Last Updated: January 31, 2024
Situated near the tip of Costa Rica’s remote Osa Peninsula, the town of Puerto Jimenez may not seem like a tourist destination if you were just passing through. On any given day, locals can be seen doing business in the small downtown or tending to their fishing boats bobbing in the bay. But when you see a Scarlet Macaw parrot flash red, blue, and yellow overhead or a dolphin surface in the bay, you’ll soon realize that there’s a lot more to this modest seaside town. In this post, we’ll give you an overview of Puerto Jimenez and explain why it is the perfect outpost for exploring the raw nature of the Osa Peninsula.
Location
Puerto Jimenez is located on the Osa Peninsula, a vast swath of land that juts out into the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica’s Southern Zone.
The town sits on the southeastern side of the peninsula, adjacent to a wide bay called the Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf). Aside from a few other small towns, the Osa Peninsula is literally covered with rainforest, much of which is protected as part of the famous Corcovado National Park. Puerto Jimenez is one of the two main jumping off points for visiting Corcovado, the other being Drake Bay on the Pacific side of the peninsula.
Getting to Puerto Jimenez
Part of the appeal of Puerto Jimenez is that it is an off-the-beaten path destination.
The two primary ways to get there are by driving or taking a domestic flight/small plane. From the international airport in San Jose, it’s a long seven or so hour drive down the coastal highway and out onto the peninsula. While the roads are all paved, there’s not much around once you get past the small city of Palmar Norte. Many people who add Puerto Jimenez to their itinerary make it their last stop after visiting other destinations along the Pacific Coast, like Manuel Antonio or the Costa Ballena. They then fly back to San Jose on either Nature Air or Sansa to save time. Flights are much faster, taking only about an hour.
Note: There are only a few rental car agencies in Puerto Jimenez that allow you to return your car at the airstrip, and they all charge a fee to do so.
Puerto Jimenez Activities
With incredible rainforest at its doorstep and a glistening bay full of marine life, we were surprised to find when researching our latest visit, that information about tours was somewhat confusing or even misleading. In fact, some of the activities offered through tour-company websites were on the complete other side of the peninsula, better accessed through Drake Bay. But don’t worry, there are plenty of amazing things to see and do. Below we cover the main activities available from town and hopefully clear up some misinformation.
Corcovado National Park
The main attraction in Puerto Jimenez is Corcovado National Park, an expansive 417 sq. km. (161 sq. mile) area of protected rainforest that holds an astonishing amount of biodiversity. Scientists often use this park as their laboratory, and new plant and animal species are being discovered all the time.
Puerto Jimenez is a popular starting point for multi-day hikes in Corcovado, but you can also visit the park just for the day. Below are the most common options.
Multi-Day Hikes
Prearranged through a local guide, these trips have you hike between Corcovado’s different ranger stations. Common routes are from Carate/La Leona to Sirena and back, or Los Patos to Sirena and then on to La Leona/Carate. Accommodations and meals at the ranger outposts are simple, but a dry place to sleep and eat is welcome after hard days of trekking.
Book your trip at least 30 days in advance as tickets to the park are limited.
Via Carate/La Leona Ranger Station
This is how we first visited Corcovado many years back. It requires taking the public bus from downtown Puerto Jimenez (actually a truck with bench seats) to the remote village of Carate for about two hours. From the small store/restaurant in Carate, you then have to hike for about 45 minutes before reaching La Leona Ranger Station. Most of this hike is along the beach and is extremely hot.
Like all entrances, a registered guide (booked in advance) is required to enter the park. Although this is a long day trip, it is a beautiful hike that will give you a sense of Corcovado’s magical diversity. The adventure of getting there is fun too!
Via Rio Tigre Ranger Station
The Rio Tigre entrance to Corcovado National Park recently opened in 2015. This is very exciting because, unlike La Leona, this entrance is just 25 minutes from downtown Puerto Jimenez, making it ideal for a day trip.
The community organization of Dos Brazos de Rio Tigre is in charge of tours through this sector, and making reservations months in advance is not necessary. In addition to a long loop trail (about 7-8 hours) that goes into Corcovado, the community offers a plethora of other tours just outside park limits. These include birdwatching, gold-mining demonstrations, and night tours.
For more information about the rural tourism project at Dos Brazos, read out post Corcovado’s El Tigre Entrance: Hiking and Activities from Puerto Jimenez.
Via Sirena Ranger Station (Day Trip)
This is one of the tours offered from Puerto Jimenez on some websites that would be much more logical from Drake Bay. This tour brings you directly to Sirena by charter plane and is quite costly.
Beaches
A great free activity is enjoying the calm cove right along the edge of town. The main beach stretches south all the way to the Rio Platanares Estuary, which makes for an awesome and easy walk. Unlike many beaches in Costa Rica, the water here is very calm and excellent for swimming.
For a more secluded beach, head to Playa Platanares south of town. This is a long stretch of fluffy sand with crashing waves and some shady palm trees. It is better to drive here (take the road south from the airstrip for 6 km/3.75 miles), but you can also bike or walk if you bring plenty of water and some snacks.
Chocolate Tours
There are two chocolate tours in the area. Rancho Raices is the closest, just 10 minutes outside town. German, the owner, brings you on a tour of his organic farm, letting you taste lots of exotic fruits and vegetables along the way. The real highlight, though, is learning about how to make chocolate from the pod step by step and then tasting it.
The other option is Finca Kobo, about 17 km (10 miles) north of Puerto Jimenez. This tour is also of an organic farm and explains the process of chocolate growing and small-scale production.
Water Activities
Kayaking
The calm waters of Puerto Jimenez are perfect for paddling. The town has at least three different kayak tour operators and some hotels also offer complimentary kayaks to their guests.
One of the best times to take a tour is just before sunset, as you’ll not only see many types of birds and monkeys in the mangroves, but maybe also turtles and dolphins, depending on the tide.
Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours
The sheltered Golfo Dulce is home to variety of different whales and dolphin species. Humpbacks are the most common (present December to April and July to November), but whale sharks, the world’s largest fish species, can also be seen in smaller numbers from April to May. Several species of dolphins can be seen any time of year, and it’s not uncommon to see huge pods of 100 or more.
Prices for these tours are usually charged by the boat instead of individually, making these tours more expensive (we were quoted $260 for a half-day tour for 3 people). Be sure to shop around because prices vary widely.
Sportfishing
Not surprisingly with all the marine life, the fishing is also amazing from Puerto Jimenez.
Inshore fishing charters go after roosterfish, snook, jacks, grouper, sharks, and several types of snappers. Offshore trips go out to the mouth of the gulf for sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, and marlin.
The peak season for trophy fish is December through April, but fishing is good all year-round. Fishing from shore or kayak is also possible, either guided or on your own. Fishing tackle for do-it-yourselfers can be rented near the town pier.
Hotels in Puerto Jimenez
Below are some recommendations for hotels in Puerto Jimenez. Because it isn’t a very big town, it doesn’t have a ton of options for lodging, aside from one larger resort. Try not to wait too long to book so that you have the best choices.
Something to keep in mind when comparing hotels is whether or not they have air conditioning. Puerto Jimenez is one of the hottest, most humid areas in Costa Rica so even if you don’t normally need A/C, you might appreciate it here.
High-end Hotels
Botanika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection By Hilton
The Botanika is a new Hilton resort that took over an existing property between the airstrip and ocean, and made it incredibly beautiful. Our family stayed here and really enjoyed the experience. The service is top notch, as you would expect from the Curio Collection, but the property itself is also modern, inviting, and still surrounded by lush jungle. Rooms are spacious with Costa Rica-inspired decor throughout. The grounds are brimming with palm trees and lush gardens. And our kids loved the huge lagoon-style pool. Rates start at $80/room in low season. High season rates: $215+. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Lapa Rios
For the ultimate in R&R, you’ll have to head south to the popular Lapa Rios. This luxury eco-lodge is set in a private nature reserve near Cabo Matapalo, about 45 minutes south of Puerto Jimenez. Because the property is set off on its own, visitors arrange their activities and meals through the lodge. Starting at $500+ per person, per night (all meals included). Lapa Rios has achieved the Certification of Sustainable Travel in Costa Rica. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Iguana Lodge
Iguana Lodge offers a relaxing escape right on the secluded Playa Platanares. The property, a few kilometers outside town, has a mix of nicely appointed rooms and bungalow-style villas made from local wood. Suites and villas are around $300-700 per night. Rooms are around $200/night. Some Club Rooms have A/C. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Mid-range Hotels
Corcovado Beach Lodge
This basic lodge made up of several freestanding bungalows has a prime location right on the bay. Mangroves and tall palms surround the property, drawing wildlife like Scarlet Macaws and howler monkeys. The beach is steps away for swimming and kayaking (use of the lodge’s kayaks is free). $60-170/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Budget Hotels
Hotel Inn Jimenez
Hotel Inn Jimenez is a quaint B&B right in the downtown that still manages to feel somewhat secluded. Small gardens surround the property, and the rooms are tastefully decorated. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about area activities. $65, includes A/C. Check rates and availability here.
Las Islas Lodge
This small hotel with excellent service is a good option if you’re traveling with a car. It is located one mile from downtown Puerto Jimenez in a nice quiet location. Rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable, and a good value for the area at around $65-95 (includes A/C and hot water). Check rates and availability here.
Cabinas Tropicales
You won’t find frills at Cabinas Tropicales, but the rooms are comfortable and have A/C. Nice gardens surround the property, drawing many species of birds. Guests love the owner who is very friendly and knowledgeable about local tours. $50. Check rates and availability here.
Lunas Hostel
If you’re on a budget, Lunas Hostel is a great option. This newer hostel close to the center of town has a few smaller rooms and one larger dorm room. $12. Check rates and availability here.
Conclusion
For a small patch of civilization in the middle of the rainforest, Puerto Jimenez surely has a lot to offer. The town has all the amenities you need, nature is knocking at your door, and the locals are friendly and laid back. If you’re looking for a destination to connect with nature, this outpost on the Osa is definitely worth a stop.
Last Updated: January 31, 2024
Have you visited Puerto Jimenez or stayed nearby? Let us know about your experience in the comments below.
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Looking for more information to help you plan your trip? Check out these posts:
Driving in Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Go – Before you jump into the driver’s seat and head to Puerto Jimenez, read our tips on what driving is like and how to stay safe on the roads.
Best Hotels Near SJO Airport – If you need to stay near the airport in San Jose, don’t settle for a stale room with no character—you are on vacation, after all! Instead, check out our recommendations for charming places that will ease the transition to/from the real world.
Drake Bay: Costa Rica Unplugged – If you love wildlife and beaches, Drake Bay is another Osa Peninsula destination to consider. Arguably harder to get to than Puerto Jimenez, you can definitely unwind and unplug here.
Hi Jenn and Matt,
I’ve not stayed in Puerto Jimenez but I’d love too. Closest I was is a while up the coast, at Playa Dominicalito. Something about the Pacific side in CR which makes me love it, versus any other region. Especially down in the Osa Peninsula. Much mystery and intrigue. I reckon tour info could be confusing. It is CR, of course 😉
Thanks for the detailed review guys!!
Ryan
Hola, Jen and Matt, My husband Kerry and I (Alison) are on our way to Playa Platanares. We are staying with a friend of a friend Waleska Vogt. Maybe you have heard of her, she has some beach houses there…. we don’t know a lot about this area so just have a few questions. How close are we to Puerto Jimenez? where could we pick up fruit and veg and a few groceries? maybe a bottle of wine or a Beer??? if you could tell us what you know that would be so helpful.
Hi Alison, Playa Platanares is very close to Puerto Jimenez, about 20 min away. You actually have to drive right through Puerto Jimenez to get there. Puerto Jimenez has a couple of different grocery stores where you can stock up. There’s a big BM grocery store on the far end of town that has just about everything, including beer and wine. Last time we were there they even had bottles of CR craft beer. Have fun!
We stay near Playa Sombrero, like 1/2 way to Carate.
There’s a bar called Manuela’s that has great food and cool patrons.
I’ve been reading your blog as I plan my trip to Costa Rica and it has been helpful, but also making me question my itinerary. I’ll be there for 1 week, landing in SJO, and really want to see the Osa Peninsula for the nature, hoping to avoid the huge crowds… I was planning on spending a night in Jaco, 2 nights in Dominical or Uvita, then 2 nights in Dos Brazos before heading back to San Jose for my flight the next day. Is this crazy?? Am I trying to squeeze too much into 1 week? I will have a rental car. I do realize that it’s about 5-7 hours from Puerto Jimenez to San Jose and planned to do this on the day before my flight out, trying to keep drives shorter in the earlier part of my trip and allow for more downtime.
Hi Agata, That’s fast paced but not crazy at all. You’re sticking to one stretch of coastline, which is good, and it sounds like you’ve picked this itinerary to get exactly what you want out of the trip. With a car you’ll be able to go at your own pace. Sounds fine to us, hope you enjoy your visit. Dos Brazos will be a good fit for you!
Our big multi-age group of 15 hope to stay at Hostal Rio Tigre Corcovado in December, 2018. Do you know the place? Is this a good idea for youngish kids?
Hi Frances, We don’t know much about that particular vacation rental, but it looks like it’s near the Rio Tigre entrance to Corcovado National Park. This is farther from Puerto Jimenez and its amenities so be sure to stock up on supplies in advance especially if you’re traveling with younger kids. There isn’t much in this area but it’s beautiful and has plenty of space for kids to run around and explore. You’ll also be close to Corcovado and the tours offered by the rural tourism organization in town.
Hello Jenn & Matt, Thank you so much for such an informative website. You guys are awesome! I think I read on one of your postings that one of you is originally from Maine; I am too! My daughter is studying this semester in Atenas and I am traveling to CR to explore with her after her program is over. We are staying 3 nights on the Osa Peninsula in the middle of May. I have found a wonderful Airbnb in Rincon but a friend familiar with the area tells me not to stay in this town. I was hoping you could weigh in with your perspective on this area. My friend is the type who would stay in all-inclusive resorts while I would avoid such places even if they were in my budget. Thanks!
Hi Colleen, Yes, we are from Maine too! Very cool. That will be fun to explore some with your daughter after she’s done with school. We don’t know much about Rincon on the Osa (we’ve only driven through) but it’s a very small town. It’s on the way to Puerto Jimenez, the largest town on that side of the Peninsula, which is still really small. If you’re okay with not a lot going on, it will probably be fine. The Osa is a beautiful area with a ton of rainforest and wildlife. It may not be easy to book excursions from there since it is so small so you may want to make sure that your Airbnb contact will be able to help you. Hope that helps give you some perspective!
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I decided that Rincon was too far away from all the stuff we wanted to do so we are staying in Puerto Jimenez at Cabinas Jimenez. I’ll let you know how it works out. Will be in CR in less than 2 weeks! Pura Vida!
Hi Jenn and Matt,
I am currently in Malpais, thinking of driving to Puerto Jimenez on the 29th for a few days and stop by dominical on the way back before my flight in SJ but I heard it was currently raining a lot down south. Do you have any insight regarding the current weather in Osa and Dominical?
Thank you for this blog, it’s been very helpful!
Hi Eli, We just got back from Drake Bay on the other side of the Osa and had good weather. It was cloudy one day but only rained during the day for an hour or so (every other time it rained was at night). Near Dominical (we live in this area), we’ve had decent weather, but yes, it has been a little cloudy and rainy for the last few days. This time of year, that can change at any point so it may be sunny skies for the 29th. Dominical is still beautiful even with a little rain.
Hi Jenn and Matt,
We spent 2 weeks in Costa Rica 2 years ago around Puerto Jimenez, stayed at the Aqua Dulce for a few days, another few days in a secluded cabin near Playa Pan Dulce and the rest of our time near Playa Blanca/La Palma. We can honestly say it was the BEST vacation we’ve ever had (we were there in April so very warm!) This area of the country was incredible!
We’re huge wildlife fanatics and the bio-diversity in this area is absolutely incredible – we explored everywhere and we saw multitudes of monkeys (howlers, spider, capuchin, and squirrel – all 4 species) in our trip, plus snakes, large spiders, dolphins etc. all in our 2 week visit. We were overwhelmed with what we saw and experienced and definitely caught the Costa Rica bug..
That being said we are returning this July during the “mini dry season” and are exploring a little more of the country starting off in the Mountains in Monteverde, Arenal, and then down for a few days at a research station near Corcavado National Park and finally our last week near Playa Blanca again. We are renting a 4×4 for our time there so we are looking forward to driving and having some freedom to get around.
I just wanted to say your website has been invaluable to our planning and we can’t wait to get there! We’ll definitely be posting our updates regarding driving through Costa Rica and our adventures! We hope to get some great video as well!
Thanks again for providing such a great resource for those planning a Costa Rican adventure!
FRed – Strathroy, Canada
Hi Fred, Thanks for the kind words about our website! It sounds like you have definitely caught the Costa Rica bug. We hope you enjoy the news areas you’ll be visiting this time around. Monteverde has a lot of wildlife but it’s harder to see than in the Osa Peninsula, so a guide can be good to have there. Monteverde is great for birding. The research station near Corcovado sounds interesting; you’ll have to let us know how it goes. Have fun!
This is a great blog, thank you! I wonder if you can please what you know about: how to arrange a registered guide to get from Carate to La Leona (my daughter and I
are volunteering for a turtle protection program there). Also we have a day in Puerto Jimenez and the kayaking tour looks nice. Have you been? Is it best to arrange in advance? Any guidance would be so appreciated.
Thank you!!
Hi Andrea, We know of a local tour company out of Puerto Jimenez that does overnight visits from PJ to La Leona. But it sounds like you will be staying in La Leona after? If you’d like, we could see how much it would be for that.
We have been kayaking in the bay/mangroves in Puerto Jimenez and it was very nice and scenic. If you definitely know you want to do this, we recommend arranging it in advance. It’s easier to get it arranged beforehand so that you don’t have to run around looking for a good tour company to take you when you get there. If you’d like help with either of these, please contact us through our Tour Bookings page and we’ll get back to you right away.
Jenn and Matt, My husband and I will be traveling the Pacific coast line after falling in love with CR in January with a family trip. Now we want to see more and figure out if Costa Rica is our second home! We will be traveling Oct 19-29th and looking to go to Osa 25th-27th. Being the rainy season is this something we should check on last minute as I’ve seen a lot may be shut down during that time including the roads?
Hi Julie, Yes, late October can be very rainy on the Osa Peninsula. Roads to Puerto Jimenez are paved, though, and should be okay if that’s where you’re going. It will be quiet there, but there will still be locals around. Best of luck finding the perfect spot!
Hi Jenn, Matt,
Your website has been very helpful, thank you!
We are debating whether to stay at Drake Bay or Puerto Jiminez. We are mostly interested in seeing wildlife and doing a long hike through the jungle (day and night). We are also interested in fishing. (don’t care about zip lining, rafting, abseiling)
We are hiring a car to see La Fortuna and Miguel Antonio, then heading south. Which side of the Osa Peninsula do you recommend for 4 nights?
Hi Gloria, Both Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay have excellent wildlife viewing, fishing, and long jungle hikes, but we’re partial to Drake Bay. It feels so remote and is so undeveloped and beautiful. So we’d go with that.
Jimenez is my favorite place on earth. So many things to do and I’ve made many friends that I still keep in touch with today. One of my favorite things to do on a Friday is to drive to Matapalo and hike to the King Louie waterfall, relax on the beach and then go to Martina’s for the cutest artisan market. Some AMAZING artwork at very reasonable prices. The butterfly wing jewelry was my favorite booth. Thank you for such a wonderful article. I can’t wait for my fourth trip to paradise!
Hello, Jenn and Matt. I love reading your blog so much. I am planning a family vacation to the Osa Peninsula and I am wondering if it’s best to stay in one place or in two places. Are there advantages or disadvantages? I am looking at Iguana Lodge outside of Puerto Jimenez and Encanta La Vida in Cabo Matapalo. We’ll have a total of 6 nights. Thoughts?
Hi Nina, We’d pick just one town to visit with six nights. Iguana Lodge is very nice and still close to Puerto Jimenez. Cabo Matapalo is much more remote – there’s not much around there, so you would be relying on your Lodge for most things. Personally, we’d rather be closer to Puerto Jimenez but many people love how raw and remote Cabo Matapalo is. Hope that helps!
Hi Jenn and Matt!
We have arranged for transportation with Skyway Air from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez and from Drake Bay back to San Jose in February. Do you have any thoughts or information on how their service/reliability/safety is?
Thanks,
Lori
Hi Lori, This is a new airline and we haven’t heard much about them. Costa Rica was downgraded for safety by the FAA recently so we are not longer recommending small plane flights. Lots of people are still taking them, though, and we haven’t heard of any major problems other than last-minute cancellations.
I’m hoping to visit Puerto Jimenez in May for eleven days with my wife. We thought we’d fly in from San Jose and avoid the long drive. I drove to Puerto Viejo in 2018 from San Jose and it shocked me how long it took to travel the hwy. I was visiting with my 25 years old son and we both loved it! We also did a quick two day trip into Panama traveling to Bocas del Toro. We enjoyed meeting everyone we came across. Wonderful part of the world.
A couple of questions. Is there enough to keep us busy in Osa for the time we’re there? We love nature and hiking and plan on hiking into the Corcovado on one of the tours. Also I was planning on renting a car in Puerto Jimenez for local excursions. Good idea? I’m hoping there are other places nearby to drive and visit and of course spend a few leisure days on the beach. Thank you, appreciate your blog.
Hi Eddie, There’s not a ton to do in the Puerto Jimenez area but if you’re okay with a good amount of time relaxing, it could work. We would definitely recommend a car so that you can get around to do some exploring. You could drive down south to check out Cabo Matapalo and some lesser known beaches. If you’d like a little more to do, you might want to spend a week or so in Puerto Jimenez then drive up the coast to check out somewhere like the Costa Ballena. We hope that helps!
Hi Jenn and Matt
Many thanks for your excellent website – a mine of useful information. My wife and I will be visiting CR for the first time in November/December this year for 18 days. (Arenal, Sarpiqui, Providencia de Dota). We have rented an Adobe 4×4 car via your website – thanks. We’ll be spending 5 nights on the Osa peninsular 4th-8th Dec inclusive, and staying between Barrigones and Puerto Jiminez – so your articles are very useful. Would you foresee any problems with the roads at this time of year on Osa (floods etc)? Also, for the journey back to San Jose via the coast road I have allowed 2 nights for stop offs. Where would you recommend we stop off (plus any accommodation you’d recommend) and would you stay 2 nights in 1 location or 1 night in 2 locations. Looks like it will be an 8 hour drive, and I’m OK to do this in 2x4hr days so 2 nights in 1 location might work better Apart from Osa, we won’t have spent any beach time – although crowded beach resorts are not our thing but snorkelling etc would be. Many thanks, John
Hi John, Thank you for renting your car through our site! We don’t foresee any problems with the roads on that side of the Osa in early December. The main road is paved all the way to Puerto Jimenez, plus it shouldn’t be very rainy (rainy season will be just ending in early December). It’s good that you will have a 4×4, though, so that you can visit some of the smaller beaches south of Puerto Jimenez.
It should be more like a 6 or 6.5 hour drive back to San José, so I think I’d do it with only one stop so that you have a full two nights to spend enjoying another area. It’s not well known, but the Esterillos area is a good mid way point. It’s near big tourist destinations but the town itself is more isolated and very charming and authentic. Here’s a link to our blog post with more information: https://www.twoweeksincostarica.com/esterillos-oeste/. Hope you have a great trip!
Hi Jenn and Matt,
Thank for an excellent web site, and providing such a wealth of information.
My family and I will be staying one night in Puerto Jimenez this March, in just 3 short weeks. We would like to experience an evening kayak tour and the bio-luminescence, but didn’t know if this only occurs during certain times. Also, is there a preferred tour company for seeing whales and dolphins? We will be a group of 9, and didn’t know if we should make tour reservations prior to arriving, or if we could find a tour once we arrive.
Any help or recommendations you can provide will be very much appreciated. Thanks, Kyra
Hi Kyra, We sent you an email with some recommendations earlier today. Thanks!
Hi Jenn and Matt,
We are 8 adults and need your help to recommend me a transfer from either Puerto Jimenez or Sierpe to Sarapiqui in February 2022. I understand it is a pretty long run.
Will you please recommend me one with contact details and also with the tentative transfer cost? I don’t mind a shared but certainly will prefer a private to give us some flexibility during travel.
Thanks
Very nice informative website. We will be in CR for 1month, starting in Arenal, then tambor beach, then Osa, renting a 4×4 and returning it to San Jose. We have kids ages 5 and 3. We are staying for 7days just outside of Puerto Jimenez. Then we have 3 nights to play with. Is it worth going up to Drake bay for those last days since it’s ‘on the way’ to San Jose anyway? Alternately, we found a lovely airbnb in Carate. Wondering if it’s too much with that amount of time to explore and travel to Drake bay. We wouldn’t be able to do big hikes or island snorkel with kids that young. Thanks for any advice!
Hi Valerie, Glad our site has been helpful! We wouldn’t try to do Drake Bay with those extra three nights. It’s super remote and not really on the way back to San José. Carate would make more sense and it has a different feel from Puerto Jimenez so would be nice to check out. You can visit some of the beaches down in that area with the kids and do shorter hikes. Hope that helps!
I would like to know if you have a tour company to suggest in Puerto Jimenez for kayaking and for seeing whales and dolphins? Regards
Hi Marie, Osa Wild is a good company. Not sure if they offer those tours but it’s worth checking. They have a website.
Hi Jenn and Matt! We are planning another trip at the end of March. I always go to your sight for info. I love it.
We want to visit Gulfo Dulce’s beaches. We heard about the beautiful water. Any suggestions on something we can access without a boat.? We love to snorkel and see wildlife.
Also, do you recommend a boat tour company for the gulf as well?
We are disappointed that we made lodging reservations so far from entrances to Corcovado. We really wanted to explore the park for a full day but driving from Uvita to Puerto Jimenez is tough when a tour leaves at 5:30am! What are your thoughts on that? Any suggestions?
Hi Stacy, Glad our site has been helpful. Sorry it has taken us a while to get back to you about your questions.
Yes, the Gulfo Dulce has beautiful beaches with calm water, both in Puerto Jimenez and to the south. There are also some really remote, cool spots a little north of Golfito – these require boat access. It would hard to get to any of these places on a day trip from Uvita, unfortunately. We see you’ve commented on our Drake Bay post and will offer a suggestion on there. Thanks!
What a great article about an amazing travel destination. We were in Puerto Jiménez last January. We had an amazing time. Stayed there for about 8 nights (including two nights in La Sirena). The vibe in the town is amazing and wildlife can be seen at every corner. Your article brings me back right away ;)!
Hi Björn, That’s great! Thanks for reading. Hope you can get back to Puerto Jimenez soon.
Hello, we are planning a quick visit to our daughter who is an intern at OSA biological Station Piro. The night of our arrival (11pm) we will sleep in a San Jose airport hotel in order to take the first morning flight to Puerto Jimenez. From there we are planning to go straight to the OSA Piro station (ideally by bus but we have to check we arrive on a day the bus is actually running which is 3 times a week I think or rent a car). We would spend 2 nights at Piro Station. Do you have suggestion on where to stay geographically for the following 2 nights in order to explore the Corcovado National Parc or see the most of the wildlife? We were thinking Puerto Jimenez. Thank you!
Hi Marie, There are a lot of ecolodges near where you will be with your daughter. They are spread out, since it’s all small towns in that area around Cabo Matapalo. But it’s good for wildlife viewing and exploring Corcovado.
If you’d rather stay in more of a town with amenities, Puerto Jimenez is the best option. You’re farther from some of the ranger stations in Corcovado, but it’s close to the El Tigre entrance. Hope that helps!
Hello! Are there any hiking trails that are free/inexpensive near Puerto Jimenez? We already will be doing a Corcovado trip overnight, and for the next few days there we wanted to explore some nature for free or cheap. Or is it just the El Tigre, which I know you have to pay for a guide to go on the trails? Thanks!
Hi Joya, We don’t know of any free hikes close to Puerto Jimenez, unfortunately. If you drive down the Cabo Matapalo area, you could do the hike to the King Louis Waterfall. We recently did this and it was very nice. We don’t have a post about it yet but will be coming out with one soon.
I’m trying to figure out if my itinerary is crazy but I am starting at SJO, staying 1 night, then following day taking a domestic flight to Puerto Jimenez (Botanika Resort) and maybe staying 5-7 nights? flying back to SJO and from there not sure if I should just stay in Downtown for 3 nights and explore the area or fly to LIR and stay there 3 nights??? I feel like the area of Puerto Jimenez has the best of Costa Rica?? The wildlife, jungle and beaches or am I wrong?
Hi Yuri, The Botanika Resort is really nice (we just stayed there a few months ago) and you’re right that Puerto Jimenez has a lot to offer. The beaches are pretty, it has tons of wildlife, and Corcovado National Park is nearby. So staying there for most of your trip totally makes sense. We would just stay in San Jose downtown for the end of your trip for 2-3 nights if you’re interested in culture and museums and skip trying to fit in another region like Liberia/Guanacaste.
We will be in Puerto Jimenez Febuary 2024 for 3 weeks. Any recommendation for restuarants?
Hi Linda, We’ve enjoyed Pizzamail it, Marisqueria Corcovado (great view), Cafetería Monka, and Soda Jiménez Colectivo for good, casual, local food.
Hi Linda
My teenage son and I are flying in from UK to San Jose and travelling next morning to Tamarindo for 6 nights, then we are flying down to Puerto Jimenez (Botankika) for 3 nights. I’m not sure if better to then fly back to Tamarindo, or stay an extra night in Puerto Jimenez, and then a couple of nights in San Jose; although museums are not really my son’s interest and we want to make the most of the sun, coming from rainy England! I have driven myself bonkers for 3 days trying to work out an itinerary!!
Great website!
Many thanks
Hi Elian, We would definitely stay an extra night in Puerto Jimenez instead of going back to Tamarindo. The Botanika is a gorgeous property and there’s quite a bit to do in the area. You could always rent a car for the day and visit some more off the beaten path areas outside Puerto Jimenez like Cabo Matapalo.
Thanks for your amazing site which I have been cruising for years now! We are visiting Puerto Jimenez later this month. Sad to hear that Osa Wildlife Sanctuary is actually closed. Im debating whether or not to bring my paddleboard for the Golfo, free luggage with SW airlines! Sounds like the water is calm and safe right from the local beach, am I correct?
Hi Liz, Hope you’re enjoying your visit. We hadn’t heard that about Osa Wildlife Sanctuary. Thanks for letting us know.
Yes, the main beach in Puerto Jimenez is nice and calm 🙂
Another question, have you visited the Osa Conservation Center and is it worth a visit? Our daughter loves the idea of “rescuing animals” so we are interested despite the long drive!
Hi Liz, We haven’t been to the Osa Conservation Center yet but they have a very good reputation.
You could also look at the BioSur Foundation. They aren’t a wildlife sanctuary but protect rainforest land. They have a cool insect exhibit in Puerto Jimenez and do a couple of other tours too, including one at their private nature reserve.
My family and I are headed to CR next month ( we have 4 kids ages 10-17) for one week. We are super adventurous, love to hike and be in the outdoors. We would love to travel to areas that are not super touristy so I thought the OSA peninsula might be a good fit. Is march going to be crazy busy in the arsenal/manuel antonio areas. Is one week enough time to head to OSA and explore? and is that crazy to rent a house in Matapalo for a week?
Hi Liz, It will be fairly busy in La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio in March, but it’s still worth going. La Fortuna in particular is great with kids and has a ton to do. It’s also more spread out so doesn’t feel as busy. One week in Cabo Matapalo is a pretty long time. We would recommend a few nights there then somewhere else for the other 4 nights. If La Fortuna sounds too busy, you could look at Uvita/Dominical.
Hi Jenn and Matt
Our family is headed to Osa in June. We have 3 nights booked at La Paloma in Drake Bay (Cano and Corcovado and Bug Lady Hike). We are planning to head to Cabo Matapalo for the next leg for 4 nights, but wondering if 4 nights is too long at Bosque del Cabo. We are considering breaking that into 2 nights at Bosque in Cabo Matapalo to hike their trails and 2 nights at Botanika so that we can get in some additional adventures like zip lining, sport fishing and beach time. Thoughts?
Hi Laura, Yes, 4 nights is a lot unless you plan to do a lot of hiking in Corcovado. I would split it 2 and 2 as you have suggested so that you can do some activities in Puerto Jimenez and see the town.