The New York Times Names Osa Peninsula a Top 2026 Destination – Discover Corcovado with Epic Adventures from Manuel Antonio
Experience Costa Rica’s Crown Jewel of Biodiversity with Our Family-Owned Local Expertise
The secret is out. The New York Times has just ranked Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula as the fourth best place to visit in 2026 on their prestigious annual list of 52 destinations worldwide. As the only Central American location to make the cut, this recognition shines a global spotlight on what we at Epic Adventures have known for years: Corcovado National Park is one of the planet’s most extraordinary natural treasures.
For travelers staying in Manuel Antonio and Quepos, this news presents an incredible opportunity. You don’t have to choose between the accessible beauty of Manuel Antonio and the wild magnificence of Corcovado – you can experience both with our expertly guided day tour from Manuel Antonio to Corcovado National Park.
Why the World is Turning Its Eyes to Osa
The Times describes the Osa Peninsula as a “relaxed escape with open beaches and preserved jungle” – a quieter, more authentic alternative to Costa Rica’s busier tourist zones. But the numbers tell an even more compelling story:
Corcovado National Park holds approximately 2.5% of the world’s entire biodiversity within just 0.03% of the planet’s surface. This staggering concentration of life includes:
- 13 endemic amphibian species found nowhere else on Earth
- Nearly 500 bird species, including the iconic scarlet macaw
- 140 mammal species, from elusive jaguars and Baird’s tapirs to three-toed sloths and all four Costa Rican monkey species
- Pristine marine ecosystems surrounding Isla del Caño, featuring coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, and rays
National Geographic has famously called Corcovado “the most biologically intense place on Earth,” and this latest recognition by the New York Times confirms what conservationists and nature enthusiasts have long celebrated.
From Manuel Antonio to Corcovado: Your Epic Adventure Awaits
At Epic Adventures Costa Rica, we’re a family-owned and locally-operated tour company deeply rooted in the communities of Quepos and Manuel Antonio. For years, we’ve been connecting travelers with the wonders of Corcovado through our carefully designed day tour that makes this remote paradise accessible without requiring an overnight stay.
What Makes Our Corcovado Tour Special
Early Morning Departure, Unforgettable Experiences
Your adventure begins before dawn with a comfortable pickup from your Manuel Antonio hotel. We embark on a scenic drive south along Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific coast, arriving at the mystical Sierpe Mangroves. Here, you’ll board a boat for a breathtaking journey through these ancient waterways – a critical ecosystem that serves as a nursery for countless marine species.
As we navigate through the mangroves and emerge into the open Pacific Ocean, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea turtles, and seasonal whale sightings. The boat ride itself is an adventure, with the lush jungle meeting the sea in a spectacular display of nature’s artistry.
Guided Exploration with Local Expertise
Upon arriving at Corcovado’s San Pedrillo or Sirena station, you’ll be accompanied by our professional certified naturalist guides – locals who have spent their lives studying and protecting this ecosystem. Armed with high-quality spotting scopes and an intimate knowledge of wildlife behavior and habitats, our guides ensure you don’t miss the incredible biodiversity surrounding you. 
Unlike the more crowded trails of northern Costa Rica, Corcovado offers a more intimate wildlife experience. The park’s trails wind through primary rainforest where jaguars still roam freely, tapirs leave fresh tracks in the mud, and scarlet macaws paint the canopy with brilliant red and blue.
A Full Day of Discovery
Your day includes:
- Guided rainforest hikes through pristine primary forest
- Wildlife observation with professional optical equipment
- Beach time on deserted Pacific shores
- A delicious lunch featuring local ingredients
- Swimming opportunities in crystal-clear rivers or ocean waters
- Return boat journey through the mangroves at golden hour
Sustainability at the Heart of Everything We Do
The New York Times article mentions the Osa Peninsula’s conservation success story – and it’s one we’re proud to be part of. Despite historical deforestation that reduced forest cover by 25% since the 1950s due to ranching, communities and authorities have worked tirelessly to restore and protect this ecological treasure.
Our Commitment to Responsible Tourism
As a family-owned local business, Epic Adventures operates with a deep commitment to sustainability and community support:
🌿 Conservation-First Approach
- We strictly adhere to park regulations and visitor limits to minimize environmental impact
- Our guides are trained in Leave No Trace principles
- We educate travelers about the importance of conservation and how their visit supports protection efforts
🤝 Supporting Local Communities
- We employ local guides, drivers, and boat operators from Osa and surrounding communities
- Our tours contribute directly to the local economy, providing alternatives to extractive industries
- We partner with local restaurants and suppliers, supporting the farm-to-table movement mentioned in the Times article
🌊 Marine Conservation
- Our boat operators follow strict guidelines to protect marine life
- We maintain safe distances from dolphins, whales, and sea turtles
- We educate guests about the fragile marine ecosystems of the Osa coast
♻️ Sustainable Practices
- Small group sizes ensure personalized experiences with minimal impact
- We use reusable water bottles and minimize single-use plastics
- Our transportation is optimized for fuel efficiency
What This Recognition Means for Travelers
The Times notes that this global attention will likely increase visitor numbers and push prices higher during both high and low seasons. Now is the time to plan your Corcovado adventure before the crowds arrive.
Why Book with Epic Adventures?
Local Knowledge, Family Values
As a family-owned business based right here in Manuel Antonio, we’re not just tour operators – we’re your neighbors and your connection to authentic Costa Rican experiences. We know these forests, these waters, and these communities intimately because they’re our home.
Seamless Logistics
The Times article emphasizes the importance of booking rooms and guided tours well in advance. When you book with Epic Adventures, we handle all the complex logistics:
- Park permits and entrance fees
- Transportation coordination
- Boat arrangements through the Sierpe Mangroves
- Expert guide services
- Meals and refreshments
Professional Excellence
Our guides are not only certified naturalists but passionate conservationists who bring Corcovado’s stories to life. Equipped with the best optical equipment, they ensure you see and understand the incredible biodiversity around you.
Flexibility from Manuel Antonio
You don’t need to relocate to Osa or commit to multi-day expeditions. Our day tour allows you to experience Corcovado’s magic while maintaining your base in Manuel Antonio, where you can enjoy other adventures, beaches, and amenities.
The Future of Osa: Balancing Growth and Conservation
The Times article concludes with an important observation: “For better or worse, as the area continues to get broader attention, growth is inevitable.”
This is precisely why choosing responsible tour operators matters more than ever. At Epic Adventures, we believe that tourism can be a powerful force for conservation when done right. Every visitor who experiences Corcovado’s majesty becomes an advocate for its protection. Every dollar spent on sustainable tourism provides economic incentives for conservation over exploitation.
The Osa Peninsula stands at a crossroads. The boutique hotels and farm-to-table restaurants mentioned in the Times article represent thoughtful development that respects the environment. But rapid, unplanned growth could threaten the very qualities that make Osa special.
By choosing Epic Adventures, you’re voting for sustainable tourism that benefits local communities, supports conservation efforts, and preserves this biological treasure for future generations.
Plan Your Corcovado Adventure Today
The New York Times has spoken, and the world is listening. The Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park are about to welcome travelers from across the globe, all seeking the authentic, biodiverse, and relatively uncrowded experience that Costa Rica promises.
Don’t wait until Corcovado becomes the next overcrowded destination. Experience it now with the guidance of locals who love and protect this land.
Ready to Explore “The Most Biologically Intense Place on Earth”?
Our Corcovado National Park from Manuel Antonio tour is the perfect addition to your Costa Rican adventure. Whether you’re staying in Manuel Antonio for a few days or a few weeks, this day trip offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness biodiversity at its most spectacular.
Book your tour today and join us in experiencing – and protecting – one of the planet’s greatest natural wonders.
Epic Adventures Costa Rica
Family-Owned | Locally-Operated | Sustainably-Focused
Your Gateway to Authentic Costa Rican Experiences
📍 Based in Manuel Antonio & Quepos
🌿 Certified Naturalist Guides
🌊 Committed to Conservation & Community
Contact us to reserve your spot before the world arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
This is a full-day adventure, typically lasting 12-14 hours from pickup to return to your Manuel Antonio hotel.
What should I bring?
Comfortable hiking shoes, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen (reef-safe), insect repellent, camera, and a sense of adventure. We provide water and lunch.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes! Families with children who can handle moderate hiking will find this an unforgettable educational experience. The wildlife sightings alone will create memories for a lifetime.
What’s the best time of year to visit Corcovado?
Corcovado is spectacular year-round, but the dry season (December-April) offers the most comfortable hiking conditions. However, the green season brings lush landscapes and fewer visitors.
How far in advance should I book?
With the New York Times recognition, we recommend booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during high season (December-April). Park permits are limited to protect the ecosystem.
Experience the difference that local, family-owned expertise makes. Experience Epic Adventures.
