Drake Bay, perched on Costa Rica’s remote Osa Peninsula, offers more than a gateway to Corcovado National Park. Beyond the famed jungle of Corcovado lie a handful of rugged coastal and rainforest trails that challenge the adventurous spirit while revealing intimate encounters with untamed wilderness. These paths rarely see the crowds and invite hikers to connect with a landscape fiercely itself—where the ocean dares you with crashing waves and the rainforest keeps a watchful, living presence at every step.

Start at the San Pedrillo Trailhead, about 10 kilometers north of Drake Bay. This 12-kilometer round trip demands a moderate fitness level, with roughly 250 meters of elevation gain across uneven, often muddy terrain. The trail weaves under towering ceiba trees and palms that sway with the coastal breeze, skirting beaches where the Pacific’s playful currents push and pull at jagged rocks. As you inch along, watch for toucans calling overhead while small rivers swell and dare you to cross, especially after rains.

Another gem is the Matapalo Coastal Loop, a 7-kilometer circuit hugging the shoreline south of Drake Bay. It’s a relatively flat trail, no more than 100 meters of ascent, but attention to footing is essential—slick volcanic rocks and roots demand sturdy boots and steady balance. The scent of salt and rich earth mixes as you navigate cliffside lookouts that reward with views of foraging scarlet macaws and the occasional pod of dolphins breaking the water’s surface below. The trail’s vibrancy comes not only from the vibrant wildlife but from the living thrum of the tide and wind.

For those ready to push farther, the La Leona Rainforest Path is steeper and longer—15 kilometers round trip with around 400 meters elevation gain. This route penetrates dense forest, where light filters timidly through canopy layers moist with river mist. Here, streams sing a steady rhythm, and the ground pulses with leaf litter and life. It’s less traveled, meaning the environment feels more intense, alive, sometimes unpredictable, rewarding patience and respect.

Planning tips: Start hikes early—before 7 AM—to beat the heat and afternoon rains. Carry at least 2 liters of water per person; tropical humidity demands steady hydration. Waterproof footwear with good grip is crucial; trails can shift from dry dirt to slick mud swiftly. Don’t forget insect repellent and quick-dry clothes. Most trails are best tackled with a local guide, who can spot wildlife and navigate river crossings safely.

Whether you’re here for the ocean’s raw edge or the rainforest’s quiet pulse, these trails invite you into a dialogue with nature that goes beyond observation. Each step is an exchange—between your determination and the land’s wild rhythm, a test of endurance and a chance to witness an ecosystem standing fiercely alive, unyielding, and utterly captivating.