I've spent a month traveling in CR and visited many towns in both the Atlantic coast and Pacific coast regions. And I find Puerto Jiménez to be the least enjoyable. Many hotels were poorly run (rooms were dirty, bathroom with broken plumbings, noisy, poor management). I've been told this town has beeen "occupied" by ex-CIA operatives and other Americans who've made this town home with the mindset of a colonist. So, naturally, many locals aren't happy with the Americans. Though, the Americans seem to control the local econmy here. The atmosphere in this town was a bit strange compared to other towns in CR I've visited. For most tourists, things seem to be 'normal' at the surface. But if you can get the locals to share their stories, it'll be very interesting to see what's going beneath the surface. Also, as far as the climate is concerned, beware of the high humidity level in this gulf town.
Its actually the humidity you refer to that drives everyone slightly nuts (its true!- check out the suicide rates in Darwin, Australia) and accounts for the somewhat strange atmosphere that you refer to and the varied tall stories of espionage and intrigue! (Most expats have far too much time to think & drink. Add the humidity and you can find some pretty nutty stuff). Its no mystery for the Ticos- 70%+ of all Costa Ricans live in the Central Valley were there is minimal humidity, and life is a whole lot more normal!
Pt Jimenez was "off the grid" until 10 years ago, they didn't have electricity, phone and the road there was terrible in rainy season from Palmar Norte...so its come a long way baby.
The Osa down here is rather raw, its jungle, its not a lot of anything other than nature. Pt Jimenez the town is nothing special, nor claims to be, its a base for adventure outfitters and guides, and a hub for commerce, grocery, car repair and some buses...
Most people don't stay in PJ, most tend to stay on fringes of town or down the road past the airstrip. The road to Carate and Matalapo is a slow too, with 7 creeks/rivers to cross, and its gorgeous.
Keep in mind there MAJOR narco trafficking coming up the coast and around Golfito, which is another odd town on a waterfront, though more town in feel that PJ...its a weird mix of folks I must say. You got watch your P's and Q's around there as a Expat, some bad arse dudes with money and guns for sure, so don't put your nose where it does not belong. Illegal Poachers, Gold Miners, and who know whats is around there, but this poor fella thought he could handle it..naive is a understatement
http://www.mensjournal.com/magazine/lost-in-the-jungle-the-search-for-cody-dial-20150206
Just across the way in Playa Zancudo is another funky enclave of locals and expats hanging amongst some rather unsavory types to say least. When you get to Playa Pavones, the stories and gossip of what has been and what is like a television series...murder and all. But I love it down there, the surf is excellent and the beaches deserted...
Keep in mid there are many "operatives" down here, both retired and active, with ties to US Military/USA.
Here is some reading for you...
Daniel "Mack" Fowley is a legend...
http://www.ticotimes.net/l/91246
And this is a sad story...
http://www.macleans.ca/society/life/death-in-the-rainforest/
http://www.ticotimes.net/2016/04/12/drug-plane-costa-rica-crash
The worst town is actually Pejibaye, costa rica. I drove over 2 hours from San Jose thinking I could actually buy some good pejibayes but they actually didn't sell or grow any. Really disappointing since I love pejibayes. The town next to it, Cocao, didn't sell any fresh cocoa either...
I think Pt Jimenez is fine. Puerto Limon is rather sketchy at best, especially at night. Dock/cargo and maritime workers, truck drivers, poverty and drugs...no thanks.
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