Costa Rica. the Osa Peninsula

This 4x4 camping expedition to Southern Costa Rica is one for the ages.  

• The map shows their route, with 7 markers at points of particular beauty

• Expedition format: Rent an offroad 4x4 with a roof tent from San Jose. Drive South. Explore. Camp on deserted beaches. Cook dinner as the sun sets. Write. Take pictures. Bathe in the jungle. 

• Marker 1: Turn off the main road at Palma Norte and cut into the Osa Peninsula via dirt track through Sierpe. Take the ferry barge to cross the river. You have to honk to wake the driver up from his afternoon nap on his hammock at home. The dirt road climbs to an awesome view of the Sierpe basin and jungle. Must have a good 4x4!

• Marker 2: End of the track at Golfo Dulce. Peaceful waters and vibrant jungle.

• Marker 3: Stunning road along the east coast of the Osa. Hidden beaches along the way. Rough tracks, big tires.

• Marker 4: It's the end of the road... No shops so stock up on fresh water and food at Puerto Jiminez! Or pack a machete, and get up early to collect coconuts before those cheeky monkeys gobble them up.

• Marker 5: The route we took down (west coast highway) was crowded with tourists and traffic. So we took the road back through the mountains. Overnight stop by a river in the southern lowlands. Starting to feel a little cooler at 600m. Jungle transformed into forest, with cattle and pineapple farms. Rivers of fresh drinking water. Nice to have a bath. Views for the soul.

• Marker 6: Drive up to the base of Mount Chirripo (3820m) now we are just over 3000m elevation. Nice little town. A bit overcrowded with hippies (hey!) but plenty of trails to get lost in the waterfalls and rock pools. Shimmering with golden flakes.

• Marker 7: A glorious area we found on the way back to San Jose. Bird watching and hiking. Very cold so we decided to stay at a lodge for the night. Trogon Lodge has lots of hiking trails and waterfalls to explore. Wake up before sunrise to spot the resplendent Quetzal!