The Jaguar’s Jungle Lodge, Osa Peninsula

Located at the only coastal rainforest on earth

If you want an all-nature vacation experience, head to Osa Peninsula on the southern coast of Costa Rica.  National Geographic calls the Osa Peninsula “the most biologically intense place on Earth.” When you get here, stay in comfort at La Jungla del Jaguar on the coast of Drake Bay (The Jaguar’s Jungle Lodge & Hostel).

Jaguar's Jungle Lodge & Hostel, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

5 miles south of Drake Bay, next to San Pedrillo, Drake Bay Hiking Trail, Agujitas de Drake, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, San Pedrillo, Provincia de Puntarenas, Drake, Costa Rica

Osa Peninsula/Drake Bay/Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica

Osa Peninsula,, Provincia de Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Getting to the Jaguar’s Jungle Lodge

From Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela, arrange to travel to Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park. You have several options including public transportation, domestic flights, or driving yourself. Be sure to check with the tour office at Jaguar’s Jungle; they can also help you.

Puerto Jiménez, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Calle de la Conte, Provincia de Puntarenas, Punto Jimenez, 60702, Costa Rica

Once you arrive to Drake Bay, your adventure continues.  You can get to the Jaguar’s Jungle by bus, boat, and even hiking and horseback. The lodge is 20 minutes by boat from Drake Bay, on a 130-acre beach-front that boarders Corcovado National Park. It is also the closest lodge to Cano Island Marine Reserve. These are the most popular locations nearby, offering a range of adventures. They are spectacular.

Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Drake Bay, Costa Rica

Boat taxis depart daily from Drake Bay or from Sierpe to Drake Bay; from Sierpe, get the 11:30 am boat. Let your boat captain know that you are staying at Jungla del Jaguar; he will bring you directly to the lodge. From Sierpe it is about $25-$30 per person for the boat taxi; from Drake Bay, it is less. Just to let you know, the boat leaves The Jaguar's Jungle at 7 am on your departure day. 

Cabins & rooms at the lodge

The venue choices at the Jaguar’s Jungle Lodge range from single rooms to family or group style cabins. Rooms are airy and have ocean or jungle views; both are fabulous. Do not be fooled by the décor and jungle themes of stone showers and wood-bowl sinks. It is first-class comfort all the way. Rates and availability can change by dates and number of guests; so check the website and then call or e-mail.

Dining restaurant

The stay is authentic and wonderful, but the restaurant is the star of your stay at Jaguar’s Jungle. You do not have to be a guest to enjoy the delicious menu options at the Lodge. Drop in surfers and hikers are very welcome. Besides the delicious Costa Rican dishes, the chef offers vegan and vegetarian options for every meal. Every dish is served artistically with a gourmet flair.  

There is fresh seafood every day, delivered by local fishermen or caught by the owners themselves!  If you happen to catch your own fish, the kitchen will gladly prepare it for you.  Typical choices are barracuda, snappers, Spanish mackerel, rainbow, jacks, roosterfish, and pompano to list a few. The dining room is oceanfront and informal, making it awesome for friendly conversations among guests and watching amazing sunsets.

The fishy decorations

As you walk around Jaguar’s Jungle, you can’t help but notice the special décor.  The fish art that is displayed follows a traditional Japanese method of printing fish called gyotaku.  At Jaguar’s Jungle, it is created with the fish that they catch! They are actual impressions of real fish using printmaking inks.

By the way, all fish served are caught by spearfishing. After printing, the fish are quickly washed, filleted, and prepared.  The people you see having a great time spearfishing off the rock formation in front of the lodge, are catching lunch! The Jaguar’s Jungle is very ecologically conscientious; kayaks are used instead of fossil-fuel-powered boats.

Drake Bay: A historical site

You might be interested to know that Drake Bay is a designated as a National Historic Landmark District. It is named after the English sea captain and explorer Sir Francis Drake. He is most known for being the first explorer to sail around the Earth from 1577 to 1580. Along the way, it is believed he was the first Englishman to explore Costa Rica back in 1579. 

Corcovado National Park

The Lodge is located right on the border of Corcovado National Park, a well-known ecological sanctuary and refuge. Corcovado Park is an extremely diverse tropical area, and it is the last primary coastal rainforest on Earth. It covers nearly half of the entire peninsula and has the largest lowland rainforest in Central America.

Horseback riding along Corcovado National Park is a unique way to experience nature. The horseback tour is one of guests’ favorites at The Jaguar’s Jungle Lodge.  It is a private tour through the primary rainforest to waterfalls; you can run the horses on the beach. 

Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

For birdwatchers, Corcovado is known for having a tremendous variety of tropical birds. One of Costa Rica’s largest populations of brightly colored scarlet macaws lives in Corcovado, so look up! They are easy to spot! Four species of monkeys are also common; you will probably hear them before you see them.  Besides birds and monkeys, Corcovado is home to sloths, anteaters, iguanas, and five species of wild cats!  These include Ocelots, Jaguarondi, Margays, Pumas, and, of course, Jaguars. Off the coast, is the famous breeding and feeding area at the end of the 11,500 mile (18,508 kilometer) migration path for Humpback whales.

Things to do…

Besides napping in hammocks around the lodge, there are many things to do and see.  Whether you are looking for surfing, relaxation, ocean fishing, hiking or birdwatching, your adventure is within steps at Jaguar’s Jungle. You can plan with the Lodge’s onsite tour office to find about exploring the options.

Jaguar’s Jungle is one of the best places in Costa Rica for free or guided jungle hikes and eco-tours.  It is an outstanding location for advanced surfing experiences. Explore the jungle canopy in Corcovado National Park on the canopy climbing tour. It is always a fun challenge and provides great photos to share when you get back home. Further inland, ask about visiting a local (delicious) chocolate plantation and see how chocolate is made.

Besides horseback riding on the beach in the morning or at sunset, exploring the ocean is thrilling, too. Jaguar’s Jungle has its own beaches and is the closest point to Cano Island. You can see the island from the front of the Lodge. Off the island is world class snorkeling and diving. You can get to the island by boat and take a picnic. It is a wonderful day trip. Take plenty of food and drinks; and spend your day snorkeling, swimming, and diving. You might even see some whales and dolphins! Likewise, fishing charters are always popular and exciting.

The Jaguar’s Jungle is a family lodge that is now managed by the second generation. A special treat you can enjoy before and after you come is Jungla Magazine, published by Jaguar’s Jungle Lodge. It is new and the growing distribution includes 3,500 printed copies and online readership. It is an undertaking of the heart.  

Amazing people and places are everywhere.  Jaguar’s Jungle small family staff live on-site and very welcoming.  You will discover that they are always looking for ways to make your stay delightful and memorable.