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

  • The treks throughout the trip were superb. Excellent guides and the range of wildlife was stunning.

    WRDT, Bakewell Jan 2017

  • 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

  • So many brilliant memories but if we had to pick one it was witnessing the sea turtle lay eggs on beach in Tortugero.

    PG, Galway Aug 2019

  • It is difficult to single out any one part as being most memorable. For me (as a geologist) the trip to Poas Volcano was great. The ziplining at Punta Islita…

    RH, Peterborough Mar 2016

  • Highlight?: Visit to Tortuguero was exciting and remote. Rancho Margot was our favourite accommodation. It was a privilege to visit this beautiful country. 

    MC, Arlesly Apr 2018

  • Although the transfers were quite long the mix between eg driving and taking a boat were good and made us feel we really saw the country. 

    ME May 2011
Aito widget Feefo widget
0 1 2 3 4 5

Our Expert's Opinion

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.

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
MEX_Sipan_TravellingBackInTime_JP_free

Culture, Music, Sport and Festivals

Travelling Back in Time
Learn more
PAN_SanBlasIslands_shutterstock142880422_freewithcreditPAN_SanBlasIslands_shutterstock142880422_freewithcredit
Top 10 photo locations in Central America
Learn more
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

Get in touch Meet our experts
  • 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.

  • Rosie profile
    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.

  • Juliet
    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!

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

  • 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.

  • 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.

0 1 2 3 4 5