Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge from San Jose?

The best way is to fly via Sansa Airlines (506-2221-9414) or Nature Air (506-2220-3054) to either Puerto Jimenez or Golfito (we can book your flights at no extra charge) . Flight time is approximately 50 minutes. From there, we will meet you at the airport and transport you by our boat across the Golfo Dulce to Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge (the boat ride is approximately 20 minutes). You may also drive your car to Golfito (most secure place to leave your parked car is at the Samoa del Sur Hotel). The drive time is approximately 7.0 hours. The road between San Jose and Golfito is well maintained. We do not recommend arriving in Golfito later than 1pm.
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Can you tell me more details about the accommodations, which type of accommodation is right for me?

We offer four types of accommodations. All are beautiful and special:

One Bedroom Cabins (3)  These cabins are very private and set apart from all other accommodations .Tucked into the rainforest affording you a unique feeling of being in an amazing natural setting, yet with design and comfort details that has been described as simple yet jungle chic. Each cabin has a private entrance, beautiful hardwood floors, private open air shower-bathroom, private terrace, louver doors and windows that wrap around the room to afford panoramic views. Cabins have queen beds (or twin beds upon request) with mosquito netting and ceiling fans. The garden open air shower is within the cabin's bathroom, yet allows you to look at nature all around. Look out for the peeping monkeys! View Photos! Cabin Suite (1) -   The new Cabin Suite is also very private and set apart from all other accommodations. Tucked into the rainforest affording you a unique feeling of being in an amazing natural setting, yet with design and comfort details that have been described as simple, yet jungle-chic. The cabin has a private entrance, beautiful hardwood floors, private open air shower-bathroom, private terrace, mosquito netting over the beds, ceiling fans, louver doors and windows that wrap around the room to afford panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. The Cabin Suite is similar in size to the two bedroom cabin, but set in a large loft like room with a removable partition wall to add flexible space for families and groups. With the partition in place it creates two large bedrooms that can accommodate 4 to 5 guests in a variety of bedding options. The Cabin Suite is also great for couples seeking more space, as well as the luxury of a comfortable sitting area, set up with a couch and chairs. This cabin also is equipped with a deluxe bathroom with two sinks and our signature garden open air shower that is designed to allow you to look at nature all around. View Photos!   Two Bedroom Cabin (2)  This is a private cabin much like the single cabins but larger with two bedrooms and a common den that can also be converted for another bedroom. This is a great choice for families, especially with younger children. The cabin is set at the edge of the jungle but only a few steps from the main lodge building. Each cabin has a private entrance, beautiful hardwood floors, private open air shower-bathroom, private terrace, mosquito netting over the beds, ceiling fans, louver doors and windows that wrap around the room to afford panoramic views of the jungle. The cabin has one large bathroom complete with our signature garden open air shower that is designed to allow you to look at nature all around. The cabin can accommodate up to 5 people. However, we recommend that families with older children or groups of adults that want to be near each other also consider two rooms in the mango guest house. Two rooms in mango guest house will give you more privacy amongst your group and an additional bathroom. View Photos! Mango Guest House (4 private rooms)  The Mango Guest House is a 2 storey accommodation that has 4 private rooms. Set in a beautiful jungle garden area with mango trees on all sides and open views of the surrounding rainforest. Each room has private entrance, beautiful hardwood floors, private bathroom, private terrace, louver doors and windows that wrap around the room to afford panoramic views. Rooms have queen beds (or twin beds upon request) with mosquito netting and ceiling fans. The Mango Guest House is separate from the Main Lodge. View Photos! The mango house is great for all types of travelers. Especially a good choice for friends or families that want to be close, but also have the privacy of your own room with private bathroom. Also great for single travelers or those who are a bit nervous about staying in the jungle, as the mango rooms are more in an open area then the private cabins that are tucked into the rainforest. Also great for parties of approximately 6-10 that want to rent all 4 rooms at once.

*Notes on room set up - We can put one queen bed, two singles or a queen and a single in all rooms. In the Two Bedroom Cabin we can put an extra bed in the common room. In the Cabin Suite we have a removable partition wall that allows you to create two separate rooms or one large room that have a variety of bedding options. We also have bunk beds for children to be placed in any cabin/room. We cannot put three beds in any one room, with the exception of a bunk bed and one other bed or the cabin suite set up as one large room. Please let us know your exact needs.

What are the meals like?

Three exceptional meals are prepared each day. Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge serves healthy, fresh Latino-style cuisine. Emphasis is on local cuisine and fresh fish, tropical fruits and vegetables. The 165 acre preserve abounds with tropical fruit trees bearing mangos, pineapple, starfruit, oranges, lemons, papayas, water apples, bananas, and of course, coconuts. The fresh squeezed juices and salsas are limitless! We even bake our own breads and desserts! We can also tailor the menu to “children friendly” foods, and vegetarians. Click here to see our Sample Menu. And, yes... the water at Playa Nicuesa is drinkable right from the tap. A natural spring supplies the lodge all its water, and we have a UV and sediment filtration system, as well.

All meals are served family style in our canopy level open air lodge dining area (or, you may dine at a separate table upon request).

What if I am a vegetarian or have a dietary restriction?

We are able to accommodate all dietary needs with prior notice. The lodge is remotely located and we plan all meals in advance of your arrival. Please make sure you or your travel agent alert us about any dietary requirements as early as possible before your arrival.

Is Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge a good place for kids?

Yes! We welcome children between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Kids love all of our activities, from hiking and wildlife viewing to kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, fishing and boat rides. We can tailor activities and educational opportunities to suit children's specific interests. Also, we can tailor the meals for "children friendly" foods! Please ask us about our special children rates and policies.

What kinds of activities/adventures do you have available at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge?

One of the great aspects of Playa Nicuesa is our jungle and sea location! Playa Nicuesa’s front yard is literally a gulf off the Pacific Ocean, and our backyard offers thousands of acres of pristine tropical rainforest. Hence we offer both land and water based adventures and activities. Most may be self guided, or you may be led by our in-house nature guides upon request. Included in your stay are unlimited self guided hikes on preserve, use of kayaks, snorkeling and fishing gear.

What type of wildlife will I see when I visit Playa Nicuesa?

Nicuesa and the surrounding area are home to a variety of mammals, reptiles and marine life. Among the mammals you will likely see are three types of monkeys - capuchin/whiteface, congo/howler, colorado/spider - anteaters, sloths, pizote/coati mundi, agouti/paca, white lipped peccaries, and armadillos. Reptiles and amphibians include caiman, crocodile, iguanas, geckos, boa constrictors, turtles, fer-de-lance, red eye tree frog, poison dart frog, and marine toads. Marine life includes dolphins, whales, whale sharks, sea rays, turtles, and many varieties of tropical fish. There are over 250 species of birds seen at Nicuesa, including scarlet macaws, toucans, parrots, currasow, trogons and herons to name a few.

Does Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge have a bar?

We have a fully stocked bar, complete with beer, wines, sodas and a full range of liquors. Don't miss Happy Hour each night from 6-7 pm with drink specials and appetizers. It's a great time to catch up on the day's activities!

How may I pay for bar drinks and tours?

You may pay with cash (US dollars or Costa Rica Colones) or Mastercard / Visa.

What should I pack?

Please click here to see the pack list menu.

Is there electricity?

Yes, we have solar powered electricity available 24 hours per day.

May I use a hair dryer?

No. The solar electrical system cannot handle the energy surge that a hair dryer requires.

What is included in the nightly rate?

The nightly rate per person includes taxi and boat transport between town of arrival/departure (Golfito or Puerto Jimenez) and Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, all taxes, all meals and snacks, unlimited self-guided hikes on preserve, use of kayaks, snorkeling and fishing equipment.

Is Playa Nicuesa a good place for a family or group retreat, or weddings?

Absolutely! Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge offers special rates and programs to groups that rent the entire lodge. This option includes a nature guide, chef, boat captain and housekeeping your entire stay, as well as unlimited use of preserve trails, kayaks, snorkeling equipment and fishing gear. This is a great option for a group of friends, families, sports clubs, environmental organizations, educational retreats, specialty classes and weddings. We can accommodate 20 guests.

Does it rain a lot in the rainforest?

Yes, it does... and that's what makes this such a special and lush place to visit. (Hiking under the rainforest canopy while raining is a magical experience not to be missed!) But, rarely do we ever lose a day to the rain. Typically between December and April the rains are less frequent and start later in the evening. This time of year is better for snorkeling and stargazing and for those who enjoy the full sun when out and about on their tours. Between May and September the days are less sunny and great for those who enjoy more cloud cover when out on their hiking, kayaking, etc. adventures. Typically, the wildlife viewing is better this time of year. It rarely rains before 3pm. Besides, rainy late afternoons give one a great excuse to relax and lay in a hammock with a book and a cool drink!

Does Playa Nicuesa have phone and/or internet access for guests?

There is no phone service nor internet access at the lodge. We have marine radio and a cell phone for emergencies only. If you need to access the internet, we can hire (at your cost) a boat taxi to take you to Golfito or Puerto Jimenez to the internet café.