Pura Osa
Choose your trip
| Days | Route | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Uvita · Sierpe · Finca 6 | Whales, beaches, a first taste |
| 7 | Costa Ballena · Drake Bay | Corcovado and Caño Island |
| 10 | Costa Ballena · Drake · Puerto Jiménez | The whole region, slowly |
Flights, transfers and the first night in San José are covered in our trip planner. Check the best time to visit before choosing dates.
4 days: Costa Ballena, Sierpe and Finca 6
One base, no boats to catch, everything on paved roads. Stay in Uvita or Ojochal all four nights.
- Day 1San José → Uvita
Drive about 3.5–4 hours south, or take a transfer. Watch the sunset from the beach at Uvita.
- Day 2Whales and the Whale Tail
Morning boat tour in Marino Ballena National Park (whales in season, dolphins all year), then walk the Whale Tail at low tide.
- Day 3Sierpe mangroves and Finca 6
An early mangrove boat tour in Sierpe, lunch by the river, and the stone spheres of Finca 6 in the afternoon (closed Mondays).
- Day 4Waterfall and back
A morning swim at the Uvita waterfall or Nauyaca, then drive back to San José.
7 days: Costa Ballena and Drake Bay
Three nights on the coast, then the classic boat ride through the Sierpe mangroves to Drake Bay for Corcovado and Caño Island.
- Day 1San José → Uvita or Ojochal
Drive south on the Costanera (3.5–4 h). Stop at Manuel Antonio on the way if you leave early (closed Tuesdays).
- Day 2Marino Ballena
Whale and dolphin boat tour in the morning, beach and the Whale Tail in the afternoon.
- Day 3Waterfalls and Ojochal
Nauyaca or El Pavón waterfall, the sea caves of Playa Ventanas at low tide and dinner in Ojochal.
- Day 4Finca 6 → boat to Drake Bay
Visit Finca 6, then take the late-morning boat (around 11:30) from Sierpe through the mangroves to Drake Bay (about 1–1.5 h).
- Day 5Corcovado
Full-day guided tour to Sirena or San Pedrillo. Book months ahead in the dry season.
- Day 6Caño Island
Snorkeling or diving at Caño Island; night walk in Drake Bay to look for frogs and insects.
- Day 7Fly or boat back
Fly from Drake Bay to San José (about 1 h), or take the morning boat to Sierpe and drive back.
10 days: the whole region
Add the Golfo Dulce side of the peninsula: Puerto Jiménez, the macaws and surf of Matapalo and a quiet fjord full of dolphins. Fly home from Puerto Jiménez.
- Days 1–3Costa Ballena
San José → Uvita or Ojochal. Whales and Marino Ballena, waterfalls, Playa Ventanas.
- Day 4Sierpe and Finca 6
Mangrove tour and the stone spheres. Sleep in Sierpe by the river.
- Days 5–7Drake Bay
Boat to Drake Bay. Corcovado (Sirena or San Pedrillo), Caño Island and the coastal trail.
- Day 8Drake → Puerto Jiménez
Boat back to Sierpe and drive around to Puerto Jiménez (about 3 h), or ask about the 4x4 road in the dry season.
- Day 9Matapalo and the Golfo Dulce
Scarlet macaws and surf at Cabo Matapalo, or a boat day on the Golfo Dulce with dolphins. Optional: La Leona sector of Corcovado.
- Day 10Fly back
Domestic flight from Puerto Jiménez to San José (about 50 min).
Tips for planning
- Do not try to see everything: every move between bases costs half a day.
- Book Corcovado, Caño Island and domestic flights first; lodges second.
- In the green season, plan tours for the morning and keep afternoons free.
- Choose a base: where to stay in Osa · all destinations · Corcovado vs Manuel Antonio
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Osa?
Four days are enough for the Costa Ballena, Sierpe and Finca 6. Seven days let you add Drake Bay, Corcovado and Caño Island. With ten days you can also see Puerto Jiménez, Matapalo and the Golfo Dulce without rushing.
Do I need a car for these itineraries?
A car makes the Costa Ballena much easier, but you can also use transfers, buses and tours that pick you up at your hotel. In Drake Bay you will not need a car: everything is reached by boat or on foot. Leave the rental car at Sierpe if you continue to Drake, or rent one-way.
Can I combine Osa with Manuel Antonio or Monteverde?
Manuel Antonio is easy: it is on the way south, about 1.5 hours from Uvita. Monteverde and Arenal are far to the north; add at least three days if you want to include them.
When should I book Corcovado and Caño Island?
As early as possible: reservations open up to six months ahead and the dry season (December to April) sells out. Book through your lodge or a licensed local operator.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, Pura Osa may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Recommendations are not paid. Prices, hours and schedules change; always confirm locally.