Experience a Unique Entirely Eco-Friendly Resort in Costa Rica

When you come to Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, you find a place in balance with nature. Set on a 165-acre preserve in the undeveloped Osa Peninsula/Golfo Dulce region of Southern Costa Rica, our environmentally sensitive lodge embraces conservation and harmony with the natural environment and caters to travelers interested in ecotourism, nature, and adventure sports. Playa Nicuesa is located within the lush rainforest of the Piedras Blancas National Park and fronts the pristine coastline of the Golfo Dulce off the Pacific Ocean.
Learn how Nicuesa Lodge is preparing a safe adventure in nature for You »

We provide intimate experiences to connect with the natural world of the rainforest and ocean through educational and adventure activities while adhering to the highest level of sustainable hospitality. Experience nature and adventure at our eco lodge, while maintaining mindfulness of the pristine land we are immersed in. We strive to offer luxury service in an authentic, sustainable and pristine location.

Designed in balance with the land, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is truly sustainable from its architectural design to every aspect of your experience. Our Sustainability Coordinator ensures that we honor the environment while staying dedicated to the guest experience. Our Main Lodge is an impressive structure designed to respect the earth, using salvaged Costa Rican hardwoods, and offers canopy views of the rainforest. Our cabins feature indoor/outdoor garden showers so you feel at one with this breathtaking destination. Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is a nature lover's sanctuary.

Check out some of our upcoming sustainability events!

5-Leaf Rating Certification for Sustainable Tourism Certification Award

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge has been awarded the highest rating - 5 Leafs - for sustainability by the Costa Rica government's Tourism Board. This sustainable tourism program recognizes businesses that comply with a sustainable model of natural, cultural and social resource management.

Learn more about the CST program>

Platinum Level Certification on TripAdvisor GreenLeaders programme

Learn more about the TripAdvisor Green Leaders program>

Construction

Construction was performed by local labor from the coast and the towns of Puerto Jimenez and Golfito
Lodge buildings are located on less than 2% of property - 98% is a Private Protected
Use of recycled construction materials such as: roof tiles on the lodge and cabins are made of recycled plastics including banana bags
Wood used throughout Playa Nicuesa is either naturally fallen and permitted by the government to be pulled out of the forest by oxen or farmed

Environmentally friendly design features: design of the cabins and lodge is unique and in context with the natural environment and, the orientation of the cabins and lodge maximizes natural ventilation of air from the mountains and the beach through the structures
Separation of gray water and black water and use of organic micro-organisms to clean septic system of toxins and diseases
Little to no disturbance to the natural landscaping to protect the natural habitat
Worked with Costa Rican architect to design all lodge structures

Operations

Electricity throughout Nicuesa is provided by a hydro electric turbine and solar panels. Back-up generator runs of recycled vegetable oil
Passive solar drying room used to dry all of the wash
Hot water is provided by on-demand propane which means that the propane is used only when the hot water faucet is turned on
Fuel efficient four stroke engines are used on all of our boats
Trash separation for the purpose of recycling glass, plastics, paper, aluminum and tetrapaks
Composting organics to be used later as fertilizers in gardens
Rainwater management: use of trenches to channel heavy amounts of rainfall thereby reducing soil erosion
Gardens and landscaping maintained without use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides
Use of homemade natural solution to combat certain insects (garlic, onion, chili pepper)

Use of organic-biodegradable cleaning products as well as organic-biodegradable shampoos and soaps in guest rooms and for employees
Energy efficient light bulbs, refrigerators, and freezers
Use of solar lanterns for pathway lighting
Tours and activities are conducted in the most environmentally friendly manner possible in order to preserve the natural habitat and the wildlife that thrive here, while always educating guests about the importance of environmental conservation
Offer daily Sustainability Tour of lodge environmental operations (recycling area, composting area, Reforestation Center, passive solar drying room, solar system, and construction efforts)
Lodge meals focused on national and regional cuisine, utilizing food from the property or grown as locally as possible

Community Outreach

Employ local/Costa Rican staff (98% of employees); primarily from the immediate coastline and two area villages
Sponsor a local Costa Rican student annually to attend a local bilingual school - Nueva Hoja
Assist in creation of a local recycling collection center in Puerto Jimenez in collaboration with Women of the Osa
Support local campaign to clean up and beautify Golfito by creating welcoming public spaces & improving infrastructure
Employ reformed hunters as guides
Plan environmental education events in collaboration with the Environmental Coalition of Puerto Jimenez
Sponsored building of local library in Puerto Jimenez
Provide opportunities for employees to learn English through free classes at Lodge and fully sponsored one employee to live in San Jose and attend a one month intensive English language program

Sponsor Troop 150 Guias y Scouts of Puerto Jimenez
Display decorations and sell to guests locally produced artwork and handicrafts
Support local economy by purchasing food, hardware, and other supplies from nearby towns
Support local tour operations by regularly promoting to guests
Provide opportunity for career advancement for employees via training course sponsorship
Provide educational materials and presentations to Las Animas, the only local school in the Golfo Dulce
Sponsor folkloric dance group composed of adolescents from Puerto Jimenez