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South Pacific Real Estate in Costa Rica |
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The South Pacific
in Costa Rica extends from the Baru River,
next to Playa Dominical, to the borders
of Panama. One of the many attractions in
the region is the Peninsula de Osa. The
South Pacific in Costa Rica offers unique
real estate surrounded by tropical forests.
There are domestic flights from San Jose
to locations such as Puerto Jimenez, Coto,
Palmar and Golfito.
The wilderness of Corcovado National Park
is just one of the attractions at Drake
Bay. This is a spot for hiking in the jungle,
fishing, swimming and surfing on powerful
waves. The town of Golfito is popular as
it provides duty free shopping in Costa
Rica. Golfito is the gateway to the languid
waters of Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve and
Playa Zancudo.
Most protected areas in Costa Rica are located
in the South Pacific including 9 national
parks. The southern region nestles Cerro
Chirripo.
About The South Pacific
From the air, Costa Rica's South Pacific
is like a sea of green and blue with a border
of white sand between.
The Río Sierpe snakes through this imposing
expanse, creating the sensation of a mini
Amazon. To the north Cerro Chirripo borders
the region, and as the highest peak in southern
Central America at 12.603 feet, it's a formidable
border indeed. La Amistad flows southward
to Panama and the land falls eastward to
the sea and coastal regions such as Dominical,
Playa Ballena, and Playa Uvita and beyond.
The Peninsula de Osa is one of the most
remote areas in Costa Rica. The area is
host to an incredibly rich array of wildlife
and virgin rainforest, with nearly half
of the peninsula comprising either National
Park or other forms of protected land. It
is also important to note that the region
is also home to one of the largest concentrations
of indigenous peoples, making it culturally
rich as well.
The majority of visitors enter the region
by either boat or plane. Drake Bay, which
lies along the western shores of peninsula,
is accessed by boat along the Rio Sierpe.
This is a fascinating trip along nearly
37,000 acres of mangrove swamp, with ample
opportunity for spotting water bird. As
the boat approaches the mouth of the Pacific,
it becomes clear why it is recommended to
only takes this voyage with a local, experienced
boatman. As you ease out into the open water,
waiting for just the right opportunity to
pass between large rocks and swirling current,
there is a negotiation with the waves that's
astounding to watch. Once out at sea the
boat eases back into the calmer waters of
the bay, where at different times of the
year it's possible to see four types of
whales and two types of dolphin. If you're
travelling to this region in July, you might
find yourself surrounded by a cloud of luminescent
jade wings. 'Urania fulgens' is a migratory
day flying moth, and it's difficult to describe
the almost childlike joy at watching these
green jewels flutter above the waves. The
Drake Bay area boasts a variety of lodging
for different styles and budgets.
All are built in a low impact style, and
many offer services such as snorkeling and
diving, guided trips to Corcovado National
Park and Isla del Cano Biological Reserve,
as well as world class sport fishing.
Corcovado National Park is located in one
the richest and diverse tropical areas on
the planet. This 108,022 acre park contains
some of the highest rainforest canopy, due
to the abundant rainfall and low elevations,
and the region itself supports one of the
two largest populations of scarlet macaws
in the country. The most comfortable way
to visit the park is on a day tour of hiking
and snorkeling with one of the local lodges
some of which are very luxurious indeed
but it is possible to camp in the park near
the ranger stations. It's extremely wet,
buggy and primitive, so be prepared to carry
everything in and out with you, including
some very potent insect repellent.
Isla del Cano Biological Reserve is another
fascinating place to visit.
Located 90 miles off the Peninsula de Osa's
western coast, this large island has an
enormous variety of activities to offer.
Naturalist and archaeology buffs will enjoy
hiking through the dense primary forest,
as they step pass vine laden trees and the
mysterious granite spheres fashioned by
pre Columbian inhabitants.
The island is believed to have had sacred
status, and one theory is that the spheres
were used as markers for graves. But the
exploration of Isla del Cano doesn't stop
on land. One of Costa Rica's prime dive
destinations, the island boasts a large
reef system populated by a colorful
variety of fish, including puffer fish and
moray eels
The visibility is usually high, so even
snorkelers can enjoy watching the fish dart
along the sand and coral bottom.
Humpback and sperm whales join the resident
pilots in December and January as they migrates
south, so a day of island adventure could
end as a whale watching expedition!
Visitors wanting to visit the Golf Dulce
usually fly into Puerto Jimenez and head
to various lodges located along the coast
or into the interior. It is a noteworthy
point that Lapa Rios, one of the most revered
eco-resorts in the world, lies within
a private rainforest reserve of 1000 acres
stretching from the Camino de Osa down to
the Playa Pan Dulce on the gulf.
The Golfo Dulce can be the starting point
for a great deal of nature related activities
within the region. Both conventional boats
and kayaks ply the Rio Esquinas, where visitors
are likely to encounter a wide range of
both flora and fauna. In fact, in nearby
Golfito National Wildlife Refuge, the abundant
rainfall has created the perfect climactic
conditions to maintain large stands of exotic
trees such as purple heart and plomo. These
trees are commonly found in this area,
yet in country. Botanists, birders, students
and tourists alike will also enjoy a visit
to the Robert and Catherine Wilson Botanical
Gardens. These gardens, containing 22 acres
of cultivated area amid a 600 acre forest
reserve form part of the Amistad Biosphere
Reserve and are managed by the Organization
of Tropical Studies a consortium of U.S.
and Costa Rican universities.
The South Pacific region of Costa Rica provides
visitors with an extensive range of nature
related activities. Here you can hike through
some of Costa Rica's richest and most untouched
landscapes. Nearly every indigenous species
of large mammal makes its home within the
large tracts of protected land, and sometimes
people are lucky enough to see them.
For many, just knowing that these beautiful
creatures continue to thrive is satisfaction
enough. This, combined with opportunities
to explore marine life both above and below
the water.s surface, makes a visit to the
region an unforgettable one.
Travel Tips
You may wish to brave the lengthy roads
by taking the Pan American highway down
toward the South Pacific in order
to visit the mountainous regions of Cerro
de la Muerte and Chirripo National Park.
Buses go through the San Isidro de El General.
But if you wish to arrive further south
fresh and energized for your travels, take
one of the many daily flights that will
take you into the heart of the region.
Climate
A truly tropical climate awaits visitors
to this region. High humidity and dense
vegetation form lush landscapes. Rains
are frequent year round, but shouldn't
keep travelers off the trails, as they tend
to be brief.
What to bring
Insect repellent and rain gears are necessary
when travelling in this region, although
the rains are often more refreshing than
disturbing. Keep clothing light and airy,
as heavy items are more difficult to dry
in the humid atmosphere. Snorkeling equipment
is highly recommended, as many beaches offer
beautiful reef systems right off shore.
Things to do
- Birdwatching
- Fishing
- Snorkeling
- Walking
- Kayaking
- Horseback Riding
- Swimming
- Surfing
Places to go
Corcovado National Park - Pristine rainforest,
home to jaguars, macaws and other rarely
seen wildlife.
Isla de Cano Biological Reserve - This island
off of Drake Bay preserves pre-Columbian
archaeological sites, as well as marine
and terrestrial habitats.
Wilson Botanical Garden - Beautifully landscaped
gardens bordered by rainforest containing
an abundance of wildlife.
Chirripo National Park - Surrounds Costa
Rica's highest peak. Spectacular hiking
trails available.
San Gerardo de Dota - Numerous privates
reserve that form habitat for the resplendent
quetzal.
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LEADER Realty
Phone/Fax: (506) 2226 6483
P.O. Box: 4766-1000 San Jose
E-mail:
krsaborio@live.com
San Jose, Costa Rica
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