One of the most biodiverse regions in one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, the Corcovado National Park is a place of misty old-growth rainforests and jaguar-stalked woods. It is open to intrepid visitors for day trips and overnight stays, although all travellers must be accompanied by a dedicated Corcovado National Park tour guide and pay appropriate entry fees to the reserve. 

Be ready to gasp at every turn in the trail as you hike through this wild cut-out of the Osa Peninsula. Between the haze of the sea mists that gather atop the purpleheart trees and crabwoods, you might be able to spy out rare coati racoons hopping from branch to branch, or slow-moving three-toed sloths dangling from the boughs. Throw in anteaters, capuchin monkeys, elegant jaguarundis and all sorts of jungle cats; it is easy to see why wildlife spotters put this one so close to the top of their bucket list. The rainforest is only half the story in Corcovado. The reserve also spills down to meet the salt-spraying Pacific Ocean, protected by the adjoining Ballena National Marine Park where dolphin pods and humpback whales are regular visitors. There are beaches too – think pristine tropical sands with swaying palms and ancient boulders.