Plan your trip
Whether you're joining us for a farm stay, a day experience, or both — here's what to know before you arrive.
GETTING HERE
Balsa Nueva is in the Osa Peninsula, near Puerto Jiménez. From San José:
• By local flight: daily domestic flights to Puerto Jiménez.
• By car: about 6–7 hours, depending on route and conditions.
• By bus: public buses run from San José to Puerto Jiménez.
• Via Golfito: bus to Golfito, then the fast boat across the Golfo Dulce to Puerto Jiménez.
The road up is part of the journey. From Puerto Jiménez, it's about 5 minutes to the Río Nuevo entrance, then 9 km (25–30 minutes) on gravel and dirt, climbing through the jungle to the farm. A 4x4 is required, especially in the rainy months. If you'd rather not drive, we can arrange a round-trip taxi for up to 4 people for $120. Detailed arrival instructions are shared after booking.
LIFE OFF THE GRID
Balsa Nueva is fully solar powered. To honor this rhythm, lighting is simple and intentional: rooms and shared bathrooms are lit with rechargeable lamps, provided at check-in, and the main lodge has limited fixed lighting. Charging stations, outlets and Wi-Fi are available in the shared spaces; connectivity may vary due to our remote location.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
Rechargeable lamps · Bed linens, towels and blankets · Filtered drinking water · Umbrellas and a few rubber boots in the rainy season · Binoculars for birds and wildlife · A small book exchange · Charging stations and Wi-Fi in common areas
WHAT TO BRING
A flashlight or headlamp · Comfortable shoes for trails · Light layers for cooler evenings · Sunscreen and insect repellent · A hat for sun and rain · A rain jacket in the rainy season · A reusable water bottle · Books for reading, writing, or quiet creative time · Personal hygiene products and any snacks you like (there is no nearby store)
And, most importantly: curiosity, patience, and a willingness to slow down.
POLICIES
Rooms: 50% deposit to confirm your booking, balance on arrival · Free cancellation up to 14 days before arrival; 50% is kept between 14 and 7 days; within 7 days, non-refundable · Holidays (Christmas, New Year, Easter week): full payment at booking, free cancellation up to 30 days before · Minimum stay 2 nights, 3 during holidays · Check-in 2–6 pm, check-out 11 am
Children: under 5 stay free; ages 5 to 12 are $20 + 13% tax ($22.60 total) per night, breakfast included; up to 2 children per room
Experiences: full payment at booking · free cancellation up to 48 hours before · minimum 2 guests
Alma Tierra: by reservation only · groups of 6 or more, 50% deposit
Pets: We have our own dogs and cats, but we can't host visiting pets. Open to the jungle as we are; encounters with boas, coatis and other wildlife can be dangerous for animals that don't know it. It's for their safety.
Payment: credit card, SINPE Móvil, bank transfer, or cash. Other options available on request. All prices are in US dollars, plus 13% tax.
FAQs
Can I come just for a meal or an experience?
1
Yes. Alma Tierra and our farm experiences are open to outside visitors, by reservation.
Are meals included during my stay?
2
Breakfast is included with your stay. Lunch and dinner are available at Alma Tierra, our farm café, by reservation. We cook what the land gives each day rather than from a fixed menu.
Is Balsa Nueva suitable for long stays or remote work?
3
It's well suited for guests who want to stay longer and settle into a slower rhythm. Wi-Fi and charging are in the common areas, though connectivity may vary.
Who is Balsa Nueva best suited for?
4
Travelers drawn to simplicity, nature, and nourishing food made close to the land. It's ideal for those who arrive open — to slower days, meaningful food, and living in close relationship with the land and the people who care for it.
Is Balsa Nueva accessible?
5
Our lodge is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or wheelchairs. The palapas sit on a hillside with outdoor stairs down to the shared bathrooms, and the farm terrain is uneven. Jacamar has the gentlest walk to the bathroom. If you have any concerns, write to us before booking and we'll help you decide.