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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Puerto Jiménez
Puerto Jiménez
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Puerto Jiménez
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Puerto Jiménez
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Puerto Jiménez
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Hire a Car in Puerto Jiménez?
Puerto Jiménez, a gateway to the Osa Peninsula, offers lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. While local transportation is available, hiring a car provides unmatched freedom to explore this natural paradise.
Unrestricted Access to Remote Beaches. Discover hidden gems like Playa Platanares and Backwash Bay, often inaccessible by public transport, with the convenience of your own vehicle.
Explore Corcovado National Park at Your Pace. While guided tours are valuable, a rental car enables you to reach trailheads and lodging options near the park entrance independently, maximizing your time in nature.
Complete Control Over Your Itinerary. Enjoy the freedom to explore local towns, wildlife reserves, and off-the-beaten-path attractions without the constraints of fixed schedules or tour groups.
Hire Terms and Conditions in Puerto Jiménez
Before booking a rental car in Puerto Jiménez, ensure you understand the requirements for driving in Costa Rica, including age restrictions, license validity, insurance, and potential fees.
Area
Approximately 370 square kilometres (143 square miles)
Population
Around 9,000 residents
Time Zone
UTC-6
Ideal for
Exploring nature and wildlife
Rush Hours
Minimal traffic congestion, mostly during local school times
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Costa Rica require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may have a minimum age of 23 or 25, with potential surcharges for younger drivers.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence from your home country is typically sufficient for tourists, usually up to 90 days. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always mandatory.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but supplemental coverage like collision damage waiver (CDW) is highly recommended. A security deposit is required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyUnlimited mileage is often standard, but confirm before booking. Fuel policies typically require returning the car with the same amount of fuel as when it was picked up to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra fees may apply for additional drivers, GPS navigation systems, child seats, or late returns. Always clarify these fees during booking.
Car Hire Prices in Puerto Jiménez – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to April): Expect higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to November): Often come with discounts and fewer crowds
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Puerto Jiménez?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a 4x4 for rough terrain or a smaller car for town driving.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Puerto Jiménez
Puerto Jiménez is a small town on the Osa Peninsula, known for its proximity to Corcovado National Park and pristine beaches. Hiring a car is ideal for exploring the region’s natural attractions, but awareness of local driving conditions is essential.
As the largest town on the Osa Peninsula, Puerto Jiménez offers an authentic Costa Rican experience. While the town itself is easily navigable, a rental car is advantageous for venturing into remote areas and exploring the peninsula's diverse ecosystems. However, driving requires caution, as roads can be unpaved and conditions challenging, particularly during the rainy season. Before embarking on your journey, familiarise yourself with local traffic laws, fuel availability, and parking options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Corcovado National Park
One of the most biodiverse places on Earth, offering incredible hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Playa Platanares
A secluded beach perfect for swimming and relaxing, often less crowded than other beaches in the area.
Backwash Bay
A popular spot for surfing and enjoying the natural beauty of the coastline.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Areas
Designated parking areas are available in the town centre and near popular attractions.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, but be mindful of local regulations and signage.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer free parking for guests, making it convenient to explore the area.
Gas Stations in Puerto Jiménez
Fuel Availability
Gas stations are limited in Puerto Jiménez, so plan accordingly, especially if travelling long distances.
Main Fuel Brands
Look for Delta and other local brands along the main roads.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps to locate nearby gas stations and plan your route.
Useful Tips for Visiting Puerto Jiménez
4x4 Recommended
A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for navigating the unpaved roads and rough terrain on the Osa Peninsula.
Drive Slowly
Drive slowly and cautiously, especially on unpaved roads, to avoid damage to your vehicle.
Bring Cash
Some smaller establishments may not accept credit cards, so it's advisable to carry cash.
Check Road Conditions
Check road conditions before setting out, particularly during the rainy season, as some roads may be impassable.
Key Transportation Hubs in Puerto Jiménez
Airports
Puerto Jiménez Airport (PJM)
The local airport, offering domestic flights to and from other destinations in Costa Rica.
Bus Station
Puerto Jiménez Bus Terminal
Provides regular bus services to major towns and cities within Costa Rica.
Ferry Services
Golfito Ferry
A ferry service connects Puerto Jiménez to Golfito, offering an alternative mode of transportation.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Puerto Jiménez?
Hiring a car in Costa Rica is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from Costa Rica, your standard licence is sufficient. Visitors can typically use their home-country licence for up to 90 days.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Puerto Jiménez as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Great stop on our road trip! Exploring the area with our rental car was a breeze.
Evelyn Reyes
Reviewed: 18.07.2025
Pretty chill, good roads.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 23.12.2024
Pretty laid-back, nice.
Chloe Wilson
Reviewed: 23.08.2024
Pretty chill, easy going.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 12.07.2025
Peaceful escape! Exploring the coast with ease. Highly recommend.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 19.08.2025
Having a car made exploring Puerto Jiménez so easy! The beaches were stunning, though the wildlife sanctuary was a bit underwhelming.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 14.10.2024
Heard great things about Puerto Jiménez, and they were right! Renting a car was a smart move; exploring was easy. The local restaurants were a bit pricey though.
Benjamin Carter
Reviewed: 20.01.2025
Puerto Jiménez was wonderful; exploring was easy with a rental. The beaches were stunning, though the local restaurant options felt limited.
Noah Miller
Reviewed: 29.11.2024
Low-key, pretty chill.
Ava Lee
Reviewed: 28.03.2025
Relaxing, low-key vibe.
Kyle Davis
Reviewed: 17.10.2024