What should I pack?
This is our suggested list of items to bring on your holiday. Please bear in mind the weight of your luggage is very limited on domestic flights.
Lightweight hiking or walking shoes.
River shoes and flip flops.
Flashlights and/or headlamps (please bring rechargeable batteries, currently we have no way of recycling them in the Osa Peninsula).
Quick drying clothes
Snacks from home (power bars for example).
San Jose is usually 70 to 80°F (21 to 27°C) although it can get pretty chilly at night, pack a long sleeve shirt and pants.
Re-usable water bottle.
Day pack for hiking and short trips.
Dry bags (protection for your gear).
Waterproof case for your phone.
Reading material, none of our houses have televisions!
Sunscreen, sunglasses and/or hat.
Insect repellent, after-bite and travel first-aid kit.
Umbrella/rain gear during the green season (April thru December).
English/Spanish dictionary.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, so you do not need to buy drinking water as we have some of the best in the country!
We suggest you use reusable water bottles; From the production of single-use plastic water bottles to where they inevitably end up, there’s not much going for them. Investing in a reusable water bottle helps the environment in all the ways plastic water bottles harm it. By using fewer resources, emitting less harmful gas, and protecting water resources and the creatures who live underwater, these are all ways reusable water bottles help the environment.
Hows the bug situation, any suggestions for a good repellent?
There are many insects around but they are not a huge nuisance. That said, it is a good precaution to bring insect repellent and use it particularly in the early evenings. A favorite natural DEET free bug spray is Repel Plant Based Lemon Eucalyptus Repellent or Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard.
Should I be worried about snakes in the Osa?
Although very few tourists have been bitten by poisonous snakes in Costa Rica, without becoming paranoid, a few precautions are advisable. Consider all snakes poisonous. Remember that small snakes can be just as deadly as big snakes. Pay attention to where you are walking. Snakes are usually coiled before they strike. In the back of your mind connect round with danger. If you see something round on the forest floor, stop and step back. In general, much of what is interesting in the tropical forest is up in the trees, and much of what is dangerous is on the ground. Therefore, for your safety it is important that you remember these two simple rules: When you're looking up, don't move your feet. When you are moving your feet, look down.
Cell phone coverage and WiFi?
Your cell phone will work in the main, populated parts of Costa Rica. In order to stay connected to the outside world on your travels you will need to activate your cell phone's data roaming plan. Or buy a local SIM card and join the local network; The 3 major phone companies in Costa Rica are: Kolbi, Liberty and Claro. Your phone needs to be unlocked to accept international SIM card.
Once you've settled on the option that works best for you, you should be able to use your phone in most urban areas of Costa Rica but there are still plenty of places throughout the country that have no coverage at all so don’t be surprised if your signal drops!
There is now WIFI available at both Casa los Suenos and Emilio, but please remember that you are in the jungle!
U.S. Dollars, credit cards and banks?
Cash is king in the Osa. The higher-end restaurants and hotels will take credit cards as will the supermarkets. Everyone else prefers cash. Most places will accept U.S. Dollars but not always with a good exchange rate. There are 2 banks with ATM machines in Puerto Jimenez; Banco National and Banco de Costa Rica.
What about groceries and fresh produce?
The only supermarkets are in Puerto Jimenez so we suggest that you plan to shop on your way to any of the houses. When you are driving through Jimenez towards the BM supermarket and petrol station, there is a fruit and vegetable shop on the street before the Banco National on your right hand side. Mercadito De Osa
What is the nearest town and what is it like?
Puerto Jiménez is in the Osa Peninsula of South Pacific Costa Rica and is the gateway to Corcovado National Park. Dos Brazos and Playa Sombrero are about a 30-minute drive from Jimenez. It is a typical small Costa Rican town with a pleasant, bustling frontier feel with a population of roughly 9,000. The center (basically a two-block radius) has many restaurants and bars, some with Wi-Fi. There is all the local color and quaintness you would expect, plus most of the amenities that you need. Including two banks, supermarkets, airstrip, post office, petrol station, ferry services, fruit and veggie market, bakeries, hardware store, soccer field, schools and churches.
Medical facilities in the middle of the rainforest?
There is a clinic open 24/7 in Puerto Jimenez, a hospital in Golfito and in case of an extreme emergency there is a 24-hour air ambulance service which will get you to a choice of hospitals in San Jose. Medical care in Costa Rica is of very high quality and considered to be the best in Central America.
When are the best times to visit for good surf?
Playa Matapalo receives swells from the southern hemisphere; these swells are the strongest May-October, although there can be great waves any time of the year. The coastal waters are typically in the 26-30 degree Celsius range (79-85 degrees Fahrenheit).
Do you recycle and what about sustainability/responsible tourism?
Yes, we are proud to say that we do. We bring everything to the Recycling Center of Puerto Jimenez. We are dedicated to recycle, reduce garbage and keep Costa Rica clean and green! Our mission is to make as low an impact on the environment and local culture as possible, while helping to generate employment for the local people. To help ensure that development that comes to the Osa Peninsula brings a positive experience for local people and the tourists whilst protecting the amazing natural environment of the Osa.
Can I see your guest reviews?
Please click on either link below to read comments from our guests on Airbnb or Trip Advisor.