Puerto Jiménez

Puerto Jiménez is a quiet coastal town on the Osa Peninsula, known as the gateway to Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Here the atmosphere is relaxed, with dirt streets, colorful wooden houses, and a boardwalk where you can feel the sea breeze. It is the perfect starting point to explore primary forests, virgin beaches, and incredible wildlife, far from mass tourism.

The main attraction is Corcovado National Park, which you can only enter with an authorized guide; you can walk along trails surrounded by monkeys, toucans, tapirs, and maybe jaguars. You can also go birdwatching tours, kayak through the mangroves of the Golfo Dulce, or visit beaches like Playa Platanares and Playa Preciosa. For the adventurous, there are day trips to Sirena Station or La Leona, and at the end of the day, a sunset at the boardwalk is a must.

Local cuisine combines fresh seafood with traditional Costa Rican recipes. Try fish or shrimp ceviche, arroz con pollo, casado with whole fried fish, and patacones. In town, there are sodas (typical restaurants) serving generous dishes at good prices, as well as gourmet options with international influence. Don't miss natural fruit juices like papaya or pineapple.

For your visit to Puerto Jiménez and Corcovado, it is essential to bring light, quick-drying clothing, long-sleeved shirts to protect yourself from the sun and insects, and long pants for hiking. Don't forget a good insect repellent, biodegradable sunscreen, a hat, hiking boots or closed-toe shoes, and a waterproof jacket. Also bring a reusable water bottle, binoculars for wildlife watching, and a flashlight for night walks.

Puerto Jiménez is a safe place, but it is always advisable to take basic precautions with your belongings. The language is Spanish, although some English is spoken in tourist areas. Tips are not mandatory, but leaving 10% in restaurants is appreciated if the service was good. Cell phone signal is limited outside town and internet is slow; enjoy the disconnection. The altitude is low, so the climate is warm and humid all year round, with frequent rains, especially from May to November. Most tours leave early, so plan your day.