South Pacific, Costa Rica Welcome to Caminos de Osa Together we support the Caminos de Osa presents itself culture and prosperity as an opportunity to promote of the communities that a sustainable and integrated preserve 2.5 percent of the development agenda in the Osa planet’s biodiversity Peninsula. Through the creation of Caminos de Osa (Osa Trails), The Osa Peninsula is one of the we seek to spread the wealth crown jewels of Costa Rica, and of tourism activities by inviting About the Caminos de Osa Association is home to some of the places visitors to engage with Corcovado’s with the greatest natural aesthetic surrounding communities and their In 2015, the Caminos de Osa Association was born in order to beauty in the region. Today, 80% unique culture, in addition to the operate as the local entity in charge of managing the Caminos de Osa of the territory is protected under flora and fauna that traditionally destination. Our mission is to establish and promote a value chain varying types of conservation, have attracted tourists to the of local entrepreneurs with the same collective vision of sustainable which allows the Osa Peninsula to region. By encouraging rural development. Our aim is to offer a balanced and unique experience for host species that represent 2.5% of community tourism in the region, visitors, showing a deep respect for the essence of our region. the world’s biodiversity. However, we fundamentally believe that a in contrast with the wealth and more equitable distribution of the To learn more about us and our next projects, please contact us at: natural exuberance of the area, local benefits of tourism can be reached, [email protected] communities experience poverty thereby also improving the local and low levels of development. population’s quality of life without Now, it is your turn to experience the magic of the Caminos Therefore, it is still common for compromising the Osa marine and de Osa! By visiting and engaging in any of our caminos, or many inhabitants of the region to terrestrial ecosystems. paths, you will contribute to the socioeconomic development engage in activities such as illegal of the marginalized communities of the region. logging, gold mining, and hunting as means of subsistence.

01 We believe that the key to the region’s sustainability lies on the shoulders of its people. Manifesto “The call that changed us comes from a far deeper and more mystical place than conscience... it comes from spirit: a restless spirit that is eager to change the destiny of our lands and those of our future generations that will inhabit them. Since its awakening, our entire vision changed; we have found Caminos de Osa that caring for and sharing our culture and natural wealth is the best type of business model in which we can invest, leading us to leverage our skills, talents and energy towards creating a process that rescues, preserves and enhances our assets.

Today, our path is to continue being dreamers who never stop learning and who act with intention; defenders of Mother Nature, parents, proud representatives of our culture, entrepreneurs with consciousness, exemplary community members and, above all, fountains of inspiration for future generations.

The sense of pride that we feel when we open up our homes and share our culture and traditions comes with a great sense of honor, which has allowed us to understand that the real gold found in our lands is all that is alive in them.

The aesthetic biodiversity of this magical place includes us as well: the varying establishments with unique offerings, all walking together towards the same destiny.”

- Members of the Caminos de Osa Association-

02 9:30 AM Day 1 You will need to arrive at the office of Sierpe Azul Tours, in the town of Sierpe. You may Sierpe - Estero Guerra. leave your car at the office in Sierpe if you Accommodation: Home stay with have one. From here, you will start your a local family (shared rooms and journey by taking a boat ride through the bathrooms). Camino del Agua mangroves of the Sierpe River (approx. Difficulty level: 5/10. The whisper of the wind and the roar of the 20km). While enjoying your boat trip, be sure ocean show us the way to keep your eyes open to see the crocodiles, Meals: snakes, monkeys, and the water birds that are frequently sighted throughout the area.

According to legend, the famous pirate LUNCH DINNER 11:30 AM Sir Francis Drake hid one of his legendary You will arrive at the Estero Guerra community treasures in Drake Bay in the 16th century. and meet the Sandoval family. They will take However, we know that the true gold of our you through a 3km hike, which will lead to a land is everything that is alive in it. beautiful waterfall where we will swim and then enjoy a picnic-style lunch. Discover all the hidden treasures in this bay through the most commonly used 3:00 PM transportation channels of the region: the The Sandoval Family will take you to explore sea and all the rivers that lead to it. one of Osa’s first communities, concluding the afternoon resting in their typical Costa Rican home.

7:00 PM After dinner, you will get the hear stories BACK TO INDEX from the Sandoval Family the town’s lifestyle, history and customs. You will also spend the night in their home.

11 7:00 AM Day 2 Today after breakfast you will start a 1.5 hour horseback riding trip that will take you to El Estero Guerra – El Progreso – Drake Progreso community. Along the way you will Bay. enjoy beautiful views of Drake Bay. Accommodation: You will spend the night at a beautiful, family-owned 12:00 PM hotel in the Drake area (shared Once in El Progreso Community, you will leave room and bathroom). your horses behind and have lunch in a local Difficulty Level: 6/10. café. Meals: 1:30 PM In the afternoon, your next adventure will BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER be a 3km trail along paths of primary and secondary forest where you will witness Osa’s great biodiversity in flora and fauna.

4:00 PM A vehicle will pick you up and take you to Los Planes de Drake, where you will have dinner and spend the night.

12 6:00 AM Day 3 Today you will have an early breakfast and then take a one-hour boat ride to Caño Drake Bay – Isla del Caño. Island Biological Reserve. Accommodation: You will spend the night at the same hotel as the night 8:00 AM before (shared room and bathroom). Once there, you will be able to hike one of the Difficulty level: 5/10. island’s trails and snorkel in several popular sites. This enchanting island is considered Meals: as the second best spot for diving and snorkeling in Costa Rica and is inhabited by playful dolphins and whales (subject to BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER season), spectacular schools of coral reef fish and manta rays.

1:00 PM You will travel by boat back to the coast to enjoy lunch and swim at San Josecito Beach before heading back to your hotel.

7:00 PM A special farewell dinner will be served.

Your trip will conclude today. After breakfast, Day 4 you can either choose to fly out of the Drake airport or take a taxi-boat back to Sierpe. Drake Bay – Sierpe. Accommodation: Not Included.

Meals:

BREAKFAST 13 Included Services

• 3-nights stay and accommodation, meals, tours, entrance fees. • All tours with bilingual guide.

NOT INCLUDED • Services and transportation not mentioned in itinerary (this includes your arrival and departure from Osa, airfare and extended stays). • Travel insurance. • Optional or additional activities/services. • Alcoholic beverages. • Tips. • Porters to carry luggage during the horseback riding tour (can be arranged upon request for an additional cost).

14

Getting Here

How to get to Sierpe by car By plane (5 hours approximately). By bus

You can access the Caminos de Osa trails either by Travelling in regional buses is a cheap way to get to Take highway 27 to Puntarenas, then in the intersection take flying to Palmar Sur, near Sierpe (in order to start the Osa. highway 34 along the coast to Tarcoles, until you arrive to Camino del Agua and the Camino del Oro) or you can fly Palmar Norte. When the road comes to a “T junction” take a to Puerto Jimenez (to start the Camino de la Selva and If you want to get to Sierpe: right and you will go over a long bridge. First right after the Osa Elemental). All flights leave directly from the Juan Take the Tracopa Bus from downtown San José to bridge will take you to Sierpe. Santamaría International Airport in San José. Palmar Norte and then a taxi 15 minutes to Sierpe. How to book a flight? Log into www.natureair.co.cr How to get to Puerto Jiménez If you want to get to Puerto Jiménez: (6 hours approx.) From downtown San José (12th street, ave 7-9) take the Blanco Lobo bus (leaves at 8:00am or 12:00md). Car rental Take highway 27 to Puntarenas, then in the highway 34 You can rent a car in San José and then return it in the Bus 612 to Golfito can also be taken, which takes interception take route 34 a long the coast to Tarcoles, until Puerto Jiménez office when you finalize your trip. about 8 hours and leaves at 7am and 3pm. Palmar Norte. When the road comes to a “T junction” take

a right and you will pass a long bridge. First right after the Recommended companies: bridge will take you to Sierpe. Alamo Rent a Car: (+506) 2242-7733 or [email protected] National Rent a Car: (506) 2242-7878 or (506) 2242-7278

28 Caminos de Osa Catalog First edition: February, 2016

All photographs, logos and iconography included in this catalog along with its contents are owned by the Caminos de Osa Association. Anyone interested in using any of this content must have prior use authorization from this organization.

For more information, please contact the association at: [email protected] Reservations [email protected]

For more information www.caminosdeosa.com

CAMINOS DE OSA CAMINOS_DE_OSA