Back

Playa Nicuesa

  • COS_OsaPeninsula_NicuesaRainforestLodge (10)_11zon
  • COS_OsaPeninsula_NicuesaRainforestLodge (3)_11zon
  • COS_OsaPeninsula_NicuesaRainforestLodge (8)_11zon
  • COS_OsaPeninsula_NicuesaRainforestLodge (9)_11zon
  • COS_OsaPeninsula_NicuesaRainforestLodge (5)_11zon
  • COS_OsaPeninsula_NicuesaRainforestLodge (7)_11zon
  • COS_OsaPeninsula_NicuesaRainforestLodge (12)_11zon
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

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.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Highlights:- The wildlife in Costa Rica is incredible and it is everywhere you go and very immediate.  Add to that beautiful scenery and very friendly people and it is a…

    MJ, E14 Apr 2011

  • Costa Rica with Journey Latin America is one of the best holidays we have ever had, if not the best.

    MD, Southam Jun 2026

  • We always ask each other what the highlight was, but always fail.  It was really the variety.  There is really so much to remember.

    JS, Bath Mar 2017

  • Most memorable experience: "The amount and variety of wildlife in Tortuguero and Cahuita (which we visited separately). I lived in San Jose from 1978-1981 and never saw so much variety,…

    JW, Crowborough Feb 2015

  • Highlights:- The friendliness of the people and the wildlife. 

    ME May 2011

  • 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
Aito widget Feefo widget
0 1 2 3 4 5

Our Expert's Opinion

Sallly
Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

Get in touch Meet our experts

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Tour Leader Jessice de Grier

Travel Tips

Meet The Tour Leader: Jessica de Gier
Learn more
vegan ajiaco

Food and Drink

Vegan Ajiaco Soup
Learn more
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

Get in touch Meet our experts
  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    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.

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

  • Alex
    Alex Walker - Travel Expert

    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

0 1 2 3 4 5