I posted yesterday (search for "Down to the Wire&quot about my upcoming trip to Osa for my husband's 40th birthday. We bought Nature Air tix to Puerto Jiminez and are very excited. Now the trick is to find reasonable accomodations that will fit our limited budget. We have looked into staying at the Pearl of the Osa for 2 nights. These were supposed to be our "splurge" nights (I am so happy that they charge a reasnable room rate rather than a per person rate!) Our other idea was the Corcovado Tent Camp. We expected this to be around $40 per night but I jyst found out that they charge $60+ PER PERSON per night, which seems like a lot [but my frame of reference might be misleading...in Bali we were able to get hotel rooms for $25 a night total and my research on the Caribe side of CR indicated that reasonable prices might be $45 or so for cabanas].

Can anyone let me know whether I need to "suck it up" and resign myself to the fact that going to the Osa will probably be MORE wonderful than I expect, but also MORE expensive? Or possibly direct me to possibilities that will not lead to credit card debt?

Again, gracias!

Jennifer

Yes- the Osa is more expensive than other areas of CR- not as much on food and lodging as on transportation costs.Costa Rica is the most expensive country in CA and does not really compare to Thailand.
There are a number of cheaper places to stay in Puerta Jimenez. I have not stayed at any of them but I have driven/walked past and they looked okay. Some of the places had views of the gulf. Some of the options are listed on tripadvisor.com although there are very few reviews on them prices starting at $14 night for a double. You might want to book a night at the Pearl, then walk into town and check them out. I have read a trip report of someone who stayed in the back of a store in Carate for $20 but it would involve legwork and did not sound like you could arrange this online. On a good note the food at the Pearl is mucho rico and cheap and as most places breakfast is included.

Other than that keep in mind your transport cost to Carate can get costly unless you ride the public collectivo. If you hop the ferry across the gulf Cabinias Sol y Mar has a budget cabin for $25 night zancudo.com. Zancudo comes highly recommended for off the beaten path type travelers.

One note- many places on the Osa charge a surcharge when you use your credit card(as much as 6%)The Osa is a good place to use Amex travelers checks for lodging bills.

I say suck it up- it will be a wonderful birthday gift and if you are the hardy types, more affordable than you might think. Some people can't funtion without a $100/day rental car at their disposal.
Hope this is helpful.

Thanks for your reply. We are, in fact, the "hardy" types (my husband's last name is Hardy!). I'll take it as a sign!

meant to say to check the frommers.com travel sight. It has a helpful section on Puerta Jimenez and Playa Zancudo and goes into ferry schudules ect.. good for the "Hardy" traveler.

Have you posed your question on Lonely Planet's "Thorn Tree" That forum is frequented by budget travelers.