Puerto Jiménez: Small Town Charm
Puerto Jimenez is a small town on the Osa Peninsula in the far south of Costa Rica. It’s remote, the place where many travelers begin their journey into some of the deepest rainforests in the country. But that doesn’t mean it lacks comfort or style. While the town itself is rustic, the lodging options in and around Puerto Jiménez cater to ecotourists looking for nature experiences without sacrificing high-end service and thoughtful design.
Connect with Nature
There are no high-rise hotels here, and that’s part of the charm. The accommodations are as much a part of the adventure as the rainforest itself. Whether you’re staying right in town or venturing south along the peninsula, the properties here are built to help you connect with the surrounding nature and with the incredible biodiversity just outside your room.
Convenient Access to Activities
For those flying into the southern Osa Peninsula, Puerto Jimenez is an easy access point. Staying in Puerto Jimenez itself also means having access to restaurants, local markets, and the town’s dock area, where fishing boats and wildlife tours depart daily. It’s also a good spot to base yourself if you want a blend of structure and freedom, where you can plan a day trip into Corcovado National Park one day, and take a leisurely sunset paddle on the Golfo Dulce the next.
Best Eco-Lodges to Stay in Puerto Jiménez
If you venture a little further from Puerto Jiménez downtown, you'll find some of Costa Rica’s most respected and secluded eco-lodges. These properties are not just places to sleep: they’re part of the experience.
Botanika Osa Peninsula
In recent years, the opening of Botanika Osa Peninsula, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, has brought a new level of polish and convenience to town. This modern jungle resort sits near the airstrip, making it ideal for travelers arriving on domestic flights.
Botanika blends sleek, contemporary design with a deep connection to the surrounding forest. Suites are large and well-appointed, there’s an inviting pool area, and the service is attentive without being intrusive. It’s a good match for couples, families, or groups who want something elevated, with easy access to both town and nature.
El Remanso Lodge
A stay at El Remanso Lodge, located some 45 minutes from Puerto Jimenez, places you in the middle of the rainforest, surrounded by private trails, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. The lodge is set within a private reserve and offers spacious, open-air villas and bungalows, built with sustainability in mind. Guests here can hike, go birdwatching, rappel down waterfalls, or simply relax on their deck while monkeys swing through the trees overhead.
Lapa Rios
Further down the peninsula, Lapa Rios Lodge offers sweeping views of the ocean and forest, and has long been a model for eco-tourism in Costa Rica. Lapa Rios sits on a private reserve of over 1,000 acres and is known for its excellent guides, who lead guests on immersive rainforest hikes, early morning birding excursions, and night walks to spot nocturnal wildlife.
The open-air bungalows are stylish, comfortable, and designed to let the sounds of the jungle be part of your stay. Meals are locally sourced and thoughtfully prepared, and the entire experience is tailored to guests who value both nature and comfort.
How to Get to Your Hotel in Puerto Jiménez
While these lodges are more remote, they’re not difficult to access. Most offer private transfers from the Puerto Jimenez airstrip, and the journey becomes part of the adventure. You’ll travel along rough but scenic roads, passing small farms and dense patches of jungle, before arriving at your lodge in the forest. It’s a welcome reminder that this part of Costa Rica is still wild, which is exactly why people come.
Explore the Authentic Costa Rica
What sets the lodging in Puerto Jimenez and the southern Osa Peninsula apart is the sense of place. The hotels and lodges here don’t try to impose on the environment. They adapt to it instead. From the materials used in construction to the way activities are organized, everything is built around sustainability, conservation, and respect for the land. It’s a chance to experience Costa Rica in its rawest and most authentic form, while still enjoying warm showers, fresh meals, and excellent service.
Let us help you choose the right place to stay based on your travel plans and preferences. Whether you’re seeking luxury with modern amenities, immersion in remote wilderness, or something in between, there’s a perfect lodge or hotel waiting for you in Puerto Jimenez.
FAQs About Puerto Jiménez Hotels
Is Puerto Jimenez a good place to stay for visiting Corcovado National Park?
Yes. It’s one of the main access points for the park, with many guided day tours and lodge-based excursions departing from here.
What kind of accommodations can I expect in Puerto Jimenez?
Most are boutique eco-lodges and upscale jungle resorts, many with strong commitments to sustainability and conservation. There are no large chain resorts.
Is it better to stay in town or outside Puerto Jimenez?
That depends on your goals. Staying in town offers more convenience, while lodges outside town offer deeper immersion in nature and more seclusion.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to reach the lodges?
If you’re staying outside of town, especially toward Matapalo or Carate, a 4x4 is recommended. Some lodges offer transfers from the Puerto Jimenez airstrip.
What is the best time of year to stay in Puerto Jimenez?
December to April is the dry season and most popular time to visit. Wildlife is active year-round, and the rainy season (May–November) is quiet. Please note that many ecolodges close during the months of September and October, as Corcovado National Park often closes during that time.
Are there activities at the lodges or do I need to book separately?
Most lodges offer a full range of guided activities onsite, including hikes, wildlife tours, birdwatching, and beach visits.
Is Puerto Jimenez safe for travelers?
Yes. It’s a small, quiet town where tourism plays a major role. Like anywhere, use common sense and secure valuables, but most travelers feel very safe here.
How far is Puerto Jimenez from San José?
You can fly from San José to Puerto Jimenez in under an hour. Driving takes about 7–8 hours and is best done in daylight.
Can I combine a stay in Puerto Jimenez with other destinations in Costa Rica?
Definitely. Many travelers pair the Osa Peninsula with Arenal, Manuel Antonio, or the Central Valley for a more complete Costa Rica experience.
