Golfito and Puerto Jiménez Hotels in Costa Rica

Best Golfito & Puerto Jimenez Hotels and Attractions

Golfito and Puerto Jiménez are your gateways to explore southern Costa Rica! Where Central America’s wildest rainforest awaits. For years, a big part of the Osa Peninsula was planted in bananas by companies based in Golfito; thankfully, Corcovado National Park was created and has been protecting the remaining rainforest along with Piedras Blancas National Park and other small nature reserves, where visitors can now easily explore its rich plant and animal life. Another important hotspot for biodiversity is the Golfo Dulce, which is unique because whales from the north and south hemispheres converge here.

Save time in the Osa peninsula, where you can go for a thrilling rainforest hike, a surfing session, a dolphin tour, or an offshore fishing expedition; these towns have it all. And for the ultimate adventure, don’t miss the chance to explore the wonders of Corcovado National Park.

Best Things to Do in Golfito & Puerto Jimenez

Corcovado National Park

Covering nearly half of the Osa Peninsula, National Geographic calls Corcovado National Park “one of the most biologically intense places on earth” and for good reason! Long ago, this unique site was an island that eventually connected to the mainland. It is one of the last places to spot jaguars, tapirs, and white-lipped peccaries in Central America, not to mention the hundreds of other animals, plants, and birds that call the park home. This remote, wilderness park is one of the jewels of the Costa Rican national parks and a key destination for adventurous travelers. Off-the-beaten-path hikes are available from the four ranger stations: La Leona, Sirena, San Pedrillo, and Los Patos.

Discover the best gateway to Osa among Puerto Jimenez hotels at Lapa Rios Rainforest Lodge. It is an ideally situated hotel to explore the treasures of Corcovado.

Humpback Whales & Dolphin Watching Tours

Immerse yourself in the natural jewels of the South Pacific in Costa Rica and enjoy a whale and dolphin watching tour! The Humpback Whales occur almost all year round in the Pacific waters of Costa Rica. Humpback Whales from the northern hemisphere visit these waters between December and March. From the southern hemisphere, whales appear from July to October, reaching their pinnacle between September and October. With a touch of luck and the expertise of our knowledgeable guides and boat captains, you will be rewarded with a memorable encounter in the remote Golfo Dulce. Dolphins are more easily found year-round in these calm waters!

El Remanso Lodge’s prime location in the Osa Peninsula is one of the nicest Puerto Jimenez hotels near Corcovado and other nature experiences!

Chocolate Tour at Finca Kobo

Enjoy a fun chocolate tour at Finca Köbö, a farm dedicated to cacao production near Puerto Jimenez. Immerse yourself in a mystical “cacao forest” and learn about the Mayan history of this tropical crop. Discover the importance of the “biological corridor” for local wildlife. Witness the transformation of cacao beans into chocolate, from fermentation and drying to roasting. Finally, indulge in a delicious chocolate fondue with fresh fruit and homemade banana bread in a beautiful tropical setting.

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is one of the best Puerto Jimenez hotels for discovering Osa’s wonders.

Río Esquinas Mangroves by Kayak

Unwind on a kayak adventure through a pristine river system renowned for its birdwatching! Glide through stunning mangrove and rainforest scenery at sunrise or sunset when low tides transform mudflats into a feeding area for aquatic birds. Let our boat tow your kayak to the river’s mouth, where your peaceful exploration begins. Witness the magic of mangroves firsthand!

Nestled amidst the beauty of Golfo Dulce, Playa Cativo Ecolodge is the best Golfito and Puerto Jimenez hotel you can stay.

Wildlife Observation in Golfito & Puerto Jimenez

Golfito, Puerto Jimenez, and Corcovado National Park offer a rich diversity of habitats that are excellent for wildlife watching: Tropical rainforests, mangroves, beaches, and rivers.

Some native birds that could be found are: Boat-billed Heron, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, King Vulture, Great Curassow, Scarlet Macaw, Baird´s Trogon, Golden-naped Woodpecker, White Hawk, Costa Rican Swift, Bronzy Hermit, White-tipped Sicklebill, White-necked Jacobin, Orange-collared Manakin, Blue-crowned Manakin, Red-capped Manakin, Fiery-billed Aracari, Yellow-billed Cotinga, Turquoise Cotinga, Riverside Wren, Black-bellied Wren, Gray-headed Tanager, and Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager.

Possible animals to see in Corcovado: All 4 species of Costarican monkeys: Spider, Squirrel, White-faced Capuchin, and Howlers monkeys, Puma, Jaguar, Three-toed Sloth, and Two-toed Sloth, Tamandua Anteater, Baird´s Tapir, Peccaries, Agouties and Coatis, Tayras, Ghost Bat.

Humpback whales may be seen at Golfo Dulce from January to April and July to October. Also, sea turtles, and with a lot of luck, you could even spot a whale shark!

How to Get to Golfito & Puerto Jimenez

• Private Transfer by Bus: This private transfer will last approximately 5 to 6 hours with one of our private bilingual drivers. You can request stops to photograph gorgeous scenery, view wildlife, visit excellent local restaurants, meet local people, or take coffee breaks and stretch when needed.
• By Plane: The most recommended way to get to Puerto Jimenez or Golfito is by taking a domestic from San José airport or a charter flight from any private airstrip in Costa Rica.

Visit Golfito & Puerto Jimenez with Costa Rica Sun Tours

Hike lush rainforests, witness playful dolphins, or battle trophy fish – the regions Golfito and Puerto Jimenez offer endless thrills. Explore the wonders of Corcovado National Park, a crown jewel of Costa Rica’s wilderness. Ready to craft your unforgettable adventure? Contact us for personalized recommendations!