Uvita to Puerto Jiménez (Osa Peninsula)

Puerto Jiménez is the gateway to Corcovado National Park from the east side of the Osa Peninsula. The road (Route 245) from Chacarita is paved today, making this a far easier drive than a decade ago. Expect 2h 30m to 3h.

Beyond Puerto Jiménez, the road to Carate (Corcovado’s La Leona station) is rough gravel with river crossings — 4×4 only, and only in dry season.

Step-by-step directions

1. 1

   Route 34 south to Palmar Norte

   Along the coast past Ojochal.

2. 2

   Route 2 to Chacarita

   Head southeast on the Interamericana.

3. 3

   Route 245 into the Osa

   Turn right at Chacarita and follow Route 245 to Puerto Jiménez.

Tolls, fuel & road facts

Hazards to know before you go

• Wildlife crossing (including scarlet macaws, coatis and anteaters).
• One-lane bridges.
• Road to Carate beyond Puerto Jiménez: rivers, 4x4 only.

Stops worth making

• Ojochal

  Small town famous for its restaurants.

Local tips

• Book Corcovado tours with a certified guide; entry requires one.
• Plan to arrive before dark (about 5:45–6:15 pm year-round). Rural roads have no lighting, few shoulders, and pedestrians, cyclists and animals on the road.