Natural wonders and a unique history.
The Southern Pacific region contains both
natural wonders and a unique history. Here you will find large
expanses of tropical rainforest that serve as habitat for
animal and plant species unique in the world, coastal waters
abundant with marine life and the highest mountain peak in
the country. In addition, the region retains an indigenous
legacy including the mysteries of interesting giant stone
spheres, as well as a living culture that still preserves
its traditions.
Its distance from the Central Valley has
made this region one of the last frontiers in the colonization
of the country, a fact that has allowed for the conservation
of vast areas of forest, including Corcovado National Park,
the last remaining area of tropical wet forest on the Pacific
coast of Mesoamerica, and Amistad International Park (Costa
Rica-Panama), which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage
Site.
The region also contains the wetlands of
Sierpe Térraba, a wonder of natural beauty and the
largest expanse of wetlands in the country, as well as unique
ecosystems such as the glacial lakes of Chirripó National
Park, which at 3,821 meters in altitude contains the highest
peak in the country, as well as the Golfo Dulce, which scientists
consider a true tropical fjord whose richness of plant and
animal species is unique in the world.

Covering a large part of the Southern Pacific,
the Osa Peninsula represents an area of highly regarded natural
beauty that, together with the Talamanca Mountains, represents
one of the first land masses to give form to Central America.
Both constitute the two most biologically diverse sites in
the country. Because the peninsula was once an island, wildlife
species exist here that are unique to the region, and share
characteristics from both North and South America. |
The region’s tropical forests have trees reaching
70 meters in height, of valuable wood, as well as the largest
population of endangered feline species and red macaws in
the country. In the highlands of the Talamanca Mountain
Range, the neo-tropical alpine ecosystem is found in its
full expression of shrub brush landscape in playful formations.
Osa and Talamanca are also home to the primary indigenous
groups in the country, with influence from both Mesoamerica
and South America. Traces of the area’s indigenous
past can be found in the giant stone spheres that are unique
to region. Some of the most famous stones can be found on
Caño Island, across from Drake Bay, one of the best
places for diving in the country, where the same clear waters
that reach Corcovado National Park see the migration of
animal species such as the humpback whale, spotted and bottle-necked
dolphins, and green, leatherback, olive ridley and hawksbill
turtles.
The countless beaches of the Southern Pacific coast are
surrounded by fantastic natural beauty, while its sands
are some of the most diverse. While some beaches in the
region are widely prized for their surf, including Dominical
Beach near Ballena Marine National Park and Pavones Beach
near Golfito, home to a world-famous long left wave, others
feature secluded areas ideal for hours of strolling or alone
time with nature.
Rivers and waterfalls complement the natural beauty and
attractiveness of the region.
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