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Puerto Jimenez, Osa Peninsula
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, Punta Nicuesa, Puerto Jimenez, Osa Peninsula 60701
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Costa Rica Rainforest Adventures

Enjoy guided and self-guided hikes and birding along the dramatic coastal rainforest and throughout our 165-acre preserve surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine tropical rainforest, full of fruit trees and tropical flowering plants. Explore the primary and secondary rainforest by hiking our labyrinth of flat, undulating and steep trails that wind through connect through the Piedras Blancas National Park. These trails are perfect for all levels of guided and self-guided hikes.  Since access to the park is through private properties reachable by boat only, you can be guaranteed little to no encounters with other people… making your experience truly one-with-nature.
 
Our trails offer a casual walk/hike as well as challenging climbs. We have selectively sited view terraces to observe wildlife or just relax and enjoy the solitude of nature. Listen to the howler monkeys, watch and hear the calls of any one of the 250 species of birds, and end up at a waterfall. OR, just relax in a hammock under the almond tree by the sea and take in the ocean and mountain views while listening to the rhythmic waves.

HIKES

Listed below are just a few of the hikes on Nicuesa's private trails and National Park trails:

Loop Trail
(guided or self guided)

For the true adrenaline lovers, hike up a steep trail and enjoy amazing views of the gulf and the lushness of the rainforest from our canopy level platform. This is just halfway. Hike further to the top and then down the other side. Earn a guilt free swing in the hammock the rest of the day!

Waterfall Hike
(guided)

This is a 4 hour (round trip) that leads from the lodge to a beautiful waterfall where you can swim in a natural swimming hole tucked away in the jungle. This is a mostly flat trail with a short waterfall repel that offers interesting and serious hiking but avoids steep elevations.

Chico Trail
(guided or self guided)

This trail offers the hiker a variety of experiences from flat to inclining sections, with stream crossings, coastal trails and a beach walk. Cool off from your hike and take a swim, as you end at the beach!
 

Night Hike
(easy, 1.5 -2 hours; guided)

The jungle at night is another world. Join a guide and learn how to find nocturnal creatures. Take note of the different sounds while searching for kinkajous, snakes, spiders, and big cats.

Tracks ‘n' Tracking
(easy, 1.5 hours; guided)

Follow the footprints of various wildlife with a reformed hunter.

Other Trails and Hikes
(guided or self guided)

There are several other trails that wind through the rainforest offering short and longer excursions. All levels (easy/moderate & moderate/difficult). Ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Self guided or guided. Grab a trail map and explore!
 
 

INTERNAL   TOURS

Part of the unique experience of Nicuesa is that most unforgettable experiences happen within our own premises. The following tours are coordinated on our front desk, to be enjoyed conveniently by simply following the expert guide assigned.

Edible Landscape Tour
(easy, 1.5 hours; guided)

Probably the most fun you will have cooking in the jungle! Take a walk through our gardens with a guide, learn how to open a coconut, juice a sugar cane and then gather some fresh ingredients. Return to the lodge kitchen and assist the chef to cook tonight's dinner.

Early Morning Birding
(easy, 1.5 hours; guided)

Follow one of our guides into the early morning primary and secondary rainforest, wetlands, and coastal lagoon areas to encounter the diversity of Neo-Tropical bird life.

Sustainability Tour
(easy, 1 hour; guided)

Join in on the daily tour at no charge and get an inside glimpse into the ecofriendly construction and operations that has earned Playa Nicuesa the highest sustainability certification awarded by the Costa Rican government for the past 5 years.
 
 

Medicinal Plants Tour
(easy; self guided)

Meander through our gardens with a self guided tour plant identification sheets that describe the many tropical plants and their medicinal uses.
 
 

EXTERNAL   TOURS

The Golfo Dulce region's richness in biodiversity is world renown for its amplitude, and we offer additional tours which will permit you to enjoy spectacular experiences while you stay in the region.

Organic Chocolate Tour
(easy, on and off-site tours)

Did you know that chocolate grows on trees? Learn about organic chocolate farming while making chocolate from scratch. Enjoy your homemade chocolate at dessert tonight!

Horseback Riding
(moderate, full day)

Enjoy a day in the rainforest by horseback. Half-day and full-day guided trips can be arranged to a variety of locations including many hidden waterfalls in the area.

Canopy Tour
(moderate, half day)

Experience Costa Rica's primary rainforest from the tree tops! Zip-line through the lush rainforest canopy.
 

Articles Written About Rainforest Adventures at Nicuesa Lodge

Into the Wild Costa Rica
Travel+LeisureThe newest biosensitive resort on the peninsula is the Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in 100,000-acre Corcovado National Park, across the Golfo Dulce from Golfito. Everything here is recycled: the four cabins and a four-bedroom house are made from farmed trees; covering the roofs are tiles made from bags that once used to protect banana stalks; and solar energy provides the electricity. Accessible only by boat, the hotel keeps guests busy with kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, windsurfing, and, of course, naturalist-guided hikes. Read the Complete Guide >

Costa Rican Narnia
National Geographic TravelerNothing quite compares to being sung to sleep by the ocean's lapping waves while then being awoken by the deep roar of howler monkeys. Although I have now seen it for myself, I still maintain that Costa Rica is much like Narnia."  Read Full Article >
 

Guest Comments about Nicuesa Lodge's Rainforest Experience

"An Outstanding Memorable Experience !"
Had spend 4 nights over there, in the middle of the rain forest.. so beautiful, so remote, so calm. A very conscious place about environment also delivering messages about the planet. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and many activities can be organized (don't miss the river/mangrove tour) ; the food is excellent, in real harmony with the country. Read full review >

"Rainforest Paradise"
This is a beautiful eco-lodge on the shore of Golfo Dulce, across from the Oso Peninsula. You get there by a half-hour boat ride--the hotel staff picks you up from Golfito. All the staff are knowledgable and highly attentive. The lodge has beautiful gardens and miles of hiking trails, full of wildlife, including a herd of coatimundis and a trio of Currasows (large turkey-like birds) that prowl the gardens. Read full review > 

"Heaven on Earth"
No matter how long you stay you will wish it was longer. The meals are a gift, lodging wonderful, tours and amenities superb. We went very early June, avoided any crowds anywhere and this place in like a small fantasy island! Read full review > 

"Amazing Destination for Lovers of Nature and People"
This was our third trip to Playa Nicuesa. We keep coming back because we love this place, we love the setting, we love the staff, we love family style meals; it's the simple things. The location is remote, no worries about traffic, no unnatural sounds (no sounds of motor boats, lawn mowers, cars, etc), complete feeling of safety (no roads in, can only get there by boat; the staff knows what animals are around) and complete ability to really unwind at Playa Nicuesa. Read full review > 

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