Costa Rica, January 2025

 The Adventure - Costa Rica offers a wide array of diverse and breathtaking destinations, especially in January. With typically dry and sunny weather, this month is ideal for exploring the country's natural beauty. We journeyed to the Osa Peninsula, an ecological treasure located on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast. Renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, the Osa Peninsula is home to the awe-inspiring Corcovado National Park. This untouched paradise features lush rain forests, secluded beaches, and a stunning variety of wildlife, including scarlet macaws, tapirs, and even elusive jaguars. For travelers seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature, this hidden gem is an unforgettable escape from the crowds. 

 The Ordeal - Our original itinerary included visiting Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, popular destinations during Costa Rica’s dry season. However, January 2025 brought unexpected heavy rainfall and mudslides in those regions. Just a week before departure, we made a last-minute decision to cancel most of our reservations and head south in search of drier conditions. The gamble paid off—we enjoyed excellent weather and an incredible adventure. 

 Tips - Keep abreast of weather forecast to areas were you are traveling. Join Facebook groups or similar social media communities to get real-time updates and firsthand reports from fellow travelers. 

Day 1 - Arrive

Flying into San José was straightforward, but getting through customs was time-consuming due to long lines. Costa Rica is a popular destination for travelers from North America and Europe, especially during January. After clearing customs, we rented a small SUV to explore the country at our own pace.

Karen has had consistently positive experiences staying with Marriott properties during her work travels around the world. As a result, Marriott remains our preferred accommodation whenever it’s available.

Our Itinerary for the day

• Land at San José Mineta International Airport (SJC)

• Pick up our rental car 

• Drive to Fairfield by Marriott for the night

Day 2 - Travel

The drive to Uvita is relatively easy, thanks to well-maintained roads. However, drivers should be alert, motorcycles often weave through traffic and may pass on either the left or right side of your vehicle.

We took a leisurely approach to the drive, making several stops to explore interesting roadside attractions along the way.

Our Itinerary for the day

• Drive to Uvita, which is along the Pacific Coast.  It is the jumping-off point for Uvita National Park.

• Stop at Crocodile Bridge, which is a well-established tourist trap.  But there were crocodiles present!  There is a gift "shop" and some restaurant stands along with a bathroom.

• Lunch in Jaco at The Walk.  Jaco has a small courtyard area downtown, but not all of the restaurants are open for lunch.

• Stop along the road at overlooks 

• Hacienda Barú Lodge and self guided tour.  We wanted to hike by ourselves, knowing we had to have a guide in Corcovado.  It was a great way to start the trip.

• Dinner at Sabor Espanol in Uvita.

• Stay at Ocean Melody 3.  This is a lovely house we booked on Booking.com with its own dipping pool.  We appreciated the air conditioning in the bedroom and sat on a nice back porch in the morning.

Day 3 - Uvita

In the morning, during low tide, we explored Punta Uvita, a distinctive beach shaped like a whale’s tail, formed by the meeting of two converging Pacific Ocean currents. This breathtaking natural formation is part of Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, a coastal national park in Uvita known for its rich marine biodiversity.

Later in the afternoon, we unwound by the pool at Ocean Melody 3 before heading down the road to Playa Ventana. This beach is renowned for its dramatic sea caves, where waves surge through the openings at high tide in a spectacular display of nature's power.

We ended the day with an unforgettable dinner at Sabor Español, indulging in authentic Spanish cuisine that perfectly capped off our adventure.

Our Itinerary for the day

• Punta Uvita  - Whales tail (best to go when it's low tide)

• Playa Ventana - Beach with caves

• Dinner at Sabor Espanol 

Day 4 - Travel

We began the day with coffee at a local café in Uvita before setting off on a two-hour drive to Finca Kobo. Along the way, we stopped for lunch at a traditional soda, a small, family-run Costa Rican eatery, then took some time to unwind at Playa Blanco before our scheduled tour.

Although Finca Kobo is promoted as a chocolate plantation, it also serves as a vibrant botanical garden, featuring an impressive array of tropical plants and native species.

We wrapped up the day with a scenic drive to Puerto Jiménez, ready for the next chapter of our adventure.

Our Itinerary for the day

• Coffee in Uvita.   

• lunch at Soda Leila, La Palm

• Playa Blanco

• Stop at Finca Kobo (8 km south of La Palma) and take the chocolate plantation tour

• Dinner in Puerto Jimenez

• Cabinas Jimenez

Day 5 - Sirena Station in Corcorado

A major reason we chose to travel to Costa Rica was its incredible national parks. Among them, we selected Corcovado National Park for its remoteness and exceptional biodiversity. Located on the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado is approximately an hour’s boat ride from Puerto Jiménez. A licensed guide is required for the trip, which includes an overnight stay. Based on outstanding reviews, we chose to go with Surcos Tours.

Travel Tip

• Book early, Permits and tours fill up quickly. 

• Go with a reputable guide – We recommend Surcos Tours for a well-organized and safe experience. 

Our Itinerary for the day

5:15 AM – Meet your guide at a local bakery for coffee and snacks.
 

5:30 AM – Walk to the public dock to board the boat to Sirena.
 

7:20 AM – After a 1.5 hour boat ride across the coastline, we were dropped off on the beach. From there, it was a short hike through the jungle to reach Sirena Ranger Station, where we left our overnight gear. 

All-Day Exploration -  We spent the day hiking through lush rainforest trails, crossing rivers, and exploring the beach. Wildlife sightings included howler monkeys, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and more. The biodiversity was beyond what we imagined—every corner felt alive. 

6:00 PM – Return to the station for dinner and rest.

 Day 6 - Sirena Station in Corcorado

We spent the night at Sirena Ranger Station, staying in a simple dormitorymstyle room outfitted with bunk beds and mosquito netting. Despite the rustic accommodations, everything was clean, comfortable, and exactly what you’d want after a long day exploring the rainforest.

Travel Tip

• Pack light and don’t forget a raincoat. Weather in the rainforest is unpredictable even during the dry season. 

Our Itinerary for the day

Wake up early for a final hike along trials, especially those known for frequent animal sightings. Early morning hours offer the best chances to see wildlife like monkeys, tapirs, and tropical birds in action. 

11:30 AM: Head back to the ranger station to collect your belongings and prepare for the boat departure. 

12:30 PM: Board the boat back to Puerto Jiménez. The ride takes approximately 1.5 hours, offering scenic views of the Osa coastline along the way. 

2:15 PM: Arrival back in town. From here, it was short trip back to the hotel for some well-earned rest and refreshment 

Afternoon – Rest & Refuel: Enjoy long, hot showers and unwind with a satisfying meal at Los Delfines, a local favorite in Puerto Jiménez known for its seafood and relaxed atmosphere. 

Puerlo Jimenez Day 7

We took full advantage of the complimentary kayaks and bikes provided by Cabinas Jimenez. In the morning, we kayaked through the mangroves behind town, then continued into the bay just in front of the hotel. Along the way, we spotted several species of birds in their natural habitat. 

Travel Tip

• For the best experience, it's wise to kayak during high tide—otherwise, you might end up walking your kayak through shallow water.

After lunch, we hopped on bikes and followed a dusty, bumpy road to Playa Preciosa, a quiet and secluded beach perfect for relaxing.

As the day came to a close, we returned to Puerto Jiménez for dinner just in time to witness a stunning sunset over the water.

Our Itinerary for the day

• Breakfast pastry and coffee at Panaderia Monar

• Kayaked around the mangrove and bay

• Lunch in Puerto Jimenez

• Rode bikes to Playa Preciosa 

• Afternoon break at the Sports Bar Marvitos

• Dinner and sunset at Marisquería Corcovado

Day 8 - Travel

This was the day we began our journey back to San José. Along the way, we stopped at several scenic viewpoints overlooking Pavón Bay as we left the Osa Peninsula. By the afternoon, we arrived at Hotel Villa Prats, conveniently located next to Manuel Antonio National Park. Its prime location offered easy walking the park, the beach, and a variety of great restaurants. 

Our Itinerary for the day

• Breakfast at Restaurante Monka in Puerto Jimenez

• Drive to Manuel Antonio

• Explore roadside attractions

• Lunch at Restaurante Terraba in Ojochal 

• Watch the sunset on Espadilla Beach

• Hotel Villa Prats

Day 9 - Zip Lining

We started the day with a delicious complimentary breakfast at Hotel Villa Prats. Afterward, we booked a zip-lining adventure with El Santuario Canopy Adventure Tours. They picked us up from our hotel and handled everything, making for a seamless and exciting experience, we highly recommend them! On the way back, we made a last-minute decision to be dropped off at El Avión Restaurant. It’s hard to miss, as it’s built around an old airplane with a fascinating history. Plus, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the Pacific.

Our Itinerary for the day

• El Santuario Canopy Adventure Tour

• Dinner at El Avion

Day 10 - Manuel Antonio

It's important to know that the park has timed entry, and tickets must be purchased online in advance. Staying within walking distance saved us the hassle of finding parking, which can be challenging. The park is closed on Tuesdays, and no food or water is allowed inside, so plan accordingly. I highly recommend arriving early when the park opens to avoid the crowds. We chose not to hire a guide and found that the Punta Catedral Trail was the best—it offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. With many trails to explore and plenty to see, it's well worth taking your time to soak in the natural beauty.

Our Itinerary for the day

• Manuel Antonio National Park 7:00 AM

Day 11 - Travel

We managed to squeeze in a few relaxing hours at the beach before beginning our drive back to San José. Our flight from Costa Rica to the East Coast went smoothly until we were reminded of the time difference. Costa Rica is on Central Time, but we landed in Eastern Time and, well... we missed our connecting flight.

Refusing to let the mishap derail our plans, we came up with the best solution we could at 10:00 p.m.: rent a car and drive through the night. The seven-and-a-half-hour journey wasn’t easy, but by taking turns behind the wheel every couple of hours, we made it home by morning. Just another unexpected twist—and another story for the books.

Our Itinerary for the day

• Espadilla Beach

• Drive to Fairfield by Marriott for the night

Summary

We had an incredible time in Costa Rica and are already thinking about a return trip—next time, to explore a different region of this beautiful country. 

Links to helpful Websites

Fincakobo

Hacienda Baru

Cabinas Jimenez

 Corcovado Surcos Tours

El Santuario Canopy Adventure Tour

 Manuel Antonio