Scarlet macaws
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Wildlife · Osa Peninsula

“The most biologically intense place on Earth.” — National Geographic

The Osa Peninsula holds 2.5% of the planet's biodiversity on 0.001% of its surface: 460+ bird species, 140 mammals, 10,000+ insects, all four Costa Rican monkeys and five of its six wild cats. Maze Lodge sits on the corridor they use to cross between two reserves — so a lot of it comes to you.

From the terrace

Regulars, and occasional visitors.

Every photo here was taken at Maze Lodge or within a short drive. Sightings are never guaranteed — that's rather the point — but the monkeys, toucans and macaws are close to daily.

Scarlet macaw
Most days
Scarlet macawLoud, red, and in pairs for life. The Osa has one of the largest populations in Central America — they cross our hill every evening.
Yellow-throated toucan
Most days
Yellow-throated toucanThe big one with the call like a squeaky gate. In the almendro tree at breakfast, most days.
Squirrel monkey
Often
Squirrel monkeySmall, fast and in troops of thirty. The Osa holds one of the largest populations anywhere.
White-faced capuchin
Often
White-faced capuchinCurious, clever, and not shy. Keep the terrace doors closed.
Spider monkey
If you're lucky
Spider monkeyThe acrobat — all arms and tail, high in the canopy.
Sloth
Often
SlothTwo species live here; look for a grey lump that moved since yesterday.
Tamandua anteater
If you're lucky
Tamandua anteaterMostly nocturnal, occasionally on the path at dusk, tearing into a termite nest.
Red-eyed tree frog
Often
Red-eyed tree frogThe poster animal. Night walks are when you meet it.
Hummingbird
Most days
HummingbirdSeveral species, all impossibly fast, all at the flowers by the terrace.
Fiery-billed aracari
Often
Fiery-billed aracariThe small toucan with the flame-coloured beak — an Osa/Golfo Dulce special.
Humpback whale
Seasonal
Boat tour
Humpback whaleIn Golfo Dulce eight months of the year, to give birth and raise calves.
Macaws in flight
Most days
Macaws in flightSeen from the hammock, most afternoons.
Young puma looking out through the leaves
If you're lucky
PumaOne of five wild cats on the peninsula. Shy, mostly nocturnal — this one was photographed here.
Bottlenose dolphin just under the surface of Golfo Dulce
Often
Boat tour
Bottlenose dolphinResident in Golfo Dulce all year. Often alongside the boat on the way out.
Five of six

The Osa is cat country. You probably won't see one. They'll see you.

Five of Costa Rica's six wild cat species live on the peninsula — Corcovado is one of the last strongholds of the jaguar in Central America. Camera traps catch them on trails like ours; guests occasionally find tracks in the morning mud.

JaguarPanthera onca
PumaPuma concolor
OcelotLeopardus pardalis
MargayLeopardus wiedii
JaguarundiHerpailurus yagouaroundi
Why here

A corridor, not a clearing.

Maze Lodge sits between the Tranquility Wildlife Reserve and Corcovado National Park. Animals move through our land to cross between the two — which is why we built four small lodges inside the existing primary forest instead of clearing it, and why the native wildlife has come first since day one.

It also means the best wildlife watching often happens with a coffee in your hand. Our night walk runs on our own trails with a naturalist; Corcovado and the Golfo Dulce boat are for the tapirs and whales.

Capuchin monkey at Maze Lodge
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Sleep inside the corridor.

Four private lodges from $110 a night. Toucans not included but very likely.

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