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Puerto Jimenez, Osa Peninsula
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, Punta Nicuesa, Puerto Jimenez, Osa Peninsula 60701
Tripadvisor2023
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Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for your Adventure Vacation in Costa Rica

These are some of the questions we frequently receive from our visitors. If you do not find an answer to any question you may have, please Contact Us and we'll provide an answer shortly.
Q: How do I get to Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge from San Jose?
A:
The easiest way is to fly into San Jose, the Capital City of Costa Rica.
Then from San Jose, the best way to get to Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is to fly via Sansa Airlines (506-2221-9414) to Golfito or Puerto Jimenez. We will meet you at one of these airports and take you to the lodge.
Flight time is approximately 50 minutes. You can reserve your flights on line, or we will be happy to help you with these arrangements.
Important: The Nicuesa transfer boat cannot pick up/drop off guests any later than 03:00 pm on the day of your arrival or departure due to the water and weather conditions in the late afternoon. WE WILL PICK UP GUESTS FROM FLIGHTS THAT ARRIVE LATE, but CANNOT PICK UP GUESTS AT FLIGHTS THAT ARE SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE AFTER 03:00 PM. Therefore, please make sure your flights, private transfers and/or any other method of arrival/departure are scheduled before that time.
 
Map for Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge from San Jose
Map for Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge from San Jose
 
 
 
Charter Flights
Are also a great option to consider, especially for families or groups of 4 or more people. This is a great option for people that want to go directly to and from the lodge to many areas in Costa Rica and not via San José. Recommended companies are the following (we can help you arrange these flights):
 
 
 
Driving
You may also drive your car to Golfito or arrange ground transportation. It is recommended that you park your car in a secured lot at the Samoa del Sur Hotel/Restaurant/Marina. We will pick you up at the marina. The drive time is approximately 5 hours. The road between San Jose and Golfito is well maintained.
 
Q: Can you tell me more details about the accommodations, which type of accommodation is right for me?
A:

We offer four types of accommodations. All are beautiful and special:

 
Please see Rooms section of website for description and pictures of rooms.
 
*Notes on room set up - We can put one queen bed, two singles or a queen and a single in all rooms. In the Two Bedroom Cabin we can put an extra bed in the common room. In the Cabin Suite we have a removable partition wall that allows you to create two separate rooms or one large room that have a variety of bedding options. We also have bunk beds for children to be placed in any cabin/room. We cannot put three beds in any one room, with the exception of a bunk bed and one other bed or the cabin suite set up as one large room. Please let us know your exact needs.
Q: What are the meals like?
A: Three exceptional meals are prepared each day. Each menu offers three options which include vegetarian and child friendly meals. Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge serves healthy, fresh Latino-style cuisine. Emphasis is on local cuisine and fresh fish, tropical fruits and vegetables. The 165 acre preserve abounds with tropical fruit trees bearing mangos, pineapple, starfruit, oranges, lemons, papayas, water apples, bananas, and of course, coconuts. The fresh squeezed juices and salsas are limitless! We even bake our own breads and desserts! We can also tailor the menu to children friendly foods, and vegetarians. Click here to see our Sample Menu (children's menu available). And, yes… the water at Playa Nicuesa is drinkable right from the tap. A natural spring supplies the lodge all its water, and we have a UV and sediment filtration system, as well.
 
Guests dine together at our large, beautifully hand carved wood dining table (NOTE: While we will certainly miss the communal dining experience, we are adapting to the new norm so all guests will still enjoy our signature tropical cuisine prepared by Chef Edixon in appropriately spaced private tables, to respect social distancing protocols). Or, guests may dine privately upon request.
 

ALLERGIES/RESTRICTIONS

Please let us know as soon as possible any food allergies/restrictions you may have, and if you are a vegetarian, and/or if you do not eat fish. We are located in a very remote area and our meals are planned well in advance of your arrival.
Q: What if I am a vegetarian or have a dietary restriction?
A:
Each menu has a vegetarian option. Furthermore, with regard to dietary restrictions/needs, we are able to accommodate all dietary needs with prior notice. The lodge is remotely located and we plan all meals in advance of your arrival. Please make sure you or your travel agent alert us about any dietary requirements as early as possible before your arrival.
 

FOOD

Please let us know as soon as possible any food allergies/restrictions you may have, and if you are a vegetarian, and/or if you do not eat fish. We are located in a very remote area and our meals are planned well in advance of your arrival.
Q: Is Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge a good place for kids?
A:
Yes! We welcome children of 6 years and older. Children 6-12 pay a special children's rate. Our family package has a special package for families and offers discount rates for teenagers as well. Kids love all of our activities, from hiking and wildlife viewing to kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, fishing and boat rides. We can tailor activities and educational opportunities to suit children's specific interests. Also, we can tailor the meals for children friendly foods!
Q: What kinds of activities/adventures do you have available at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge?
A:
One of the great aspects of Playa Nicuesa is our jungle and sea location! Playa Nicuesa's front yard is literally a gulf off the Pacific Ocean, and our backyard offers thousands of acres of pristine tropical rainforest. Hence we offer both land and water based adventures and activities. Most may be self guided, or you may be led by our in-house nature guides upon request. Included in your stay are unlimited self guided hikes on preserve, use of kayaks, snorkeling and fishing gear.
 
The following tours and activities are available right here at the lodge with our own guides!
 

We can also arrange the following tours with our guides and/or local tour operators

  • Introduction Rainforest Hike (easy/moderate, 1-1.5 hours)
  • Waterfall Hike (moderate, 4-5 hours)
  • River Tour (easy/moderate, 4-5 hours)
  • Golfo Dulce Dolphin Tour & Coastal Adventure (easy, 2-4 hours)
  • Inshore Fishing (easy, 2-4 hours)
  • Kayak/Snorkel Tour (moderate, 2-3 hours)
  • Yoga (individually adaptable, 1 hour)
  • Massage
  • Sustainability Tour (easy, 1 hour)

You can download our tour book from here.


 
 
 

We can also arrange the following tours with our guides and/or local tour operators

  • Wildlife Sanctuary (easy 2 hours)
  • Organic Chocolate Farm Tour (easy, half day)
  • Surfing (moderate, half-full day) *
  • Canopy Tour (moderado, mediodía)
  • Horseback Riding (moderate, full day) *
  • Matapalo Beach/Forest Tour (moderate, full day)
  • Offshore Sport Fishing (moderate, half/full day)**
  • Cycling
 
 
*These tours require at least 24 hours advance notice to arrange
 
** Sportfishing requires more advance notice and prepayment before arrival at lodge.
Q: What type of wildlife will I see when I visit Playa Nicuesa?
A:
Wildlife at Playa Nicuesa Lodge
Nicuesa and the surrounding area are home to a variety of mammals, reptiles and marine life. Among the mammals you will likely see are three types of monkeys - capuchin/whiteface, congo/howler, colorado/spider - anteaters, sloths, pizote/coati mundi, agouti/paca, white lipped peccaries, and armadillos. Reptiles and amphibians include caiman, crocodile, iguanas, geckos, boa constrictors, turtles, fer-de-lance, red eye tree frog, poison dart frog, and marine toads. Marine life includes dolphins, whales, whale sharks, sea rays, turtles, and many varieties of tropical fish. There are over 250 species of birds seen at Nicuesa, including scarlet macaws, toucans, parrots, currasow, trogons and herons to name a few.
 
Please click here to see the list of mammals reptiles and amphibians, seen at Playa Nicuesa. Click here to see a short list of bird species seen at Playa Nicuesa.
Q: Does Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge have a bar?
A:
We have a fully stocked bar, complete with beer, wines, sodas and a full range of liquors. Don't miss Happy Hour each night from 6-7 pm with drink specials and appetizers. It's a great time to catch up on the day's activities!
Q: How may I pay for bar drinks and tours?
A:
You may pay with cash (US dollars or Costa Rica Colones) or Mastercard / Visa. Certain tours need to be paid in cash.
Q: What should I pack?
A:

Things To Pack

Here are some very important things to pack
 
  • Personal water bottle (we have for sale at lodge, but just in case)
  • Flashlight (make sure you have new batteries)
  • Bug repellant
  • Sunscreen
  • Long lightweight pants (to help prevent bug bites at night)
  • Lightweight long sleeve shirt (same)
  • LOTS of t-shirts (things get wet here in the tropics and are difficult to dry at times - quick dry best material)
  • Socks (same)
  • LOTS of shorts/ bathing suits ( quick drying material is best)
  • Water shoes (e.g. tevas) Something other than flip flops or sandals
  • Medications/toiletries you need. Bring enough to last your entire trip. We supply soap and shampoo
  • Binoculars
  • Light weight hiking boots
  • Rain jacket (lightweight)
  • Backpack/waistpack
 
 

Optional

  • Snorkel/ Mask: Although we have complete sets of snorkels and masks at the lodge, due to the current health crisis we now advise our guests to bring their own. We don't recommend you to worry about fins, as they are heavy and we have these at the lodge for you to use freely.
Q: Is there electricity?
A:
Yes, we have electricity available 24 hours per day. Electricity throughout Nicuesa is provided by a hydro electric turbine and solar panels. Back-up generator runs off recycled vegetable oil.
Q: May I use a hair dryer?
A:
No. The solar electrical system cannot handle the energy surge that a hair dryer requires.
Q: What is included in the nightly rate?
A:
Nightly Rate at Puerto Jimenez Lodge
The nightly rate per person includes taxi and boat transport between town of arrival/departure (Golfito or Puerto Jimenez) and Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, all taxes, all meals and snacks, unlimited self-guided: hikes on preserve, use of kayaks, snorkeling and fishing equipment.
 
Gratuities are not included and not required, but, are appreciated by staff if you feel you have received excellent service.
Q: Is Playa Nicuesa a good place for a family or group retreat, or weddings?
A:
Absolutely! Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge offers special rates and programs to groups that rent the entire lodge. This option includes a nature guide, chef, boat captain and housekeeping your entire stay, as well as unlimited use of preserve trails, kayaks, snorkeling equipment and fishing gear. This is a great option for a group of friends, families, sports clubs, environmental organizations, educational retreats, specialty classes and weddings. We can accommodate 28 guests.
Q: Does it rain a lot in the rainforest?
A:
Yes, it does… and that's what makes this such a special and lush place to visit. (Hiking under the rainforest canopy while raining is a magical experience not to be missed!) But, rarely do we ever lose a day to the rain. Typically between December and April the rains are less frequent and start later in the evening. This time of year is better for snorkeling and stargazing and for those who enjoy the full sun when out and about on their tours. Between May and September the days are less sunny and great for those who enjoy more cloud cover when out on their hiking, kayaking, etc. adventures. Typically, the wildlife viewing is better this time of year. It rarely rains before 3pm. Besides, rainy late afternoons give one a great excuse to relax and lay in a hammock with a book and a cool drink!
Q: Does Playa Nicuesa have phone and/or internet access for guests?
A:
The lodge does have free internet/wifi service that may be accessed on your phone or portable electronic in the common areas of the main lodge.
 
We ask that any use of cell phone or portable electronicis respectful of the peacefulness and enjoyment of the rainforest that all guests have come to Nicuesa to experience.Overall, we recommend trying to stay unconnected and truly enjoy your vacation!
Q: How to reach Nicuesa Lodge on the Osa Peninsula?
A: Nicuesa Lodge is accessible only by boat. Guests can start their adventure by boarding a private boat upon arrival in the enchanting Osa Peninsula. The boat journey offers breathtaking views along the Pacific Coast and is part of the unique experience. You often see dolphins and other marine life on the 20 minute journey to the lodge
Q: Is Nicuesa Lodge environmentally friendly?
A: Yes, Nicuesa Lodge is committed to sustainability. The lodge is designed to have minimal environmental impact and operates with natural energy from the sun. Guests can enjoy a luxurious experience while knowing that the environment is being preserved. We enjoy the highest rating of 4 leaves from the Costa Rican government program.
Q: What are the top attractions near Nicuesa Lodge?
A: The Osa Peninsula offers incredible natural attractions, including Corcovado National Park and Piedras Blancas National Park for pristine rainforests, Golfo Dulce for marine life, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and hidden beaches. Don't miss the opportunity for guided wildlife tours and dolphin watching in the area.
Q: What is the weather like in Puerto Jimenez, Osa Peninsula?
A: Puerto Jimenez typically enjoys a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. Expect hot and humid tropical conditions from December to April, with clear skies and occasional rain. The  GREEN season from May to November brings more rain and lush green landscapes, ideal for nature enthusiasts and Animal viewing
Q: What is the nearest airport to Nicuesa Lodge?
A: The closest airport to Nicuesa Lodge is Puerto Jimenez Airport (PJM), AND GOLFITO Airport both located approximately 15 kilometers away. From there, the lodge arranges transportation to the lodge, first by taxi and then on the lodges private boat for a scenic journey through the beautiful Golfo Dulce. You can also arrive by land from San Jose by car in approximately 5 hours and the lodge will then pick you up by boat in Golfito or Puerto Jimenez
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