Imagine waking up surrounded by lush tropical foliage, awakened by the sounds of the ocean. Trees heavy with exotic fruit provide you breakfast as the forest around you begins to wake up. Rainbow hued birds respond to the day’s first sunlight with their songs shortly followed by the unmistakable roar of a howler monkey. Creatures of the four-legged variety begin to stir and slowly the jungle around you comes to life. Is this Eden? No my friends, this is Bosque del Cabo.
Located on the southern tip of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, Bosque del Cabo is one of Central America’s premier nature lodges. Set upon a cliff 500 feet over the Pacific Ocean, Bosque del Cabo is surrounded by over 800 acres of lush secondary rainforest just begging to be explored. Owners Phil and Kim Spier have been running Bosque del Cabo for nearly 25 years with an eye toward sustainable tourism and a commitment to preserving this incredibly diverse ecosystem and supporting the local community.
My home for several days was the Congo, one of the deluxe thatched roof cabinas. Our cabina was appointed with a plush bed draped with mosquito netting (which is more decorative since the cross breezes on Bosque’s perch high above the Pacific leaves the lodge practically mosquito free) and a gorgeous outdoor shower; both of which are positioned to take in the spectacular ocean views. With the beautiful surroundings there is no need for a TV here and with the lodge generating its own electricity (much of it from solar power) its best to leave your hair dryer and other appliances at home. There is also no cell service here; Bosque invites you to unplug, unwind, and connect with nature.
Then I turned around and saw this.
This view, combined with the gentle lull of the ocean and the sounds of the rainforest has the power to melt any stress you may have in 3 seconds flat. Seriously, I could have done nothing but sit in those chairs for 3 days straight and had the best time of my life, but there was so much more to explore.
The lodge has 8 trails meandering through primary and secondary rainforest and a couple that will take you down to the rugged Pacific coast. Bosque offers a number of guided naturalist led hikes but the trails were designed to be self guided and were great for exploring on our own. Our daily adventures took us deep into the rain forest, past secret waterfalls and along secluded stretches of beach. Looking for a little more adventure? Bosque also offers a variety of tours including ziplining, waterfall repelling, surfing, kayaking and a visit to a nearby wildlife sanctuary.Each evening found us sharing stories of our adventures with fellow travelers at the communal dinner. Locally sourced, gourmet cuisine with a Costa Rican flare (I’m still dreaming of the yucca tots and mango gallette) was a great way to wind down before returning to our cabina for a well earned night’s rest.
We opted to further explore the Osa on horseback. We met Kolbi and his uncle Miguel (famous for never having worn shoes in his life) at a simple tin roofed home in the jungle on land that has been in their family for generations. Starting our journey through the dense jungle along the Rio Piro, Kolbi stops occasionally to clear vines with his trusted machete. I held onto the reins tightly as I marveled at how nimbly the horses traversed the uneven terrain and muddy river banks. About 45 minutes later the jungle cleared to reveal a wide expanse of secluded coastline. Not another soul was in sight as we trotted along the surf for 2 miles.
The real lure of Bosque del Cabo and the Osa Peninsula is the wildlife. The Osa Peninsula is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth with over 700 species of trees, 365+ species of birds, 117 species of reptiles, and nearly 10,000 species of insects. Jewel toned frogs and neon iguanas scamper underfoot while lines of leaf cutter ants march with military precision. Agoutis, coati and peccaries go about their day without paying you any mind. The Osa is also home to to a number of elusive jungle cats including ocelot, puma and jaguar. Puma sightings at Bosque aren’t uncommon though they do require a great deal of luck.
Overhead the treetops are ruled by four species of monkey. You’ll no doubt be awoken by a howler monkey announcing the sunrise while later in the day troops of white-faced capuchin monkeys can be spotted fiercely guarding their mango tree. Spider monkeys and the endangered squirrel monkey can also be seen frolicking through the branches. Masters of camoflage, slow moving sloths may also be spotted by the keen observer.
Bosque is also a birder’s paradise and where I personally got bitten by the birding bug. Sunset colored maccaws can easily be spotted from your deck and a vareity of zippy little humingbirds were often on display during breakfast. More ardent birders can hit trails with binoculars and scopes in tow in search of toucans, mot-mot, trogon or any of the other 365+ species that call Bosque home.
When researching Bosque del Cabo I found review after review singing high praises.
“Magical”
“Blissful”
“Spectacular”
“Best vacation of my life”
The skeptic in me wanted all those people to be wrong, just a little. I had seen the pictures and I knew the surrounding was gorgeous but was I really going to have that great a time in a thatched roof hut with limited electricity?
The answer was an unequivocal yes. Within minutes of arriving the rainforest, ocean and wildlife started to work their magic. Every sound and sight here is more vivid, more alive than anyplace else I’ve been. Bosque del Cabo, I’ve fallen under your spell and I most definitely will be back.
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Lauren says
What an incredible spot. Observing nature, animals, those views of the ocean…amazing! I’d love to relax here, but like you, I know I’d be hiking around and checking everything out. I love those bird photos!
Brianna says
Thanks Lauren, its hard to take a bad picture in a setting as spectacular as this.
Ruth says
So great you saw so many animals (I love, love to spot wildlife in its natural habitat)! This looks like a place I would adore to visit.
Brianna says
The wild life here was second to none, this is definitely one of my favorite places so far.
Revati Victor says
Have to get to Costa Rica someday! Although the Congo looks very much like a resort we stayed at in Kerala (odd, i know). Great shots of the wildlife Brianna!
Brianna says
Thanks Revati, Costa Rica is just amazing. From the pictures I’ve seen of Kerala I can totally understand the resemblance. Perhaps you should visit and do a comparison?
Yvonne says
I love Sustainable projects and the pictures look amazing. But I was wondering if you actually got to talk to the people whose lives are supposed to have been bettered by this project. Has this lodge had a positive impact on the local community?
Brianna says
This is a very small scale lodge, the owner Phil lived in the Osa for years before building his first cabinas by hand and inviting guests. As he grew he bought more land strictly for conservation. Aside from a British naturalist (another long time area resident) all of his staff are Tico. They provide scholarships for staff member’s children to attend school as well as provide the salary of a ranger in nearby Corcovado National Park.
Toni says
That’s a truly magical spot and you’ve captured some beautiful shots of the wildlife. Even better that the spot was virtually mozzie free.
Brianna says
Thanks Toni, it really was a slice of paradise.
Jenna says
This place sounds amazing!! I would love to go there, especially will all the fun activities you can do! Great photos!
Brianna says
Thanks Jenna, Whether you’re out exploring all day or sitting on the deck watching the ocean there is just so much to see.
RaW | Ramble and Wander says
Wow! Love all the photos. You sure have captured the place beautifully. Made me google up the place myself 🙂
Brianna says
If you go you will not be disappointed!
Fiona @ London-Unattached says
What fabulous photos. And I am deeply envious of that sea view. Though I suspect I’d just stay there if I went there.
Brianna says
It was just an amazing place all around- I need to go back!
Paula Through the Looking Glass says
This place looks incredible
Brianna says
It was just amazing!
Andrea says
Reading this post I felt relaxed (and a little jealous!)! Through your words I too have fallen in love with this spot!
Brianna says
The Osa has plenty of budget accommodation too- you should go!
Jenna says
This looks and sounds like complete perfection! I haven’t been to Costa Rica yet, but a good friend is going next week, and I can’t wait to hear about her trip.
Brianna says
Jenna, Costa Rica is just fabulous! There is so much diversity packed into this tiny gem of a country, as much as you love Brazil I think you would really enjoy CR.
Francesca One Girl: One World says
That first paragraph really got me… it sounds like paradise! You really have a way with words. They were just as beautiful as the photos! 😀
Brianna says
Thanks, everyone I’ve talked to about this place has become enamored by it.
Tamara @ We3Travel says
Wow, so lovely! I wish we had seen more wildlife when we were in Costa Rica. We saw plenty of iguanas and howler and capuchin monkeys — wow are those howler loud, but not much else.
Brianna says
Little known fact- they used recordings of howler monkeys for the T-rex in Jurassic Park!
Chris Wotton says
Wow – that sea view from your two perfectly placed seats. And all that wildlife. Beautiful! Need to add Costa Rica to my list.
Brianna says
I don’t know anyone who has been to Costa Rica who hasn’t fallen in love.
Anda says
This place looks amazing. I’ll have to get to Costa Rica someday. I hear only good reports about this country and your post is proof for its beauty. I love tropical islands, but unlike Hawaii or Mexico, in Costa Rica you seem to have a great variety of wildlife.
Brianna says
Anda, there is such a wide range of things to see in Costa Rica. Aside from the spectacular scenery the people are very open and welcoming as well.
James says
Now I’m begging to visit this place. I’d love to take my wife here for our anniversary! It’s so pristine. You’re shots were incredible Brianna! Bosque del Cabo made it to our target list this year.
Brianna says
James- you won’t be disappointed! It is by far one of my favorite destinations.
Tim says
Those are really great pictures of both the hummingbird and the trio of green geckos. It looks like an amazing place and I love the way you write about it; very personal.
Brianna says
Bosque and the Osa has a way of becoming a part of everyone who visits
samiya says
Truly amazing! What a great place to be at, sounds and looks like it would be in my top places to visit…definitely pinning this on my bucketlist and have to keep on showing ashique the images so we can do it soon 🙂
Brianna says
You and your family will absolutely love the Osa!
Sophie says
Amazing photos. Seeing all of the amazing wildlife must have been such a great experience for you! And the horseback ride must have been awesome!
Brianna says
The horseback ride was like something out of a movie!
Alli says
Wow, I am sure to fall under its spell as well if I make it to this gorgeous place! Love the photos of the monkeys and birds.
Brianna says
I don’t know anyone who hasn’t loved the Osa.
Bruno B says
And Costa RIca keeps rising on my bucket list. No wonder its tagline is Pura Vida!
Amazing shots by the way!
Brianna says
A must visit country for just about everyone.
Roaming Renegades says
This just looks perfect, the weather, the nature and the wonderful animals and creatures! Somewhere we really would love to visit and hope to do so in the next few years!
Brianna says
The Osa is simply amazing- I hope you guys make it there!
melody pittman says
Omg, this place is so similar to a place I’m currently writing about in Panama, Isla Palenque. 😉 We, too, photographed and watched the hard working ants doing their jobs LOL Big difference, I demand a refund because I didn’t get to see a toucan like you did.
The photos are awesome and your horseback ride looks fun! Loved your descriptions.
Brianna says
Melody- I’ve heard great things about Isla Palenque- I can’t wait to read your post!
Adrian Ann says
Wow! Those photo’s look amazing. What a fun filled but also relaxing vacation you got to have. I’m jealous of the jungle trekking/animal sightings that you had. I can’t wait to get to this part of the world. I haven’t explored it at all… YET! 😀
Brianna says
You will absolutely love Costa Rica and the Osa, it truly is a paradise.
Elaine J. Masters says
You’ve just reinforced why I have to get to Costa Rica sooner than later. That wildlife looks amazing.
Brianna says
It was spectacular- it was almost like being in a Disney movie!
Stephen & Jess says
Oh wow this place looks like pure bliss – I am sold and want to go!
Katie says
This places looks incredible! I can absolutely picture myself sitting in those chairs staring at that view, walking the trails and searching for wildlife for days! You really painted a nice picture of the beauty of Bosque del Cabo
Brianna says
Thanks Katie! The only bad thing about writing that post was it gave me an even deeper longing to go back.
Tracie Howe says
This looks and sounds like such a heavenly place. I would love to wake up to the sounds of the ocean and tropical birds.
Brianna says
Hands down one of my favorite destinations.
Aileen says
This is incredible… all that flora and fauna!!! It’s too amazing, really. This is definitely on my ‘go-to list’! I really have to go to this part of the world soon!
Brianna says
I don’t know anyone who has been to Costa Rica and didn’t love it.
Natalie Deduck says
Congrats Brianna, what a beautiful pictures!
We are planning to explore Central and South America next year and Costa Rica is on the top of our list! Thanks for the tips!
🙂
Nat
Brianna says
Best of luck during your travels, your sure to see some beautiful places 🙂
Valerie says
What a beautiful place! The wildlife looks so amazing! I have never been much of a bird person either, but I think I would if they looked like that 😉 The beach is beautiful as well!
Brianna says
How can you not love toucans and scarlet maccaws?
Stephanie says
Costa Rica looks beautiful, so lush and green! It reminds me of Sri Lanka a bit.
Brianna says
I’ve had a few people make that comparison
Bailey K. says
I love how lush it is! Yes, that view is amazing, but I’d much rather be exploring and doing as much as I could to gain experiences, like you did. 🙂
Brianna says
I need to head back to CR ASAP!
Mary says
Incredible spot! I lived in Costa Rica for 5 years and never made it out that far. Really wish I did, guess i’ll need to return so I can visit this beautiful spot. I am in Hawaii at the moment but would still love to sit in those adirondack chairs overlooking the bay there!
Brianna says
There are definitely worse places to be than Hawaii!
Francesca One Girl: One World says
You are so lucky you got to horseback ride! Great write up. I’d love to go into the rainforest, but I’m scared of bugs -_-
Brianna says
That horseback riding tours remains one of the best activities I’ve ever done on the road.