Puerto Jimenez - Costa Rica

Puerto Jimenez is the biggest village on the Osa Peninsula and it serves many tourists as a starting point when visiting Corcovado National Park.

During the gold rush in the 80s the men spent their money on alcohol and at cetera in Puerto Jimenez. Gold seekers without luck drowned their bad luck in the local bars. More than 3,000 people were in search of wealth on the Osa Peninsula during the gold rush. Trees were cut and the National Park was polluted with mercury, used by many during their search. In 1986 digging for gold was forbidden in the National Park and gold seekers were expelled by the police. The government promised them compensation and the battle for the money lasted for years.

The mangrove swamps at the river Platanares is the natural habitat of freshwater Turtles, Crocodiles and Caimans. Capuchin Monkeys and Scarlet Macaws occupy the living space in the canopy.

Approximately 3 kilometers east of the village lays the white sand beach of Platanares. The water next to the reef is jade green and the view of the gulf is surreal.

Vacationing at the Golfo Dulce...

Visitors can choose from a wide selection of hotels and tours offered in Puerto Jimenez.

Small domestic flights start from the local runway to other attractive locations in Costa Rica. A passenger ferry communicates daily between Golfito and Puerto Jimenez.

Puerto Jimenez on the map

Puerto Jimenez on the map

Facts about Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica

  • Puerto Jimenez is the biggest village on the Osa Peninsula.

Driving times and distances

  • Distance from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez: 387.5 kilometers respectively 240.6 miles.
  • Travel time from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez: 7.52 hours.
  • Distance from Liberia to Puerto Jimenez: 469.6 kilometers respectively 291.7 miles.
  • Travel time from Liberia to Puerto Jimenez: 9.20 hours.