are super cool. I have recently returned back from the one of the beautiful natural world heritage site “Valley of Flowers” but couldn’t click such splendid snaps as you did. Your work is just outstanding. Thanks for sharing and keep clicking and writing Stephanie!

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