Last Updated: August 14, 2025
Situated near the tip of Costa Rica’s remote Osa Peninsula, Puerto Jimenez might not seem like a tourist destination at first glance. On any given day, locals can be seen going about their daily business in the small downtown or tending to fishing boats in the bay. But when a Scarlet Macaw parrot flashes its vibrant colors overhead or a dolphin surfaces on the water, you’ll soon discover there’s much more to this modest seaside town. In this post, we’ll give 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 on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast.
The town sits on the southeastern side of the peninsula, adjacent to a wide bay called the Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf). This bay is actually a tropical fjord, a deep ocean inlet that is rich in marine life. It’s one of the only tropical fjords in the world.
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
Puerto Jimenez’s remote location is part of its charm, but it also means some planning is involved. Here are the main transportation options.
Driving
The drive from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez is about 6-7 hours. While long, you’ll take the coastal highway, which passes through the scenic central and southern Pacific coast. We recommend this option over small planes for safety and reliability reasons. For detailed guidance on driving in Costa Rica, check out our driving guide. Read our Domestic Flights post for why we don’t recommend small planes.
Breaking Up Your Journey: To make the most of the drive, a good option is to overnight along the way. Popular spots include Manuel Antonio or the Dominical/Uvita area.
Rental Car Tip: A rental car is nice to have for Puerto Jimenez so that you can easily get to area attractions. For the Osa Peninsula’s varied terrain, we recommend a vehicle with higher clearance, especially during the rainy season (May through November). Check out our rental car discount to save 10% and get free extras through one of Costa Rica’s most reputable rental companies.
Public Bus
If you don’t want to drive, the public bus is an inexpensive, reliable option. Buses run between San Jose and Puerto Jimenez once a day at 12:00 p.m. (you can use this local bus website). Just keep in mind that it’s a long trip, as the bus will make stops along the way.
Shuttles
Private shuttles are also available, but are expensive (around $600 each way) since it’s a long trip. Here is a link to our Private Shuttle page with more information.
Things to Do in Puerto Jimenez
With incredible rainforest at its doorstep and a glistening bay full of marine life, we were surprised when researching for one of our visits 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 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 a bus from downtown Puerto Jimenez to the remote village of Carate.
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 trek is along the beach and 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 is a newer option that opened in 2015. This is great for travelers because, unlike La Leona, this entrance is just 25 minutes from downtown Puerto Jimenez, making it an ideal 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 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 our post Corcovado’s El Tigre Entrance: Hiking and Activities from Puerto Jimenez.
Via Sirena Ranger Station (Day Trip)
Sirena is the most popular (and busy) sector of the national park because it has the most visible wildlife. One notable species you can usually see here is the Baird’s tapir, Central America’s largest land mammal. For this reason, it’s a popular tour from Puerto Jimenez, even though it’s out of the way.
From Puerto Jimenez, you can reach Sirena by a 1.5 hour boat ride or charter plane from the airstrip in town.
Rio Nuevo Reserve
A great alternative to Corcovado that’s not far from Puerto Jimenez is the Rio Nuevo Reserve run by the local non-profit, BioSur Foundation.
On a day tour, you’ll hike through pristine rainforest and have the chance to see the same wildlife that’s in Corcovado National Park. Monkeys, sloths, anteaters, and with a little luck, even tapirs, pumas, ocelots, and otters can be spotted.
Tours can be arranged directly through the BioSur Foundation.
Beaches
Main Beach
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.
Playa Platanares
For a more secluded beach, head to Playa Platanares (also known as Playa Preciosa) 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’re up for it. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks.
Ocean Activities in the Golfo Dulce
Dolphin and Whale Watching
The sheltered Golfo Dulce is home to variety of different whale 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 types of dolphins can be seen any time of year, and it’s not uncommon to see huge pods of 100 or more.
Our family did an amazing dolphin watching tour with a local biologist and got to see tons of spinner and bottlenose dolphins putting on quite the show.
Booking a Dolphin-Watching Tour
If you’d like to book this, just use the link below and we’ll take care of all the arrangements. Booking through us costs the same and helps support our website. Learn more about our travel agency.
Check out this short video about our dolphin-watching tour
Kayaking and Bioluminescence
The calm waters of Puerto Jimenez are perfect for paddling. The town has a few different kayak tour operators and some hotels also offer complimentary kayaks to their guests.
One of the best times to take a mangrove kayak tour is just before sunset. Not only are you likely to see birds and monkeys, but it’s possible to see turtles and dolphins, depending on the tide.
For a memorable nighttime adventure, bioluminescent kayak tours are also available.
These are a really cool experience. By the light of the stars, you’ll paddle along the calm ocean water to spots known for their special algae and plankton. With the flick of your paddle, you’ll be able to see the amazing glowing bioluminescent effect.
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.
Chocolate Tours
There are two chocolate tours in the area.
Rancho Raices is the closest, just 10 minutes outside town. Our family really enjoyed this organic farm tour. You’ll hike along a flat path to see cacao pods growing and some giant old-growth trees 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.
Restaurants in Puerto Jimenez
Puerto Jimenez offers mostly simple restaurants that serve local Costa Rican cuisine. While you won’t find fancy establishments, you will find plenty of fresh seafood from the Golfo Dulce and affordable, authentic meals.
Aventuras Cafe
Located just outside town near Botanika Resort, this small casual restaurant is run by friendly locals.
Aventuras Cafe specializes in corn-based dishes, offering cheese and vegetarian tortillas, fresh salads, and burgers served on artisanal rolls (try the tuna burger, beef, or portobello). Their dessert menu has an impressive selection of cakes (carrot, orange, banana, and vegan banana). Coffee lovers will appreciate their various coffee drinks.
Pizza Mail.it
This long-standing establishment has been a popular spot for both locals and visitors for years. As the name suggests, Pizza Mail.it is located next to the post office in town. We’ve had their thin crust pizza several times and it is always delicious. The outdoor dining area is casual with just a handful of tables.
Soda Jimenez Colectivo
This tiny, hole-in-the-wall eatery serves delicious local cuisine at affordable prices. We enjoyed their casados with chicken and homemade empanadas. Located right in downtown, it’s the perfect place for authentic Costa Rican food.
Marisqueria Corcovado
With a prime location right across from the main beach, Marisqueria Corcovado specializes in seafood. Menu highlights include local lobster, paella, tuna steak, and snapper. They also have an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu.
Cafeteria Monka
This simple restaurant in the center of town is a good spot for breakfast. They also serve sandwiches for lunch. If you have kids, there’s a small indoor play area.
Restaurante Agua Luna
This newer, more upscale option was just opening during our last visit. The menu at Agua Luna features Costa Rican dishes like rice with shrimp and fish filet with sides. What makes this place special is its scenic location right on the bay with seating facing the mangroves. Open for lunch and dinner.
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 newer Hilton resort that took over an existing property between the airstrip and ocean, and made it incredibly beautiful.
Our family has stayed here a couple of times 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 $260/room in low season. High season rates: $375+. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Read our full review of Botanika Osa Peninsula.
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 30 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 $650 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. $250-900 per night. Some 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 great location right on the bay. Mangroves and tall palms surround the property, drawing wildlife like Scarlet Macaws and howler monkeys. We loved that the beach was just steps away for swimming and kayaking (use of the lodge’s kayaks is free). $60-170/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Budget Hotels
Cabinas Jimenez
Cabinas Jimenez is a small hotel also in an excellent location, right on the ocean near the center of town. Rooms are rustic, but cute and comfortable, and are a good value for the area at around $67-130 (includes A/C and hot water). Many have a balcony to take in the view. Has free kayaks and bikes for guests. 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. $60-80. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Lunas Hostel
If you’re on a budget, Lunas Hostel is a great option. This hostel close to the center of town has a few smaller rooms and one larger dorm room. $12. Check rates and availability here.
Other Practical Information About Puerto Jimenez
ATMs & Banking
Puerto Jimenez has two banks with ATMs. Since it’s a small destination, not all businesses here take credit cards so it’s best to carry some cash (local colones or USD). Learn more about handling money on your trip.
Medical
A small public clinic in town can handle basic needs. There’s also at least one private English-speaking doctor. For emergencies, the nearest hospital is a public hospital in Golfito. Modern private hospitals with English-speaking doctors are several hours away. We recommend getting travel insurance with medical evacuation just in case since it’s such a remote area.
Internet & Phone
Most hotels and restaurants have Wi-Fi, though speeds may be slower than what you’re used to. Cell coverage is good in town but spotty in remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (December-April) has the best weather but more tourists. Rainy season (May-November) offers lower prices and good wildlife viewing. September-October have the heaviest rainfall in this region of the country. Our Weather post has more information.
What Kind of Vehicle to Rent
While the main roads to Puerto Jimenez are all paved, many attractions require driving on unpaved roads. A 4×4 or vehicle with higher clearance is recommended, especially during rainy season (May-November). Here’s a link to our rental car discount.
Packing
The Osa Peninsula is one of the hottest, most humid areas of Costa Rica. Bring lightweight clothing that dries quickly, plenty of sunscreen, insect repellent, a rain jacket, and sturdy walking shoes/hiking boots. Here’s a link to our Packing post with more info.
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.
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:
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.
Dominical and Uvita Guides – The Dominical-Uvita area is also amazing for wildlife viewing plus it has tons of waterfalls. Read our guides to these up-and-coming towns.
Tortuguero: Wildlife and Culture on the Caribbean – Tortuguero is another well-known wildlife destination in Costa Rica. Learn what this remote town has to offer.
Destinations: Explore the more than 50 towns and cities we cover on this website on our Destinations page.
