Since 2011Camera traps
Long-term records help document mammals moving through the forest, including evidence of the five wild cat species found in Osa.
Tamandua Biological Station
Book your stay
Tamandua Biological Station · Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Experience the Osa Peninsula as it truly is.
Stay in a working biological station surrounded by primary rainforest, where authentic ecotourism supports field research and conservation.
Research & conservation
A biological station with an active scientific purpose.
Tamandua Biological Station welcomes short-term and long-term research proposals, field courses and workshops. Researchers bring their own projects to a forest living laboratory.
Its proximity to Corcovado National Park—together with accommodation, meals and essential services—makes the station an excellent base for studying the ecosystems and biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula.
Independent observationLong-term
monitoringAccommodation & mealsNear Corcovado
Research at Tamandua →
Since 2011
Since 2017Butterfly monitoring
Baited traps, photography and release allow fruit-feeding butterfly communities to be compared between seasons and years.
Long-term inventoryMonitoring and inventory of orchids
Orchids found on fallen branches are relocated, observed until flowering and identified whenever possible.
A genuine rainforest experience
Ecotourism that helps
keep the forest standing.
Tamandua brings together responsible ecotourism, forest stewardship and biological research in one living project. The station currently receives no government support. Lodging, meals and tours help finance monitoring, conservation and education, alongside daily maintenance and fieldwork.
Stay & explore→Support the
station→Enable fieldwork→Build knowledge
01 · Stay
Sleep inside the rainforest
Discover the bungalows →
02 · Explore
Discover Tamandua and Osa
View experiences →
03 · Research
Enter a living scientific project
Discover the fieldwork →
Stay at Tamandua
Stay inside
the rainforest.
Tamandua offers five wooden bungalows set among gardens and tropical forest near Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park. Comfort is simple, conditions change and nature is never completely outside the room.
Five wooden bungalowsSmall groups and
familiesSolar electricityIn common areasSatellite
Wi-FiAvailable at the stationMeals by reservationDietary needs
consideredFiltered waterAt the stationArrivalHigh-clearance 4×4 required for direct access.
Enquire about
a stay
Explore with respect
Explore Tamandua and
the Osa Peninsula.
Tamandua’s primary forest is ecologically connected with Corcovado. Wildlife lives freely and retains natural avoidance behaviour; sightings take patience. Birds are abundant, and night tours are particularly good for snakes, frogs and insects. Tracks, calls and feeding signs are part of the experience. Day visitors can also join the station’s tours.
Exclusive to the station
Tamandua day & night experiences
Private trails, rivers and primary forest interpreted by bilingual guides.
National park
Corcovado
Organised visits to one of Costa Rica’s most important protected areas.
Marine
Caño Island
Snorkelling or diving among tropical marine life.
Landscapes
Horseback riding
Rivers, forest and coastal routes with local operators.Availability, inclusions and conditions are confirmed individually when you enquire.
Species catalogue
Discover the species recorded at Tamandua.
The catalogue brings together confirmed observations, reviewed photographs and identification information connected with the station and its monitoring projects. Visitors and researchers can contribute photographs with photographer credit, supporting scientific documentation, biodiversity research and conservation.
- Confirmed observations only
- Photographer attribution retained
- Scientific review before publication
Take part
More than a visit.
Live, learn and help
Participate in daily operations and research through cleaning, maintenance, guest services and monitoring support. USD 100/week includes accommodation, food and arrival/departure transportation.
Minimum stay: 2 weeksApply to volunteer →Bring your project to Osa
Bring your own short-term or long-term proposal to a forest living laboratory with simple facilities, Starlink satellite internet and solar-powered electricity.
Proposals reviewed individuallyDiscuss a research project →
Family & place
A family-run project rooted in Osa.
Ananias grew up in this forest and knows it intimately. Together with Rebeca, a tropical biologist and guide, their children Valeria and Braulio, and collaborator Allan, the family welcomes visitors and keeps the station’s work moving forward.
Guest reviews
What visitors say.
4.9
★★★★★
24 reviews
A wild, authentic rainforest experience
A memorable stay immersed in the deep rainforest, surrounded by real forest sounds and wildlife. The reviewer especially valued exploring with Rebeca in search of snakes, birds and butterflies, and Tamandua’s genuine respect for nature.
Pure primary rainforest
Four days completely immersed in nature, with primary rainforest, wildlife, forest trails and the river all around the station. The reviewer highlights the feeling of being genuinely off the beaten track and the value of Tamandua’s scientific and sustainable approach.
A place full of magic
After three weeks volunteering at Tamandua, the visitors describe falling in love with the landscape, the river, the tranquillity and the way of life in the forest. They especially remember the wildlife, beautiful trails and waterfalls.
Drake Bay · Osa Peninsula
In the rainforest, close to Drake Bay.
Tamandua Biological Station lies within the forested Drake Bay area of the Osa Peninsula, approximately 5 km from Agujitas Beach / Drake Bay. The final road has steep slopes and six river crossings; a high-clearance 4×4 is required for direct vehicle access. Check current rain and river conditions with the station before travelling. This map provides location context; follow the arrival instructions linked below.
Plan your arrival →Contact Tamandua
Plan your stay.
Tell us your dates, group size and what you would like to experience. Tamandua will confirm availability and conditions directly.