Rainforest Eco Adventures
Hiking and Wildlife Viewing
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge Private Trails. On our 165-acre preserve there are numerous trails that wind through the rainforest canopy, fruit trees, and coastal lagoon areas. These trails are perfect for all levels of guided and self-guided hikes. Our trails offer a casual walk/hike as well as challenging climbs. We have selectively sited view terraces to observe wildlife or just relax and enjoy the solitude of nature.
National Park Trails. Our property abuts the Piedras Blancas National Park. Several private trails on the preserve connect with trails in the national park. Since access to the park is through private properties accessible by boat only, you can be guaranteed little to no encounters with other people… making your experience truly one-with-nature.
Listed below are just a few of the hikes out our back door into the park:
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• Waterfall Hike. This is a 2 hour hike (one way) that leads from the lodge to a beautiful waterfall where you can swim in a natural swimming hole tucked away in the jungle. This is a mostly flat trail that offers interesting and serious hiking but avoids steep elevation changes.
• Piscina Grande Trail. This is a 3 hour hike (one way) that leads from the lodge, climbs high into the rainforest canopy of primary forest before dropping into a beautiful valley. The trail ends at a large waterfall and swimming hole. This is a trip for the adventurous and fit, as we will walk up steep terrain to reach our destination. |
Among the wildlife frequently seen are White Faced monkeys, Howler monkeys, over 250 types of birds including toucans, trogons and parrots, numerous butterflies including the majestic blue morpho, and tropical mammals such as pizotes and tyras; reptiles such as Iguanas, lizards and amphibians such as the wonderous red- eyed tree frog. » View Wildlife List. » View Bird Species list.
» See our Rainforest Discovery vacation package
Santuario Silvestre Wildlife Sanctuary
Santuario Silvestre Wildlife Sanctuary, only reachable by boat, is located a beautiful 15 minute boat ride along the coast of the Golfo Dulce from Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. The Sanctuary mission is to be a rescue center for the wildlife in the southern zone of Costa Rica.
Santuario Silvestre is a unique animal refuge that offers an incredible opportunity for guests to learn from area and visiting experts about the rescue, release and rehabilitation of local wildlife, as well as poaching and other issues related to maintaining a healthy animal population. View up close and photograph in a natural but controlled setting a variety of wildlife including all four species of monkeys found in Costa Rica, anteaters, sloths, scarlet macaws, parrots, toucans and other beautiful birds that live in and rely on the jungle as their home. Overall, a fun and interesting educational opportunity! The tour when combined with a beautiful boat ride is a unique 3 hour excursion from Playa Nicuesa.
» See our Bird Watching vacation package
Horseback Riding
Enjoy a day in the rainforest by horseback. Half-day and full-day guided trips can be arranged to a variety of locations including many hidden waterfalls in the area.
Mountain Biking
Motorboat to one of the small nearby towns in search of roads (remember, no roads go to the lodge!). This is a great way to experience the local life and then to head out on one of the many quiet dirt roads in the area. We can arrange short trips that will allow you to bike to beautiful beaches, or just cruise around and see open space and farming communities. Hard-core bikers can choose rugged trips that will have you crossing through rivers and streams and climbing steep hills, all the while looking at beautiful jungle scenery.
Tropical Botanic Garden Tours
Short boat or kayak ride will land you at Casa Orquidias, a botanical garden where you will learn about the many indigenous tropical fruits and plants while touring the grounds of a beautiful private reserve.
Relaxing
All does not have to be about activity. Please feel free to grab a beach chair or hammock and enjoy the tropics from one of our many peaceful spots!
All overnight stays include unlimited self-guided hikes, use of kayaks, windsurfers, snorkeling and fishing equipment at no additional charge. All of our guided half day and full day tours are customized to meet the interests and skill level of our guests. The charge for these tours range from approximately $25 to $100 per person depending on the trip, number of participants and hours requested.
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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 with open air showers, 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. 
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. 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!