Frequent Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

By air: From San José, Costa Rica’s capital, you can take a domestic flight with SANSA Airlines directly to Puerto Jiménez. SANSA’s terminal is located next to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). To get there, exit the international terminal, turn left, and walk about five minutes. You’ll find the SANSA terminal on your left.
Check flight schedules here:
https://www.flysansa.com/destinations/san-jose

By car: There are two main routes to drive from San José to Puerto Jiménez, both taking around 6 – 7 hours:

  • Coastal route (the fastest): Head west from San José through Quepos, then follow the southern coastline. At Palmar Norte, join the Pan-American Highway and continue toward the Osa Peninsula. Around 30 km past Palmar Norte, you’ll reach Chacarita, where there’s a large gas station on the right. Here, you’ll see a sign indicating that Puerto Jiménez is 77 km away.
  • The Pan-American Route: This route takes you south from San José, through Cartago, over the Cerro de la Muerte mountains, and through San Isidro, before continuing toward the Osa Peninsula. Though more scenic, this route takes about two hours longer than the coastal route.

By bus: Transporte Blanco-Lobo operates a daily bus from San José to Puerto Jiménez, departing at 12 pm. The trip takes approximately 8 hours and costs about $18 USD (9,400 colones, taxes included). You can buy tickets directly at the bus station. If you’re taking a taxi, ask the driver for “the bus to Puerto Jiménez, San Carlos stop.” The station is 75 meters north, on the left.
We recommend checking the bus schedule directly on the company’s website:
http://www.grupoblanco.cr/rutas/
Scroll down to find route #699BS BLANCO LOBO, San José – Puerto Jiménez.

You should pack:

  • Ensure you have a KOLBI SIM card as Claro service isn’t available in the Osa Peninsula.
  • Remember to carry your passport and identification.
  • Having valid medical or travel insurance is a mandatory requirement to join the tours.
  • Pack clothing suitable for warm and rainy conditions, ideally quick-drying.
  • Bring dark-colored attire, especially for night activities.
  • Don’t forget high socks for wearing with rubber boots.
  • Include a swimsuit, sunglasses, and a hat in your luggage.
  • Carry a lightweight rain jacket and a waterproof bag or backpack.
  • Bring appropriate footwear for muddy trails, as well as waterproof sandals or shoes for disembarking from the boat or crossing rivers.
  • Opt for biodegradable toiletries, sunscreen and insect repellent.
  • Make sure to include a personal towel in your luggage.
  • Bring along a laundry bag and a ziplock bag for your camera or phone.
  • Don’t miss out on a flashlight, preferably with a red light.
  • Keep a refillable water bottle handy.

We have a comprehensive first aid kit and can address minor medical issues on-site. Our staff undergoes periodic first aid training. The nearest hospital is in Puerto Jiménez, and the distance varies depending on your location. We require all visitors to have medical and travel insurance covering them in Costa Rica in case of an emergency.

Puerto Jiménez is a relatively small town but offers a variety of services for residents and visitors alike. Some of the services that can be found include:

  • Restaurants and cafes: A selection of places to eat ranging from local restaurants to more international options.
  • Shops and supermarkets: Small grocery stores, supermarkets, and local markets to stock up on food and other basic supplies.
  • Transportation: Vehicle rental agencies, taxis, and public transportation services to move around within and outside the area.
  • Internet connection: Places with internet access, such as cybercafés or cafes with free wifi.
  • Laundry and cleaning services: Local laundries and cleaning services for those in need during their stay.

We usually recommend hiking shoes, sandals, or Crocs for river crossings. If you’re accustomed to rubber boots, they’re an excellent choice. If you don’t want to take them back, you can donate them for future hikers.

We offer the option of secure payment through PayPal, a platform that also accepts credit card transactions. You will find the corresponding link on each of our tours on the website. If you are in Costa Rica, you can also make a deposit into any of our accounts in colones or dollars by visiting a Banco Nacional branch or using BN Servicios.

It’s not allowed to bring food into the park, except if you’re doing long hikes (La Leona-Sirena or Los Patos-Sirena), where you can bring your own food. However, vegetables, fruits, and canned foods are not permitted. You can bring energy bars, cookies, sandwiches, dried fruits, or a mix of nuts. You can buy some snacks at the Sirena store (cookies, empanadas, artisanal bread, seasonal fruit drinks, coffee, tea, and chocolate). Full meals at Sirena Station and other establishments must be booked in advance. All our packages include dinners, lunches, and breakfasts.

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