Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about your next Costa Rica adventure? We’re here to answer anything you want to know about our tours, what to bring, how to get here, lodging, and more!

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General Information

Who is Selva Connections for?

Selva Connections is for people who want to disconnect from the modern world and go on an adventure without dealing with crowds or feeling like a tourist. We'll take you to explore the untamed wonders of our jungle and immerse yourself in our culture.

Also, if you’re a hiking enthusiast, wildlife and adventure seeker, photographer, or birding or herping lover, the Osa Peninsula may give you one of the most beautiful experiences on Earth.

For families with kids too! We have tours for all ages, adventure levels, and difficulty levels.

How many days are your adventure tours and expeditions?

Ranging from day tours to overnight experiences (generally 2-4 days), depending on where you want to go and what you want to do.

For a longer stay, we could combine multi-day tour packages with different day tour options, providing the most logistically efficient way to see and do it all!

What if I want to personalize one of your listed packages?

Personalization is our specialty!

Please contact us if you want to modify any of our tours. We’re happy to personalize your adventure and help combine different experiences so that you get the most out of your next adventure.

We are happy to combine multi-day tour packages with different day tour options, providing the most logistically efficient way to see and do it all!

Do I need to be in good physical condition for your tours and expeditions?

The Osa Peninsula is tropical with high heat and humidity, so we don’t recommend Selva Connections if you’re not in general-to-good physical health. Our day tours are pretty mild, so you should be fine if you’re in average good physical condition. Most of our day hikes require good physical condition.

Several of our multi-day backpacking jungle expeditions require guests to be in very good physical condition. These packages are not recommended for anyone with asthma, a heart condition, knee or ankle problems, severe health conditions, or experiencing pregnancy.

When is the best time of the year to visit the Osa Peninsula?

The best time of the year is the dry season, which is from December to June. It’s still a beautiful area to explore in July and August, but that’s also part of our wet season, so you may experience some rainfall.

As for dolphin and whale watching: dolphins are here year round, and whales are best scene July through November.

We don’t run many tours during October and November. Most areas may not be accessible because of flooding, blocked roads, rough ocean conditions, muddy trails, and hazardous winds.

What kind of accommodations should be expected during the tours & expeditions?

That all depends on what tour or expedition you choose! Our accommodations range from jungle camping in tents and shared dorms to rustic bungalows, beautiful hotels and lodges, and even homestays!

Will I have access to showers and toilets daily during the tours & expeditions?

All hotels, lodges, and homestays include showers and toilets. Our camping options and accommodations vary.
There is no hot water anywhere but a cold shower is always good for the heat!

Are meals, water, and coffee included in all tours & expeditions?

Meals will always be included in all multi-day tours and expeditions. All three meals may or may not be included depending on what time of day your tour starts. In most cases, breakfasts on the first day cannot be included, so you can use a local service:
‍
In Puerto Jiménez:
- Desayunos Laritas (Menu in Spanish - Menu in English).
- Monar Bakery.

In Drake Bay:
- Karol Traditional Breakfasts, tel +506 8978 5841.
- Some local women sell Costa Rican empanadas at the meeting point for tours to Corcovado!

Drinking water is only included in Corcovado National Park (to refill All three meals may or may not be included depending on what time of day your tour startsat each station). It’s not included in any other tours, so plan accordingly!

What package allows me to explore most of the jungle?

Our Remote Osa tour packages offer multi-day backpacking routes, connecting you to different isolated areas of the jungle.

What tour packages allow me to immerse myself in the local people and community, providing a true cultural journey and experience?

Our Cultural Tours provide different opportunities and activities to engage with and learn from the local people, culture, community, and various local family projects.

In our Remote Osa packages, the Carate Territory is just outside Corcovado National Park, where you can see much of what Corcovado offers, but without the crowds! The Salinas and Carate Territories both provide multi-day jungle tours, adventures, & expeditions, hosted by local families, giving you an authentic and personalized combination of jungle adventure and cultural immersion.

Which tours will allow me to see more wildlife?

Whether you’re drawn to the La Tarde, Salinas or Carate territories with our Remote Osa packages, to Corcovado National Park, or to one of our Day & Night tours, there’s plenty of wildlife to discover.

La Tarde and Salinas are famous for birdwatching and discovering exotic reptiles and amphibians, while Corcovado is one of the last remaining protected tropical rainforests in the Central American lowlands with good chances to find mammals.

What is the price for an adventure tour or expedition?

Many of our tour packages are unique to Selva Connections and personalized, so rates will vary based on the number of people you have in your group, your tour package, routes, and the number of days you’ll be with us.

You can choose one of our preset packages, or we can work with you to personalize your jungle experience.

What languages do the Selva Connections staff and guides speak?

Our staff and guides all speak Spanish and English. Some of our drivers will be translated. If you require a French-speaking guide, please inquire as early as possible. Availability is limited!

Do you provide transportation once I arrive in Puerto Jiménez or do I need a vehicle?

Most of our tours include transportation by default, however, in some cases it must be added as an extra or, if you have your own vehicle, you can reach the destination yourself.

In general, a vehicle is highly recommended as it will allow you to get around Osa much easier and will save you a lot of money in transportation costs. A 4-wheel drive SUV is strongly recommended.

If you are staying your first night in Puerto Jimenez, all restaurants and facilities are within walking distance.

Is there a parking place where I can leave my car?

We have four parking spaces available so they are assigned as reservations come in. Please ask!

We also recommend that you choose a place to stay with secure parking to leave it while you are away, in case all the parking spaces of us are taken.

What currency do you accept?

We accept US Dollars and Colones, the Costa Rican currency.

How do I get to Puerto Jiménez and the Osa Peninsula from San José?

You can reach Puerto Jiménez from San José by:

Taking a 45-minute national flight with Sansa Airline.
Driving a rental car for 5-7 hours to get here (all paved roads).
Taking a 7-9 hour public bus with Transporte Blanco Lobo.
Taking a bus to Golfito with Tracopa and a boat to Puerto Jiménez (check out the boat schedule here).

What facilities can I find in town?

Puerto Jiménez has many supermarkets, lodgings, restaurants, a gas station, a medical center, a bus station, public boat services to Golfito, hardware stores, mechanical workshops, and a small airport where you can fly to/from San Jose.

Please note that outdoor and hiking gear is limited in town, so pack all your clothing and gear before arriving in Puerto Jimenez!

What kind of accommodations are in Puerto Jiménez?

Puerto Jiménez has many lodging options!
AirBNBs: Laritas' Space, The Corner, Surá House, Casa de Linda, Casa Nativa, Blue House
Hotels & Cabins: Hotel Hoja de Oro, Aparthotel Herrera, Corcovado Beach Lodge, Cabinas Jiménez, Cabinas Marcelina, Hotel Carolina‍

What is the drinking water condition in Puerto Jiménez?

If you are an international traveler, we recommend bottled or treated water. Our water is drinkable, however, your body might not react well if you are not from Costa Rica.

Are there ATMs?

There are 2 ATMs in Puerto Jiménez if you need to withdraw cash.

Does Selva Connections offer tours from Drake Bay?

Yes, to Corcovado National Park specifically. We offer day tours to the Sirena and San Pedrillo stations, as well as overnight experiences to the Sirena station. All of these are accessed by boat.

What should I pack?

The following are highly recommended. Any specific recommendations or requirements will be highlighted on each package.

Photo or copy of your passport
Reusable water bottles with 2 liters capacity. Single-use bottles are not permitted in the national park
Hydration tablets or energy drinks
Insect repellent
Sunscreen and a hat
Light long-sleeved shirt (recommended for sun protection)
Quick dry, and breathable clothing
Hiking boots or shoes. Rubber boots are a good option for keeping your feet dry in the rainy season but not good for long hikes
Camera
Flashlight/Headlamp for night walks and areas without street lighting
Snacks (you can buy them in town)
Hiking backpack or hiking drybag (not duffle or suitcase)
Towel & toiletries when overnight tours
Sandals or flip flops
Waterproof jacket, poncho, trash bags, or dry bags (to keep items dry)
An extra bag to pack out ALL trash when overnight tours
Travel insurance information (in case of emergency)
Prescription and other medication you may need
Any other personal gear or items
Portable charger for your devices
Any other personal items such as medicine and toiletries
Water motion sickness tablets when boat rides are included (optional)

About Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park is the most visited park in the south of Costa Rica. Below are FAQ and Tips specific to our Corcovado Tour Packages

How do I arrive at and depart from Corcovado National Park?

You can boat in and out, hike in and out, or hike one way and boat the other. When hiking in or out, 4x4 transportation will take you to the remote entrances from Puerto Jiménez.

‍Boat: To and from Puerto Jiménez-Sirena or Drake Bay-Sirena.

From Drake Bay, the departure is at 06:00 am and from Puerto Jiménez at 05:30. Both routes depart back from Sirena at 12:30 pm. The trip is typically around 1.5 hrs.

‍Hiking: Both routes are strenuous, so being in good physical condition is a must!

From La Leona Ranger Station to Sirena Ranger Station (or vice versa): 7-10 hours / 19 km
From Las Patos Ranger Station to Sirena Ranger Station (or vice versa): 8-11 hours / 22 km

How many days are offered and recommended inside the park?

Corcovado National Park is one of the last remaining protected tropical rainforests in the Central American lowlands and is filled with wonders to explore. The park has multiple trails, which makes it perfect for different day hikes. Each time you are on a trail, you have an excellent chance of discovering something breathtaking and new.

We offer tour packages for 1, 2, 3, and 4 days. The maximum you can stay inside Corcovado, as per their rules, is five days and four nights. Our most popular Corcovado package is the 3 days and 2 nights!

What to expect from each route?

Going in and out of Sirena by boat is the most accessible way to visit the park, whether from Puerto Jiménez or Drake Bay, in Sirena you will explore part of the seven trails that surround the station looking for the amazing animals where the terrain conditions are not so challenging.

The La Leona route is a trail that goes mostly through the forest but also with sections along the coast, some of which have to be passed according to the tide, before it gets too high. With its territory rich in food and water, it's a great route to find wildlife.
When hiking from Leona to Sirena or viceversa, you will be crossing rivers carefully, quickly, and preferably during low tide. the currents and tides are quite powerful. In addition, beaches and the mouth of rivers are home to crocodiles and bull sharks; There is nothing to fear, the necessary precautions will be carried out. Follow the instructions of your guide at all times.

Finally, the route of Los Patos, a trail with an impressive and very dense primary forest, which in turn makes the territory a place with great difficulty in spotting animals due to the height of its trees, the darkness due to the shadow of the forest and the general living conditions. This trail has the most challenging conditions with very uneven terrain but offers a lot to learn from its intense flora.
It also has some river crossings normally not deeper than knee-level or so.

What package allows me to explore most of the park?

Hiking in from Los Patos to Sirena and then hiking out from Sirena to La Leona will allow you to cover the most ground and explore many areas of the park but it is the most challenging route as well so we recommend hiking in, taking at least one full day to explore Sirena’s trails, then hiking out.

What is the weather like in Corcovado National Park?

The climate is hot and humid! We are on a peninsula with tropical weather, where the jungle meets the ocean, so the best time to visit is the dry season, from December to May. Prepare for rain and mud during our rainy season from June to November.

We don’t operate most of the overnight hiking packages for logistical and safety reasons during October and November.

What are the accommodations like?

The Sirena Ranger Station has rustic accommodations in shared dorms in the untamed rainforest with twin bunk beds (a mattress, bed sheets, pillows, and a mosquito net are included). Bathrooms & showers are on site in a common area.

Are meals, water, and coffee included in Corcovado Tours?

Yes (rules apply).

All of our overnight packages include lunch and dinner for day one, and breakfast for the departure day. Middle days (when you stay at least two nights) include all three meals. If you are hiking in, lunch to-go will be given to you before departure from Puerto Jiménez.

All meals, except lunch when doing one of the long hikes (La Leona or Los Patos), are served inside the Sirena Ranger Station and at specific times each day. However, you cannot take food out of the station.

You may bring your own snacks only when hiking into Sirena from La Leona or Los Patos. It is forbidden to bring any other food into Sirena Ranger Station.

Additional things to consider.

Don’t start your adventure unprepared. Maximize your enjoyment by ensuring you have everything you need. Here’s what you need to know about the Osa Peninsula.

Dehydration and heat exhaustion are common illnesses in the park. Heat and humidity are extremely high, so hydration or electrolyte packages are highly recommended! Bring two liters of water per person per day. You can refill your bottles in the stations.
Between Carate, La Leona, and Sirena, there are stretches under the fully exposed sun along the ocean. We recommend wearing sunscreen, a hat, and a long-sleeved shirt.
Hiking experience and good physical condition are necessary. These packages are not recommended for anyone with asthma, a heart condition, knee or ankle problems, severe health conditions, or experiencing pregnancy.
Let us know if you have a special diet, any allergies, or intolerance of any kind. Bringing food is only permitted in the park when hiking in from La Leona or Los Patos. Snacks are limited to sandwiches, nuts, dried fruit, energy bars, hydrating drinks, and water. Snacks must be consumed before entering Sirena station. You can buy snacks at the station.
In case of emergency, bring your medicine, a copy of your passport, and your travel insurance information.
Have your backpack ready the day before the tour. Some questions may occur while packing. Make sure you have everything you need, but most importantly, DO NOT OVERLOAD your backpack with unnecessary items. It should weigh a maximum of 10 kilos (22 pounds). Remember, what you pack, you must carry. Pack only what you absolutely need!

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