Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ible, there are several lodges in the area doing their part to preserve this natural resource
by protecting their own little pieces of this wildlife wonderland.
Sights & Activities
Most travelers skip the northern part of the peninsula and beeline for Puerto Jiménez to
make arrangements to get into Parque Nacional Corcovado. If you have time to dawdle,
there's lots of DIY wildlife-watching to be had. About 9km southeast of Rincón, the town
of
La Palma
is the origin of the rough road that turns into the trail to Corcovado's Los Pa-
tos ranger station. If you're through-hiking Corcovado, this will likely be the starting or
ending point of your trek. Before heading out, however, don't miss the chance to get some
sun at the beautiful sand-and-coral beach, known as
Playa Blanca
, at the east end of town.
The
Reserva Indígena Guaymí de Osa
is southwest of La Palma, on the border of Parque
Nacional Corcovado. It's possible to arrange a homestay with a Ngöbe family, who will
meet you in La Palma for the journey into the reserve.
Just before entering Puerto Jiménez, a turnoff on the road leads 16km to the hamlet of
Río Nuevo
, also in the forest reserve. A good trail network leads to spectacular mountain
viewpoints, some with views of the gulf. Bird-watching is excellent in this area: you can
expect to see the many species that you would find in Corcovado. Most of the following
lodges offer day-long excursions in this area.
Finca Köbö
OUTDOORS
( 8398-7604;
www.fincakobo.com
;
3hr tour US$32; )
About 8km south of La Palma, Finca Köbö is a chocolate-lover's dream come true (in fact
köbö
means 'dream' in Ngöbere). The 20-hectare
finca
(farm) is dedicated to organic cul-
tivation of fruits and vegetables and - the product of choice - cacao. Tours in English give
a comprehensive overview of the life cycle of cacao plants and the production of chocolate
(with degustation!). More than half of the territory is dedicated to protecting and reforest-
ing natural ecosystems.
To really experience the beauty and vision of this
finca
, you can stay in simple, comfort-
able teak cabins (singles/doubles US$35/66, meals US$8 to US$13), with lovely open-air
bathrooms and quality linens. Those who stay longer can hike the surrounding forest trails
and speak with local farmers.
