Osa Peninsula Travel Guide: Tips for Visiting this Rich Corner of Costa Rica

One of the most magical places in Costa Rica is the Osa Peninsula.

Famous for the largest national park in the country, a lush rain forest and incredible coastlines, the Peninsula de Osa contains so much biodiversity that renown researchers, conservationists and scientists visit specifically to study the flora and fauna.

Since the Peninsula is so vast, it can be difficult to know exactly where to go. This post will help plan your trip to Osa Peninsula.

This post has affiliate links which we may earn a small commission from if you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. Listed prices are quoted in USD and are estimates. More info: Disclosure

Osa Peninsula Travel Guide

Location

The Osa Peninsula is in the Puntarenas province on the Pacific side, on the lower end of the country.

Towns/Villages

Since Corcovado National Park makes up the large part of the Osa Peninsula, there are few towns and villages scattered throughout.

The two main tourist hubs in the Osa Peninsula are Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay. Puerto Jimenez, though a small town, is bigger than Drake Bay.

Travel Map

Here is a map we made of the Osa Peninsula, including the different towns, villages and hotels, which we will talk about below.

Puerto Jimenez

The main tourism hub of the Osa Peninsula town is Puerto Jimenez.

This is usually where people stay if they plan to do the long hike from Leona Ranger Station or Los Patos to Sirena Station. It has its own dock for those taking the boat to Corcovado National Park.

It’s not a huge town, but there is everything in Puerto Jimenez: banks, pharmacies, clinics, supermarkets, restaurants, hostels and hotels. The main road is well paved and well marked.

Puerto Jimenez, despite its growing popularity still retains a very Tico vibe and strong Costa Rican culture.

How to Get to Puerto Jimenez

Read our detailed guide on how to get to Puerto Jimenez or check quick info below.

Driving: ~ 5.5 hours from San Jose on a paved highway. No 4×4 required. Get our Costa Rica car rental discount to save some money!

Flying: Fly into the local Puerto Jimenez air strip from San Jose, a 50 minute flight from San Jose with Sansa Air or Green Airways.

Boat: From Golfito, there is a boat that goes across the Golfo Dulce to Puerto Jimenez. Tickets are ~3000 colones each way per person. About 40 minute boat ride.

Bus: There is a public bus from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez everyday at 12 PM with Transportes Blanco, that takes ~8 hours. Costs ~8565 CRC.

Private Shuttle: From the San Jose International Airport area, a private shuttle for 1-5 passengers cost around ~$600 USD one way. This ride is around 360 kms (225 miles) so it’s not cheap. Contact us for a private shuttle booking,

Where to stay

Puerto Jimenez has a handful of hostels, mid range hotels and upscale lodges to choose from.

Iguana Lodge: A beachfront lodge about ten minutes outside of town. Has modern rustic rooms with ocean views.

Botanika Osa Hilton: Part of the Curio Collection. Huge property with a big pool, restaurants and hiking trails. Lots of on-site activities, they have their own dock.

Cabinas Refugio Turistico: Budget friendly, family owned cabinas in town. Nothing fancy, small clean rooms with air conditioning and hot water.

Cabo Matapalo

Caba Matapalo is a village on the outermost point of the Peninsula.

A lot of people visit Matapalo to surf. There are beaches with waves ranging from beginner to expert.

Matapalo has a ton of wildlife and a handful of luxury eco hotels and resorts.

Get in

From Puerto Jimenez, continue on the very bumpy road (route 245) for about 45 minutes until you reach the small town of Matapalo.

A 4×4 in the rainy season is very very recommended. During dry season, a high clearance 2wd SUV can suffice. If visiting during October, November or December, definitely get a 4×4, those are the rainiest months.

December is the start of the dry season, but the roads will be at their worst condition.

Hotel recommendations

There are a few very nice rainforest resorts, a handful of vacation rentals and modest cabinas. This area has grown a lot the past few years, and there are way more vacation rentals and hotels now.

• Four Monkeys Eco Lodge: Beachfront lodge with direct beach access, with bungalows, a two bedroom house and bungalows.
• Lapa Rios Eco Lodge: This world class lodge is on a 1000 acre private reserve with beautifully decorated, spacious and cozy villas and suites, all with amazing rainforest views. Has a pool, no air conditioning.
• Bosque del Cabo: An excellent option for families with a private pool, hiking trails and easy wildlife watching from the cabinas. Situated on a 700 acre reserve. No air conditioning. Amazing ocean views. Rates include 3 meals a day.

Carate

The tiny town of Carate is another stop over town for travelers who are hiking Leona Station in Corcovado National Park.

Carata to Leona Station is about a 45 minute – 1 hour walk. It has its own airstrip, but it’s not widely used.

A 4×4 is required when driving to Carate.

Hotel recommendations

There are a few lodges in Carate.

• La Leona Lodge: Glamping tents, the closest hotel to Leona Station. Beachfront. Fun glamping experience with outdoor showers.
• Finca Exotica Eco Lodge: Bungalows have jungle or sea views, has a yoga studio and spa and close to the beach. Very into the health conscious, organic and farm to table scene. Big yoga focus, they do yoga teacher training.
• Luna Lodge Ecolodge & Wellness Center: Bungalows and tents in the rainforest, huge focus on wellness and yoga.

Drake Bay

Sitting on the west coast of the Osa Peninsula is Drake Bay which has a rich history as it was believed to be a port used by Sir Francis Drake, hiding treasure long lost.

It has its own airport, doesn’t have ATMs and is close to the Corcovado National Park. You can find a few hostels, budget hotels and luxury all inclusive lodges.

We’ve stayed at Copa de Arbol, a boat access only rainforest and beach resort. Save 5% with our promo code mytanfeet on their website Copa de Arbol!

We’ve also stayed at Tranquilo Lodge, an all-inclusive adult only boutique resort in town.

Read our Drake Bay guide here.

Best Things to Do in the Osa Peninsula

Here are the must dos when visiting the Osa Peninsula, no matter which town or hotel you stay at.

Corcovado National Park: The ultimate activity in the Osa Peninsula is hike Corcovado National Park. With five different ranger stations, visitors can spend over a week exploring this national park.

• Sirena Station: Most popular station, welcoming day visitors and overnight guests. Has eight different hiking trails. Can hike in from Leona or Los Patos or take the boat from Drake Bay or Puerto Jimenez.
• San Pedrillo: Closest station to Drake Bay, popular station for birding. Has hiking trails, beach trails and waterfalls.
• Leona: Beachfront ranger station on Playa Carate. Most people go to Leona just to start their 16 hike to Sirena.
• Los Patos: Ranger station in the northern part of the park. Most people pass through Los Patos to hike 20 kms to Sirena.
• El Tigre: Towards the eastern part of the national park outside Puerto Jimenez, El Tigre has a 7 km mountain trail for day hikes.

Snorkeling/Scuba diving Caño Island: The island is considered the second best place for snorkeling/scuba diving in Costa Rica. Best as a day trip from Drake Bay (45 minute boat ride).

Humpback whale/dolphin tour: Best time is August and September, but also possible July, January, February and March. Take a whale/dolphin watching tour out of Drake Bay. If you’re in Puerto Jimenez, you can see dolphins and whales in the Golfo Dulce.

Sierpe Mangrove: If you’re in Drake Bay, visit Sierpe Mangrove to see wildlife on a leisurely boat ride.

Fishing: Catch huge rooster fish, snappers, groupers and more. Can be done from both Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez.

Surfing Playa Matapalo: If you’re a surfer, head to Matapalo to catch waves, the best spot on the Osa Peninsula.

Tips for Visiting Osa Peninsula

• If you’re renting a car, a 4×4/4wd is a must in the rainy season. The road to Puerto Jimenez is paved but that’s it. Carate and Matapalo are equally as bumpy, especially in rainy season. Get our car rental discount here.
• Make sure to check road conditions with your hotel during rainy season months of August/September/October and November, especially if you’re going to Carate.

What to Pack

This area is incredibly humid so pack properly!

• Bring dry fast clothes, such as Nike Dri-Fi or microfiber clothing.
• Sturdy walking shoes, trail running shoes or hiking shoes. Read about our recommended shoes for Costa Rica.
• Bring waterproof equipment in rainy season, especially if you have camera equipment. We used our Aqua Quest waterproof backpacks.
• Bring a waterproof rain shell in rainy season.
• A microfiber towel to wipe off sweat since it’s so humid.
• Travel umbrella.
• Body powder to help you stay dry.
• An insulated water bottle. Drinkable water is usually not available in the Osa Peninsula. Most hotels will have water filling stations.
• Mosquito repellent and sunscreen are an absolute must! Highly recommend insect repellent clothing
• Bring a fully charged extra battery pack and 10 foot charging cables.
• A small hand flashlight

Costa Rica Vacation Checklist

• First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
• Not sure how to move around Costa Rica? Read our How to Get Around Costa Rica guide to find the best transportation method for you.
• Click the link to get our detailed Costa Rica Packing List so you know what essential items to bring.
• Check our Costa Rica destinations map and Costa Rica restaurant map
• Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
• Stay connected by purchasing a prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica.
• Save money with Mytanfeet Deals for tours and hotels and our Costa Rica Car Rental Discount.

Join our mailing list and get our free Costa Rica eBook!