Community and Lifestyle

Life in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica.

Interestingly, Puerto Jimenez originated as a logging town, and then became a place for panning for gold. Today it has around 2,000 inhabitants and mostly thrives on tourism as a base for exploring Corcovado National Park. Restaurants, tour operators, small hotels, guesthouses, and youth hostels comprise most of the businesses. There is also a grocery store, a pharmacy, and other basic conveniences.

Attractions and Activities

 

With its prime location on the Osa Peninsula, which embodies nature and adventure, there are plenty of activities in and around Puerto Jimenez for residents and travelers alike.

Corcovado National Park

 

With the largest preserved forest on the American Pacific coastline, five hundred species of trees, and wild pristine beaches, Corcovado is a dramatic landscape in and of itself.  However most visitors come to spot some of the incredible wildlife including four species of monkeys, tapirs, anteaters, coati, pumas, jaguars, crocodiles, bull sharks, and the Jesus Christ lizard. Puerto Jimenez arranges guided tours with jeep transport, park fees, and lodging.  Still, more adventurous travelers can make the trip on their own.  A one hour jeep ride from Puerto Jimenez brings hikers to the park entrance at La Leona where one can hike to the La Sirena Lodge in the center of the forest.

Drake Bay

 

On the other side of the Peninsula from Puerto Jimenez lies Drake Bay, a gorgeous area of coastline where whales and dolphins can be spotted during migration season. This bay is the base for exploring Isla del Cano with some of the most pristine snorkeling and scuba diving in the country.

Surfing in Cabo Matapalo

 

A short forty-five minute drive south from Puerto Jimenez is the small surfing town of Cabo Matapalo. The beach has several surf spots varying in difficulty, accommodating a variety of skill levels. Big, strong swells break on headlands over a rocky bottom and are suitable only for experts. Another break, known as Pan Dulce, has a beach break with smaller waves making it a great place for beginners.

Fishing

 

Puerto Jimenez is one of Costa Rica’s top fishing destinations with exceptional inshore and offshore fishing. Plenty of tour operators take travelers on boats for the day, and many residents have their own boats. Inshore fishing opportunities include beaches, river mouths, and reefs, where you can catch roosterfish, snapper, and snook. Offshore you can find dorado, wahoo, big tuna, and sailfish.

 

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