Puerto Jiménez travel guide
Puerto Jiménez, Costa Rica: where to stay, eat and play
A small, local town on the calm Golfo Dulce, with turquoise beaches, jungle full of wildlife and easy access to Corcovado National Park.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Best Time
Dec to Apr
From San José
About 6 hours
Best Airport
SJO
Temperature
Extremely hot
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Our take
Who Puerto Jiménez is for
Usually every Costa Rican town has a particular vibe. With Puerto Jiménez, I didn’t get that feeling at first, but after a few days it grew on me. It’s still a local small town that has stuck to its roots, and I like that. Just a short drive away are beautiful turquoise beaches and jungle full of wildlife.
One thing to keep in mind: The roads around town aren’t paved and sometimes cross rivers, so a high-clearance 4×4 is a must.
How long to stay: At least three days, with one for Corcovado, one to relax at the beach and one for another tour.
Puerto Jiménez or Drake Bay?
Choose Puerto Jiménez if…
You want an easier trip (you can drive the whole way), more infrastructure and calm Golfo Dulce beaches.
Choose Drake Bay if…
You want a more remote, natural experience and don’t mind the boat ride to get there.
Our take
Both are great bases for Corcovado. Pick based on how you want to travel.
Getting there
Getting to Puerto Jiménez
Driving from San José
About six hours on a well-maintained road past lots of beach towns. Make sure your GPS takes the coastal road by Jacó and Manuel Antonio, not the rough mountain route. Stop for lunch in Dominical, about halfway. Pescado Loco makes killer fish tacos.
Driving from Liberia
About seven to eight hours. Take Route 1 south, then Route 23 toward Caldera and the coastal Route 34 past Jacó and Dominical, then Route 2 and Route 245 onto the Osa Peninsula.
For more info:
Rental car
A car is really helpful here for reaching beaches you couldn’t get to otherwise. Get a high-clearance 4×4.
Bus
The public bus from downtown San José runs twice daily (8 am and 12 pm) and takes about 8 hours.
Flights
There are daily direct flights from San José to the small Puerto Jiménez airport. They’re pricier, but they’re the fastest way here.
Shuttles
Shared and private shuttles run from San José, Uvita and Manuel Antonio. Use Bookaway with code SARAHMC5 for 5% off.
Where it is
Puerto Jiménez is on the Osa Peninsula, about as far south as you can get on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, on the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce.
Good to know: In the rainy season, river crossings can get very high. Driving is much easier and safer in the dry season.
Weather
Puerto Jiménez weather and best time to visit
Temperature and rain by month
Swipe to see all months →
Average daytime highs and rainfall in Puerto Jiménez. Bars show relative rainfall. Sunrise and sunset are for the 15th of each month.
Dry season (late Dec: Apr)
Hot and dry, the best time for Corcovado and the beaches.
Rainy season (May: Dec)
Afternoon storms come like clockwork. From September to December it’s unpredictable, with some complete washouts.
Daytime
Extremely hot
Sunrise / Sunset
about 5:30 AM / about 5:30 PM
Rain usually starts
Afternoon
Our tip
Our tip: This area gets extremely hot. Drink tons of water and wear lots of sunscreen.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Puerto Jiménez
Crocodile Bay Resort
High-end · All-inclusive · Fishing
If sport fishing is your thing, this is the all-inclusive for you. It’s also just an all-around beautiful resort.
Iguana Lodge Beach Resort
High-end · Beach · Spa
A unique place to stay right across from the beach, with a restaurant, outdoor pool and spa.
Hotel Inn Jiménez
Mid-range · Downtown · Pool
A nice hotel in downtown Puerto Jiménez with a pool.
Avatar Eco Lodge
High-end · Pools · Views
A beautiful resort with multiple pools, amazing views and a nice restaurant.
Also worth considering: Cabinas Jiménez (Golfo Dulce views, kitchenettes), Waleska’s Place (cabins across from the beach) and Cabinas The Corner (budget, downtown).
See our 9 favorite Puerto Jiménez hotels →
Our pick
Rent a house
For groups, Atrevida sleeps 10 and is modern, unique and rustic. Finca Sombrero y Camisas sleeps 10 next to a remote beach, with a pool.
I personally love the open-air feel of Casa Río Sombrero, but skip it if you’re not a fan of critters!
For more options, we suggest VRBO. Browse Puerto Jiménez rentals on VRBO →
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Things to do
Things to do in Puerto Jiménez
Our favorite
Explore Corcovado National Park
The main reason most people come down here, and one of the most biologically diverse places in the world. You have to visit with a certified guide. Day tours from Puerto Jiménez usually start at the La Leona entrance, and overnight tours stay at the Sirena ranger station, where you have the best chance of seeing tapirs, monkeys and maybe even a jaguar. Book ahead, since daily permits are limited.
Good to know
Driving yourself to the park entrance is cheaper than tour transportation, but you’ll need a 4×4.
Relax at Playa Platanares
Our favorite beach nearby. You can walk for miles without seeing another person. The road near the beach is basically sand, so bring a 4×4.
Hike to King Louis Waterfall
About an hour from town on a rough road (4×4 needed). A fun free activity, plus a secluded beach right before the falls.
Spot wildlife around town
The jungle and beaches are full of birds, monkeys and more. Bring pocket binoculars.
Night
Go bioluminescent kayaking
One of the most unique things you can experience in Costa Rica. We love this evening kayak tour with Aventuras Tropicales Golfo Dulce.
Go sport fishing
Book a half or full-day trip with Captain Gerry for mackerel, mahi-mahi, grouper, jack or barracuda.
Paddle the mangroves
Wind through the estuaries of the Preciosa Platanares Wildlife Refuge with an experienced guide.
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Where to eat
Where to eat in Puerto Jiménez
Marisquería Corcovado
Seafood · Harbor view
Super tasty fresh fish and seafood, with outdoor seating overlooking the harbor. A great dinner spot, but bring bug spray!
Germinar
Organic · Lunch
Our favorite lunch spot in town. Everything is super fresh and organic.
Pizzamail.it
Pizza · Fresh fish
A cute, relaxed vibe. The pizza is delicious, and so is the fresh fish.
Soda Jiménez
Costa Rican · Budget
Delicious typical Costa Rican food at a good price, with huge portions. Don’t judge it from the outside!
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Good to know
Packing for Puerto Jiménez
Hiking shoes
You’ll most likely be hiking, so bring shoes (or sneakers) you can walk in well.
UV shirt
A lightweight UV shirt is great for hiking and swimming.
Binoculars
Pocket binoculars are perfect for spotting wildlife in Corcovado.
Travel insurance
Always a good idea. It’s not just for injury, but for theft, trip interruptions, and lost luggage. We use Heymondo.
Good to know
Safety
Puerto Jiménez is generally safe, but don’t carry large amounts of money. Out in the jungle, watch where you put your hands, because there are venomous snakes and Africanized bees. If a swarm attacks, run in a zig-zag.
Getting around
Getting around Puerto Jiménez
Downtown is small and easy to walk, but you probably won’t spend much time there. Most of the fun happens outside town.
Rental car
Having our car was really helpful for reaching beaches we couldn’t have gotten to otherwise. Rent a high-clearance 4×4.
River crossings
The roads aren’t paved, and you’ll sometimes drive through rivers. This is much easier and safer in the dry season.
FAQ
Puerto Jiménez FAQ: your questions
Is Puerto Jiménez safe?
Generally, yes. Use caution and don’t carry large amounts of money, since petty theft sometimes happens.
Which is better, Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez?
Drake Bay is better for a more natural, remote experience, but it’s harder to get to. Puerto Jiménez is easier to reach and has more infrastructure.
How many days should I spend in Puerto Jiménez?
At least three: one for Corcovado National Park, one at the beach and one for another tour.
How do I get to Puerto Jiménez from San José?
Drive about six hours on the coastal route, take the public bus (about 8 hours) or fly directly to Puerto Jiménez.
Do I need a 4×4 in Puerto Jiménez?
Yes, we definitely suggest a high-clearance 4×4. The roads around town aren’t paved and sometimes cross rivers.
Can you see bioluminescence in Puerto Jiménez?
Yes! An evening kayak tour on the Golfo Dulce is one of the most unique experiences in Costa Rica.
Every guide
All our Puerto Jiménez guides
Keep exploring
More towns in South Pacific
Planning more of the region? See our full South Pacific guide.
Hello there! I was wondering how far the drive from Monteverde to Puerto Jiménez is and of it’s possible to do in one day. Thank you!
Hi Alison! It is possible, but it is a long trek. It will take you between 7 and 8 hours. If you would like to break up the drive I would suggest spending a night in Uvita or Dominical. That will be about 4 hours from Monteverde. Both are super cute beach towns. Also, if you do the whole drive, Dominical is a good spot to stop for a lunch break. The downtown area is really easy to get in and out of from the main highway and has plenty of good food options.
Let me know if you have more questions!