FAQs and our rainforest answers

Do I need a passport? 

You do need a passport to travel to Costa Rica. Plan on getting your passport ahead of time—it can take up to six weeks so plan ahead! Children will also need their own passport. Make a copy of each person’s passport so that once on the Osa you can travel with your passport copy instead of your original.  They may be kept safely at the Jungle Lodge.  

Important: US Citizens are allowed a 90-day stay with a legal US Passport. Passports are valid three months before the date they expire.  Otherwise you will not be allowed to enter the country. Please note that you need to travel with a round-trip flight when entering the country.  Upon exiting there is a $26.00 (US$) per person exit fee.

Do I need travel insurance? 

We recommend that you sign up for travel insurance to insure against last-minute cancellations. You can get insurance through your insurance company, Triple AAA or the airlines. Also check with your insurance company for health insurance coverage and bring copies with you of your policy, only as a precaution. (www.travelex-insurance.com)

What should I bring? 

When packing for your trip to the Osa, keep Mother Nature in mind.  Also keep in mind that the maximum weight on Costa Rica domestic flights is 30 pounds.  All additional weight is charged extra. 

You should pack everything in light luggage. Light, quick-dry clothing is best, since Costa Rica is never very cold and can be hot and humid. A pair of lightweight, long pants, and a lightweight jacket are useful for hiking or horseback riding in the rainforest.

Pack hiking boots or sturdy shoes for hiking. Sandals (i.e. Tevas, Crocs, or Keens) are the most practical footwear. Make sure you’ve worn them in before packing them. Bring a hat, sun block, and sunglasses for sun protection. Don't forget your camera, binoculars, and a good LED flashlight or headlamp. Pack a journal, if you like to write, or a good book for those times in the hammock.  Click here for a sample packing list.

What is the currency in Costa Rica?  

The national currency is the colon.  At the current exchange rate, 500 c is about US dollar.  Visit www.xe.com/ucc. You are welcome to use US dollars in Costa Rica, but you will be given colonies as change. Also remember that you will need $26.00 (US$) per person exit fee to leave the country.

MasterCard and VISA are widely used throughout the country.  In more rural settings, stores prefer colonies or US currency.  American Express and Diner Cards are usually not accepted, except in US-type hotels in San José.  To be safe, plan on using MasterCard, VISA or currency.  You will have to exchange Traveler Checks at the local banks in Puerto Jimenez.  It can take a lot of time at the bank to complete these transactions.

What are meals like? 

An example of our daily menu: Hot breakfast is served daily to those dining between 7-9am.  Sleepy heads will find fresh fruit, cereal toast, coffee, fresh juices awaiting their arrival. The Howler Monkeys usually start to howl at sunrise, which is around 5:30am and most guests are ready for a cup of coffee or tea by 6 or 6:30. We always provide an afternoon meal.  For those going on an adventure, packed lunches are the way to go. Most meals are served family style and we all eat together in the great room, sharing our experiences of the day.
We try to cater to all appetites.  If you do have special dietary requirements, please make sure to note your preferences on the information sheet.

How is the drinking water? 

Great! Costa Rica prides itself on its pure water supply. Our well is tested regularly. Familiar drinks are available in town, just like the U.S. You will want to bring with you one rugged, refillable water container per person, especially for hiking or on a Costa Rican adventure.

Do I need to bring extra medication? 

If you have any health issues that require medication, we recommend that you bring it with you in its original container, clearly labeled.  There’s a local drugstore in Puerto Jimenez that can provide you with most of the medicines that you may need. For any serious health issues, we need to be informed beforehand.  You can, of course, count on our discretion. It is not necessary to have any vaccinations before your trip. Any health or allergy issues should be mentioned on the information sheet that you will be receiving in your packet.

How hot is it? 

Costa Rica has two seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. Morgan’s Jungle Lodge is open during the dry season from November through April. The temperature stays in the upper 70s and 80s, with the hottest time being March. Evening temperatures are in the high 60s. 

What is the form of communication at Morgan’s Jungle Lodge? 

We have cell phone for receiving calls and will provide the phone number to you before you leave for your trip. Wireless Internet is available at several locations in Puerto Jimenez. If you would like to use your cell phone while traveling, please check with your carrier about using international service.

Are the locals friendly? 

YES! The people of the Osa Peninsula are very friendly.  Spanish is the language spoken in Costa Rica. A Spanish-English translation book could come in handy.

What about laundry facilities? 

The Jungle Lodge has an old-fashioned laundry wringer available for you to hand wash your clothing, put them through the wringer and hang them on the line to dry.  In the Costa Rica sun and warm breeze they won’t take long to dry.

What about alcoholic beverages? 

We make daily trips into town for supplies. If you have an alcoholic beverage preference, please tell one of the Morgan Jungle Lodge hosts. They can purchase alcoholic beverages for you and you can pay them.  Or if you are heading into town, you can purchase your own alcoholic beverages. We provide coolers to keep your beer and wine chilled.

What about bugs and snakes? 

Nuisance insects like mosquitoes are rarely encounter.  No-see-ums are sometimes on the beach during the full moon. In short, don't worry!  Regarding snakes, although rarely seen, they are found in some areas of Costa Rica.

What about taking Children?

What a great opportunity for a child to experience the rain forest.  If they love nature, they will love it here. This is your chance to give them a lifetime memory.

Do I need a car? 

A car is not necessary in Puerto Jimenez.  There are taxis for hire that will cost an estimated $10.00 to $30.00 one-way, depending on how far you need to travel.  From the Jungle Lodge into town costs $10.00 one-way.  A taxi can fit four to six individuals.  If you do prefer your own car, we can provide you with rental car information.

Will I have fond memories of this trip for the rest of my life?    

YES!