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Playa Nicuesa

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A beautiful and secluded eco-lodge in Costa Rica’s lesser-known Piedras Blancas National Park.

Playa Nicuesa is an isolated lodge set within a 165-acre private reserve bordering the Piedras Blancas National Park and the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce. It’s only accessible by boat, either from Golfito or Puerto Jimenez.

The main lodge is essentially a large treehouse, crafted in a variety of salvaged hardwoods. On the upper floor is an open-air restaurant where tasty meals are served communally with the opportunity to meet like-minded travellers. Accommodation is in a handful of beautifully constructed wooden cabins, which are simply but attractively furnished. Each cabin features large louvred windows and a wraparound veranda, as well as open-air showers, creating a very natural environment. There’s no air conditioning, but a ceiling fan and screened windows ensure the cabins are well ventilated and you can hear the sounds of the jungle. There’s no need for an alarm clock here – the howler monkeys will let you know when it’s time to wake up!

The lodge has an extensive network of self-guided trails for you to explore and guests have complimentary use of kayaks and standup paddleboards. Naturalist guides cost extra and can be booked locally. Sustainability has always been part of Playa Nicuesa’s ethos and electricity is provided by a hydroelectric turbine and solar panels.

What our clients say

Most memorable experience: “Very difficult to be specific but an eclectic selection would include:- Boat trip excursion with excellent guide from Tortuga Lodge; Singer/Musician at Dinner at Arenal Nayara Hotel;…
VB, Sloane Sqaure Feb 2013
Highlight?: Tortuguera boat trip, rafting Arenal, hot springs Arenal, zip wires Monteverde, running on the beach in Uvita - so many lovely memories
SL, London Jan 2017
Highlights?: Very hard to select 1 or 2 things. However would probably say Travelling to and staying at Tortuga Lodge and the excursions into the Jungle (in 3 days we…
TW, Glasgow Apr 2018
Highlight?: Flying down the ziplines at Arenal was truly incredible. We had a clear day, too, with amazing views of the volcano and lake to distract us from the fact…
DR, London Feb 2018
Everything felt "easy" and stress free. The most memorable aspect was driving through fantastic scenery, so much to see!
AF, Cardiff May 2012
Highlight?: This is difficult! We loved Tortuga Lodge, Bosque de Paz and Aguila de Osa Inn. Made new friends who we will remain in contact.
MG, Uckfield Apr 2017

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Our Expert's Opinion

Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

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Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!
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Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.
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Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.
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A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.
Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.
Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.