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  • Calle Altos Corozal, La Balsa, Puerto Jimenez, Osa, Costa Rica
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Frequently Asked Questions

Browse questions by category or search for what you need.

Accessibility and inclusivity

Will we feel safe and respected as an LGBTQ+ couple or family?

Absolutely. Many LGBTQ+ guests have already stayed with us and told us they felt relaxed being fully themselves here. We use inclusive language, respect chosen names and pronouns, and do not make assumptions about couple...

Do you only focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion during Pride Month?

No. Our commitment to inclusivity is year‑round. The same welcoming, zero‑discrimination approach applies every day of the year, not just in June.

Location and access

Is there a supermarket near the villa?

Yes: Puerto Jiménez has a coupe of well-stocked supermarkets (Palí, BM, Violeta) at about 20 minutes drive from the villa. We recommend stocking up on arrival since delivery options to the Osa are limited.

Who are Katja and Peter?

We're a Dutch couple who moved to Costa Rica in 2022 to pursue sustainable living. We live on the property (separate house downhill) and are available for questions, recommendations, or just friendly conversation over co...

How do I get to Villa Bruno from Puerto Jiménez?

We're just 6km from Puerto Jiménez, accessible by any car (4x4 recommended during rainy season May-June, October-November). We will provide a detailed description after your booking.

Do you speak English?

Yes, fluently! We also (of course) speak Dutch, Spanish, German and Russian. Most international guests speak English, so communication is easy.

Can you arrange airport pickup from Puerto Jiménez?

Yes, we can arrange pickup for $20 U.S., for up to 4 people. Also, if you want to be brought back again to the airport after your stay, we got you covered. Same charge as the pickup, $20.

How far is Finca Guarumo from Corcovado National Park?

We're approximately 45 minutes from the La Leona entrance to Corcovado National Park and 55 minutes from the Los Patos entrance. This makes us an ideal base for day trips into the park without the remoteness of lodges in...

What's the difference between Finca Guarumo and Villa Bruno?

Finca Guarumo is the name of our entire property: a 7.8-hectare, or 19 acres, sustainable farm. This is the name you'll see on road signs, our website (fincaguarumo.com), and on the property entrance. Villa Bruno is the...

Can I rent a car near Puerto Jiménez airport?

Yes: you can book at Alamo Car rental, Enterprise Rent-a-car, and National Car Rental. You can also arrange a 4x4 transfer with us.

Will you be around during my stay?

We live 50 meters uphill and give you complete privacy. We're available by WhatsApp or in person if you need anything, but we won't intrude on your experience.

Do I need a 4x4 vehicle?

Not strictly necessary during dry season (December-April). During the rainy season (May-June, October-November), we do recommend 4x4 as roads can be muddy. Any high-clearance vehicle works year-round.

Can I meet you for coffee and chat?

We'd absolutely love that! Many guests enjoy sharing stories, learning about off-grid living, or getting local tips. Our door is always open!

Is the property accessible for people with mobility issues?

Villa Bruno requires walking up stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. The terrain around the villa is natural and uneven.

What's the nearest town to Finca Guarumo?

Puerto Jiménez, the gateway town to the Osa Peninsula, is the closest town. It has a couple of supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, and the domestic airstrip with daily flights from San José.

Amenities and comfort

How much does Villa Bruno cost per night?

Rates range from $117 to 149 per night, depending on season, with a 2 night minimum stay.

Do you offer tours or activities?

We don't lead tours ourselves but happily connect you with excellent local guides for Corcovado tours, night hikes, kayaking, dolphin watching, and more. We support local operators we trust.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?

Yes! Our spring water is filtered five times. It's cleaner than most bottled water, rich in minerals, and delicious. We've drunk it daily for more than 2 years with zero issues.

Can I do laundry?

Yes, we can wash and tumble dry your laundry for a small fee of $8

Can children stay at Villa Bruno?

Yes! Families with children 6+ welcome. The property is not childproofed (elevated terrace, unfenced areas). Parents supervise at all times. Wildlife encounters delight kids!

Is there air conditioning?

No A/C needed! Our elevation (150m) and open design with portable fans provide natural cooling. Nighttime temperatures drop to a comfortable sleeping temperature (22-24°C / 72-75°F).

How big is Villa Bruno?

The villa has 54 square meters (580 sq ft) interior space, plus a 28 square meter (300 sq ft) covered terrace. It's cozy and efficiently designed, perfect for 2-4 people.

Do you offer discounts for longer stays?

Yes! We offer a 13% discount for stays of 7+ nights, and a 33% discount for stays of 28+ nights. Contact us for longer stays!

What does "off-grid" really mean?

We're not connected to public electricity or water systems. Our power comes 100% from solar panels, our water from a natural spring. This means you're experiencing truly sustainable living, but with all modern comforts (...

Is the water safe to drink at Villa Bruno?

Yes. Our drinking water is filtered five times and is clean, safe, and delicious. Rainwater is also triple-filtered for all other uses (washing, showering, etc).

What about trash and recycling?

We compost organic waste and minimize plastic. We'll take recyclables and trash to Puerto Jiménez and beyond to a recycling station. It's part of the off-grid experience.

Can I book last-minute?

Absolutely, subject to availability. We often have openings, especially outside high season (May - November).

Wildlife and safety

What wildlife can I see without entering Corcovado?

The Osa Peninsula itself is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. From the villa, you can see scarlet macaws (and many more species of birds!), spider, capuchin, howler and squirrel monkeys, toucans, coatis, and da...

Will I see wildlife at the villa?

Absolutely! Expect monkeys, coatis, scarlet macaws, and incredible birds right from your terrace. The house is fully screened for your comfort.

What should I do if I see a snake?

Snakes are rare near the villa (cleared areas, elevated structure). If you see one, don't approach; take photos from a distance, and let us know. We'll identify it and handle if necessary. Most are non-venomous.

What if something goes wrong? Are you nearby?

Yes, we live just up the hill and are always available if you need anything, have questions, or just want to share a (delicious, locally harvested, artisanal) coffee and a chat.

Are there mosquitoes?

Yes, especially after the rain. But the villa is provided with mosquito nets on every window. Screened windows mean zero bugs inside the villa.

Can I see scarlet macaws from the villa?

Absolutely. Scarlet macaws nest in the Osa Peninsula year-round and fly over the property daily, usually in pairs or family groups. No park entrance needed. Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot them.

Is it safe for solo travelers?

Very safe. The Osa Peninsula has low crime rates. As with anywhere, use common sense. We're close by if you need anything.

Is it safe with all the wildlife around?

Absolutely. The animals here are wild but accustomed to the property. They're not dangerous to humans. All windows and doors are screened, so no bugs or critters enter the villa.

Tours and activities

Do I need a guide to visit Corcovado National Park?

Yes: SINAC made certified guides mandatory in 2014 for all Corcovado trails. SINAC's reservation system requires your guide's official ID number to confirm entry. We work with local tour operators that hire licensed local guides who know the park intimately. Contact us and we'll connect you with the best.

Is Finca Guarumo good for birdwatching?

Absolutely! You can spot various bird species directly from the deck of Villa Bruno! We offer various hikes around the property that offer spectacular viewings. See for more this blog post.

Power and connectivity

Can I work remotely from Villa Bruno?

Absolutely! Our Starlink internet is reliable enough for Zoom calls, uploads, and streaming. Many digital nomads use Villa Bruno as a work-retreat location.

Will I have internet and phone access in the Osa Peninsula?

We use Starlink satellite internet with high-speed Wi-Fi, ideal for Zoom, streaming, and remote work. Cell signal is very limited, so we recommend using Wi-Fi calling or messaging apps.

What if it rains for days - will we lose power?

No. Our battery bank stores 3-4 days of power even without sun. In case of emergency, we have a generator backup ready.

Is Finca Guarumo certified sustainable?

We're not formally certified yet, but sustainability is built into everything we do: solar power, rainwater collection, organic gardens, no single-use plastics, and active reforestation on the property. Certification is on our roadmap.

Is Villa Bruno really off-grid with reliable electricity?

Yes! Our solar system provides stable power year-round for lights, fans, cooking, and device charging, even during Costa Rica's rainy season

Will the solar power handle my devices?

Yes! Our system easily handles phone charging, laptop use, lights, fans, refrigeration, and cooking. What we can't support: EV charging or A/C (you won't need A/C; our elevation and building design keeps things cool).

What's the cell phone signal like?

Very limited. We recommend using Wi-Fi calling or WhatsApp for communication. Disconnect from the grid, connect with nature!

How does the solar system work?

The villa runs entirely on solar panels with battery storage: no generator, no grid connection. You get reliable electricity 24/7. Also, hot water is delivered by a solar heater.

Booking and payment

What payment methods do you accept?

You can pay with your credit card if booking directly via the Villa Bruno page. If you prefer to pay directly, we accept Paypal, bank transfer, iDeal for European guests, and cash in dollars and Costa Rican colones.

Is a deposit required?

We ask for a deposit for longer stays and stays that are booked long in advance.

How do I book Villa Bruno?

You can book directly via this site at the Villa Bruno page or via Airbnb, Booking.com, vrbo.com, or expedia.com. You will support the local community and us directly by booking via this site, which means no fees for the OTAs.

Can I pay in Costa Rican colones?

Yes! We also accept USD, Paypal, bank transfer, credit card if you book via this site, and iDeal for European travellers.

Weather and seasons

What's the best time of year to visit the Osa Peninsula?

The Osa Peninsula is spectacular year-round. Dry season (December-April) offers sunny days and easier hiking, while rainy season (May-November) brings lush jungle, active wildlife, and fewer tourists. We're open year-rou...

What’s it like during the rainy season?

The rainy season (roughly May-June and October-November) is when the jungle is at its most alive, green, lush, and full of bird calls and frog songs. Mornings are often clear and sunny, with rain sweeping in during the a...