Osa on a budget

Hello,

I am coming to CR on August 10 - 24, and I am interested in visiting Osa. I know the weather will be unpredictable, but I still want to go! I have read this forum extensively, and I am looking for a couple of tips for how to get to Osa on a budget.

1) It seems that the cheapest accomodation is in Drake Beach, at places like El Mirador, Jinetes de Osa, and Poor Mans (approx. $50/day including food). I'm not really willing to tent it alone... But is Drake the best place from which to enjoy Corcovado park or is it too far away (compared with Corcovado Tent Camp, for instance)? Is there a cheaper way to get to the park without paying $80 or so per day for a visit arranged by the lodge? Is the only alternative walking to the park and walking back to Drake by nightfall? I'm wondering if Puerto Jimenez is a better jumping-off point, although it takes much longer to access initally (I plan to take the bus from San Jose).

2) How rugged is staying at ranger stations (especially at this time of year)?

3) After spending a few days in Drake, where would you recommend going next? Cabo Matapalo, Golfito area, Dominical area, Chirripo, other?

Thanks so much for your help. I really appreciate it!

I'm sorry; it seems like I was a bit confused about Corcovado Tent Camp (I thought it was Corcovado LODGE Tent Camp, in Carate). It seems that Corcovado Tent Camp is in Drake... Any thoughts on Corcovado LODGE Tent Camp (is it worth accessing over Drake?)

Sorry!

Puerto Jimenez is still tico town and you'll find cheaper accommodations. You can reach Corcovado with a commun taxi. I recommend to spend a night in a ranger station. Walk not alone, it's better to hire a guide.

Yes the park will be much cheaper and easier from Puerto Jimenez, use the ranger stations for low budget lodging in the park and there are places as cheap as 4$ a nite in J.

yOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BOOK A PLACE AT THE RANGER STATIONS AT THE PARK OFFICE IN pUERTO jIMENEZ, AND THEN PAY AT THE STATIONS ( $( BUCKS A NIGHT). ALSO HAVE TO PAY $8 PER DAY WHEN YOU ENTER PARK AT DIFFERENT RANGER STATIONS.BUNKS WITH PALSTIC LININGS, YOU NEED OWN BEDDING, AND PROBALY A MOSQUITO NET IS A GOOD IDEA, OR LOTS OF DEET. tHE MEALS ARE EXPENSIVE ($12 A MEAL) AND YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BOOK THESE AHEAD, SO BEST TO BUY FOOD. fOOD YOU DO NOT HAVE TO COOK UNLESS YOU HAVE A CAMP STOVE )NO STOVE IN THE KITCHENS). gREAT OPPORTUNITY TO SEE ANIMALS HOWEVER, ESPECIALLY SCARLET MACAWS, SPIDER MONKEYS, TAPIRS AND PECARRIES. WORTH THE RUGGED FACITLITES.

PUERTO JIMINEZ ((CHEAP ACCOMODATION) IS PLACE TO START, CAN CATCH BUS TO EITHER MIDDLE OR SOUTERN END.