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:
Costa Rica
Costa Rica, located in Central America, 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 rich country and culture.
Osa Peninsula & Puerto Jimenez
According to National Geographic Society, the Osa Peninsula is considered "The final frontier on Earth and the most biologically intense place on the planet". Home of Corcovado National Park, the Peninsula is the "off-the-beaten track" tourist destination, with breathtaking views of primary rainforest leading to white-sand beaches. The two largest towns on the Peninsula are Drake Bay (Northern end) and Puerto Jimenez (Southern end).
Puerto Jimenez, with a population of about 2000, is considered the largest town on the Peninsula. Although it is only comprised of one main street with a few unpaved side roads, the town has supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, an elementary and high school, a health clinic, a pharmacy, banks, tour operators, a bus stop, an airport, a public boat dock, and most anything you need. However, it is a small town, isolated from the rest of the country, and you will get to know people quickly.
There are several small villages out of town in both directions along the coast. The road out of town to the North is paved and excellent for biking. El Ceibo (Live the Osa homestay / lodging) is located in the small community of Ñeque and takes about 10 minutes by bike from Puerto Jimenez. Other nearby villages with internship options include Bambú, Gallardo, Sándalo and Cañaza.
San Jose
San José, the capital, is comprised of several "barrios" or neighborhoods. It is located in the Central Valley, either a 1 hour flight to Puerto Jimenez, or a 7 hour bus ride (see Travel section for more information). You will fly to the international airport, Juan Santamaría, which is in Alejuela, about 30 minutes from downtown San José. There are some interesting things to see in and around San José, but I do not recommend it for longer stays and I do not recommend walking around the city alone or after dark. Please see your guidebook for more information. Live the Osa offers a homestay and/or personal guide in San José, as well as a "trusted" taxi driver. (See Travel section)
