Large masses of humid
tropical forest that harbor 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 can offer.
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 great part
of the South Pacific, and constitutes an area of great
natural attraction that, together with the Talamanca
mountain range, the Peninsula 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 of up to
70 meters high, (over 200 Ft) 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.
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.
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 Caño 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.
