Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge brings a rejuvenating stay in nature to a whole new level… This article will give you an impression of what to expect at this special place!
The fun and adventure begin upon arrival at the dock, where a small boat brings you to the lodge. With a little bit of luck the sight of a dolphin welcomes you to this natural paradise. Accompanied by the guide and welcomed by the sound of birds and cicadas as well as the first sights of scarlet macaws and bright blue morpho butterflies, your holiday can begin!
As you sip your delicious welcome cocktail, manager Stephen explains the workings of the lodge, since this is certainly not your usual holiday resort; the secluded location combined with a small number of guests (maximum 25), provide a personal atmosphere which is enhanced by the three daily meals which are prepared locally and enjoyed socially around the long table. Moreover the feeling of being a guest not only at the rainforest lodge, but especially of the rainforest, adds to the magic of this place.
An array of activities is available to those who care to leave the comfort of their hammocks or beach chairs planted under the almond trees right at the Pacific Ocean with its mild temperatures:
One of the most easy and exciting activities is a hike through the trails which are literally located in the backyard of the Nicuesa Lodge, either self-guided or guided by naturalist guide Jonathan, these trails will quickly introduce you to the impressive flora and fauna of Costa Rica. From colorful birds and butterflies, to howling monkeys, crawling lizards, impressive spiders, insects, frogs... all wildlife inhabiting this dense rainforest has its natural place and function in the jungle. Since the property of the lodge consists of 165 acres and is reserved only for guests of the Nicuesa Lodge, each hike in the rainforest becomes an intimate encounter with Costa Rican nature and wildlife.
For those who wish to spice up and ultimately cool down their rainforest hike, a guided tour to the property's waterfall is the perfect activity. Another adventurous way to cool down is by taking a kayak tour to the adjacent bay for snorkeling, where blue parrot fish and tropical striped fish are some of the colorful attractions. Another way to explore the lodge's closer surroundings is by means of the sustainability tour, where the lodge's environmental practices are introduced. From solar panels to recycling stations, tree-planting to a solar drying station as well as sustainable water solutions and much more, this tour answers many questions and also inspires to make changes in your daily life back home.
A shorter kayak outing, which can alternatively be made by boat, leads to the close-by Orchid Garden. A beautiful tropical garden filled with exotic plants, trees and flowers and either of the enthusiastic couple who own this paradisiacal place will give an interesting and refreshing tour with a wide variety of edible herbs, flowers, seeds, lettuce and tropical fruits to be enjoyed.
Another half-day tour leads to a cacao farm where the passionate owner gives a delicious tour, followed by a second stop for an exciting zip line adventure! Fishing, surfing or horseback riding trips, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, daily yoga classes and massages are among the countless other activities that can be undertaken here.
Finally, at the end of an exciting day, over a delicious fresh meal, you will meet your fellow guests to exchange your daily adventures, wildlife sightings, activities, tips and ideas. An experience at Playa Nicuesa offers activities for everyone, and the secluded location in the middle of a tropical rainforest will relax even the most exhausted visitors!
The Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program (CST) is a product of the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT). The program seeks to categorize and certify tourism companies according to the degree to which its operations comply to a model of sustainability, for which 4 fundamental aspects are evaluated: 
1. Physical-biological Parameters
