Discover Costa Rica’s wild coastlines: The Osa Peninsula and Caribbean coast

24 July 2026

Costa Rica may be known for Arenal’s volcano views, Monteverde’s cloud forests, and the beaches of Guanacaste, but some of its most rewarding experiences lie farther from the usual route. In the remote southwest, the Osa Peninsula offers deep rainforest, untamed Pacific shores, and extraordinary wildlife, while the Caribbean coast brings its own blend of beach life, Afro-Caribbean heritage, and easy-going towns. Together, they show two very different sides of the country, making them a strong choice for visitors looking to spend longer in each place and experience Costa Rica in greater depth.

Discover Costa Rica’s wild coastlines: The Osa Peninsula and Caribbean coast

The Osa Peninsula: Costa Rica at its wildest

Reaching the Osa Peninsula takes a little more effort, and that is a large part of its appeal. Corcovado National Park protects more than 41,000 hectares of lagoons, mangroves, rivers, wet forest, and low-altitude cloud forest, as well as 46 kilometres of sandy coastline. Guided walks may bring sightings of scarlet macaws overhead, monkeys moving through the canopy, and Baird’s tapirs stepping quietly onto rainforest trails. Rather than rushing through on a day trip, you could stay for several nights in an eco-lodge near Drake Bay, Puerto Jiménez, or the Golfo Dulce, joining early-morning hikes and boat journeys into areas that remain wonderfully remote.

More than a day in the rainforest

Life on the Osa Peninsula revolves around its surroundings. One morning might begin with the calls of howler monkeys, followed by a guided trek from one of Corcovado’s ranger stations; another could be spent kayaking through mangroves, watching dolphins in the Golfo Dulce, or walking along an empty Pacific beach. Locally run lodges and guided experiences help tourism support the protection of this fragile environment, giving a stay here greater purpose without losing its sense of comfort or adventure. For wildlife enthusiasts, repeat visitors, and anyone who values time away from crowded resorts, Osa offers something that has become increasingly rare: genuine wilderness without a tightly packed sightseeing list.

The Caribbean Coast: A different way of life

Across the country, Costa Rica’s Caribbean shoreline feels immediately different from the Pacific. Beyond the canals and turtle-nesting beaches of Tortuguero, towns such as Puerto Viejo de Talamanca are shaped by Afro-Caribbean heritage, colourful wooden buildings, reggae, and local dishes, including rice and beans cooked with coconut milk. Days here tend to move at an easier pace, with many visitors choosing to cycle along the coastal road towards Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo, stopping for swimming, fresh fruit, and to relax at roadside cafés along the way. It works particularly well for those who want beach time with plenty of local character rather than a conventional resort stay.

Beaches, reefs, and rainforest trails

The Caribbean coast still offers abundant wildlife, but the experiences are easy to combine with relaxed days by the sea. At Cahuita National Park, a coastal trail runs between forest and beach, with opportunities to see monkeys, sloths, raccoons, and tropical birds, while guided snorkelling trips explore the protected reef offshore. Farther south, the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge brings together wetlands, forest, beaches, and coral habitats close to the Panamanian border. With cycling, snorkelling, wildlife walks, and unhurried evenings in Puerto Viejo all within reach, the region can easily be added to a wider Costa Rica itinerary while still feeling far removed from the country’s better-known holiday areas.

To experience these two sides of Costa Rica, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.

Singapore through the seasons: why there’s always something to celebrate

10 August 2026

Singapore may be compact, but its calendar is packed with celebrations that can transform an already memorable city break into something even more special. Throughout the year, its neighbourhoods are illuminated by festival lights, the Marina Bay skyline becomes the backdrop for fireworks and motor racing, and streets fill with parades, markets, music, and food. Many events reflect Singapore’s multicultural identity, giving visitors the chance to experience Chinese, Malay, Indian, and international traditions within the same city. You don’t necessarily need to plan your entire holiday around one event, either. Time your visit well, and Singapore’s annual celebrations can add colour, flavour, and a real sense of occasion to the attractions, restaurants, and neighbourhoods already on your itinerary.

Why Portugal is the perfect destination for every type of traveller

10 August 2026

Some destinations ask you to choose between a city break and a beach holiday, culture and nature, or relaxation and adventure. Portugal makes it surprisingly easy to experience them all. Its size means you can explore Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods, unwind beside the Atlantic, taste wine among the terraces of the Douro Valley, and hike through mountain or volcanic landscapes, sometimes within the same trip. Add a mild climate, warm hospitality, and a distinctive regional food scene, and it is easy to understand why so many people return to discover a different side of the country. Whether you are planning your first visit or looking for fresh inspiration, there is a version of Portugal to suit almost every kind of holiday.

Five unforgettable wildlife encounters in Costa Rica

07 August 2026

If you’re dreaming of a journey that blends adventure, nature, and authenticity, Costa Rica deserves a spot at the top of your list. With its rainforests, striking volcanoes, and pristine coastline, this Central American gem perfectly captures the relaxed pura vida way of life. What truly sets it apart, though, is the extraordinary range of wildlife that calls it home. From sleepy sloths to migrating whales, Costa Rica offers some of the most remarkable animal encounters on Earth. Here are five you won’t want to miss…

Discover Costa Rica’s wild coastlines: The Osa Peninsula and Caribbean coast

Singapore through the seasons: why there’s always something to celebrate

Why Portugal is the perfect destination for every type of traveller

Five unforgettable wildlife encounters in Costa Rica

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