Located just 20 kilometers upriver from the Pacific Ocean along the river of the same name, the quiet plantation and tourist town of Sierpe serves as the primary gateway for exploration of Corcovado National Park, Isla del Cano marine reserve, Drake Bay, and all the many other natural wonders of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Lying some 280 kilometers south of Costa Rica’s capital City, San Jose, Sierpe is most easily reached by one of several daily 30 minute domestic flights from San Jose to Palmar Sur, followed up by a 10 minute drive to Sierpe. A more scenic and adventurous route to Sierpe takes travelers along the Pan-American Highway either by car (4.5 hours) or by public bus (6 hours, $9 US). The Sierpe del Pacifico property is located just 6 kilometers (10 minutes) downriver from the town of Sierpe.

The last key staging and transport point for those exploring the rest of the Osa Peninsula, the picturesque and friendly town of Sierpe meets all of your service, supply and transportation needs. In addition to several nice hotels and restaurants, Sierpe also has a modern marina, supermarket, and hardware store. Banks and ATMs are located in Palmar Sur, and there is a recently completed, modern hospital another 10 km away in the city of Cortez. Sierpe is a popular stay-over spot for tourists on their way to either Corcovado National Park or the Drake Bay eco-lodges and catching a water taxi for the 10 minute ride to and from the Sierpe del Pacifico community is easy. All Cano Island snorkeling, diving and whale watching tours leave from Sierpe as well.

Touted by National Geographic Magazine as “the most biologically intense place on earth,” the Osa Peninsula’s 4,300 square kilometers are said to contain 2.5% of the world’s known biodiversity. The unique combination of tropical latitudes, rich volcanic soil, sea currents, high precipitation, and a variety of elevation oriented micro-climates provides an ideal opportunity for life to flourish. At the northwestern end of the Osa Peninsula – and encompassing the near entirety of the Rio Sierpe– is Latin America’s second largest mangrove reserve, the Térraba-Sierpe National Wetlands. The reserve is home to some of the world’s largest mangrove trees as well as an array of indigenous animals, birds and reptiles including turtles, spoonbills, crocodiles, monkeys, herons, kingfishers, caimans and frogs. Whether by kayak from the banks of Sierpe del Pacifico, or with a professional tour out of Sierpe, a day spent exploring the mangroves is a must!

A Pacific Ocean cruise is a definite highlight for most visiting the Sierpe area. Whether seeking dolphin or whale watching, sport-fishing, diving, surfing, or merely relaxing on the beach, the blue waters of the tropical Pacific will not disappoint. For a real treat, travelers combine an ocean cruise with a day trip to Corcovado National Park or Isla del Cano bio-reserve.

For those looking to broaden their horizons during their stay in the Osa, plenty of adventure and tranquility await in all directions. Just 35 km North of Sierpe along the Costanera highway in the towns of Ojochal, Uvita and Dominical, one can easily spend their days basking in the sun at the numerous beaches, and their nights dining in some of Costa Rica’s finer restaurants. Uvita is also a good place to buy higher quality furniture and home wares, as well as indulge in more comfort oriented services (salons, wellness centers, health clubs, etc.)

Further south along the Pan American highway, one can spend time hiking through the Piedras Blancas national park, catch a wave or a fish in the Golfo Dulce, or visit Costa Rica’s neighbor to the south, Panama. The towns of Puerto Jimenez and Matapalo provide refuge and hospice for tourists, surfers and anglers alike, while Golfito is a deepwater port city that is popular for its duty free shopping.

A trip to the mountains presents a new perspective of Costa Rica. Two hours northwest of Sierpe, along the Interamericana Highway, the city of San Isidro de General serves as the entrance into the central mountains of Costa Rica. Hikers can ascend Central America’s highest mountain, walk through a cloud forest, view the most resplendent bird of the tropics - the quetzal – or even go trout fishing in the numerous cold water streams.

The Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica provides abundant travel adventures that are unmatched for their natural wonder.