How to Get to Iguana Lodge

Iguana Lodge is located on a stunning six-mile-long pristine sandy beach in southwestern Costa Rica on the magnificent Osa Peninsula (one of the most biodiverse areas on our planet - no kidding!) If you aren’t looking for Nature At Its Finest - animals, insects, frogs, snakes … monkeys lounging over the Jacuzzi at sunset, tapirs and baby turtles nipping along the beach as you drink your early morning coffee - this spot may not be for you.

Here’s how to get here:

  • • Fly from San José (SJO) to Puerto Jiménez Airport (PJO) in under an hour. Iguana Lodge is 4 miles/6km from the PJO airport.

    Note: Flights depart from the domestic terminal located a mere five minute walk west of the Internaional Terminal - turn left as you walk out of customs. There are a variety of daily flights, no night flights.

    • Sansa Airlines, www,flysansa.com, is the only airline consistently flying this route. Other airlines may include Skyway, Aerobell, and TAG. Charter flights are also available.

    Tip #1: You can book online at www.flysansa.com or contact us and we will help you make your flight reservations. Here our Iguana Lodge's Sansa booking policies.

    Tip #2: Tickets can be purchased with a 30 or 40 pound weight limit, plus a small carry-on. If you have more luggage, don’t stress; you will be charges an excess baggage fee, but not so much that it will wreck your day.

    TIP #3: You can arrive at Iguana Lodge the same day you depart from the Great White North - and vice versa. Land in SJO in the early afternoon and catch an afternoon flight. Leave Iguana Lodge in the morning (flights start at 6 AM) , and catch your international flight leaving no earlier than 10 AM. There are no night flights to Puerto Jimenez.

    We fly a lot, and typically aim to arrive in country before 1 PM, and on the out-bound, fly no earlier from SJO than 9:30 - 10 AM.

    • Let us know your arrival time in Puerto Jiménez, and we will send a taxi to meet you.

  • • The best option if you want to see Costa Rica at your own pace.

    • Google Maps and Waze are great.

    • Renting a car? You can drop off or pick up in Puerto Jimenez with Alamo or National.

    • The drive from San Jose to Iguana Lodge takes approximately six hours, even though it’s only about 200 miles away and you can now take the “fast” route along the coast. It usually takes longer than you think. Duration depends on your chosen path, the ingenuity of your driver (not to mention the skill of your navigator!), and a touch of happenstance.

    • We suggest not driving at night. Treacherous unmarked hazards, with casual pedestrians, unlit bicyclists, and wildlife crossing the road… you get the picture.

  • • Take a ferry from Panama to Puerto Jiménez.

    • The passenger-only ferry from Golfito to Puerto Jiménez is approximately 40 minutes for around $10.

    • You can expect several trips a day, with the last call around 3 PM, but the schedule varies according to the season.

    • Not sure if you'll make the last call? Typically the last ferry leaves around 4PM (but it can change!) In a bit more of a hurry? Hire a local boat driver to bring you to Puerto Jiménez ~ it’s a gorgeous ride. You'll get to negotiate a price, but it's usually around $80.

    • Of course, our staff are also experts on current ferry schedules and can help you coordinate your trip. Just ask us!

  • Click here for a packing list. Travel light! That’s our motto - it’s warm here, you don’t need much. Likewise, leave your diamonds and rubies behind ~ no need to lose them in the surf!

    We recommend Traveler’s Insurance! See for example Best Traveler’s Insurance and sevencorners.com.

Not sure? Whichever option you choose, we're here to help you make your journey to Iguana Lodge enjoyable.

 

“A pity about the return ticket...I could go native here very easily.”

— Dee Humphries, London