FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Interesting information before you travel

MOST ASKED

What should I pack?

  • We recommend packing as light as possible. Light, quick dry-clothing is best, since it is never cold and can be hot and humid. During the rainy season, a pair of lightweight long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a rain jacket are also useful. Don’t forget your swimsuit!
  • The most practical footwear includes one pair of hiking boots or sturdy shoes (trail sneakers), plus sandals for lounging.
  • A hat, sunblock, and sunglasses are very important for sun protection.
  • Your own basic medical set & your personal meds. If you have allergies, don’t forget your meds and Epipen!
  • Our rooms are designed so that the morning light comes in naturally. Make sure to pack your sleeping eye mask if you prefer to sleep in the dark.
  • Don’t forget your camera, binoculars, and a good flashlight.
  • A reusable water bottle is recommended. If you forget, we can provide you with one (on loan or to purchase) of our reusable bottles during your stay.
  • A journal, if you like to write or paint. A good book is also a great idea.

Please note that our solar power system provides us all with 24-hours of daily electricity, but high consumption devices such as hair dryers, flat-irons/curlers, and coffee makers CANNOT be used. We kindly request you not use these items.

Excess luggage? If you are on a multi-destination trip and have a lot of luggage (with cooler-weather clothes, for example), we’d be happy to assist with arrangements to leave secured luggage behind in San Jose, to streamline your trip to El Remanso.

Which Travel Documents Do I need?

Costa Rican Entry Requirements

https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements

(If you need a negative Covid Test before returning to your home country, we can easily assist you. Please inquire us for more information)

You will need a valid passport. We recommend that you double-check with your State Department/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding entry and travel requirements to Costa Rica, including minimum passport validity (# months from date-of-entry) for your country’s passport.

Citizens from the UE, US, Canada, and Australia do not need a Visa.

Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements: If you have traveled to South America or Africa prior to your trip to Costa Rica, you may need a yellow fever vaccine to enter the country. Current information may be found on the Costa Rican Embassy website, but please double-check before your arrival.

What Weather Should I Expect?

Costa Rica has two main seasons: the dry season (December – April) and the green season, aka rainy season (May – November).

In general terms, on the Osa Peninsula, you can usually expect dry weather from December through April, with a few scattered showers per month. March and April are normally the driest months of the year. The beginning of the rainy season is from May to July when it will usually rain a few times a week, often in the afternoon, but you’ll enjoy sunny days outside of the “rainy hours”. Late August through early November bring the heaviest rains, usually with sunny mornings, cloudy afternoons, and rain in the evenings. The temperature stays in the upper 70s and 80s Fahrenheit (25-35 degrees Celsius), with the hottest time being March and April.

If you believe the travel guides, the green or rainy season is something to be avoided. We do not agree with this, at all. We live here and we actually believe that the months from May to November are very pleasant, as the temperatures are a bit cooler and a smattering of rain showers will not prevent you from enjoying the wonders of El Remanso and the Osa Peninsula. Additionally, wildlife is active for longer periods of time during the rainy season, so amazing sightings are possible. It’s also whale & turtle season, and that’s a treat in itself!

How Do I Get to El Remanso?

El Remanso Rainforest Wildlife Lodge is located on the Osa Peninsula, in the southwestern corner of Costa Rica. We are 22 kilometers west of Puerto Jimenez, halfway between Puerto Jimenez and Carate on the road to Corcovado National Park. If you’re looking at a map, we are located on the Pacific side of the Peninsula, just around the corner from the Cape of the Golfo Dulce (Matapalo).

You can either fly to Puerto Jimenez (we can always assist you with domestic flights) or you can make the drive in a 4×4.

(See our driving directions).

See complete information about how to get here.

Please contact us for further information. We’re happy to help.

Are there a lot of bugs or mosquitoes?

We sometimes say that El Remanso has a “privileged” location, usually in reference to the incredible habitats and biodiversity of the peninsula. But, there’s another reason we’re privileged: Insects at El Remanso are far less common than most of our guests expect; you may not even need to apply any repellent during your stay!

That said, we do recommend packing environmentally safe/natural bug repellent (we also have some available for purchase), in case you eventually find it necessary.

When, Where & How?

YOUR RESERVATION

How Far in Advance Should I Book?

We are a small family lodge with only 14 rooms/villas, so we recommend checking availability and making your reservation, at your earliest convenience. For reference, we are usually 100% booked within 6+ months of our Holiday and High Season, and about 2+ months in advance in our Green Season. Last-minute bookings are easier between May and November.

How Long Should I Stay?

As we are on the Osa Peninsula and there is so much to see and do, we recommend 4-5 night stays. Of course, if you want to stay longer, you won’t be bored! And, if you can’t make it for more than 2 or 3 nights, we will do our best to help you make the best of it!

When is Check-In / Check-Out?

Check-in and check-out are at 2:00 p.m. and 11 a.m., respectively. However, we try to be as flexible as possible in accommodating your needs. So, please let us know.

We will always provide an early check-in and check-out, when possible. If it is not possible, we will always provide you with a full bathroom and luggage storage, in the interim.

What Do Your Rates Include?

Our rates include your accommodations, taxes, and three delicious meals per day. Our rates are very competitive and offer great value for your money.

Please note that flights, transfers, tours, and drinks at the bar are extra. The only exception is with our packages: everything stated in the package, including tours and other extras, is included in your rate.

What is Your Cancelation Policy?

Our cancelation policy varies according to the season of your stay:

HOLIDAY SEASON – December 19th to January 4th

Our rates are refundable, EXCEPT:

  1. Any expenses related to refunding your money.
  2. If you cancel between 90 and 60 days of scheduled arrival, 50% of the total will be forfeited
  3. If you cancel within 59 of scheduled arrival or don’t show, you shall be responsible for 100% payment in full.

– Cancellation policies may apply to modifications or night reductions made 90 days or less prior to the arrival date.
– If the case of “no-show,” 100% of the reservation total will be charged.
– In the event the canceled room is resold, reimbursement will be made in full.
– Pre-paid services, such as flights, transfers or tours, booked in advance, are non-refundable.

In order to be covered for possible cancellation, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.

(Cancellation Policy for groups and workshops, events and retreats to be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact [email protected].)

 

HIGH SEASON – January 5th to April 30th & December 1st to December 18th

Our rates are refundable, EXCEPT:

  1. Any expenses related to refunding your money.
  2. If you cancel between 60 and 45 days of scheduled arrival, 50% of the total will be forfeited
  3. If you cancel within 44 days of scheduled arrival or don’t show, you shall be responsible for payment in full.

– Cancellation policies may apply to modifications or night reductions made 60 days or less prior to the arrival date.
– If the case of “no-show,” 100% of the reservation total will be charged.
– In the event the canceled room is resold, reimbursement will be made in full.
– Pre-paid services, such as flights, transfers or tours, booked in advance, are non-refundable.

In order to be covered for possible cancellation, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.

(Cancellation Policy for groups and workshops, events and retreats to be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact [email protected].)

 

GREEN SEASON – May 1st to November 30th

Our rates are refundable, EXCEPT:

  1. Any expenses related to refunding your money.
  2. If you cancel between 45 and 15 days of scheduled arrival, 50% of the total will be forfeited
  3. If you cancel within 14 days of scheduled arrival or don’t show, you shall be responsible for payment in full.

– Cancellation policies may apply to modifications or night reductions made 45 days or less prior to the arrival date.
– If the case of “no-show,” 100% of the reservation total will be charged.
– In the event the canceled room is resold, reimbursement will be made in full.
– Pre-paid services, such as flights, transfers or tours, booked in advance, are non-refundable.

In order to be covered for possible cancellation, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.

(Cancellation Policy for groups and workshops, events and retreats to be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact [email protected].)

Should I Purchase Travel Insurance?

Yes! Most travellers don’t know that they can protect their vacation investment against most penalties, should they have to cancel for any number of covered reasons, including someone in the party getting ill or injured, a non-travelling family member getting sick, or inclement weather closing roads or airports.

Contracting travel insurance is highly recommended, both for medical expenses or last-minute trip cancelation before or during the trip. Check with your insurance company for possible coverage and bring copies of your policy.

Do You Accept Credit Cards?


Yes, we accept both Visa and MasterCard for any payments at the lodge.

What is Customary, in Terms of Tipping & Gratuities?

Tipping is voluntary but customary in Costa Rica’s travel sector. If you have enjoyed your stay with us and want to give our staff a little extra, it is certainly welcome and an excellent way to show appreciation for hard work.

If you prefer, you may take care of gratuities upon check-out. With the exception of tips for our Tour Guides, all general gratuities will be divided among the entire team. If you would like to tip an individual guide or staff member, we recommend you do that directly under her/his name (also possible at check out).

YOUR STAY

DOES EL REMANSO HAVE A POOL?

Yes, there is a pool next to the restaurant with a nice view of the forest canyon and the ocean. Bar service is available at the pool.

DO I HAVE TO BOOK TOURS IN ADVANCE?

Knowing your interests in advance is beneficial for us to tailor your experience accordingly.
The only tour requiring prior organization is the Corcovado National Park excursion, as entry tickets and logistics must be purchased and arranged in advance. Please make sure to contact us if you are interested in taking this tour.
We will usually organize your included internal guided tours upon arrival, after your introduction to the lodge. You will also be able to request our adventure tours (Zip Lining and Waterfall Rappelling) as well as other external tours that we operate with experienced tour operators in the area.
Our concierge team stands ready to assist you in crafting your ideal itinerary.

WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?

All meals are included in your stay at El Remanso and the menu is “à la carte”.• Smoothies/fruit drinks, sodas, and alcoholic beverages are charged separately.
• Every meal at El Remanso is made fresh to order, and every smoothie is crafted from fresh fruit.
• We work with fresh ingredients of the highest quality, produced locally by responsible farmers with organic certification.
• We serve only sustainably caught fish, and shellfish. If an ingredient is not available locally and/or sustainably sourced, it’s not on our menu.
• Every dish is 100% adaptable to your dietary requirements. We are meticulous about accommodating allergies and special diets, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan meals.
• If you have food allergies, dietary restrictions, or other special requests, please let us know upon your arrival or as you order your next meal.

IS THE WATER AT THE LODGE DRINKABLE?

The water at the lodge comes from our own spring inside the property and is potable (and delicious!) It is regularly tested in a laboratory, following Costa Rican regulations. Furthermore, all water is treated with a UV filter system before it gets to the lodge.

DO YOU OFFER WIFI-INTERNET CONNECTION?

YES! We do offer a WIFI internet connection in all our Villas, Bungalows and Rooms.
We also have WIFI at the reception/ lobby.
The lodge is located in one of the most remote areas of the Osa Peninsula and there is no cell phone reception.

DO YOU HAVE AIR CONDITIONING IN THE ROOMS?

No.
El Remanso Lodge is run exclusively with our own solar and micro-hydro system. Although this 100% renewable energy system offers 24-hour a day reliable and clean electricity, we cannot run air conditioners. The open-layout architecture of the villas, bungalows and rooms and 52 inch fans enable a nice cross-flow of fresh air in the rooms. During the night, temperatures usually decrease enabling a nice sleep.

TRAILS AT THE LODGE

El Remanso Lodge features a 5 mile (8km) long trail system with access to a secluded beach with tide pools, along suspension bridges, waterfalls and viewpoints. Upon your arrival we will give you a trail map and you are welcome to explore the trails on your own. However, we also recommend that you go out with one of our resident naturalist guides, to make the most out of the experience in this incredible rainforest!

More Questions?

Contact us for help!

MEDICAL & SAFETY

Is the Water Safe to Drink at El Remanso?

Yes. We have our own spring, which provides us with great-tasting, clean and safe drinking water, all year-round. As a safety measure, our water passes through a sediment filter and a UV filter for sanitization. We recommend you drink a lot of water during your stay to avoid getting dehydrated!

Is the Beach at El Remanso Safe for Swimming?

No. The Pacific beach closest to the El Remanso – just a short walk down to the sea – offers a spectacular setting and dramatic encounters with the rainforest and ocean.

While the ocean currents are too rough to allow for safe swimming (certain hours), there are safe tide pools located just a short walk down the beach. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing swim and soak. Tide pool hours – they change daily – are always posted in our restaurant.

What If I Have a Special Medical Condition?

Should you have special medical needs, please let us know through your agency or our reservations team, and we will do everything we can to assist you, including advising you on which lodging option is best suited to your needs.

Upon reservation, please make sure to mention if you have any mobility issues and/or severe allergies (wasps & bees, nuts, other foods, etc.). We will do everything to accommodate you in the best way possible.

What Happens if I Get Sick or Have a Medical Emergency?

Puerto Jimenez has a basic clinic with a 24-hour doctor and ambulance on call. For any serious conditions, San Jose is a 45-minute flight from Puerto Jimenez by air ambulance. In Puerto Jimenez, we also have a few private practices with good doctors and two pharmacies. Golfito’s Main Hospital is only 20 minutes away by ambulance-boat.

Medical care in Costa Rica is of very high quality and is considered to be the best in Central America. San Jose, especially, has excellent modern health care facilities with doctors trained in the US and Europe. Clinica Biblica and Hospital Cima are among the best.

For any serious medical problem, please contact our Guest Experience Team or/and Manager so that we may best help you.

→ There will always be an on-call Manager and Driver at the lodge (24/7) ←

We also have an automated external defibrillator (AED) onsite at El Remanso. In case of emergency, please notify a staff member immediately, so we can coordinate the necessary support. If you have medical training or immediate action is required, guests are authorized to use the AED.

For your safety, our guides, drivers and restaurant staff receive yearly Emergency First Aid and CPR training.

Your Medications: Please make sure you bring a sufficient supply of your personal medications, as the pharmacies in Puerto Jimenez may not have the exact product you need.

How Can My Family Reach Me?

We know that your loved ones at home may want to reach you during your stay at El Remanso. To do so, they may either contact us via our office phone ((+506) 2735 5569) during business hours (8 am to 5 pm Costa Rica time, Mon-Sun) or via email to [email protected], which we check very frequently.

For an urgent matter or if you are expecting important news from home during your stay, our Guest Experience Team can also be reached by Whatsapp (only text message) at (+506) 8338-6864 // (+506) 8367-6093 // (+506) 8856-5640.