Is This the Isthmus? Tour – Costa Rica Part 4
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica
Basura! Public garbage cans in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica.
When I woke up today, the heat rash on my legs was about the same, as in not gone, so I decided to pack up my bags and move back into a fan room over at the Oso Verde Hostel for $10 per night. Three days in an air conditioned room cleared it up somewhat, but not completely, so I may as well stop wasting money. (Air con rooms usually cost twice as much as fan rooms.)
The main road in downtown Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica.
In the early afternoon, I fell in and out of the nap trap, and followed that up by walking around town, shooting a few photos and checking out what kind of jungle treks were available at two agencies, Corcovado Dreams and Osa Wild. Since I can’t walk much further than five to seven miles without getting blisters on my toes (even with Vaseline slathered on them) and fatigued leg muscles, I asked the agents if they had any short half-day treks.
Signs out in front of Cafe Monka in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica.
The only one on offer was at a spot on the south of the Osa peninsula called Matapalo. With Osa Wild, the slightly cheaper of the two, it costs $50 if I go with at least one other person and a guide, or $90 if I go alone with a guide. Neither agency had anyone slated to trek in Matapalo, so I told them to email me if anyone else signs up by Wednesday evening to go there. Otherwise, I’ll have to fork over $90. I really need to leave Puerto Jimenez within the next couple of days. My original plan was to stay here for only three days, max. But, because of the heat rash, I’ve been stuck in hostel rooms here for four days already, and accomplished nothing.
A jaguar-skinned shop in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica.
Plus, Puerto Jimenez is not the most awesome place I’ve ever visited. It’s a dusty, scrappy old gold mining town that is now more of a hub for outdoors enthusiasts to trek in nearby Corcovado National Park, and enjoy other outdoor activities like surfing, kayaking, horseback riding, etc. around the area. Only the main road of Puerto Jimenez is paved and the place is chock-full of super loud dirt bike motorcycles that roar around constantly all day until midnight, which gets super annoying.
Words and photos ©2017 Arcane Candy.
Leave a Reply