Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are all the tours suitable for children?
A: Children are welcome on all of our Osa Costa Rica tours. The day hikes are short and relaxed enough for young children and though the multiple hikes are more tiring, they are generally suitable for kids over ten. The only thing we will stress is parents keep a close eye on their children while they are outside. Even around the lodges, and rip tides can drag weak or non-swimmers into deeper waters.
Q: What should I bring with me to the Osa Peninsula?
A: As you will be spending most of your time in the wilderness, we recommend you bring clothes for warm weather. This should include, hiking boots, lightweight rain gear, sandals, shorts, t-shirts, sunhats, swim suits and sunglasses. To combat the Osa Peninsula’s temperatures and its close proximity to the equator, we urge you to purchase strong sunblock, insect repellent and water bottles.
Q: What do you mean when you say your tours are flexible?
A: Osa Travel Costa Rica aims to tailor your Costa Rica trip exactly to your needs. If you are a keen birdwatcher, we will arrange for a Costa Rica guide to take you to all the best bird watching locations. Do you want to hike into Corcovado National Park and then take a boat back? Again, just tell us in advance and we will be more than happy to accommodate you.
Q: Is Costa Rica a safe country?
A: The violent crime rate in Costa Rica is very low, but like most countries, and particularly in San Jose petty theft is not uncommon. We can only suggest you take the normal precautions. Keep your money and valuables in a safe place and never leave your bags unattended.
Q: What potential problems and dangers do I need be aware of when traveling through the Osa Peninsula?
A: You should be careful whilst traveling Costa Rica by car. Not only are some of the minor roads full of pot holes, but their conditions appear to have created a nation of impatient drivers. The locals are notorious for jumping both traffic lights and stop signs. Costa Rica is a lot closer to the equator than either Europe or North America, so always make sure you wear a sunhat and apply plenty of sun block.
Q: How qualified are your Costa Rica guides?
A: All our Costa Rica guides hold National Park service licenses. For this, they must possess all the necessary qualifications, including knowledge in first aid and other safety procedures. They have grown up on the Osa and know how to avoid potential problems.
Q: What is the standard and cost of living in Costa Rica?
A: Since abolishing, its military in 1949, Costa Rica has experienced sixty years of uninterrupted democracy with a strong focus on education, environmental issues and health care. There is no doubt it’s paid off. The happy planet index lists it as the happiest country in the world, the environmental performance index as the most environmental friendly country in the Americas and the UNDP as having attained higher human development than almost all other nations of the same income level. In general, the cost of living complements its living standards. Food is very cheap and cell phone and internet services start at only $10 per month. However, cars and gasoline are relatively expensive.
Q: What rules and regulations should I be aware of while traveling the Osa Peninsula?
A: Your Costa Rica guide will be fully aware of all park regulations and it will be his job to make sure you adhere to them. If for any reason you want to explore the area on your own, the park asks you tell someone where you are heading. You will need permits to enter Corcovado National Park, but Osa Travel Costa Rica will arrange this for you well advance of your arrival.
Q: Can I get by without understanding Spanish?
A: You can definitely take a Costa Rica adventure vacation without knowledge of Spanish. The country attracts many tourists and people connected with the industry will speak enough English to ply their trade.
Q: Tico temperament?
A: The Costa Ricans are nicknamed Ticos. Women are Ticas. Most Ticos are very laid back and calm, which is probably why they have the third longest life expectancy in the world. Things happen slowly, such as ordering a meal, going to the bank, getting things done etc. When they say we will meet at 10.am. it could be 10:30am, when they say five minutes it could easily be twenty minutes. "Tomorrow" means "maybe sometime". They do not like conflict and will simply walk away if you get angry, so, remember you are a guest in their country. Relax, take a deep breathe and enjoy not being in the rat race.
Costa Rica is situated on the Isthmus of Central America with Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south.
The Osa is located on the southwest Pacific slope of the country and one of the best locales in all of Central America for wildlife viewing. Osa Travel Costa Rica is located on the tropical Osa Peninsula in Puerto Jimenez, the largest town on the Osa peninsula (pop 3500). Within the Osa lie Corcovado National Park. We specialize in tours to the Osa peninsula. From the moment you arrive at San Jose International airport we arrange all hotels, meals, transportation and tours.
Corcovado National Park - Permits are required to enter Corcovado National Park. We arrange permits, guides, transportation, lodging and food. There are no roads and only hiking trails are provided to enter the park. A minimum time of four days is the required to view the park as it takes a full day to hike in with two days for viewing and the fourth day to hike out. Corcovado National Park is run by Minae, the government park service. They limit the number of people that enter to reduce impact. Consequently, advance planning is needed to reserve permits, lodging and meals.
Private Lodges - We also book to lodges in private reserves bordering the park that are just as biologically intense. Generally these lodges have more comfortable accommodations and do not require two days to hike in and out, which gives you more time to enjoy the area.
A great portion of the Osa Peninsula is well managed through private reserves or under permanent protection through the Corcovado National Park. The Corcovado National Park includes a diverse range of habitats. It has been described, by the venerable National Geographic Society, as one of the most biologically intense places on earth. This fact becomes evident upon enjoying a multiday trip into the park or its surrounding private reserves. There is an overwhelming number of ways to envelope yourself in the Osa myriad tropical landscapes and its pastel colored waters. On the eastern coast of the OSA is a large tropical fjord Golfo Dulce (sweet) golf) it is pristine unspoiled waters are teeming with dolphins, turtles, whales migrate here to breed in the summer. It is pristine and undeveloped. To appreciate the Osa, we recommend going on multi day trips to the more remote areas of secondary or primary forest to observe the wildlife and fauna.