Located along Central America’s Pacific coast, the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking places.
When searching for real estate investment opportunities in Costa Rica, the location holds special appeal for those seeking privacy, proximity to nature, and a great ocean view. This unique location offers visitors access to pristine beaches, unspoiled rainforests, and rich cultural heritage.
A Brief History of Osa Peninsula
If you’re interested in buying a real estate property in the Osa Peninsula, then you should know a little bit about the history of the region.
The Osa Peninsula is a remote and wild region of Costa Rica that lies to the south of the town of Quepos.
This unique corner of the world was once underwater until volcanic activity created an unbroken land bridge connecting North and South America. As the tectonic plates collided, the Osa emerges out of the sea.
Civilization existed in Osa since ancient times, and various indigenous tribes hunted in the dense rainforests of the peninsula.
In 1569, Sir Francis Drake visited the coast of the Osa and was said to have buried a treasure there. Since then, no one has ever been able to find any evidence of his supposed treasure.
Today, the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica is home to several wildlife sanctuaries, including Corcovado National Park located in Puerto Jimenez.
8 Things about Osa Peninsula Costa Rica you should know
For those looking for unique opportunities for real estate property investment, make sure you check these out. You’ll understand why owning land and properties here is special. Many things make the Osa Peninsula such a special place, with eight of them being highlighted here.
#1 Osa has the highest concentration of biological life on Earth
With a population of only 7,000 residents, it is home to an incredibly high number of species. There are more than 1,500 bird species, including the rare and endangered scarlet macaw, the blue-throated macaw, and the green-cheeked conure. There are also hundreds of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and plants. And there are almost certainly more species living here than anywhere else on the planet.
There are several reasons why the peninsula is so rich in biodiversity. First, it was once an isolated island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Then, it merged with the mainland of Costa Rica through the same fault line that extends to California. Finally, it sits right next to the Central American isthmus, where the North and South Americas meet. All of those factors contributed to the unique ecosystem that exists today in this region of Costa Rica.
In addition to being home to a large number of species, the area also boasts a wide variety of habitats. There are mangrove swamps, rainforests, dry forests, beaches, coral reefs, and wetlands. Each habitat provides a specific environment for animals to thrive. Mangroves provide shelter for sea turtles, birds, and small mammals. Rainforest trees support monkeys, sloths, and howler monkeys. Coral reefs host thousands of colorful fish. Wetlands attract ducks, herons, and shorebirds.
The Osa Peninsula is located within the Osa Conservation Area, which protects the peninsula’s natural resources. Within the conservation area, there are no roads or buildings. Instead, visitors must travel by boat or hike through the jungle. Because of this, it remains largely untouched by humans. In fact, the Osa Peninsula has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its incredible biodiversity.
#2 The Most Prominent Mangrove Forests and Wetland Ecosystem in Central America
Wetlands are incredibly important ecosystems. Not only do they protect us from flooding, but they also provide habitat for thousands of plant and animal species. And if you live near a coastal area, you should be aware of how important wetlands are to protecting our coastlines.
Mangroves are trees or shrubs growing in saltwater environments. These trees grow along coasts and estuaries where there is plenty of fresh water and saltwater mixing. Mangroves are extremely important to protecting our coastlines and helping keep our oceans clean.
In Central America, the Osa is home to the largest concentration of mangroves in the world.
There are several reasons why we should care about mangroves. They are vital to maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. They protect us from storm surges and hurricanes. They prevent soil erosion and sedimentation which helps improve water quality. They also provide recreational opportunities for locals and tourists alike. They are aesthetically pleasing and culturally significant at the same time. Lastly, they are irreplaceable.
#3 The Last and Largest Remaining Lowland Rainforest in Mesoamerican
Corcovado is the only remaining lowland rainforest of any significant size in Central America. It is located in Costa Rica and covers approximately 1,500 square miles (4,000 km2). It is the last remaining habitat of several species of endangered wildlife.
In addition to being the last remaining lowland rainforest, Corcovado is also the largest remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Mesoamérica. It is also the largest protected area in Costa Rica.
This unique ecosystem is home to hundreds of plant and animal species, including the world’s largest population of red howler monkeys. There are also numerous endemic bird species, including the blue-throated sloth, the smallest mammal in the Americas.
There are two main types of forests within Corcovado: dry deciduous forest and wet evergreen forest. Dry deciduous forest occurs along the coast and consists mostly of mangroves and palm trees. Wet evergreen forest occurs inland and is dominated by broadleaf evergreens, particularly mahogany and ceiba trees.
The park was established in 1961 and is managed by the Organization for Tropical Studies. It is part of the larger Guanacaste Conservation Area, which protects much of the northern portion of the Osa.
#4 It has the most astounding number of tree species among temperate regions in the world
The Osa peninsula is known for its biodiversity. It’s home to more than 700 different types of plants and animals. That’s more than any other tropical region in the world.
It has more than 700 different plant species. That’s more than all the northern temperate regions combined.
INBIO found that for every six tree species in Brazil there were 35 in Colombia and 295 in Costa Rica.
That means that the Osa peninsula has more tree species than all the northern temperate regions combined.
#5 The Osa Peninsula is the Wildest and Best Place for Adventures
Experience nature, wildlife, history, and culture on the Osa. Here are some suggestions.
Go fishing or surfing: Fishing is big here. There are plenty of fish species including marlin, sailfish, tuna, and barracuda. Surfing is also big here. You will find waves suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers. Or you can also visit Playa Flamingo, know for its world-class surf breaks.
Visit the old gold mines: Many towns in Osa were once famous for their gold mining operations. Today, those mines provide a fascinating insight into the lives of local miners.
Explore the beaches: The area has some beautiful white sand beaches. Some of the beaches are accessible only by boat. Others are reached via dirt paths.
See the massive stone spheres: The Osa Peninsula is known for its huge stone spheres. Archaeologists still debate whether the giant stones were used as ball courts or astronomical observatories.
Hike in the rainforests: The location offers a wealth of opportunities to hike in the surrounding forests.
See the wildlife: The Osa Peninsula attracts a wide variety of animals, including monkeys, sloths, coatis, otters, parrots, and even crocodiles.
Take a boat tour: This peninsula boasts some of the best diving spots in Central America. You can either dive yourself or hire a professional guide.
Learn about the indigenous cultures: The Osa Peninsula was once inhabited by several indigenous groups. such as the Chiriquí and Borucas.
#6 Drake Jump Off
Although primarily used as a dropping-off point for travelers heading to the Corcovado, Drake Bay offers plenty of opportunities for adventurers. Several hikes can be done near the bay. You can hike to nearby rivers and waterfalls, and local boat owners offer snorkel tours and whale-watching trips.
For those who enjoy diving, there are several locations where you can dive in Drake Bay. There are also several river mouths along the shoreline where you can swim and explore. And if you’d rather stay dry, you can visit the nearby beaches and hike through the forest. This is a nice spot for camping or fishing.
There are also several boat tours available that can take you to nearby islands. One of the most popular activities is snorkeling. Snorkelers can visit nearby reefs and caves to view marine life.
#7 Cano Island treasures
Another attraction is Cano Island Biological Reserve, which is 12 miles away from Drake Bay. It was once used as a burial ground during pre-colonial times. Scientists believe that there were many stone spheres made by the locals using natural materials. There’s also a lot of wildlife around. You’ll see lots of birds, including eagles, ospreys, herons, ibis, egrets, ducks, geese, and even pelicans. The island has an abundance of plants too. If you’re lucky, you might spot some monkeys or deer.
According to researchers, this island emerged when over 50 million years old. It’s considered to be the oldest volcano in Central America.
The real beauty of Caño lies beneath the waterline. Its virgin waters are home to a spectacular array of beautiful marine life. You might spot dolphins or whale spouts along the shorelines. Or maybe you’ll find yourself surrounded by colorful corals and tropical fish.
There’s no doubt that Caño Island is one of the best places to dive in the entire world. And if you’re lucky enough to visit during the winter months, you might catch a glimpse of humpback whales breaching right offshore.
Rated as one of the best underwater adventure diving spots, the Caño Island biological reserve is also home to a large variety of fish, whales, and sharks.
#8 The Luxurious Rainforest Lodge Experience
There are many luxury rainforest lodges located throughout the Osa Peninsula. These hotels offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this Costa Rican paradise without sacrificing comfort or privacy. Many of these lodges operate under strict environmental standards, meaning that they only accept guests who respect the environment and leave no trace behind. Some of the lodges even provide opportunities for guests to participate in conservation efforts.
Consider the Superb Osa Peninsula Property
Osa Peninsula is a Costa Rican hidden gem. Because it is remote, it features an unspoiled paradise. It is for the kind of people who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Surrounded by crystal clear waters and amazing jungle scenes, the properties here offer stunning ocean views and features like no other.
If you end up ready to search for lots for sale, either to develop for farm or rental properties, we are very much open to offering our expertise. The properties for sale here are great for those looking for land for farm or other future development. Aside from farm properties, land here can make for beautiful beach properties.
If you are looking for the perfect adventure or in search of diversity in your real estate portfolio, check out this type of remote place close to a popular location. Osa Peninsula real estate would make for a unique construction project. There are many properties here still waiting to be discovered for real estate future development. The great ocean view, and the expanse of land for a farm, and other development make this site for a great project in the future.
