This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Peninsula de Osa.

The stunning Peninsula de Osa is one of the most biodiverse places in the world and people come from near and far to visit the Corcovado National Park here on the west side of the peninsula. Given the fairly remote nature of the park, most of the hostels in Peninsula de Osa are located in three main centers that surround the park -- Bahia Drake, Puerto Jimenez and Carate. There may be other Peninsula de Osa hostels scattered in different locations, but these are the main ones with close access to the park and with the most amenities for preparing for your hiking adventures into the park.
Before coming here, make sure that you do your research. A reservation for merely entering the park is required and must be obtained from a visitors center and paid for at the National Bank, so it is a good idea to plan ahead. On Sundays the banks are not open so if you arrive on a Sunday and plan to do the park on a Monday, this will not happen.
There are an abundance of tour companies around the area that can organize guided hikes, rappelling waterfalls, nature walks, crocodile tours, coffee plantation tours -- the list is endless. If you choose, you can also do self-guided hikes and they have all the information in the tour offices. If you don't have a tent, you can sleep in the dorm at the Sirena Station inside the park. Even outside of the national parks, if you keep your eyes peeled in the spectacular jungle you will find all kinds of wildlife to make you smile.
Written by local enthusiast for Peninsula de Osa hostels
