Our favorite hotels and eco-lodges around Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica

With a population of some 9,000 people, Puerto Jimenez, the largest on Costa Rica's remote Osa Peninsula, provides the perfect gateway to the wild rainforests of the Corcovado National Park and the eco-lodges in the area.

The Best Places to Stay in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica

Botanika Osa Peninsula by Hilton

Botanika

Puerto Jiménez

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

El Remanso Lodge

Lapa Rios Lodge

See a Sloth

Nature & Wildlife

Deep Sea or Inshore Sportfishing 

Adrenaline

Hiking in Costa Rica

Hiking

National Parks

Kayaking in Costa Rica

Kayaking

Beach Fun

Whale Watching in Costa Rica

Whale Watching 

A series of eco-lodges are dotting the landscape here, there's someting to suit everyone's budget. 


Visit Corcovado National Park, home to jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and far more animals to list here!

<h2>Visit the Gateway to the Corcovado National Park!</h2>Puerto Jimenez is a small town on Costa Rica's remote Osa Peninsula. The city has an end-of-the-road frontier feels to it. It was founded in the early 20th century. It was nothing more than a group of huts around a mangrove swamp but exploded from that into a sizable town due to the (now strictly prohibited/controlled) logging and gold mining industry.&nbsp;There's not much in the way of towns on the Osa Peninsula, and Puerto Jimenez is about what you get. It's the center of life across the peninsula, where you go to get things done; banking, bills, shopping, etc. There's nowhere else to do anything like this on the Osa Peninsula. As such, despite its size, you'll find Puerto Jimenez a busy, bustling little city.Puerto Jimenez is the main gateway to the Corcovado National Park. As such, the area is home to some of the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica, all offering access to the park, by far Costa Rica's most famous natural wonder.&nbsp;And then there are the beaches around Puerto Jimenez. The Golfo Dulce is ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The fishing is also fantastic around here, with the gulf being home to many species of fish that will push the skills of even the most experienced anglers to their limit. Finally, for nature lovers, the waters of the Golfo Dulce provide a special treat as a breeding zone for humpback whales.Surfers can also find something in the Puerto Jimenez area, as the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula offers some of the best, most uncrowded waves in Costa Rica.Most visitors end up eating in their hotels. This is because most of the eco-lodges here include meals in their rates. But for people looking access to local life, Puerto Jimenez is the only place on the Osa Peninsula with options.The city has a bunch of restaurants and sodas. As a coastal town, seafood is a staple, and whether you want a light bite or something more substantial, you’ll find it in Puerto Jimenez.For travelers who want to live it up a little at night, Puerto Jimenez is the perfect place to do so. You'll find plenty of local bars to enjoy a cold beer or cocktail around town.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651514479/el_remanso_lodge_matapalo_beach_sunset_view_puerto_jimenez_4311f252d5.jpg" alt="el-remanso-lodge-matapalo-beach-sunset-view-puerto-jimenez.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651514479/thumbnail_el_remanso_lodge_matapalo_beach_sunset_view_puerto_jimenez_4311f252d5.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651514481/small_el_remanso_lodge_matapalo_beach_sunset_view_puerto_jimenez_4311f252d5.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651514481/medium_el_remanso_lodge_matapalo_beach_sunset_view_puerto_jimenez_4311f252d5.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651514480/large_el_remanso_lodge_matapalo_beach_sunset_view_puerto_jimenez_4311f252d5.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h3>Best Time to Travel to Puerto Jimenez</h3>Visitors who want to enjoy everything Puerto Jimenez offers should visit between January and April. This is the dry season when the area sees the least rain. During the rainy season on the Osa Peninsula, many of the surrounding roads and trails in Corcovado National Park become impassable and close down.Whale watchers should know the best time to be on the Golfo Dulce is in August/September, which happens to be rainy months.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1647026944/puerto_jimenez_wildlife_macaw_4acd7c7085.jpg" alt="puerto-jimenez-wildlife-macaw.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1647026944/thumbnail_puerto_jimenez_wildlife_macaw_4acd7c7085.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1647026945/small_puerto_jimenez_wildlife_macaw_4acd7c7085.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1647026945/medium_puerto_jimenez_wildlife_macaw_4acd7c7085.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1647026945/large_puerto_jimenez_wildlife_macaw_4acd7c7085.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h3>The Weather in Puerto Jimenez</h3>Puerto Jimenez is a hot and humid coastal town in Costa Rica's deep south. The rainy season runs from May to December, with September and October's wettest months. The dry season runs from January to April.Temperatures in Puerto Jimenez average in the upper 80s and early 90s F all year, dropping into the mid-70s at night.<h3>Is Puerto Jimenez safe?</h3>If there's any place on the Osa Peninsula more susceptible to crime, then it's Puerto Jimenez for the sole reason that this is where the people are.That said, Puerto Jimenez is generally a safe little town. Take any precautions you would take anywhere by not flashing any wealth around or getting too drunk around people you don't know.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1647026929/puerto_jimenez_stand_up_paddle_tour_5f30a0698d.jpg" alt="puerto-jimenez-stand-up-paddle-tour.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1647026929/thumbnail_puerto_jimenez_stand_up_paddle_tour_5f30a0698d.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1647026931/small_puerto_jimenez_stand_up_paddle_tour_5f30a0698d.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1647026930/medium_puerto_jimenez_stand_up_paddle_tour_5f30a0698d.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1647026930/large_puerto_jimenez_stand_up_paddle_tour_5f30a0698d.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h2>Top Restaurants in Puerto Jimenez</h2>Soda JimenezA cheap and cheerful little soda close to the town center provides no-nonsense, typical Costa Rican fare.&nbsp;Pizzamail.itHands down, the best pizza place in Puerto Jimenez.&nbsp;Marisquera CorcovadoClose to the water, a little way out of town, this place will scratch your seafood itch in Puerto Jimenez.&nbsp;Il GiardinoExcellent Italian fare with a focus on seafood, close to the waterfront. Try the tuna steaks.&nbsp;Cafeteria MonkaExcellent service here and the go-to place in town for a decent breakfast.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1647026928/puerto_jimenez_girl_swimming_bird_eye_view_a94ae5bf7d.jpg" alt="puerto-jimenez-girl-swimming-bird-eye-view.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1647026929/thumbnail_puerto_jimenez_girl_swimming_bird_eye_view_a94ae5bf7d.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1647026930/small_puerto_jimenez_girl_swimming_bird_eye_view_a94ae5bf7d.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1647026929/medium_puerto_jimenez_girl_swimming_bird_eye_view_a94ae5bf7d.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1647026929/large_puerto_jimenez_girl_swimming_bird_eye_view_a94ae5bf7d.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h2>How to get to Puerto Jimenez</h2>Juan Santamaria Airport (Airport Code SJO), outside the capital city of San José, is the closest international airport.<h3>Distance &amp; Driving Time to Puerto Jimenez</h3>From SJO Airport: 225 miles (362 kilometers), about 8 hours.All Costa Rican Vacations packages include an airport "meet and greet" service and private transfers with English-speaking drivers. We'll meet you and take you to your waiting driver when you arrive at the airport.That said, driving to Puerto Jimenez isn't the best use of your time. It's a long way away, even if we're driving you ourselves. We recommend flying.It takes around an hour to fly from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez. The airport here is one of Costa Rica's busiest local airports, reflecting that no one drives down here.Once you arrive in Puerto Jimenez, your hotel will be there to pick you up.&nbsp;

Fishing

Adults-Only

Luxury

Holidays

Blue Marlin

Bring the (Jungle) Noise: Monteverde and Puerto Jiménez

Bring the (Jungle) Noise

Waterfalls

Culture

Rainforest

Beach

The Monteverde area offers a mix of accommodation, from hostels and B&Bs, to unique eco-resorts. We recommend booking in advance.

Monteverde is known for great zip lines, hanging bridges, rich biodiversity, photography, birdwatching and so much more. 


Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde

Cloud Forest

Honeymoon

Remote

Deep Sea Fishing in Costa Rica: Puerto Jiménez and Quepos

Deep Sea Fishing Costa Rica

Relaxing

Most places around Quepos are more towards Manuel Antonio than in town. But there are some around Quepos, most notably in and around the Marina Pez Vela. 

The Marina Pez Vela is home to some of the best fishing charters in Costa Rica. Quepos is all about fishing! Also, Costa Rica's most famous national park is only a few minutes away. 

Quepos

Marina

Tarpon

Freshwater Fishing

Remote Surf Spots: Puerto Jiménez and Santa Teresa

Remote Surf Spots

Santa Teresa offers some nice places, among you can find resorts and boutique hotels with beachfront access, private bungalows, and modern comfort.


A wide range of activities can be found in Santa Teresa; those that stick out would be surfing, yoga, hiking, and fishing. 

Santa Teresa

Teen-friendly

A Serene Nature-Filled Getaway: Experience Puerto Jiménez and Flamingo Beach

A Serene Nature-Filled Getaway

A selection of resorts, including Margaritaville, and plenty of rental options ideal for families looking to enjoy the beach.

From fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunset sailing, to thrilling ATV tours, Flamingo has something for everyone.

Flamingo Beach

Sailfish

Wahoo

Romance

Deep Sea

Snapper

Inshore Fishing

Mahi Mahi

Yellowfin Tuna

Fly Fishing

Adventure Highlights Tour: Puerto Jiménez and Jaco

Adventure Highlights Tour

Jaco has something for everyone and every budget, from high-end hotels and resorts to boutique options and rentals.

Although it's a party town, famous for its nightlife, bars, and restaurants, there's more to Jaco than just that. 

Jaco

Surfing

Adventure

FADS

Golf

Best

Adventure and Sunshine Bound: Puerto Jiménez and Tamarindo

Adventure and Sunshine Bound

There are many hotels in Tamarindo, ranging from condo rentals, luxury boutique hotels, and budget-friendly cabins. 

Tamarindo is a perfect beach town for doing nothing other than hanging out on the beach, surfing, sunning, and swimming. 

Tamarindo

Group Travel

Diving

Yoga

Family Time

Bucket List Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano and Puerto Jiménez

Bucket List Costa Rica

From luxurious five-star options with fantastic volcano views to the more cozy three-star boutique options. There are no all-inclusive resorts, but the service is generally excellent!

There is so much to do in the Arenal area! Hot springs, hikes, nature reserves, hanging bridges, waterfalls, etc.

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna

Arenal Volcano

Countryside

Volcano

Relaxation

Boutique

Sustainable

Costa Rica Birding Hotspots: San Gerardo de Dota and Puerto Jiménez

Costa Rica Birding Hotspots

These are some of the many lodging options available in San Gerardo de Dota. 

Take advantage of the great outdoors in style, whether by horseback, zip line, birdwatching hikes or visiting a national park. Enjoy the culture, coffee, and isolation. 

San Gerardo de Dota

Costa Rica Fishing Pros: Best of Puerto Jiménez and Los Sueños

Costa Rica Fishing Pros

You can stay in Los Sueños itself, of course! The place comprises some of the most exclusive private vacation rentals in Costa Rica. 

Los Sueños Marina is the sportfishing capital of Costa Rica. It's the prime spot for catching billfish and the marina holds several international competitions every year.