You’re in a rainforest. What is the weather like there?
The temperature in the rainforest stays in the upper 70s to 80s Fahrenheit (25-35 degrees Celsius), with the hottest time being March and April. Costa Rica has two main seasons: the dry season (December – April) and the green season (May – November). During the dry season, it rains very little and the wildlife becomes less active; during the green season, flowers bloom, everything becomes more green, it’s whale and turtle season, and wildlife babies are born so all living things are quite active.
From May to July, it will usually rain a few times a week, often in the afternoon for an hour or so. It will often be sunny in the morning and after the afternoon rain, the temperature will be cooler. Late August through early November bring the heaviest rains, usually with sunny mornings, cloudy afternoons, and rain in the evenings.
Do I need any special visa, travel papers, or vaccines to enter Costa Rica?
You will need a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Check with your State Department/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding minimum passport validity (# months from date-of-entry or from passport expiration date). Citizens from the EU, Schengen, UK, US, Canada, and Australia do not need a Visa. 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 our country. For more detailed information, go to https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements.
How do I get to El Remanso?
The Osa Peninsula is the most southwestern portion of Costa Rica. El Remanso is south of Corcovado National Park and west of Puerto Jimenez, on the Pacific Ocean very near the peninsula’s tip. You can either fly to Puerto Jimenez (we can always assist you with domestic flights) where we will pick you up in a company vehicle, or you can make the drive in a 4×4. (See our driving directions).
If you are arriving through Puerto Jimenez, along the route to El Remanso your driver can point out and make stops to see the various wildlife present. The trip from Puerto Jimenez will take about 45 minutes with no stops and the road is rugged and can get bumpy, particularly the closer you get to El Remanso. Though we didn’t orchestrate that, it’s almost as though the closer you get, the more you will feel your rainforest adventure has begun!
Do I need travel insurance?
It is our recommendation that you do purchase separate traveler insurance. A reputable policy will protect your vacation investment against most penalties should you have to cancel. Good policies will cover cancellation if someone in your party getting ill or injured, a non-travelling family member getting sick, or inclement weather closing roads or airports. You can also purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses and last-minute cancellations. If you do purchase travel insurance, be sure to bring a copy of your policy with you.
Is El Remanso all-inclusive?
El Remanso is not all-inclusive in the way that Caribbean resorts are, though nearly everything you need to have a fantastic experience is included in your booking. A stay with us includes tasteful accommodations, transportation, three full-menu custom-prepared meals per day, bellhop, concierge, and daily housekeeping services, access to the lodge’s pool and hiking trails, a selection of nature guided activities and tours, and optional, additional for-fee adventure activities, excursions, and wellness treatments. You are entitled to choose one activity or tour per night’s stay. Smoothies/ fruit drinks, sodas, and alcoholic beverages are charged separately. All additional costs also include taxes. Gratuities are not included and optional, though welcomed.
Is El Remanso family-friendly?
Yes, families with children are welcome to El Remanso. Several of our units are large or multi-room. El Remanso can add twin-sized beds to most lodging accommodations, with special rates for each added child under 12.
Is El Remanso suitable for a honeymoon or romantic vacation?
Yes! El Remanso is an ideal location for romance! It is secluded, private, exciting, and WILD! In fact, we can give you at least seven reasons why you should consider El Remanso for your honeymoon or next romantic get-away!
How far away are the nearest medical facilities?
The nearest medical facilities are in the town of Puerto Jiménez, about 45 minutes away. It has a private day clinic plus a basic emergency clinic with a 24-hour doctor on call. Our Guest Experience team members and Managers, as well as all of our tour guides, drivers, and restaurant team members have Emergency First Aid and CPR training.
Do you allow pets at El Remanso?
Because El Remanso is located in a wildlife refuge, we cannot allow any pets. We only allow service dogs, which must be first sanctioned by the Lodge. If you have a service dog, please reach out to a member of El Remanso’s reservation team to discuss our policies on service dogs: reservations@elremanso.com.
Is El Remanso air-conditioned?
No, we cool El Remanso naturally. El Remanso is off the country’s power grid and committed to sustainability. This also means no diesel-powered generators. Instead, we are very proud to produce our own power exclusively with our own solar and micro-hydro-electric systems. This 100% renewable energy system offers 24-hour-a-day reliable and clean electricity to power our entire property, but it is not enough power to run air conditioners. The open layout of our accommodations and 60” fans facilitate the crossflow of fresh air throughout the rooms. Nighttime brings cooling temperatures and breezes.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, the water at the lodge comes from our own spring inside the property and is treated with a UV filter system before it gets to the lodge. It is regularly tested in a laboratory, following Costa Rican regulations. It is refreshing, delicious, fresh spring water! Please bring your own reusable water container. To avoid the use of plastics, El Remanso also does not provide beverages, including water, bottled in plastic.
What are the meals like? I have special dietary requirements. Can you accommodate my needs?
All three full-menu exquisite-tasting meals are included in your stay at El Remanso, but also every meal is made fresh to order. If you have food allergies, dietary restrictions, or other special requests, we will want to know upon your booking or your arrival. In our restaurant bar, you can order fresh fruit smoothies or alcoholic beverages (not included in your room rate package). There’s also a self-serve coffee and tea available all day.
You might also like to know that the food we serve is sustainably and locally harvested and organically grown. If an ingredient is not available locally and/or sustainably sourced, it’s not on our menu. And of course, the coffee we serve is locally grown and roasted Costa Rican coffee! Coffee can be delivered to your room in the morning, as well.
What is there to do at El Remanso?
Our entire 185-acre (75 hectares) property has everything you need for an incredible, one-of-kind, immersive experience in the wild: 8 km (5 miles) of hiking trails, hanging and elevated bridges, wildlife and birdwatching tours led by trained and highly-knowledgeable guides, adventure activities such as zipline and waterfall rappelling, solitary oceanfront beach, tidal pools, lookout points, amazing gastronomic meals, hotel pool with chaise lounges, a wellness center, and even a nocturnal experience. If that’s not enough, we can also take you off-property to nearby surfing beaches, kayaking and horseback riding excursions, and dolphin and whale watching boat tours. Though El Remanso boasts nearly all the very same wildlife on its own property, it can also arrange for you to take an all-day tour of Corcovado National Park.
Do I need to book my activities in advance?
The only activity requiring advanced booking is the Corcovado National Park excursions, as the park limits total daily entry so tickets and logistics must be purchased and arranged ahead of time. Please make sure to let us know as soon as possible if you are interested in taking a Corcovado tour. Otherwise, feel free to study our website for the kinds of tours and activities we offer. If you’d like, let us know your preferences ahead of time. Our reservation team can suggest an activity itinerary for you, and, in coordination with our expert tour guides and guest service team, can recommend the best times for the tours you’d like to ensure that you have the most rewarding experience. We can also organize your additional on- or off-site activities, guided tours, or excursions. These include our on-site zipline and waterfall rappelling adventure activities, as well as other experiences such as dolphin and whale watching, horseback riding, and surfing with local tour operators that we book for you once you’re actually here. All activities can be planned out ahead of time, but your actual activity bookings and day’s agenda will be confirmed after check-in.
What’s the electricity and voltage at the hotel?
Our electrical current matches the Costa Rican standard: 110 volts. This is the same standard as the U.S. and normal U.S.-style two prong plugs (or three pronged if grounded) will work here.
Is there cellular phone service or Internet?
The lodge is located in one of the most remote areas of the Osa Peninsula where there is no cell phone reception. We do offer free in-room and lobby wifi. Before you visit, you may want to download a messaging app like WhatsApp or Signal in order to communicate with family back home. Your mobile devices may also allow texting over wifi. Check yours before you travel.
Do I have to know Spanish at El Remanso?
No, all front of house staff who deal with guests speak fluent English…though if you’d like to practice your Spanish, our staff will enjoy helping you so don’t be shy!
If we need to communicate with you prior to our arrival, how do we reach you?
If your reservation has been made through a travel agent, contact us directly at info@elremanso.com; if you have booked a direct reservation with us, contact our reservations team at reservations@elremanso.com.
If you are en route to us and encounter a challenge that requires contacting us, use WhatsApp to get in touch with a member of our Guest Experience team: +506 8359 1047. (Please note that this number is NOT for guest reservations. If you want to speak to someone about booking a stay with us, call +506 4000-2442 or send an email to reservations@elremanso.com)
How early should I book my stay at El Remanso?
As a small, family-run lodge with just 16 rooms and villas, we recommend reserving as early as possible. If your preferred dates are not showing as available online, please contact us directly at reservations@elremanso.com – we may have options not listed online. Our team will gladly explore all possibilities to make your stay with us a reality!
How long should we stay at El Remanso?
There is so much to see and do on our property alone…and that’s not counting off-site excursions! The Osa is remote, and to make your visit truly worthwhile for the distance to travel here, we recommend 4-5 night stays. Of course, if you want to stay longer, you won’t be bored! If you can only visit for 2 or 3 nights, we will do our best to still make it extraordinary.
How close are the beaches? Are they safe for swimming? What about surfing?
The ocean at El Remanso is not safe for swimming. There is a strong and dangerous rip tide. You can, however, walk along the beach in either direction and during low and mid-tide, you can take advantage of the exposed tidal pools and lagoon for a wholly unique experience.
If you want to swim in the ocean, please let us know. Ocean swimming conditions can vary daily based on tides and weather. If conditions permit, El Remanso’s beach shuttle can take you to a beach you can swim at. You will just need to speak to one of lodge’s concierges to arrange this. And, of course, you can take advantage of the lodge pool from morning until 6pm.
If you’re wanting to go surfing, El Remanso can definitely help. We can transport you to excellent nearby surfing beaches and arrange for lessons if you’re looking for instruction.
How are the insects and mosquitoes there?
We sometimes say that El Remanso has a “privileged” location, usually in reference to the incredible habitats and biodiversity of the peninsula, but our location is also an asset with respect to insects: They are far less common than most of our guests expect. This is because we have consistent ocean breezes and very little standing water that commonly attract unwelcome mosquitoes and other bugs. That said, we do recommend packing environmentally safe/natural bug repellent (we also have some available for purchase) as well as long pants for hikes and off-premise excursions.
What should we pack?
Be practical, think casual. You do not need much here. Pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing. It is never cold, it’s often humid, and it feel hot. A pair of long pants and a long-sleeved shirt can be useful for hikes, a hat, sunblock, and sunglasses are very important for sun protection, and it can’t hurt to bring a rain jacket. Don’t forget your swimsuit! Your footwear should include a pair of hiking boots or sturdy shoes (trail sneakers) plus sandals or flip-flops for lounging. El Remanso also has laundry service for a small fee.
As for accessories and supplies, we recommend a reusable water bottle, binoculars, a good pocket flashlight, a camera, and your own basic first-aid kit plus your prescription medications (if you have allergies, don’t forget your Epipen!). You may want to bring a sleeping mask, ear plugs, a good book, and a journal and/or a sketch pad and pens.
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.
What time is Check-In / Check-Out?
Check-in and check-out are at 2:00 p.m. and 11 a.m., respectively. We will always provide an early check-in and late check-out, when possible. If it is not possible, we will store your luggage and make a full bathroom available to you.
Is someone always available on property in case of emergency?
Yes, by day there are always staff within reach, either at the lobby or in the restaurant. At nighttime, there will always be someone from our team on call. In the event of a nighttime emergency, each room is equipped with an emergency radio. Our Guest Experience Team will explain how it works upon your arrival.
How do your housekeeping and turn-down service work?
Unless you indicate otherwise, our housekeeping staff will tend to your room daily. Beds will be made while you’re away and turned down at night. Bed linens are changed about every other day; for conservation purposes, we ask that you hang towels to dry – towels on the floor will be replaced.
What is the tipping etiquette?
Tipping is voluntary but customary in Costa Rica. The staff certainly welcomes your acknowledgement. If you prefer, you may take care of gratuities upon check-out. Apart from 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. Our front desk staff can help with all this during your check-out process.
How do I pay, and do I need local currency?
You do not need local currency at El Remanso or in most of Costa Rica but we do accept Costa Rican Colones (CRC) and USD. Any charges you incur while here will be added to your hotel folio and settled upon check out. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Gratuities can be added to your folio before check-out.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can read our cancellation policy here.
What is your smoking policy?
Costa Rica law strictly forbids smoking in public places, and at El Remanso, that includes anywhere on the property, including in or outside your rooms, at the beach, by the pool, or anywhere along our pathways and trails. Thank you for abiding by our policy.
