FAQ’s
Below you’ll find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
If you have more, contact us directly and we’d be happy to answer all of them. If you have a Q, we have an A.
Osa Weather
The Osa Peninsula is quite temperate and rarely experiences extreme high or low tem-peratures. The temperature seldom drops below 27°C (80°F) in the green season (May to September), and is usually around 35°C (95°F) in the dry season (December to April). October and November are considered the rainiest months (wet season) and because of this travel to and around the Osa can be difficult. If you’re wondering during which season it’s best to visit, the green season or the dry season, we recommend both for different reasons. Of course in the dry season there is little rain so that’s a plus if you want to spend most of your time on the beach (or get away from the snow and cold). However, if you are more into seeing wildlife, you will en-joy the green season. That’s when the turtles return and red-eye-tree-frogs can be seen everywhere. As for the weather during the green season, you can compare it to the springtime where mornings are usually sunny but you get some afternoon and overnight showers. The great thing about the rain here is that it’s nice and hot and gives you a great excuse to chill out.
Getting There
You will be landing in San Jose, Costa Rica’s Capital City and staying overnight. Your hotel may or may not be included based on the Escape you choose. The next morning you will be taking an early domestic flight to the small town of Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula where your R&R Escape host will be meeting you. From there you will be taking a 4×4 ride through the lush tropical rainforest where you can spot everything from monkeys to exotic birds on your way!. On arrival, unpack and explore this hidden tropical haven.
What To Bring
Light, quick dry clothing is best suited for the hot and humid climate of the Osa. For the trails we recommend amphibian shoes that go from land to water. Crocs or slip-on shoes are ideal for around the property. Hiking boots are ok as long as they are not heavy and dry rapidly as you will be getting your feet wet on every hike. A hat, sunblock, sunglasses and one flashlight or headlamp per person are a must as there are no city lights around here. And don’t forget your camera, binoculars, anda good book or two for relaxing in a hammock. A complete packing list will be sent to you once you book your escape. It will help you prepare for this unique rainforest experience.
Health & Safety
If you have any health issues that require medication it is recommended that you bring it with you in it’s original container and clearly labeled. There is a local drugstore in Puerto Jimenez that can provide most medications however we strong-ly advise you to prepare prior to your arrival.
Local Medical Care For serious health issues, there is a local clinic in town or if necessary, we are able to fly you to the nearest hospital located a short distance away in Golfito. Using common sense and staying on the paths should eliminate any risks of injury. The Osa Peninsula is a safe place to visit.
Vaccination Tetanus and TwinRex (Hepatitis A and B) are recommended everywhere you travel these days. There is no Malaria on the Pacific coast. Risk of Dengue Fever (transmitted by mosquitoes) is extremely low and there are no preventative medications or vaccines for this condition. Just make sure to cover up at dusk and dawn and use repellent if you are concerned.
Water You will be offered fresh and safe drinking water anywhere you stay on the Osa. When in San Jose at the front and end of the trip, we recommend drinking only bottled water and using this same water to wash your fruits and veggies.
Insurance Travel insurance is strongly advised, both for last-minute flight cancellation and for health coverage during your stay in Costa Rica. Check with your insurance company and bring copies of your coverage with you. If you do not have an insur-ance provider, we would be happy to make recommendations.
Insects and Reptiles Insects come in several groups, but only two are worthy of men-tion: mosquitoes and midges (sand-flies). Their nuisance value is greatly reduced however, thanks to tropical breezes, lizards, bats and birds. If you are concerned, there are many repellents on the market that provide effective protection from insect bites. Repellent may be useful at dusk and dawn or on very woodsy trails. Your ac-commodations are equipped with mosquito netting so your goodnight’s sleep is sure to be bug-free. All that being said, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how few of biting-insects we actually have on the Osa.
Contradictory to popular belief, snakes are a rare sight in the rainforest and most encounters are with non-venomous species. Nevertheless, the threat from ven-omous snakes does exist but your chances of being bitten are as improbable as be-ing struck on the head by a falling coconut. (That being said please be careful when walking at night or when hanging out under coconut trees). Use your headlight at all times. As “wild†as this place can be, it is remarkably safe.
Ok so if you’re still cringing at the thought of creepy crawlies, don’t. This place is far from what you remember on Indiana Jones. Really. Nature is truly balanced here.
Contact us for any additional questions.