RMarqua

Family of four with 2-teens, not afraid of adventure, like to hike, and like local authentic experiences. Puerto Jimenez Costa Rica (Osa Peninsula). Are there a lot of mosquitoes and flying insects during July? Just want to know how to prepare. Is the Golfe Dulce waters clear enough for snorkeling? Would you recommend Piedras Blancas National Park for wildlife or Corcovado National Park? Any recommendations for don't miss things to do?

volcanogirl

We've stayed at Bosque del Cabo in July, and there were some bugs and mosquitoes; we just wore repellent every day, not too uncomfortable. The water was not clear enough for snorkeling when we were there. CR in general does not have great snorkeling. We never went to the national parks because we saw so much wildlife right on the property - all 4 kinds of monkeys, toucans, coatis, agoutis, an anteater, sloth, scarlet macaws, etc. If you like adventure, you might pair it with a stay in the Arenal area - that's a great area for adventure activities, and the Arenal Observatory Lodge has lots of wildlife on site with good hiking trails and a volcano view.

RMarqua

Thanks for your reply, I'm a bit concerned about the zryka virus and mosquitoes, but think wildlife is best at Osa versus Monteverde where we are also going and have been to in 2013. We are planning on repellent but the place we are staying is open air Windows. If we are starting bugs all the time, that's no fun. I'm wondering if I should cancel and spend our 6-days elsewhere. We are excited to be going to Osa though, so I'm in a quandary. Where else could we go and see the kind of wildlife we would see in Osa. Arenal is great but would you really see the wildlife like you would at Osa?

volcanogirl

Very few places would have the amount of wildlife that you see in the Osa; that is by far the best we've ever seen. Arenal Observatory Lodge that I mentioned above does have a lot of wildlife on their property though; we saw both howler and spider monkeys while we were out hiking, tons of coatis, and lots of toucans and aracaris. You could also do the Cano Negro tour while you're there - a boat ride to view wildlife along the river. We've done it a few times and have always seen monkeys, caimans, and lots of water birds there. It's nice to do that during the day and then hit the natural hot springs like Tabacon or Eco Termales in the evening.

RMarqua

That sounds great. Im keeping the reservation in the Osa, it'll be an adventure. Maybe we'll stay longer in Arenal and check out some of your recommendations. thanks

volcanogirl

You're welcome - hope you have a great time.

plambers

We were in Osa last July. Hardly any bugs or mosquitos. We loved the horseback/waterfall rapel with Rancho Tropical, the informative walk, hike with Everyday Adventure where kids climbed a HUGE strangler fig,ate termites and hiked a waterfall, and a boat ride, snorkel and visit to Animal Sanctuary with Josh at Changing Tides. Great trip.

volcanogirl

Why do the guides always try to get us to eat termites lol?