Hi,

We're traveling with 2 kids (7 & 9). We absolutely dont want to do a full service resort (like Crocodile bay). Does anybody have an opinion on either Playa Preci Osa or Cabinas Jimenez? I want clean/comfortable with attached bathrooms - but want the flexibility of picking the tours myself - not a very westernized resort. At last minute (I was about to sign the dotted line for Playa Preci Osa - when I read some latest reviews that were bad - so dithering a bit). Help - or suggestions for alternatives would be wonderful. Please help. Please seem to be filling up in a hurry and I *really* want us to do the Osa area. Iguana and Parrot Bay are not available - checked already.

There are a couple of places down at Matapalo beach, you could check soldeosa.com, they have listed on there most of the places available in the area.

Have you checked out Black Turtle Lodge? I believe they are next to Iquana Lodge.

You might check out one of these houses on Matapalo. Google Casa Bambu and you'll find info on 4 houses owned by same owner. We stayed in April in Casa Linda and loved it. Bet the kids would too. You could make all your own tour arrangements from there. I posted a trip report several months ago. Houses are rustic but comfortable. Scarlet macaws and monkeys in the yard every day. Casa Linda is about 30 yards from the Golfo Dulce.

Thank you so much to those who replied. Black Turtle, Yellow Coco and the others listed are all full. I've now got a confirmed room in Cabinas Jimenez. Wondering if I should take it. I am assuming that trips into Corcovado would be easier from Puerto Jimenez rather than Drake Bay. Am I right in thinking this? We are getting a good room in Pirate Cove in Drake Bay (which of course is substantially more expensive - some 3 times as much).

To cut down on costs you can take the collectivo to Carate when you plan to go to Corcovado. It leaves 2x's a day from PJ to Carate and 2x's coming back. Don't remember how much it was exactly but less than $5. Anyone down there could tell you the times it runs. Not familiar with Cabinas Jimenez, sorry but the houses glover mentions always gets good reviews..