La Casita del Rio, Dos Brazos

La Casita del Rio is situated right next to the Rio Tigre close to the center of Dos Brazos so there are neighbors but as well surrounded by lush secondary growth rainforest, with sounds of exotic birds and howler monkeys in the distance. With uncrowded nature trails, waterfalls, jungle scenery, this is the perfect location for exploring Corcovado National Park and the Osa Peninsula. Off the beaten track, yet only 12 km/7.5 miles from Puerto Jimenez and beautiful beaches. La Casita del Rio is perfect for those who want to explore the famous BOLITA (jungle backpackers) trails! Fifteen kilometers of trekking with beautiful views of the Golfo Dulce, waterfalls and the Rio Tigre with swimming holes to enjoy. Located in the Osa Peninsula, southwest Costa Rica where the rainforest meets the sea. It is one of the most remote, most spectacular and wildest regions in the country. One of the last places in Costa Rica to be settled, it has been dubbed Costa Rica's last wilderness frontier. Rich in wildlife, sparsely populated and until recently very difficult to access by road. Consequently much of the peninsula is still covered in majestic, pristine rainforest. Dominated by Corcovado National Park which protects most of the peninsula, the Osa supports more than fifty percent of the animal and plant species that live in Costa Rica. National Geographic has described the Osa as, "The most biologically intense place on earth". Please note that you must cross a river to reach La Casita del Rio but this is not an issue as a new suspension footbridge was built in February 2018. From April to December at times you may not be able to drive to the property, if this is the case it is only a 5 minute walk to the house. 4x4 vehicles required. Lisa (Spanish speaking) our caretaker will be there to greet you and she lives five minutes away so can assist you anytime if issues happen to arise. Dos Brazos is a town with a rich history and an even more prosperous future. Not more than 40 years ago, gold, and lots of it, was Dos Brazos claim to fame. People came from everywhere to work for the gold mining companies back then. After the companies left some decided to stay and Dos Brazos de Rio Tigre was born. Today Dos Brazos is a sleepy little town of just 300 inhabitants that lies in the richest location you can imagine, right at the border of the world famous Corcovado National Park. Although gold mining is still practiced, the wealth is in the amazing diversity of flora and fauna and wild life. In fact Corcovado is thought to be one of the most biologically intense and pristine places in the world! It’s a small oasis of civilization, surrounded by the jungle of the forest reserve that encompasses Corcovado. Although it’s a short 12-kilometer ride from the beautiful Pacific beaches of Puerto Jimenez, and just a little further from great wave riding in Matapalo, it’s a town that is barely known on the tourist circuit. From Dos Brazos you’ll find extensive walking trails into the jungle, with many waterfalls to see, world class birding, horseback riding, gold mining tours, and more are all available. So get off the beaten path, and make your way to Dos Brazos del Rio Tigre! By Taxi: From Puerto Jimenez you can take a taxi for $25 USD, they are pretty easy to find once you are in town, just tell the taxi driver to take you to Tristan's house in Dos Brazos. By Bus: In the center of Puerto Jimenez the El Tigre colectivo (local bus service) runs to Dos Brazos del Rio Tigre (12 kilometers/7.5 miles west of Puerto Jimenez). Monday thru Friday @ 11am and 4pm at the hardware store next to the Carate bus stop. From Dos Brazos to Puerto Jimenez @ 6:00 am and 12:00 pm. The fare is ₡1,500/$3 USD. The start of the BOLITA trails are only a 15 minute walk from La Casita del Rio, can be self-guided and only have a $10 USD per person entrance fee that allows you to use them as many times as you like. Val or Ron (the owners) or one of their volunteers will explain them to you. After about a 20-30 minute jungle hike to the hostel (due to the higher elevation) there is good phone signal and WIFI available at BOLITA with lovely views to enjoy! On the the other side of the village past the BOLITA office at the end of the road is the Amazonita restaurant. Our friend Zulay offers typical cooking and international wines in a cosmopolitan, friendly and family atmosphere. Reservations are required. Zulay also offers relaxing massages. With all her state diplomas in her pocket, Zulay is at your disposal to offer you a wellness treatment. When you're at the restaurant don't hesitate to ask about her services, she does wonders… 25$ / 45 minutes.