Visiting the Osa

The Osa Peninsula is one of the last frontiers, so says National Geographic. It has a world famous jungle, is one of the most bio-diverse locations on earth, and is truly remote.  Much of the Osa Peninsula is only accessible by foot, horse, or boat, and is not served by utility companies. If you are looking for the Marriott, you have come to the wrong spot. Turn back now. Do not pass go.

Puerto Jimenez is the gateway to the Osa Peninsula and is easy to get to from San Jose. During the high season there are eight or more flights a day. The airport is about ten minutes from Iguana Lodge.  Arriving on the Osa via bus or rental car is a much heartier commitment, given the status of roads. 

Puerto Jimenez was a gold mining town for decades: you can still meet the occasional gold miner down from the hills cashing in his gold dust for supplies, or see the campesinos riding their horses up into the hills.  Puerto Jimenez has several restaurants, bars, simple shops, a bank, two internet cafes, a Public Library with both English and Spanish books, and the ubiquitous Latin American soccer field, where large flocks of scarlet macaws appear almost every afternoon.  There is a medical clinic, and a couple souvenir shops, as well as a local art gallery, jewelry store, hardware store, discothèque (our favorite), and several grocery stores.  The drinking water is no problem, but again we recommend the beer..