Trip Logistics

  • Once you have chosen your dates, you should look into airline tickets. Prices vary dramatically depending on the time of year. You want to fly into San José (SJO), Juan Santamaría Airport. Be sure to double-check your arrival city.

    Upon arrival in San José, you will be met by our recommended taxi driver. Depending on your arrival time, it is possible to do the whole trip to the Osa on the same day. Remember to leave enough time to get through customs and across town to the bus station or domestic airport.

 

Domestic Travel

  • Live the Osa recommends SANSA. Ticket reservations can be made online or through Helaine’s contact in Puerto Jimenez. The SANSA domestic airport is next to the San Jose International airport and the flight to Puerto Jimenez is about 45 minutes.

  • The public bus takes about 7 hours and although it is much less expensive than flying, it is not as safe. I do not recommend that females take the bus alone. The bus may be a better option for your return, once you know the people and culture. The bus stop is in a dangerous section of San José, so please have our taxi driver assist you. The busses leave San José twice a day. You should arrive at the bus stop at least 30 minutes ahead of time to get a ticket. See Guidebook or Costa Rica bus schedule website for details.

  • You can read more about San José here, as well as a Guidebook. If your flight times require that you stay in the city overnight, I recommend having a reservation in advance. San Lorenzo Inn is Live the Osa’s recommended hotel. They also provide transportation to and from the airport.

 

  • Live the Osa's top priority is health and safety. Upon acceptance, you will receive a "Handbook" explaining the details of how to prevent health and safety issues, as well as what to do in case of an emergency. Upon arrival in Puerto Jimenez, Marlene, your "host mom", will also give an extensive orientation about health and safety issues in the area. She will also assist all interns with any issues at any time.

Excursions

While on the Osa, you should make sure you see some of the amazing things this area of the country has to offer. Ask Marlene for suggestions on tour guides, transportation and things to see or consult your Guidebook. Note that most internships will not be scheduled on the weekends. However, some stores, restaurants and hotels could accommodate an intern for a weekend if desired. Also, schools are closed from mid-December to mid-February and the first two weeks in July.

  • -Matapalo, for a remote beach and surfing location

    -Playa Preciosa, for a beautiful beach and Friday night dancing

    -Animal Refuge (across Gulf)

    -Casa Orquideas Botanical Garden (across Gulf)

    -Kayaking in mangroves

    -Rainforest hikes or horseback tour

    -Carate (entrance to Corcovado National Park)

    -Luna Lodge (yoga retreat center)

    -Boat trip in Gulf (dolphin watching and fishing)

    -Public boat to Golfito

  • -Corcovado National Park

    -Friends of the Osa Turtle Nesting Project

    -Cerro de Osa Rainforest Research Center

    -Luna Lodge (yoga retreat center)

    -Carate

    -Guaymi Indigenous Reservation

    -Drake Bay

    -Panama

Info about Costa Rica

Once you are accepted to your program of choice, you will receive the Live the Osa Handbook, which will provide you will extensive details necessary for your experience.

In the meantime, you should learn as much as possible about Costa Rica. It is truly an amazing country. With wonderful people, beautiful landscapes, and bountiful nature. It is a place you don't just go to once.

Use your guidebook or the Internet to gain as much background information as possible before arrival. The more you know, the more you can immerse yourself into this country and culture.

There are several guidebooks on the market. I recommend The Lonely Planet, which gives an excellent overview of the country, people, and culture, as well as suggestions for hotels, restaurants, and things to do! Recommended websites include: