Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

This place is pure magic—paradise almost feels like an understatement for the incredible natural beauty here. Every detail is thoughtfully curated, and the staff were exceptionally kind and attentive, making me feel truly welcomed. The food was outstanding—healthy, delicious, and perfectly portioned. What stole my heart was the harmony of nature: the soothing sound of the ocean in front and the lush forest whispering behind. And the hot shower with a view of the green canopy? Absolutely unforgettable. A truly soul-refreshing experience.

My sister and I recently returned from an unforgettable eight-day stay at the Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge on the OSA Peninsula. Our journey began with flights from New York to San José, followed by a short but very safe flight on Sansa Airlines – a truly unique experience in a small plane! A scenic 30-minute boat ride then transported us to this idyllic eco-lodge. The lodge's commitment to sustainability and conservation is palpable, adding another layer of richness to the experience. Lodge: The lodge itself is nestled within a breathtaking rainforest, teeming with wildlife. Our days were filled with incredible encounters: four monkey species, two dolphin species, pelicans, an anteater, a dazzling array of lizards (including the amazing Jesus Christ lizard!), vibrant butterflies, golden orb spiders, fiddler and hermit crabs, and a diverse collection of birds – hummingbirds, macaws, toucans, snowy egrets, blue herons, kingfishers, woodpeckers, ospreys, great curassows, tanagers, and many more. The lodge’s open-air rooms are beautifully designed; we especially loved the Crocodile room – a slight splurge well worth it. The intimate scale of the lodge, with a limited number of cottages and rooms, ensured a tranquil atmosphere, rarely exceeding 14 guests at any given time. Lodge staff: The staff were consistently exceptional. Estevan’s gracious service and attentiveness ensured our dining experience was always delightful. Manager Caesar was personable, thoughtful, and readily available to address any needs. Hazel's warm welcome set the tone for our stay. Tours: Our tour guides, Steven, Oscar, and Juan Carlos, were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, expertly guiding us to remarkable wildlife sightings. Their enthusiasm was infectious! Memo, our charming boat driver, provided invaluable assistance throughout our various excursions. Our tours were the highlight of our trip. Pre-paying significantly streamlined our planning and allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the activities. Our guide, Steven Acuna, was exceptional. His dedication to tailoring each tour to our preferences and needs was truly remarkable. He went above and beyond. He consistently providing refreshments – lunch, snacks, and drinks – throughout our adventures. We explored the rainforest on several occasions, including a memorable river tour involving a gentle kayak journey downstream. This allowed us to observe snakes, birds, baby crocodiles, dolphins, turkey vultures, blue butterflies, and pelicans. We even enjoyed the river tour twice, each time a unique and unforgettable experience. We enjoyed the snorkeling tour with a reintroduced coral reef (the snorkeling directly off the lodge pier proved impressive too!). The waterfall hike presented a unique challenge due to the dry riverbed and uneven terrain. While we didn't reach the main waterfall, the smaller cascade was a beautiful reward for our efforts. My sister participated in a birding tour, observing 12 different species. Steven wrote a list of all the birds they saw! We found the kayaking/coral reef tour too strenuous to reach the reef, but Steven accommodated us by shortening the kayak portion and taking us on a walk where the wildlife we encountered along the way was astonishing. The chocolate tour was great where we learned to peel, cook, and grind coco beans, adding many sweets that Steve brought including vanilla, honey, and coconut shavings for a truly hands-on experience. Memo's coconut-cracking demonstration was a fun and memorable moment. Steven also takes incredible pics including thoughtful ones of guests on tours creating even more memories. While the night hike with Juan Carlos was unfortunately impacted by heavy rain and mud, limiting our exploration, it still provided a unique and adventurous experience. Overall, our tours were an unparalleled part of our trip, largely thanks to Steven's expertise and unwavering commitment to ensuring we had the best possible time. We are immensely grateful for his contributions to creating such wonderful memories. Beyond the tours, we enjoyed many simple pleasures: jumping and diving off the pier at high tide, relaxing yoga sessions and massages by the skilled and friendly Michelle, steps from the ocean. The rhythm of the rainforest, with its gentle morning and evening rains, created a peaceful ambiance. Evenings cooled pleasantly, requiring only the overhead and standing fans. We even made friends with Olive, the resident tree frog who lived in a wood table at the lodge where we ate, and Betsy, a bat who visited our room! The open-air shower, though charming, came with its own unique challenges – spiders, crabs, and other creatures seeking the fresh water. While we carefully avoided crushing the fiddler crabs, hermit crabs, and lizards, we learned to coexist peacefully. Some minor unavoidable inconveniences include bugs. Mosquitoes and sea lice were inevitable. The lodge's eco-deterrent proved ineffective for me. Next time I will use garlic pills and bug repellent. It helps to pull down the bed nets and using the overhead fan early in the day. The ever-present dampness meant clothes were perpetually slightly wet, though the lodge's laundry service was excellent and reasonably priced ($10.00/kilo). The solar drying room was also a helpful option. The dimly lit paths to some rooms added a thrilling (though occasionally unnerving!) element to nighttime navigation. The lack of clothing hangers presented a minor organizational challenge. The staff were exceptional, consistently friendly, helpful, and genuinely dedicated to ensuring a memorable stay for every guest. Their hard work and long hours are truly commendable, and we felt their dedication contributed greatly to the overall atmosphere. We highly recommend tipping generously, as many staff members use their earnings to support their families. Regarding packing, allow me to offer a few suggestions based on our experience. Light-colored, quick-drying clothing is essential. Think breathable fabrics like linen or moisture-wicking synthetics. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended for protection from the sun and insects, and you'll appreciate a lightweight, quick-drying towel for both showering and use on the boat. Water shoes are a must, and I suggest something lightweight and airy lilies Tevas or similar sandals; heavier options stay wet and can lead to discomfort. Avoid Keen sandals – we found them too heavy and cumbersome. Long socks are useful for the nighttime hikes.  The lodge offers welly hiking boots, and a wide-brimmed hat offers excellent sun protection. A travel mug is a good idea, as coffee is primarily served in the main lodge area. And don't forget reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and a waterproof camera or GoPro to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife. A small headlamp is a must.  Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Costa Rican rainforest.

We returned to Costa Rica and went to the Osa Peninsula for the first time. The Nicuesa Lodge was the highlight of our trip. Beautiful and remote. Wildlife and adventures. The food was fresh and delicious. But most of all was the warmth of the staff. They made this lodge special. Thank you Hazel and everyone at Nicuesa!

Loved it. 120% rating! -Family of 5 (mom/dad, and kids 15, 12, 6) -Hazel is a great leader; she creates a family feel w/staff, very positive energy -Guides and staff are nice and smart! -Amazing home cooked food 3X a day -Awe-inspiring nature and wildlife

A wonderful spot of nature. A special place, private paradise. Much work to establish since the 80ties. Sustainable energy, waste, water and food management. Great hospitality and engagement by management and staff. Relaxed atmosphere. Wonderful open rooms and open air bath room. Own comfortable terrace. Bed with mosquitos net Not many there. Quite some activities. Excellent food, even for vegetarians ;-). Open Air restaurant platform allows interaction with nature... and other guests.