
Sunset at Cocalito Beach |
Claimed by many as one of the most
beautiful regions in the world, the Osa Peninsula is where the Costa Rica of
legend still exists. With eighty per cent, or 430,000 acres of the
Osa Peninsula protected by Corcovado National Park and private forest
reserves, the region stands as one of the last great tracks of unspoiled
primary rainforest in Central America. To this day, Corcovado, along
with the majority of the peninsula remains road-less. This, along
with government and grass-root protectionism, has shielded the region from
over-development.

Population
According to the 2010
census there are 560 homes and 1,214 inhabitants in the Drake Bay
area. This area encompasses 10 districts including the villages of Progreso, Agujitas, Los Planes, Los Angeles, Caletas, and Rincon, as
well as the area south to Corcovado.
Communications
ICE, the Costa Rican Electric Institute, recently installed telephone
land lines in Drake Bay. There
is also GSM and 3G cellular service.
There is a public telephone at the beachfront
general store in the village of Agujitas. Some resorts
may allow guests to use their office phone, as well.
Resorts, along with most private homes, are now equipped with land
lines as well as marine band radios.
Internet
Since 2010,
Wi-fi Internet connections
are readily available at most area hotels. Inquire with your hotel
as to their internet usage policies.
Electricity
In 2004 the village of Agujitas was connected to the electrical
grid. The electric lines did stop at Jinetes de Osa Inn. In October of 2009 the electric line
was taken across the Agujitas River to provide service to homes and
resorts south of the village. The line now stops at Caletas, just
south of Corcovado Adventures Tent Camp.
Medical
help
There is a doctor and small clinic in the village of Agujitas.
See map for
location.

Central American Spider Monkey - Ateles geoffroyi
Money
US Dollars, Costa Rican Colones, and are
all generally accepted in Drake Bay. Many of the resorts do
accept credit cards as well. You should inquire with your
resort beforehand if you plan on paying by credit card. There
are no banks or ATM's in Drake Bay.
Medical and Safety
Concerns
Plants: Some palms in Drake Bay have needle sharp spines.
Definitely look before you grab hold of any plants.
Insects: Travelers are often surprised by the relative lack of
mosquitoes in Drake Bay. There usually is a small population
boom in January, at the beginning of dry season. While they
may be more numerous for a week or two, even then they really
aren't much of a problem.
Sand flies can be problematic on the beach at the San Padrillo
Ranger Station in Corcovado and, occasionally, at Cano Island.
Repellant may come in handy .
Snakes:
There are venomous snakes in Drake Bay. As most
vipers lead fairly reclusive lives, you can count
yourself lucky if you see one. The
fer-de-lance is the most
common pit viper on the Osa Peninsula. A watchful eye on
the trail is the best way to prevent an unpleasant encounter.

Mantled Howler - Alouatta palliata
Sun Exposure: Sunburn is certainly the most likely
health risk you'll encounter. Sunscreen should be applied
liberally before outings.
Ocean Safety: While Drake Bay does not have a reputation
for rip tides, occasionally there are large waves. At high
tide rocky outcrops can be hidden below the waters
surface.
Entertainment
Along with the resort bars,
there are a couple of rustic bars in the village. Dances
are often held on the weekends .
Climate
Temperatures average in the mid to upper eighties year round .
There are two seasons in Costa Rica...the dry and the rainy season.
The dry season begins in December and typically runs to April.
September and October are the rainiest months of the year.
Many of the local resorts close for the month of October .
Getting Around
The dirt road that leads to Drake Bay ends at the beach near
Jinetes de Osa. South of Jinetes,
foot trails and horse trails connect private homes and resorts
alike. The coastal foot trail that leads South towards Corcovado is very scenic. Scarlet macaws and white face
monkeys, along with a wealth of other wildlife, can often be spotted
along this beautiful route.
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