If you’re traveling to Costa Rica any time, you’ll definitely want Puerto Jimenez on your itinerary!
Puerto Jimenez is a vibrant town in Puntarenas Province on the southeastern side of the Osa Peninsula. It’s right on the Pacific Coast and radiates with a blend of local culture and active tourism. There are fewer tourists visiting this little town, and it’s relatively difficult to get to, so it has a more “off-the-beaten-path” vibe than other popular places in Costa Rica.
Despite the fewer tourists, it’s one of the best parts of Costa Rica – and one of the places in this wonderful country that my sister and I enjoyed the most during our trip. It’s one of the two main jumping-off points to visit Corcovado National Park, and there are so many other great things to do in Puerto Jimenez.
In this ultimate guide, I’ll detail everything you need to know about Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica, including the best things to do in Puerto Jimenez, how to get there, and the best restaurants in Puerto Jimenez.
Ready to learn everything you need about Puerto Jimenez before your trip to Costa Rica? Let’s get started!
Things To Do In Puerto Jimenez Costa Rica
Visit Corcovado National Park
One of the unmissable things to do in Puerto Jimenez, and the reason why most people (including ourselves) visit, is going to Corcovado National Park. This is a remote park nestled in the Osa Peninsula. Corcovado National Park has one of the most diverse ecosystems in Latin America, and it’s heaven for nature enthusiasts.
There’s so much wildlife here, including jaguars, many species of monkeys, ocelots, and even several endangered bird species. Additionally, the park is littered with incredible rainforest hikes, hidden walls, secret beaches, and so much more. There’s no question that Corcovado National Park is one of the best national parks in Costa Rica.
This national park’s only two starting points are Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay. From Puerto Jimenez, you can take a speed boat into the national park or do challenging hike to the heart of the national park.
I did hiked from Puerto Jimenez to Corcovado, and while it was one of the most challenging hikes I’ve ever done, it was worth it in every way. A bulk of the hike is on the beach, humid and hot. Walking on sand isn’t easy, but it’s even harder with all your bags and when you have to cross several creeks and rivers.
But Corcovado is one of the most beautiful works of art regarding flora and fauna; I didn’t regret it for even a second.
The speed boat option is excellent for those who don’t have the time, energy, or money for the hike (it involves spending at least one night in the park: we stayed 2 nights and 3 full days). And you’ll still be able to see some incredible things.
You can’t go to Corcovado from Puerto Jimenez on your own: you need to organize a boat ride and hire a guide to take you around the park.
I did my multi-day trek through Corcovado National Park with Osa Wild and thought it was a fantastic experience. Our guide Fraser is extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife and flora inside the national park, and a very pleasant person to hang out with.
If you’re looking for just one full day in the park, I recommend this Corcovado Day Tour 2.5% of Biodiversity (2.5% because Corcovado is home to 2.5% of all species worldwide). The tour begins around 5:30 am and is eight hours. The guides take care of all planning, transportation, lunch, and drinks for you. And you’ll be with an educated guide from start to finish who can teach you more about the wildlife you come across.
If you want to start the best beginner-friendly yet exciting overnight hike through Corcovado, I recommend this 2 Days 1 Night Corcovado Jungle Adventure at Sirena Ranger Station. The tour includes most of your meals, two nights of accommodation, transportation, a guide, and water (you’ll need to bring your reusable water bottle).
My post How To Visit Corcovado National Park shares even more insights that will help you plan a trip to this incredible place.
Hang at the beach
While Puerto Jimenez is a fantastic starting point for rainforest and park access, it’s also known for its beautiful beaches. As mentioned, Puerto Jimenez, isn’t as crowded as other parts of the country, meaning it’s easy to find deserted beaches.
Spending the day at one, or many, of Puerto Jimenez’s beaches is also one of the best free things to do in Puerto Jimenez. Let’s face it: Costa Rica isn’t as cheap as many neighboring Central America destinations.
If you want to save a little money, you can set aside one or two days to do nothing but soak up the sun and enjoy the endless beauty of the pristine beaches in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica.
The main beach in Puerto Jimenez, stretching to Rio Platanares Estuary, is hard to miss. It’s a great place to unwind and go on a long stroll. If you want something less crowded, you can head to Playa Platanares. It’s a short drive just south of Puerto Jimenez, with few tourists, beautiful views, and usually calm waters.
Most tourist beaches in Costa Rica have vendors, so you can find small snacks, drinks, and sometimes even chairs and umbrellas for rent.
Dolphin and whale watching
Dolphin and whale watching are on the list of the best things to do in Costa Rica. And Puerto Jimenez is one of the best places to go dolphin and whale watching.
There are several different whale species in varying months, large pods of dolphins year-round, and much more exciting marine life.
Humpback whales are by far the most prevalent whales around the Osa Peninsula, and two sets of whales are migrating to this region from the north and south. Southern hemisphere whales make their way through between July and November, and northern hemisphere whales between November and March.
There are usually more southern hemisphere whales out and about between July and November, but either season is great for spotting them in their natural habitat.
You might also spot whale sharks in April or May if you’re lucky. Dolphins are always in the bay, and some tourists are lucky to spot dozens of dolphins playing in the waves around the boat.
The best place to go dolphin and whale watching in Puerto Jimenez is Golfo Dulce (“Sweet Gulf” in English), on the northwest corner of Puerto Jimenez. Golfo Dulce is a large inlet that extends 50 km (31 miles) inland from its entrance and is surrounded by lush rainforest scenery. It’s a picturesque place, to say the least.
If you want the most action-packed day that includes whale watching, I recommend this whale watching with Snorkeling and Fishing in Puerto Jimenez. The tour heads to Golfo Dulce, where you’ll go birdwatching, whale watching in season, dolphin watching, and fishing. It includes snacks, equipment, a life vest, and binoculars.
Mangrove kayak tours
Considering its tropical location and calm waters, it should be no surprise that kayaking tours are one of the best things to do in Puerto Jimenez.
You can kayak along the coast and mangroves around Puerto Jimenez, providing one of the best vantage points for spotting birds and other animals hanging out in the trees. You might also come across some dolphins and turtles during your adventure.
Sunset is the best time to kayak around Puerto Jimenez because wildlife becomes more active.
Many hotels offer free kayak rentals to guests, but there are a few kayak rental companies in town and several guided kayaking and snorkeling tours.
I recommend this Mangrove Forest Kayak Exploration. You’ll kayak through the mangroves around Puerto Jimenez, and learn all about the local wildlife and plants with your guide. The tour includes kayaks, a local guide, and a maximum group size of 10, making it feel more personal.
Bioluminescent kayak tours
While kayaking through the mangroves is an incredible opportunity, Puerto Jimenez is also great for evening kayaking because of its bioluminescent waters.
Puerto Jimenez and Golfo Dulce are known for their stunning bioluminescent glow. Bioluminescence is caused by microorganisms that emit light when disturbed, creating a mesmerizing light show in the water. Because of the disruptions, kayaking at night in these waters is especially magical as the paddle causes bright sparkles in the water with each stroke.
If you decide to do a kayak tour, many offer a combination sunset and evening kayak tour, so you’ll have some time to explore the mangroves from the water, as well as kayak through the beautiful bioluminescent waters.
I recommend this Bio-Luminescence and Sunset Kayak Tour if you’re looking for the best and most organized bioluminescence kayak tour in Puerto Jimenez. You’ll be with a guide from start to finish and listen to a brief safety speech at the beginning.
Chocolate tour at Finca Kobo
Puerto Jimenez is an ideal destination for a chocolate tour due to its rich history of cacao cultivation and its lush tropical environment that is perfect for chocolate production.
Cacao production in Puerto Jimenez began centuries ago and has always been integral to the region’s culture and economy. It’s been used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes with the indigenous community and is now still very prominent in its trade and commerce.
Finca Koba, about 17 km (10.5 miles) north of Puerto Jimenez, is one of the best local coffee farms with tours available. The farm is in Palo Seco, a very small local village. You can visit the farm, learn more about the cacao production and history in the region, and try some of the delicious chocolate that truly thrives in this type of climate.
We stopped by on the way from Uvita to Puerto Jimenez and fell in love with the farm, and ended up bringing some chocolate home with us too!
Overall, it’s an excellent experience for chocolate lovers, for those who want a peak into the behind-the-scenes events that go into chocolate, and to learn more about the importance of indigenous culture.
Additionally, Finca Koba does not mass produce anything, meaning it’s a great peak into small-scale production and a good way to support local families.
Admire local art and souvenirs
Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica, has a small but excellent art scene and handmade crafts. You should set aside a few hours to explore some of the local shops in downtown Puerto Jimenez and even buy a few small souvenirs to bring home.
Artes de Osa Puerto Jimenez is a quintessential art gallery and gift shop. There are a lot of different styles of local art, all of which are equally impressive. But if you wander around the town center, you’ll find many small storefronts.
Osa Interactive Gardens
Osa Interactive Gardens blends a community botanical garden and a small nature reserve. This is a great spot if you want to learn more about the flora in the region and maybe even catch some wildlife without going too far out of town.
The garden also organizes nightly nature walks, which are among the most educational experiences in Puerto Jimenez, without going on a full-day tour.
The gardens are described as a private reserve and educational center and praise themselves for being the premier place in Puerto Jimenez for an immersive rainforest experience.
One of the best things about Osa Interactive Gardens is its convenience, as it’s located in town. This is an excellent activity if you aren’t spending too much time in Corcovado National Park or on other nature tours.
Sportsfishing
Puerto Jimenez is also an excellent place for fishing, whether trophy sports fishing or laid-back fishing for beginners. The best months for sportsfishing are from December to April, though fishing is good all year long.
It’s also great for all types of fishing, including inshore or offshore fishing, on a chartered professional boat, or from your kayak. So, no matter the skill level and experience, you have a good shot of catching something.
For inshore fishing, you might be able to rope in a roosterfish, snapper, snook, or grouper. You can catch a marlin, sailfish, dorado (mahi-mahi), and tuna for offshore fishing.
While you can certainly fish on your own, going with a chartered boat that practices conversation is recommended. These boats will catch and release certain species to ensure sustainable fishing practices and the long-term health of the beautiful ecosystem here.
Visit Osa Wildlife Sanctuary
Visiting the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary was one of the unmissable things to do in Puerto Jimenez. It was yet another great way to immerse yourself in the region and learn more about the thriving flora and fauna in the Osa Peninsula. Unfortunately, it was permanently closed in 2022.
There’s a lot of outdated or misleading information online about Osa Wildlife Sanctuary and whether it’s still open or not. Some blog posts and even locals were confused about the abrupt closure. We were there recently and wanted to visit, but found it closed.
So, I’m including this past activity in this list to clarify things so you don’t have to jump down the rabbit hole to find it has been closed.
The sanctuary was a haven for injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife. The sanctuary aimed to rehabilitate the animals and, when possible, release them back into their natural habitat when ready.
Their philosophy was to provide the best possible care for these animals, rehabilitate, and release them while educating the community on conversation efforts through outreach and advocacy.
The closure of Osa Wildlife Sanctuary was a loss for the community, as they did a lot of work to support the local animals and educate the people. While you can’t visit the sanctuary now, you can explore the beaches and region in the area and support local conservation efforts during your travels to keep these alive.
Practical Guide
How to get to Puerto Jimenez
One of the reasons Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica, is so laid-back and chill compared to other tourist destinations is that it’s relatively difficult to get to from most places in the country. Some travelers just don’t want to deal with the hassle.
However, it’s 100% worth getting to just so you can enjoy the untouched nature and some of the most beautiful beaches in Latin America. Here’s how to get there.
From San Jose
Flight from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez Costa Rica
Travel Time: 50 minutes
Flying is the easiest and fastest way to get from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez. There are several daily direct flights with Sansa Airways. Planes are small, but comfortable and the views along the way stunning. We took the plane back from Puerto Jimenez to San Jose and enjoyed the experience.
For reference, the air strip is literally in town, and the Sansa Airways check in is in a small courtyard where you’ll also find an estate agent and a nice souvenir shop. From there, you’ll walk across the street to reach the airstrip.
Drive from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez
Travel Time: 6 hours
One of the most fun ways to travel around Costa Rica is to drive yourself. You can rent a car in San Jose and drive to Puerto Jimenez. While it’s not the fastest option, it’s the most fun, and traveling independently around the country is an experience I wholeheartedly recommend.
Make sure to read my posts, Renting a Car in Costa Rica and Driving in Costa Rica, to have a better understanding of renting and driving in the country.
Private Transfer from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez
Travel Time: 6 hours
Another way to travel from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez is to book a private transfer. This is as fast as driving yourself, but it can be expensive. It’s a good option if you’re traveling with a small group of people, want privacy, and can split the cost. The best way to go about it is to enquire your hotel in San José if they can source a transfer for you.
Shared Shuttle from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez
Travel Time: 8 hours
The final transportation option is to book a shared shuttle from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez. This is the slowest route, but it’s also relatively budget-friendly for those who don’t want to fly or drive themselves.
From Uvita / Manuel Antonio
Drive from Uvita/Manuel Antonio to Puerto Jimenez
Travel Time: between 2.5 and 3 hours
If you’re in the Uvita or Manuel Antonio National Park area, driving with a rental car is the easiest way to get to Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica. There are car rental offices in Puerto Jimenez right by the airstrip.
My sister and I drove from Uvita do Puerto Jimenez – it took us around 3 hours but we stopped along the way (including at Finca Kobo). The drive is pleasant and there is very little traffic.
Shuttle from Uvita/Manuel Antonio to Puerto Jimenez
Travel Time: 3 hours
Another good option is to take a shared shuttle from Uvita to Puerto Jimenez. The trip usually takes a little longer, but not much because there aren’t many stops along the way. Shuttles will usually drop you off at a selection of hotels and hostels in town – when selecting the option, not all of them will appear though.
From Drake Bay
Drive from Drake Bay to Puerto Jimenez
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Drake Bay is just a short hop, skip, and jump from Puerto Jimenez, so driving from Drake Bay to Puerto Jimenez is pretty straightforward. Half the drive will be along the coast with beautiful scenery, and you’ll pass through La Palma.
Private transfer from Drake Bay to Puerto Jimenez
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
If you don’t have your car, the next easiest option is to organize a private transfer from Drake Bay to Puerto Jimenez. Because it’s such a short distance, this is also usually very affordable compared to other routes.
Where to stay in Puerto Jimenez
There are a lot of different accommodations spread around town and in the neighboring regions. Your hotel accommodation might just set the pace for your stay in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica, so choose wisely!
I always recommend staying near the beach, especially if you want to spend a lot of time in the sand and salt. But there are also some great hotels on the outskirts of town or even in neighboring towns.
Here are my top picks on where to stay in Puerto Jimenez:
Corcovado Beach Lodge – We stayed here and thought it was the perfect place. It’s right on the beach, with a lush garden, spacious rooms (some are proper small holiday homes complete with kitchen), and lots of little wildlife and critters roaming around. It’s also near the restaurant Los Delfines, a popular spot. The manager, Dona Julia, is a wonderful host.
Botanika – This beautiful resort has the perfect location, with Playa Platanares being the closest beach. The property grounds are also beautiful, with gardens, small parks, and other greenery. And it has great restaurants onsite. It’s on the other side of the airstrip. We visited as we went there for dinner and we were impressed with the location!
Finca Kobo – This cabin-style hotel is about 15 km (9 miles) from Puerto Jimenez, but it’s perfect if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the rainforest. The bungalows are also very spacious and clean, with a large terrace. We visited when we went on a chocolate tour and regretted not booking here! It’s the perfect place to stay more off-grid.
Where to eat in Puerto Jimenez
Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica, is fairly small but has a good variety of delicious food. The town also draws a lot of younger, adventurous backpackers, making for a lively nightlife.
If you’re looking for the best bites in Puerto Jimenez, here are a few of my recommendations:
Restaurants inside Botanika – There are two restaurants inside Botanika Resort, and you can’t go wrong with either. Tierra la Mesa is open for breakfast and dinner and serves international and Latin American cuisine. When we visited, they had Argentine Asado night. Driza Bar & Grill is open for lunch and serves tasty international and Latin American cuisine.
Marisqueria Corcovado – This is the place for local cuisine and a buzzing environment. It’s one of the most popular restaurants for locals and travelers, and you can see why when you try some of the delicious food. People particularly love the seafood here, but there’s a large variety. The host is truly kind too!
Los Delfines – This restaurant has one of the best atmospheres, as it’s located right on the beach (it even has its own photo spot with a sign on the beach next to the restaurant). The food is also good, and there’s live music every night.
Hellen’s Chill House – This restaurant is the best budget-friendly option in town that doesn’t cut corners on taste and ingredients. Despite being affordable, the food is actually delicious. There’s a blend of Costa Rican cuisine, Italian food, and other popular snacks and meals. We went for breakfast and enjoyed their omelettes and sandwiches.
Cafeteria Monka – This small restaurant is a great choice for breakfast as they usually open earlier than most other spots. They have delicious breakfast burritos, pancakes, and fresh fruit smoothies. It also serves Costa Rican food, with plenty of classics like burgers, salads, and delectable desserts for later in the day. It’s on the main street in Puerto Jimenez.
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