Are you in Costa Rica and wondering how to get to Puerto Jiménez from Drake Bay by SHUTTLE (👉price) or bus?
In this post I will tell you how to get to Puerto Jiménez from Bahía Drake and vice versa, the tickets prices, and how the journey is
How to get to PUERTO JIMÉNEZ (Costa RIca)
If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica (👉COSTA RICA GUIDE), you should know that it is a country characterized by the beauty of its beaches, mountains, volcanoes and the diversity of its wildlife.
If you’re foreigner planning a trip, in this link you can check the ✅ SANITARY REQUIREMENTS and get a VISA. Also, to help you travel without spending too much, in this link you’ll find ✈️ CHEAP FLIGHTS and a 💥10% DISCOUNT on your TRAVEL INSURANCE.
When browsing the internet during your trip, it is essential to use a 👉 QUALITY VPN to ensure your privacy and security. Additionally, bringing a ⭐ TRAVEL DEBIT CARD will help you avoid issues with carrying cash and reduce the risk of theft.
How to get to PUERTO JIMÉNEZ from BAHÍA DRAKE
You have two ways to make the journey from Puerto Jimenez to Drake Bay and vice versa: by shuttle or by bus.
I tell you the details about the two options:
HOW TO ARRIVE by shuttle
This is the most comfortable option since they will pick you up at the hotel and take you to your new accommodation in Puerto Jiménez. In addition, the vehicle is newer and has air conditioning.
I leave you two links where you can see the price and details of the transfer from Drake Bay to Puerto Jiménez and also the opposite route from Puerto Jiménez to Drake Bay.
HOW TO GET THERE BY colectivo (BUS)
After spending a few days in Drake Bay, I decided to end my trip by visiting Puerto Jiménez, a place that was not part of my itinerary. And luckily I went! because I liked Puerto Jiménez a lot and I lived from the best experiences of the trip.
1) That day I got up early (the bus passed at 5 in the morning), I had to book from the hostel, I’ve been told that it was more practical because that way I would stop at the door. Although at the beginning there was little light and the landscape could not be seen well, that journey was a super fun experience.
The road is not paved and goes through some rivers where there are crocodiles (although I did not see any) and, when I say that it goes through the river, I mean that there is no bridge, the bus circulated inside the river.
Plus there were pigs walking around so happily! Then I saw the sun rise and the beautiful Costa Rican landscape. All this adventure continued to La Palma and cost 4000 CRC.
2) The bus stop and the next bus stop are exactly in the same place; If you tell the driver that you are going to Puerto Jimenez, he will tell you where to get off. The schedules are very well done and just arriving from Drake Bay you can already see the bus approaching. The latter costs 970 CRC and will leave you in the town of Puerto Jiménez itself.
Useful stuff for your trip to Costa Rica
Below, you will find some products that will be very useful during your trip to Costa Rica.
In addition, the options that I recommend are committed to the environment/social causes and are vegan.
Waterproof windbreaker
Carrying a waterproof windbreaker in your suitcase is essential in case temperatures drop, it rains unexpectedly, or to go hiking.
When traveling, it’s important to choose a jacket that is lightweight, takes up little space and that you can use in different situations; that is to say, that transpires, is waterproof and has a hood to protect you properly from bad weather.
👉 Price windbreaker for MAN and windbreaker for WOMAN
Gopro 11 Black
The GOPRO 11 (👉 PRICE) is a great choice if you are visiting natural areas, practicing adventure sports or want to make videos underwater, e.g. while scuba diving or snorkeling.
In addition, with its stabilization and Horizon Lock function, it will allow you to make incredibly stable videos even in adverse situations (such as walking, running or riding a motorcycle). In addition, it comes with an amazing 5.3k image quality.
👉 GOPRO 11 PRICE + specs
3-in-1 hiking shoes
These La Sportiva shoes are designed to run in the mountains, thanks to this you can use them for hiking, go out to run and do tourism ; saving space in your suitcase.
They are made with goretex, which means they protect you from the inclement weather weather (such as rain, ice or cold) and are adherent to the ground. This makes them ideal for traveling due to their versatility.
👉 Price shoes for MAN and for shoes for WOMAN
Where to stay in Drake Bay
The Bahía Drake tourist hub is situated in Colorada Beach and has a variety of hotels and hostels, as well as two supermarkets and a few restaurants to choose from. Although there’s enough to cover daily essentials, the dining options aren’t exactly extensive.
Staying on Isla del Caño is prohibited, as it is a nature reserve and doesn’t offer any accommodation on the island.
Staying at Colorada Beach
Regarding Bahía Drake, I believe the only compelling reason to stay near the tourist zone is if you need to have access to a nearby supermarket.
Furthermore, one disadvantage is that the majority of accommodations are not located on the beach, but rather on an uphill road that’s not visually appealing.
JINETES DE OSA HOTEL (👉price) boasts a prime location with direct beach access and rooms offering sea views. It comes with a complimentary buffet breakfast and massage services, ensuring a relaxing stay.
JACAMAR (👉price) is a hotel close to the restaurants area and has the added convenience of free private parking. It provides massage services and rooms with private balconies, ensuring a comfortable stay.
SUKIA (👉price) is a hostel that only offers shared dorms and is surrounded by nature. It has a hammock area for socializing and relaxation, as well as a small restaurant for mealtime enjoyment.
Staying at another beach
If you’re only planning on staying in the area for a few days, I believe it’s a better option to choose another beach where you can experience a more relaxed atmosphere, immerse yourself in nature, and have the ocean right in front of you.
Staying in the center of the trail will be extremely convenient for shorter hikes, allowing you to explore the beaches along the trail at a more leisurely pace.
At OCEAN FOREST ECOLODGE (👉price), you’ll be staying in charming wooden cabins located right on Rincón de San Josecito beach. The property boasts a garden and a restaurant that serves up local cuisine, as well as a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
SUNSET TUCANO LODGE (👉price) features cabins with breathtaking views of the sea and comfortable hammocks for you to relax in. The room rate includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and parking is provided for free.
BELLA VISTA CORCOVADO (👉price)) is situated on the gorgeous Rincón beach and offers accommodation that includes a garden, free private parking, and a bar with amazing views of the bay.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
GITANA HOTEL (👉price) is the perfect place to rest and relax and it also features a restaurant serving delicious meals. The rooms come with a terrace or sea views, allowing you to enjoy a surroundings close to nature.
LIFE FOR LIFE (👉price) is also the home of a sea turtle conservation project on San Josecito Beach. It offers options for private rooms and shared dorms and has a restaurant serving local food.
CORCOVADO JUNGLE HOSTEL (👉price) is a unique place in the middle of nature, located right next to Caletas Beach and has its own restaurant. It offers options for 2-person camping tents and shared dorms.
Where to stay in Puerto Jiménez
There are two areas that I recommend to stay in Puerto Jiménez, depending on whether you are looking for something calmer or to have more facilities.
More facilities
First there is the most central area (that of the town itself), here you will have several restaurants and a large supermarket. Within the town, the best area to stay is next to the beach, since the views are prettier and there is more atmosphere. The only drawback I see is that it is a bit far from the main supermarket.
More relaxed
If you are looking for something further from the downtown area to be able to enjoy the beach and relax, I recommend that you stay at Playa Preciosa.
It is a beach not far from the center of Puerto Jiménez (you can get there by bike) and the beach is long and quiet. You can spend the afternoon on a sun lounger and enjoy nature.
relaxed and a bit far
There are also quite a few accommodations in Cabo Matapalo; although they are far from the center of Puerto Jiménez. The advantage of staying here is that the beaches are very beautiful, you will be in the middle of the jungle and you can visit the waterfalls!
There are very nice hotels next to the beach, and they will be perfect to unwind for a few days. You can get to Cabo Matapalo by private transport or by bus.
Tours in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a country with a wide variety of fauna and nature. You can visit volcanoes, national parks, towering waterfalls, sunbathe at the beach, go kayaking,…
There are different TOURS and ACTIVITIES that you can do during your trip, and that will help you to access places and learn things that would cost you more on your own. Here are some for you to make the most of your stay:
What to do in Bahía Drake
The main attraction of Drake Bay and its surroundings are the paradisiacal beaches, the fauna, and scuba diving and snorkeling. I will tell you about some of the places and activities that you cannot miss during your stay.
Playa Cocolito
Playa Cocolito is one of the beaches on the trail, and it’s pretty quiet. It is divided in two by a small stone wall and provides a little more privacy.
There is a grassy area to lie down where people usually gather, and it has a hotel where you can spend the night.
Río Claro (River)
Río Claro is located on the Drake Bay trail, and flows into a beautiful beach where turtles nest.
There is a small refuge there that accepts volunteers to work with the sea turtles and, if you pass by around 4 in the afternoon, you can also see the release and make a small donation.
The people of the refuge also organize boat trips on the river to finance their expenses and, when the tide is high, they can cross you to the other side for a small fee.
Playa Caletas
Playa Caletas seemed to me to be one of the best beaches in Drake Bay, and although it has a hotel on the beach itself, it is not at all noisy, but you can easily find yourself alone.
It is super neat and tidy, and you can peacefully swing on a wooden swing while admiring the views. When I went, I could see two eagles trying to catch a pelican with no luck.
Isla del Caño
Isla del Caño is a protected park that is located just off the coast of Drake Bay.
Tours are organized for snorkeling (70 $US) and diving (2 dives for 135 $US) and a short stop is made on the island. The seascape is very beautiful, it is full of towering columns of coral.
Warning: it is not a type of snorkel that I would recommend for people who are afraid of deep water, since you will be swimming in the open sea and the depth is about 10m.
Playa de San Josecito
San Josecito beach is located at one of the ends that runs along the coast. It is a good place to have a picnic and rest while hiking. Also, you will find fresh coconuts! (In this link I tell you how to open coconuts with your own hands).
In the area of San Josecito + Rincón de San Josecito there are several accommodations and restaurants where you can eat. Compared to Playa Colorada (the main beach), it is a nicer and quieter option to spend the night.
What to do in Puerto Jiménez
Puerto Jiménez is not one of the main tourist places in the country, and most people who end up here aim to visit the Corcovado National Park.
It is a great idea to spend a few extra days in this corner of Costa Rica, since it has beautiful places that are worth visiting. For me, it was one of the best stops on the route.
kayak to see the dolphins and CROCODILEs
In the dock area they rent kayaks to make an excursion in Puerto Jiménez from the sea to the lagoons. You can venture on your own or go with a guide, who will tell you about the place.
The mouth of the river that leads to the lagoon area is an ideal location since it is the territory of crocodiles and, at the same time, dolphins can be seen.
It is a very beautiful excursion to do, both for the natural landscape and for the fauna that you can see.
PLAYA Preciosa
Playa Preciosa is a very long beach that is quite close to the center of Puerto Jiménez and has some accommodations.
It is a wild beach with an area of palapas and the sea is suitable for taking a dip. The landscape is very natural, and it is a quiet place away from the crowds.
It’s a good option for a half-day excursion, but take sunscreen because there’s not much shade on this beach!
crocodiles park
It is a park next to the lagoon where wild crocodiles calmly inhabit. But without bars or any kind of protection, they run around freely while people stroll or sit quietly on a bench.
You can also observe other animals such as monkeys and different types of birds. I recommend that you go as it is a fun place and in the heart of Puerto Jiménez.
To complete the experience of this crocodile park, the entrance is half hidden in the bushes and makes it an adventure out of a book.
Is Costa Rica Safe to Travel?
Costa Rica is a moderately dangerous country, where nothing should happen to you if you go carefully and take precautions. Remember to follow these recommendations:
- In case of robbery, do not resist physically.
- Do not show a high purchasing power, that is, do not go with jewels, bags, etc … that are expensive.
- Be careful if you go out at night, and stay in crowded places where you are surrounded by other people.
- Thefts are usual, so don’t go with the camera or mobile in your hand or hang out of your neck.
- Try to avoid carrying the backpack on the back. Put it in front of you, or use a belt pouch or a cross bag.
Personally, I spent 3 months traveling alone in Costa Rica (I visited San José, Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero, Dominical, Uvita, Bay Drake and Puerto Jiménez) and I did not find myself in any really serious situation.
Going down the street with the camera, several Costa Rican people approached and warned me that they were carefully with robberies, since they told me that they are very frequent.
In my case, during the trip they tried to steal 2 times and, luckily, I realized on time and I could avoid it. In any case, it is always a good idea to have travel insurance that can compensate you financially and help you if a medical emergency occurs.
👉 If you are interested in traveling alone, I recommend this article about the reasons and benefits of traveling alone and this other article with tips for traveling alone being a woman. I encourage you to try it since it is a great and very profitable experience for oneself.
Eating Vegan in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is not a country faced with vegan food. Anyway, they have some traditional dishes that are vegan or that you can ask without egg or sauces such as the pico of rooster (rice with beans for breakfast), black bean soup or rice with vegetables.
You should always ask if the purés or soups are made with some type of dairy product or meat broth, since at first glance they might seem vegan dishes but not be.
In San José you can find some vegan restaurants, but when you leave the capital the offer is very limited or non -existent. Next, I make three recommendations and in this link you can read tips to travel vegan.
- Try to stay in hotels that are characterized by cooking vegan and vegetarian dishes. This is the best option and the most practical for not having to be looking for places where to eat comfortable without always repeating the same dishes.
- Before going on a tour that includes a meal, always mention that you are vegan or vegetarian, so that they can adapt the food.
- Costa Rica is a country where you can find a variety of fresh products (fruits and vegetables) to prepare salads and breakfast with fruits. In any city or town, you will easily find some supermarket or stalls on the street where you can buy groceries.
