South Pacific Region of Costa Rica: Corcovado Corcovado National Park. More than 370 kinds of birds, 500 species of trees, 140 mammals, 40 varieties of freshwater fish, 150 orchids, 120 reptiles and 6000 types of insects are just the tip of the iceberg.
Endangered species such as jaguars, pumas, scarlet macaws, crocodiles, tapirs, poison-dart frogs and golden toads find a safe haven within the nine different habitats protected by Corcovado, including the last very humid tropical forest ecosystem in Central America and the American Pacific.
Located on western tip of the Osa Peninsula, the park safeguards more than 100,000 acres (41,787 ha) of land and 5,856 acres (2,400 ha) of surrounding ocean, embracing as many as two-thirds of the planet's estimated plant and animal species.
The Peninsula of Osa stretches for more than 50 kilometers in to the Pacific Ocean, like a gigantic rocky food and it constitutes most of the southern region of Costa Rica. There are headlands, hills, rivers, torrents and plains that occasionally interrupt the harsh profile of the rocks: one exciting discovery after another in this universe that looks uncontaminated, a last fortification protecting the plants and animals.
The Peninsula forms the large protective creek of the Golfo Dulce, with small towns like Rincon and Puerto Jimenez, the River Coto's large estuary at Punta Blanco and Golfito on the eastern coast of the creek, with is faraway, exotic atmosphere and open air cafes in front of the jetties.
The original inhabitants of the region, the Diquis indios were clever craftsmen and particularly good goldsmiths. They were able to make splendid ceremonial ornaments from the gold they found in the rivers Tigre and Claro. During the Spanish Conquest, attracted by the news of the presence of this precious metal, there were several expeditions to the peninsula in the search for the legendary mines of Veragua. The indigenous populations were destroyed and the gold reserves were, as usual, plundered.
Nevertheless, they let us one of the rich, wildest and most spectacular regions in Costa Rica: National Park Corcovado; it dominates the Peninsula de Osa with its 54,538 hectares that is why has been called "The most biologically intense place on earth" by National Geographic. Do you like to know why?
Because the southwest coast contains an amazing amount of endemics and species which are not found else where in the planet. Its geographical situation, its climate influence and the acidic conditions of its soils plus its topography all contribute to this special place to have potential diversity where you will find thirteen different habitats characterize the complexity of this natural environment, with its pluvial type virgin forest; also five hundred species of tress, often entwined with shoots and lianas, an entangled brushwood of plants and roots, orchids, ferns, bromelias, an endless collection of epiphytes, and in this extraordinary vegetable world, ocelots and tapirs, jaguar, pumas, 10.000 species of insects, hundreds of varieties of birds, with the largest colony of scarlet macaos on earth and also some of the most poisonous snakes, like the coral snake.
All these in conjunction of the low on tourist, which makes it an ideal destination for anyone who wants to stay from the beaten path.
The biodiversity found in Corcovado can rarely be seen anywhere else in the world, which is why the park is often described as a compact version of the Amazon. All these wonders can be easily explored through an efficient trail system that takes you through rivers, mountains, beaches and a magical world where nature dominates.
Puerto Jimenez is the starting point for most hiking adventures since Corcovado's administration is located there. Ranger stations are conveniently laid out throughout the park and connected by clearly marked trails. The tours may take between 4 and 8 hours depending on pace and the area to be covered. If you want to explore the entire park, camping and lodging are available at the ranger stations. Arrangements can be made ahead of time and a little rest will allow you to continue the journey the following morning.
Smaller trails are also available for quick runs through the forest.
Corcovado's lagoon is a mandatory stop for a close encounter with the park's wild residents. Jaguars and other big cats come to quench their thirst in its waters and so do tapirs and crocodiles. Birds fly playfully over the lagoon creating a colorful spectacle in the sky. After dark it's the bats turn to come and fish with equally impressive agility.
At the beach nature also puts on a show where four different species of sea turtles come to lay their eggs and majestic scarlet macaws fly about in pairs searching for their favorite food: almond trees near the coast.
If you can, hire a guide at the ranger stations or lodges to get the most out of your hike. Experts will point out the secret hideaways of the elusive wildlife and name the thousands of animals and plants that inhabit the forest.
Geographical Division 
