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About the Osa: Tourist Information |
If you are planning on visiting the Osa in the near future you may have some additional questions. Below is a list of information about the Osa. Please select the link of your choice for more information.
General Information
 The Osa Peninsula is located in the extreme south-west area of Costa Rica and lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Golfo Dulce Bay. This is one of the most remote regions in Costa Rica. It is still very much under developed and remains an area of unspoiled beauty. The Osa Peninsula is one of the finest and most diverse Eco-systems in the world. It boasts one of the largest areas of varied primary and secondary rainforests left on earth. It is also an area full of mangroves, rivers, lowland rainforests, clean mountain streams and spectacular waterfalls.
The Osa Peninsula has two major and unique protected areas, Corcovado National Park and the Osa Forest Reserve. Corcovado is one of the most unspoiled and pristine areas left in Costa Rica. The park covers about half of the Osa Peninsula and is the home to many unique and endangered species of plants, animals and birds. The park can easily be accessed from Carate which is only a short drive from Puerto Jimenez, considered to be the “gateway” to Corvocado National Park. The Osa Forest Reserve which makes up the majority of the remainder of the Osa Peninsula is adjacent to the park and covers an area larger than the park itself. This protected area is over 60% primary rainforest. The interior regions of the peninsula are very remote yet accessible via hiking, four-wheel ATVs, mountain bikes, and or horse back. Some areas are only accessible by foot and if you plan on visiting Corcovado National Park this is the only method of transport once inside. The services of a guide are strongly recommended in both of these areas as many of the trails are unmarked and you could easily get lost.
You will also benefit from their lifetime of local knowledge and they will teach you all about exploring the rainforest’s secrets. There are some 3,100 species of plant life to be found on the peninsula with new ones being discovered on a regular basis. About 400 different species of birds make this their home, many of which come to over winter in the perennial tropical climate. Many beautiful and amazingly colorful birds can even be seen right in town. The variety of marine life and water mammals is truly amazing. Many different species of dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and whale sharks are only a few of the beautiful sea creatures that may be encountered on a regular basis. Sport fishing in this area is world class. It is only a short run to the blue water where abundant sailfish, marlin, dorado, tuna and much more are caught year round. Inshore fishing is equally spectacular. Roosterfish up to 60 pounds are caught regularly and huge snapper, snook, pompano and jacks provide anglers with lots of action. Fishing for snapper and snook in the mangroves is possible during the right tides and you never know what you will catch if you throw your line in off one of the beaches or piers.
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Getting Here
 The first thing you will need to do is get to Costa Rica. International flights from the United States to San Jose, Costa Rica are offered by most of the major airlines. American, Continental, Delta, United and US Air all have daily flights scheduled. Direct flights from Miami are available through American, Continental offers direct flight from Houston, Delta from Atlanta and US Air from Charlotte North Carolina. This information is subject to change and other direct flights not mentioned above can also be found. LACSA, the official Costa Rican airline sometimes offers cheaper fares from Miami or Los Angeles but they typically make a stop or two along the way increasing traveling time.
All international flights from the US land in San Jose. If you do not wish to spend the night in San Jose before taking a domestic flight to Puerto Jimenez then you must choose an international flight that gets you to San Jose before noon. In the same sense, when returning, take the earliest flight out of Puerto Jimenez and a mid to late afternoon international flight out of San Jose.
There are two domestic airlines in Costa Rica servicing many areas of the country including Puerto Jimenez. Nature Air and Sansa. Nature Air is our preferred airline due to more on time flights and a better safety record. Sansa is located in the international airport, but in a separate terminal that is within walking distance from the main terminal. Nature Air however is located about 30 minutes away at Tobias Bolanos airport in Pavas so please allow for this travel time when booking any flights. Both airlines offer several daily flights between San Jose and Puerto Jimenez. Flight time between Puerto Jimenez and San Jose is around 50 minutes.
If you have to spend a night in San Jose, there is plenty to see and do in this dynamic and delightful city.
We will happily arrange any domestic travel for you including taxi transfers if needed.
Another option to get to Puerto Jimenez is the bus. I would not recommend this to anyone but it is less than half the price of flying. The trip takes about 10 hours and is long and very tiring. That is all I will say about that.
Renting a car is another alternative if you have the time and would like to have more control over where and when you go. If you do rent a car always allow plenty of time to get to your destination and plan on being delayed a little somewhere along the way for any number of reasons ranging from inclement weather to routine traffic stops. Also, Costa Rica is well known for its terrible roads. Always keep a vigilant lookout for pot holes. Some are so big they could swallow a small car and in the rainy season every one of them becomes a pond or lake. Don’t let this discourage you though. There is truly no better way to see and do as much as you could possibly want when traveling by car and the scenery is truly awesome.
Upon your arrival at the airstrip in Puerto Jimenez. Osa Discoveries will be glad to transfere you in our own private 4x4 taxi to the lodging of your choice or directly to your tour staging area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a passport to go to Costa Rica?
2. Do I need a visa to go to Costa Rica?
3. What is the currency in Costa Rica?
4. Do I need to get any inoculations to come to Costa Rica?
5. How much is the Departure Tax?
6. How long is the flight from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez?
7. Is there a luggage weight limit on domestic flights in Costa Rica?
8. Is the water safe to drink?
9. Do I need to tip?
10. How much money should I convert into Colones?
11. Do you take credit cards?
12. Do I need to ring insect repellent?
13. What should I pack for the rainforest?
14. What time zone is Costa Rica in?
15. I have small children. Can they come?
16. I’ve never ridden an ATV before. Can I come on one of these tours?
17. Where do I check in for my tour?
18. What should I wear on the ATV tours?
19. Can you help make hotel reservations, book domestic flights and arrange for airport/hotel transfers?
1. Do I need a passport to go to Costa Rica?
A valid passport is required to enter Costa Rica and must have an expiration date of six months or more from the date of entry into the country.
2. Do I need a visa to go to Costa Rica?
It depends on your country of origin. US citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Costa Rica. The same is also true for Canadians and most European citizens. Always check the current travel regulations for your country of citizenship.
3. What is the currency in Costa Rica?
The Costa Rican currency is the Colone. At this time, the exchange rate is approximately 500 Colones to the US Dollar.
4. Do I need to get any inoculations to come to Costa Rica?
No vaccinations are required to enter Costa Rica, however, always check with your health care provider for medical advice before traveling abroad.
5. How much is the Departure Tax?
Departure tax from Costa Rica is $26 and can also be paid in Colones. You must pay this at the airport before you check in for you flight.
6. How long is the flight from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez?
The flight between San Jose and Puerto Jimenez is only 45-50 minutes long
7. Is there a luggage weight limit on domestic flights in Costa Rica?
Yes! Both Nature Air and Sansa have a 25 pound baggage weight limit (including carry on) for all domestic flights. Baggage in excess of this limit will be charged $.55 per pound on the outgoing flight so pack lightly and leave unnecessary items at home. Fishing rod tubes and surfboards up to 7 feet long can usually be accommodated. Please check with the airline for specific information if you are bringing an oversized piece of luggage.
8. Is the water safe to drink?
The tap water is chlorinated and drinkable almost everywhere in the country. Most people are very surprised when they find this to be true. Bottled water is widely available in stores and restaurants for those that want to be on the cautious side.
9. Do I need to tip?
A 10% gratuity is automatically added on to any bar or restaurant bill. It is customary but not required to tip guides, fishing captains and their mates. Generally 10% of the tour cost per person is the general rule of thumb. For fishing trips, 10% of the tour cost per boat per day is average. A small tip left in you room at the end of your stay to be split between the hotel staff is also greatly appreciated. Usually $3-$5 a day is plenty. Many lodges will allow you to include all tips exactly as you designate at the end of your stay when paying by credit card or travelers check.
10. How much money should I convert into Colones?
You really don’t need to convert very much cash to Colones if any. The US dollar is accepted practically anywhere and welcomed. Besides, if you have any Colones left at the end of your trip, it can be very expensive converting them back to dollars or Euros.
11. Do you take credit cards?
Yes. We gladly accept Visa and Mastercard. However, our Costa Rican credit card company bills us a hefty 6% of the amount charged to process every transaction. For this reason we must add 6% to credit card payments whenever a third party service is involved. This includes but is not limited to fishing tours, boat and taxi transfers, domestic air and canopy tours.
12. Do I need insect repellent?
We do have many bugs in Costa Rica, but in our area they are rarely a problem. Unlike the swarms of knats, mosquitoes, ticks and flies commonly found throughout North America, biting insects are not commonly a major nuisance down here. Occasionally someone will come along who is a real bug magnet and of course there are a few mosquitoes and no see ums (especially around water sources) but I’m seldom if ever miserable from bug bites here unlike in the US and Canada. It is always smart to pack a small supply of insect repellent. Use one with deet if you can. Stinging insects are fairly common so if you are allergic to bee and wasp stings it is advisable to bring an epi-pen and some Benedryl.
13. What should I pack for the rainforest?
Packing lightly is important but there are several items that should not be left behind. Here is a short list of items to pack but it is by no means all inclusive. It is best to bring light weight, quick drying clothing as the environment is tropical and many fabrics take forever to dry out.
• Summer shorts, shirts and skirts
• At least one long sleeve shirt
• Long pants
• Swim suit
• Light-weight cotton underwear
• Short cotton socks
• A pair of quick drying hiking shoes or high quality sports sandals
• Sunglasses
• Extra pair of prescription glasses
• Good sun hat
• A pair of pants or skirt and a shirt suitable for a night out on the town
• Small day pack
• A light rain suit or poncho
• An adequate supply of prescription medications
• Sun screen
• Small flashlight
• Passport and travel documents (don’t forget to bring photo copies along)
• Insect repellent
• Notebook, pen and small calculator
• Antibiotic ointment such as “NeoSporin”
• Duct tape
• Camera and extra batteries
• Toiletries
• Small light weight towel or even a bandana to use as a washcloth
• Biodegradable soap like “Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap”
14. What time zone is Costa Rica in?
Costa Rica is on the “central standard time zone”. Costa Rica does not observe daylight savings time.
15. I have small children. Can they come?
Of course they can come. The Osa Peninsula has recently begun to attract more and more families seeking adventurous vacations. There are countless activities for children to enjoy as well as fantastic opportunities to explore one of the most spectacular regions of the world with a populace that is equally marvelous and special.
16. I’ve never ridden an ATV before. Can I come on one of these tours?
No problem. We require each driver to take the pre tour, rider orientation course that is included in your schedule. If you are comfortable riding the ATV and your guide feels confident, you are off on an adventure you will never forget. None of our ATVs require the use of a clutch to switch between gears so even beginners can quickly and safely be on their way.
17. Where do I check in for my tour?
Many of our tours begin at our office in Downtown Puerto Jimenez where our own private 4X4 taxi will transport you to your tour site. Another option is to have us book pick up service from your lodging to transport you to the tour site. Our office is located on Main Street in Downtown Puerto Jimenez. Our office is located between Tienda El Record gift shop and the Liquor store.
18. What should I wear on an ATV tour?
Long pants are recommended and closed shoes are required. Tennis shoes are fine. You should also bring along a swimsuit and a small towel if you would like to take a refreshing dip during the tour.
19. Can you help make hotel reservations, book domestic flights and arrange for airport/hotel transfers?
Osa Discoveries would be more than happy to help out with any domestic travel arrangements. We know and understand this aspect of Costa Rican travel and realize it is invaluable to our clients having a connection down here to help in planning their trips. Please feel free to ask us for any information or assistance.
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Cabo Matapolo
Cabo Matapolo is situated on the southernmost point of the Osa Peninsula. It is not officially a town or village, but there is a small community of people living there, several world class eco-lodges, a couple of restaurants and a small bar or two. The area abounds with wildlife living in both the primary and secondary rainforest found here. There are many unmarked hiking trails to enjoy with the help of a guide and Matapolo is the primary destination for eco tours offered by the local lodges.
A major factor that attracts nature enthusiasts to Matapolo in addition to the wildlife is it’s isolation and relatively difficult access. It is considered to be the most pristine and unexploited area in all of Costa Rica. Another great enticement is the world class surfing. Several renowned point breaks and a lack of crowds competing for waves makes this a surfing paradise. Camping is also permitted above the high tide line on many beaches for those on a tight budget.
Matapolo is also a good spot to base oneself before and after visits to Corcovado National Park.
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Puerto Jimenez
 Puerto Jimenez grew up during the modern day gold rush that hit the Osa Penninsula in the 1970’s and lasted well into the mid 1980’s when Corcovado National Park was cleared of all miners and mining laws enforced. The town has since settled down quite a bit with the main economic emphasis now on sustainable, eco-friendly tourism. Don’t get the wrong impression though. Despite its small size and relaxed pace, it is a bustling little Costa Rican town where rough looking gold miners mix with wealthy eco-tourists, backpackers and sport fisherman. The town also comes alive at night at some of the favorite nightspots like Juanitas Bar and Restaurant and the local Disco.
For many, Puerto Jimenez is the best staging point for exploring the Osa Peninsula and the coastal villages of Cabo Matapalo and Carate. There are a large number of budget hotels, making it economical to plan a wide range of activities from town rather than from one of the more expensive all-inclusive lodges. Also, Jimenez is somewhat centrally located on the Osa Peninsula, reducing driving time for visitors interested in Corcovado National Park, Matapolo, Carate and even Drake Bay. There are now several flight daily from San Jose to Jimenez making it an easy destination. Both Nature Air and Sansa make the 45 minute flight 3 to 4 times daily.
While in town take the time to walk around and explore a little. There is tons of resident wildlife to be seen right in town. Pairs of Scarlet Macaws can be seen regularly in the almond trees and in the mornings and evenings you can watch the huge flocks of Parrots fly by. Monkeys often frequent the town to feed in the fruit trees and 3 foot iguanas run freely as they please.
Puerto Jiminez is a charming relaxing place to visit and plan all of your touring activities. Many consider it the closest thing they have seen to paradise and quite a few visitors plan on returning someday to call this place their permanent home.
Puerto Jimenez Map
Click here to enlarge
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Carate
Carate is the southern gateway into Corcovado National Park. It is located at the end of the all dirt coastal road from Puerto Jimenez. Carate is genuinely isolated and facilities are limited. There are currently only a few eco lodges in the area that offer accommodations and restaurants. There is also a tiny store and a small landing strip for charter flights. Carate’s virgin rainforests abound with wildlife and its vast, deserted beaches are an important nesting area for turtles. It is extremely evident by the numerous tracks that can be found on the beach. If peace, quit, nature and an unspoiled tropical paradise are what you desire, then by all means come and visit Carate.
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Beaches
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Matapolo Rock |
The town beach is very placid and tranquil making it absolutely excellent for parents with very young children. Less than 3 miles from town, Playa Platanares presents and extraordinary unspoiled tropical beach with excellent wave action for body surfing. You can actually reach Puntarenities Point from town in less than twenty minutes on foot at low tide, but most people opt to ride bicycles or drive out to Pearl of the Osa to enjoy the beach and take advantage of the wonderful Monochingo Bar and Grille.
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Seasons & Climate
 The weather on the Osa Peninsula is warm all year round, we are deep in the tropics. We have a wet and a dry season, but since it is tropical, it can rain anytime of the year. We are situated only 8 degrees north of the Equator so the sun is more intense than you might think. However, it is a peninsula and surrounded by water. This makes for a more favorable climate as the sea breeze cools thing down a bit. More so than southern Florida in the summer for example. Most everything stays green year round with December through April being our “summer”. Daytime temperatures usually reach into the 90’s with little rain. The rainy season usually begins sometime in May in the form of afternoon showers or rain at night. The days are typically very nice with clouds building around 3 pm for an afternoon shower or thunderstorm. This pattern is typical until September. From then on into October precipitation increases significantly and long periods of rain are more common. Daytime temperatures during the rainy season are usually in the 80’s but days in the 70’s come along often enough and it can dip all the way down into the chilling 60’s on some of those rainy October days. Another important fact about the weather on the Osa is that hurricanes seldom if ever make it far enough south to affect us with more than long periods of rain and moderate winds.
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