The Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula is located in southwestern Costa Rica, in the Puntarenas Province. It is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Gulfo Dulce and is regarded as one of the most biologically intense and biodiverse places on earth. Home to at least half of all species living in Costa Rica, it abounds with birds, animals, plant and sea life. It’s regional capital is Puerto Jimenez, which has its own airport. Other villages are Cabo Matapalo, where Tucan Terra is located. Carate is the last village on the road and also access point to world famous Corcovado National Park.
Cabo Matapalo
Cabo Matapalo is a small village of vacation homes, small hotels and lodges. It is also one of Costa Rica’s and the world’s prime surf spots. Many beginners and pros vacation in Cabo Matapalo to hit the waves. There are beginner waves at Pan Dulce Beach, more advanced breaks in Backwash, and pro waves in Playa Matapalo, all within a short walking distance from each other. Tucanterra is located on a point bluff overlooking Backwash beach with an 180 degree view of Golfito to Punta Burica.
The Wildlife
The wildlife on the Osa Peninsula is incredible – it hosts around 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. Corcovado National Park is the protected area on the Osa, but you can see a lot of wildlife all around the Osa, as well right outside of Tucan Terra! There are even resident iguanas and lizards frolicking on the rock piles, curassows (wild turkeys) stroll through the paths, agouties, three-toed sloths, pesoties (jungle racoons), and anteaters put in common appearances. There are also daily flights of the morfo butterflies to observe and we have resident great black hawks who have been nesting here for 17 years.
Just let us know, and we can assist you in coordinating all your local travel plans and activities. Jungle hikes, tree and water fall repelling, boat trips (fishing or gulf tours), surfing lessons, zip line tours, Cocovado Park tours all await you in this incredible paradise. Here's a list of kayaking, adventure and biking tours to get you started.
Matapalo Activities
• Bird watching
• Snorkeling
• Ocean kayaks
• Paddle board lessons / rentals
• Surf lessons
• Nature hikes / tours
• Waterfall hikes / tours
• Tree and waterfall repelling
• Massages / yoga
Surfing in Matapalo
Tucan Terra has it’s own breaks right outside your doorstep – just paddle out from the house and enjoy the waves at Backwash. If you’re looking for a different break, Pan Dulce and Playa Matapalo are just a 5 minute walk from Tucan Terra.
Whatever your surfing experience, Cabo Matapalo has surfing beaches for all skill levels, from first timers to big wave riders.
And if you choose to venture a little further, there are even more surf spots up and down the coast – all within a 20-minute drive.
Sportfishing
• 1/2 day in or off shore
• Full day off shore
• Kayak fishing
• Beach / shore fishing
Gulfo Dulce
• 3 day kayak trip around the Golfo Dulce
• Mangrove exploration
• Snorkeling
• Dolphins, whales, turtles
• Kayak at sunset
• Boat surf trips to Pavones
• Osa Wildlife Sactuary
Adventure Tours
• Corcovado 1 day hike
• Horse back riding Rio Claro
• Wild life observation matapalo
• Zipline tours
• chocolate tours
Bike Riding
• Rio Nuevo Mountain
• Carate
• Explore Matapalo
• Bike bird watching
• El Tigre (Culture Tour)
• Puerto Jimenez – Playa Blanca