South Pacific

Large masses of humid tropical forest harboring unique species of the planet, an abundant marine diversity, the highest peak in the country, an indigenous legacy that holds mysteries as captivating as the Pre-Colombian stone spheres and ancient cultures that still today conserve its traditions, are all part of what Costa Rica's South Pacific offers.

Its distance from the Central Valley makes of this area one of the country's last frontiers of development, allowing the conservation of important forests such as Corcovado National Park, last haven of humid tropical forest in the Mesoamerican Pacific coast; and La Amistad International Park (Costa Rica-Panamá), declared by the UNESCO as a natural patrimony of the world.

The region also possesses the country's largest swamp extension, the wetlands of Sierpe-Térraba, of great scenic beauty; it also contains unique ecosystems, such as the glacial lakes of the Chirripó National Park, Costa Rica's highest peak at 3820 meters high (12.400 Ft); and Golfo Dulce, which scientists consider a unique true tropical fjord adding to its fauna and flora diversity.

The Osa Peninsula, covers a great part of the South Pacific, is a natural attraction that, together with the Talamanca mountain range, represents one of the first land formations that emerged in Central America. Both are places of great biological diversity. Given that the peninsula was an island in the past, it possesses unique endemic species of wildlife, in addition to those migratory species of North and South America. Its tropical forests harbor trees up to 70 meters high, (over 200 Ft) creating wood species of great value, and the largest populations of endangered animals including felines and scarlet macaws. In the upper slopes of the Talamanca Mountain range, the Paramo ecosystem harbors species of great attraction such as the resplendent quetzal and others.

Osa and Talamanca are also home to the country's main indigenous tribes of Meso-American and South American influence. Indigenous vestiges such as the stone spheres are also characteristic of the region. Some of the most famous spheres are on CaƱo Island, near the coast of Bahia Drake, one of the country's best diving spots. Its clear waters, witness the migration of marine species like the humpback whale, spotted and bottle nose dolphins, and the green baula turtle.

The countless beaches that bathe the South Pacific coasts are surrounded by exuberant nature and their sands possess the most diverse tonalities. Some are sought after for surfing, as are Dominical Beach, near the Marino Ballena Park National, and Playa Pavones, famous for having the world's longest left-hand breaking waves. Others are solitary beaches, ideal to walk on for hours in search of solitude and communion with nature. Rivers and waterfalls supplement the natural landscape and the charm of this region.

South Pacific Itineraries
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Costa Rica Office
Costalba Expeditions
PO Box: 170-117
San Jose 2000, Costa Rica
Tel/Fax: 506.292.4543
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Costalba Expeditions
2601 College Avenue #306
Berkeley, Ca 94704
Tel/Fax: Toll free: 1-866-613-6614
Itineraries
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