Near the topCosta Rica's remote Osa Peninsulais the small town of Puerto Jimenez with just over 3,000 inhabitants. This historic logging and gold mining community is one of the peninsula's largest cities, boasting wonderful natural beauty.
Puerto Jimenez may seem like a typical neighborhood with a simple life, but this unassuming seaside town actually has more to offer than meets the eye! It is a popular destination for visitors looking to explore the rugged nature of the Osa Peninsula. In addition, this area is full of nightlife as it is the capital of the area.
There areso much to see and do in Puerto Jimenez(despite its small size)! For this very reason, finding the best hotel with the best location for your needs in Puerto Jimenez is crucial to making the most of your visit.
If you are one of those who are lookingAccommodation in Puerto Jimenez, you are in the right place! I've rounded up some hotels in and out of town to create this blog that can help travelers on a budget or big.
Where to Stay in Puerto Jimenez: The BEST Areas
You can get two completely different vibes depending on whether you're staying in a hotel right in the town of Puerto Jimenez or in a hotel in a secluded property outside of town. So this blog will give you a closer look at what to expect in these two places.
If you have your own car, driving and traveling around the city will be a breeze for you. You won't experience heavy traffic and finding a parking spot isn't too difficult! What a relief, isn't it?
While public transportation such as colectivos, taxis, and public buses are available around the city, they run only occasionally. I therefore suggest booking hotels directly in town if you don't have your own transport, as staying downtown means you can walk around easily. After all, Puerto Jimenez is very small.
If you want to spend time at the beach, the one in Puerto Jimenez isn't the best. You would have to leave the city to find the best beaches. So it's best to reserve accommodation outside of the city.
On the other hand, wildlife is probably the main feature here. Wildlife is everywhere in the area. In fact, you will see birds, monkeys and even sloths around the city. Outside the city, however, a stay in nature is more ideal.
While others look forward to the city's wildlife, most travelers visit Puerto Jimenez to see the areaCorcovado-Nationalpark, which is about 1.5 hours drive away. So if you are one of these visitors, I recommend booking a hotel near Carate, which serves as the entrance to the national park. This town is just over two hours from Puerto Jimenez.
Accommodations in Carate offer guests a special retreat in nature close to the national park. This means you can be the first to visit the 41,000 hectare park every day.
Below is information on 12 different hotels in and around Puerto Jimenez. I've included a detailed explanation of each hotel's location to make it easy for you to choose one in the area that's best for your trip.
The 4 BEST hostels and budget hotels in Puerto Jimenez
Das Palapa Nature Hut Hostel & Camping
ThePalapa Hut Nature Hostel & Campgroundis just outside of Puerto Jimenez, only 350 m (0.2 miles) from the city center. In terms of transportation, buses are available nearby and restaurants and shops in town are within easy walking distance.
Hostel facilities include a garden, public and private parking, a shared lounge, luggage storage, table tennis and a bar. There is also free WiFi access and meeting facilities on site.
In terms of the type of accommodation available, there are single rooms, dormitories, quadruple rooms, twin rooms and double rooms. Tents are also available here! Prices for a bunk bed in dorms start at around $39/two nights, while a room for two is almost $62.50/night.
Personally, I consider this hostel one of the best hotels in Puerto Jimenez due to its tranquil setting. It's surrounded by a lush green forest that's home to monkeys, birds and more - but it's also so close to the city center! In addition, various activities such as horseback riding, hiking and more can be booked directly here. And if you like swimming and snorkeling, the nearest beach is only 300m (0.2 miles) away!
Please note that Carate (where you can access Corcovado National Park) is over a two hour drive away. Tours can easily be organized through the hostel.
Corcovado Wilde Herberge
Corcovado Wilde Herbergeis located right in Puerto Jimenez, just 550 m (0.3 miles) from downtown and 42 km (26 miles) from Carate. Public transport is available around the property, especially buses. The bus stop is only a 15-minute walk away.
On-site facilities and amenities include free private parking and a fully equipped kitchen that guests can share. Free WiFi is available for added convenience.
Guests can choose to book a double, triple, or quadruple room. A bed in a dormitory room can be reserved for single travelers. Private room rates here start at around $51/night.
Thanks to its location, you have easy access to horseback riding, hiking, cycling and walking tours! Water sports such as snorkeling, fishing and surfing are also available nearby, with the nearest beach being 800m (0.5 miles) away. Therefore, if you want to stay downtown but close to the beach, Corcovado Wild Hostel is the best choice.
Bolita Rainforest Hostel and Cabins
Bolita Rainforest Hostel and Cabinsis a budget hostel in the middle of the jungle in Dos Brazos village. It is located 14 km (8.7 miles) from the city of Puerto Jimenez.
Accommodation includes a mixed dormitory, a double room, a twin room and a 2-bedroom house. A bed in a dorm costs around $16/night, while a double room costs almost $46/night (not bad, right?!).
In addition to the rooms, the hostel also offers a shared kitchen, free private/street parking, free WiFi access in public areas, a designated smoking area and luggage storage.
There are many activities around the property such as horseback riding and hiking. More activities await at Corcovado National Park, just 2 km from the property. So if you're into exciting adventures but don't know where to stay in Puerto Jimenez, look no further thanBolita Rainforest Hostel and Cabins.
If you don't have a car, tickets for public transport can be booked at the hostel at an additional cost. They also offered a free onsite airport shuttle!
The Lagoon-Herberge
The last budget hotel on my list of places to stay in Puerto Jimenez isThe Lagoon-Herberge. It is secluded in the middle of a jungle that offers a great variety of flora and fauna, making it ideal for nature lovers. From here, Puerto Jimenez is almost an hour's drive, but Corcovado National Park is only a 10-minute walk away!
This pet-friendly property has a garden, free private parking nearby and a restaurant that offers an American or vegetarian breakfast. There is also a patio and balcony where you can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The accommodation available here is a double or twin room with lake view and a twin room with mountain view. Room rates here start at almost $23/night.
if insideThe Lagoon-Herberge, there are many opportunities for hiking nearby, which you can even arrange with the hotel at an additional cost.
Read relatives:Heading to Uvita? Check out the bestHotels in Uvitato help you decide where to stay!
The 5 BEST Mid-Range Hotels in Puerto Jimenez
Jimenez-Kabinen
Jimenez-Kabinenis one of the best hotels in Puerto Jimenez that is on the coast! It is located directly on Gulfo Dulce Beach, just 550 m (0.3 miles) from downtown Puerto Jimenez. For this reason, Cabinas Jimenez is an excellent choice if you want to be close to the sea and the vibrant city at the same time.
This beach hotel offers a double room, a triple room, a quadruple room and a family room. Each room is air-conditioned, has free WiFi and sea views. Room rates start at $70/night.
On-site facilities include an outdoor pool, private/street parking, luggage storage, BBQ facilities, garden and terrace. There is also a massage room where you can pamper your body.
What I love about Cabinas Jimenez is that it offers activities like biking, kayaking, snorkeling, and other water sports. The hotel can even arrange other activities and guided tours in Corcovado National Park, which is a two-hour drive from the hotel. You can take private transport or a public colectivo bus to Carate (the entrance to the national park).
Corcovado Blattgoldhotel
Ora Leaf Hotel Corcovadois also a top choice if you want to stay right in Puerto Jimenez. It is just 200 m (650 ft) from the city center while Corcovado National Park is a two-hour drive away.
The types of accommodation that you can book here include a double room, a triple room and a quadruple room. Room rates range from $45 to $140 per night
Aside from the rooms, this mid-range hotel also houses a shared kitchen, free private parking, and a shared lounge/TV area. And free WiFi is available throughout the building. In addition, a complimentary continental breakfast is served on-site each morning!
If you're in the mood for adventure, visit the hotel's tour desk for activities and tours!
Danta Corcovado-Hütte
Danta Corcovado-Hütteis also one of the best hotels in Puerto Jimenez when it comes to offering a stay close to nature. Located in the city of La Palma, it's a 30-minute drive from the city center, so you're sure to enjoy nothing but a natural setting.
Within the property you will find a library, business center, gardens, designated smoking area, terrace/patio, bar and restaurant. For other dining options, there is an international style seafood and fast food restaurant just 3 km (1.9 miles) outside of Palma.
Bungalows are available here at Danta Corcovado Lodge. A bungalow sleeps up to four people and prices start at $280/two nights.
If you're feeling adventurous, excursions and tours can be arranged at the lodge, including tours in Corcovado National Park, which is 11 km (6.8 miles) from the property. Public transport, especially taxis, can also be booked at the hotel.
Finca La Bonita
Surrounded by lush green,Finca La Bonitais another great nature retreat, especially for those who want to stay close to Corcovado National Park. The property is located in Playa Carate in the town of Carate, 18 km (11 miles) from the National Park and almost a two hour drive from Puerto Jimenez.
The hotel is ideal for couples and a group of four people as it offers double and quadruple rooms. Rates here start at around $62/night. Beside the accommodations you will find some facilities like a terrace, a garden and a free private parking on site.
For activities you can go to the nearest beach, Carate Beach, which is only 200 m (650 ft) from Finca La Bonita.
Scarlet House
Scarlet Houseis a hotel hidden in the lush jungle of the city of Carate, making it another suitable option for nature lovers. It is a two hour drive from Puerto Jimenez where you can purchase groceries, supplies and gas before heading straight to Carate.
I consider this one of the best hotels in Puerto Jimenez as it has a quiet atmosphere and is equipped with various facilities including free private parking, garden, terrace and snack. As a holiday home, it also has a living area and a kitchen.
There are also three bedrooms available, each with bed linen and a wardrobe. The entire house, ideal for up to eight people, can be rented for approximately $345/night.
Scarlet Houseis also ideal for beach lovers and families wanting to stay close to Corcovado National Park. The closest beach to the property is 700 m (0.4 miles) away and the national park is 16 km (10 miles) away. With that in mind, guests can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, and more!
3 BEST Luxury Hotels in Puerto Jimenez
Iguana Lodge Beach Resort and Spa
If you are looking for luxury accommodation right on the beach then Iguana Lodge Beach Resort and Spamust be your first choice! It is located on Playa Platanares just 3.2 km (2 miles) from the center of Puerto Jimenez and over a two hour drive from Carate.
It features a terrace, garden, outdoor pool, free private parking and water sports facilities. What makes this resort special is that it houses a hot tub, business center, bar, restaurant, fitness center, and even a spa center.
You can even practice sports such as tennis and table tennis on site. Meanwhile, the surrounding area is popular for hiking, biking, hiking, local culture tours and more.
Regarding rooms,Iguana Lodge Beach Resortoffers twin/double, double, quadruple and family rooms. Room rates start at nearly $296/night.
Luna hut
Luna hutis a secluded property and one of the best hotels in Puerto Jimenez, particularly in terms of offering the perfect combination of luxury and a quiet retreat away from the busy city center. Located in Carate, the lodge is surrounded by tropical rainforest. It is ideal for nature lovers and those looking to get away from city life.
The property features a bio pool, yoga room, wellness center, bar and restaurant. In addition, free WiFi is available in public areas. Free private parking is available nearby.
AtLuna hutyou can book a bungalow, a triple room or a tent. Nightly rates start at approximately $351/night.
If you wish to explore the area, the property can arrange rainforest tours and guides to take you through Corcovado National Park, which is 5 km (3 miles) from the lodge. In addition, activities such as bird watching, kayaking and horseback riding can be organized on site.
Meanwhile, if you want to visit Puerto Jimenez, it's a two-hour drive.
LagunaVistas villas
LagunaVista villasis the last luxury hotel on my list. It was founded in Carate and is almost a two-hour drive from Puerto Jimenez. In addition, the property is located 200 m (650 ft) from the beach, directly across from the lagoon.
Amid towering lush trees,LagunaVista villasis complete with a variety of facilities such as an outdoor pool, gardens, bar and restaurant, BBQ facilities, water sports facilities, a terrace, a yoga room and free parking. Free WiFi is available in the hotel's public areas.
Bungalows are the only accommodation available here and they can sleep up to four people. Rates start at nearly $726/two nights.
A wide range of activities can be enjoyed on site and around the property, including fishing, canoeing, horseback riding and hiking. In particular, you can hike to the entrance of Corcovado National Park, which takes up to 40 minutes.
All consideredLagunaVista villasis a top choice for beach lovers and adventure seekers.
Pure Life!
I hope this guide has been helpful and made your decision on where to stay in Puerto Jimenez a little easier! I'm sure you'll enjoy this hidden gem on the Osa Peninsula no matter where you stay.
Be sure to check out some of my other blog articles about Costa Rica - there are many informative blogs to help you plan your trip including:
COMPLETE Guide to Visiting Corcovado National Park
Activities in Manuel Antonio
7 Day Costa Rica Itinerary