Hi- I'm evaluation options (MA vs. Osa). Scheduled to arrive in SJO on 6/14 at 11:44am. Depart SJO on 6/18 at 12:50pm.

My dream is to visit Bosque Del Cabo. Another cheaper alternative might work as long as I see the Rainforest in Osa. Just trying to see if it is possible on a budget (w/a couple of splurges here and there).

Looks like Sansa and Nature Air are booked during those times, so my question is: How do normal people get to the Osa if all flights are booked (w/o spending an arm and leg?) I see people planning trips at last minute all the time, and it seems they find a way to Osa if they want to go. Thinking about not renting a car. Just looking for most economical way to do this trip, but still enjoy some unspoiled nature.

Anyone know price comparisons of smaller planes (NA or Sansa) vs. renting car vs. hiring guide to drive you? Which is the better deal??

I think it's kind of rare for people to plan a last minute trip to the Osa just because getting there isn't as easy as getting somewhere like Arenal or Manuel Antonio. I tried to book a certain cabin at Bosque del Cabo, and it was booked 8 months in advance. Since it's so popular and space is limited, unfortunately people are booking farther and farther in advance.

The standard way to get there is NatureAir or Sansa. Personally I think driving there would be pretty stressful. BdC picked us up at the airport for the 45-minute trip to BdC, and in that time, we had construction, trees across the road, cows blocking the road, and we drove over several streams. If you're interested in hiring a driver, I'd just e-mail BdC and ask them how long it would take and how much it would cost. They are really helpful and could probably supply any answers you're looking for. We've always booked all our drivers through our hotels, and they were able to supply us with quotes. Good luck!

I believe it's about a 9 hour drive from San Jose. But you might see where you could fly to via Nature Air or Sansa to get you closer, and then hire a driver from there. BDC could probably help you with the logistics of that. These are going to be more expensive options though, and it appears you're trying to watch the budget. Luna Lodge gets good reviews in Osa and have a few tiers of pricing. Osa Dreams is a new place in Puerto Jimenez that someone told me they thought was a great deal (sort of hotel/hostel) and there's another place recently mentioned on Trip Advisor form.

Good luck!

If you go to the Bosque del Cabo website and click on "Getting Here" (at the bottom of the page), it will give you info on the different options, including a bus/driving.

If anyone ever takes the bus to the Osa, I'd love to hear the trip report; that would truly be an adventure. kippy, I hope it all works out for you.

Other ideas if you can get to the Osa,

You could look into Encanta La Vida. It is on Cabo Matapalo as well and they have done a lot of updating. You would see much of the same wildlife as you would from Bosque del Cabo.

Luna Lodge is much further out and a lot more secluded. Things to do are a little more limited but it is right by Corcovado. It is a lovely place, the food is very good and Lana is a great person. Very active in the preservation of the Osa.

Iguana Lodge is closer to Puerto Jimenez but right on the beautiful Playa Platanares beach, Far enough from town to not feel like you are right near it but close enough to get there to explore. Another advantage to this would be the ability to go on many of the tours without having to travel a long way to town from Cabo Matapalo to do them. Of course, if you are at Bosque there are tons of trails you can hike for free and other things nearby to pay for.

I would try to find out if a flight back to San Jose would be available. Have you looked into flying down the next day on an early flight? You could think about a bus. It would take all day. To drive isn't that long but the buses take longer. If thinking about a private driver consider the cost of the flight. The driver could be more but whether it will be a break the deal amount more is something only you can answer. Keep in mind that the cost could be high because they will also have a great expense to drive back to San Jose. Gas right now is very expensive down there.

Considering how long it would take to get back and forth by vehicle and how little time you would actually have there I don't know if it would be worth it if you have to give up two whole days to drive plus loose the day you arrive. There are things to do in the San Jose/Alajuela area if you do have to spend your first day there.

One other thought would be to try to get a flight from San Jose to Palmar Sur and have BdC send a driver/taxi driver to pick you up there. It is still about 3-4 hrs to Puerto Jimenez and then on to Bosque from there depending on the road conditions at the time but you would get there by mid afternoon on the 15th. I would contact Bosque and see what they think of this idea for that time of year. I know people have hired drivers to go between Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay. By the way, Drake Bay is another nice option. La Paloma and Casa Corcovado are good places.

You could also check with Solid Rent a Car and see if they have a car going down there that you could get a ride with. They do offer driver service. Grasping as straws for you but I know how great the Osa is.

Has anyone suggested flying to Golfito? I just scanned the other posts quickly. . .


We took a little boat from Golfito to Puerto Jimenez first time we went to BdC. Kevin picked us up at the dock. It was about a 45 minute ride from Golfito to PJ (I think--it's been a few years ago!).

SO if you could get to Golfito, then you could take the launch over. Seems like back then it left about 11:30 a.m.

Did you try for availability to Drake Bay or Palmar Sur? We stayed at Aguila de Osa in Drake Bay, flew into Plamar Sur and out of Drake Bay, and Aguila de Osa provided transfers to both airports, along with all food and Corcovado hiking tour and Cano Island snorkeling tour. The lodge was very nice but expensive. I also heard there are a few charter companies, maybe you could get a flight through one, but I don't remember the names as we didn't use them.

When we took the launch to/from Golfito it took 1 1/2 hrs each way. On the way over I thought it would never end. I actually got claustrophobic which I had never done before. The boat was full both ways. On the way back we had dolphins swimming along with us which helped to be a distraction. It would be a good option. Not sure what a private boat would be but that could be an option too. When we go on tours to the Golfito side it is usually around $100 for the boat part but that is both ways. The small boats don't go out on the GD in the afternoon because it can be choppy. If you had an early flight to Golfito I am sure Kim or one of the people in the office would be able to find a boat for you.

What is the closest airport to BDC that Nature Air will fly into? Would it be Puerto Jimenez?

yes, Puerto Jimenez, where they pick you up for the 45 minute drive to Bosque

Okay - I found the answer to my own question. I looked at Nature Air's map of places in CR they fly to. Now I see all the cities you all mentined and where they are located.

Regarding Nature Air...right now there aren't any "Locos" rates available for June 18 flying from PJ to SJ. However, on June 17, there is a "Locos" rate, but is a 7:20am flight. We don't want an early morning flight...

How possible is it that Nature Air would open up some "Locos" rates at times I'd like to fly on either June 17 or 18? Should I keep checking back w/them every day, or should I try another travel option? I'm a determined gal. What have your experiences been?

No, I wouldn't hold out for the loco rate, if they're gone then they won't be opening up more at that rate. Since those are the cheapest, they sell out the first then it goes up to the next level then the next. I would book the later flights now, so you don't hold out too long and find the flight booked, even though June isn't peak but with only 18 or so seats it can happen quickly.