Tucked across from the lush Osa Peninsula and the tranquil waters of the Golfo Dulce, Enchanting Hotel, Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is more than just a jungle retreat—it’s a living sanctuary for some of Costa Rica’s rarest and most fascinating creatures. As a proud recipient of the prestigious Elite status in the country’s Sustainable Tourism Certificate program, Nicuesa offers guests the extraordinary opportunity to connect with nature while helping protect it. From elusive wildcats to vibrantly feathered birds and marine wonders, the lodge sits at the heart of one of the most biologically intense places on Earth, where biodiversity thrives and every encounter tells a story of conservation.
Here at Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, biodiversity isn’t just a term—it’s an everyday experience. Whether you’re kayaking along the mangroves, hiking rainforest trails, or relaxing on your private deck, you’re immersed in a living, breathing sanctuary where rare species still roam free.
A Biodiversity Hotspot Like No Other
Costa Rica is world-renowned for its commitment to conservation, and Golfo Dulce is one of its crown jewels. As a tropical fjord and one of only four tropical fjords in the world, this area supports both marine and terrestrial ecosystems, making it a hotspot for biodiversity and a haven for scientists and nature lovers alike.
What sets Nicuesa apart is its location—a private, 165-acre preserve that connects to Piedras Blancas National Park, which itself forms part of the larger Osa Conservation Area. This uninterrupted stretch of rainforest and coastline shelters over 140 species of mammals, 350 species of birds, and thousands of plant and insect species.
Meet Some of the Rainforest’s Rarest Residents
At Nicuesa, the wilderness comes to you. Here are just a few of the incredible creatures you might spot during your stay:
Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
One of the most elusive and endangered mammals in Central America, the tapir is often called a “forest gardener” because of the way it disperses seeds. Seeing one in the wild is a rare and magical experience—one that’s becoming increasingly possible thanks to the protected habitats around Nicuesa.
Scarlet Macaws (Ara macao)
These brightly colored, intelligent parrots are not just a visual feast—they’re also a conservation success story. Once nearly extinct in many parts of Costa Rica, their numbers have rebounded in places like Golfo Dulce thanks to habitat protection and breeding programs.
Tent-Making Bats
Not all biodiversity is loud and flashy. In the quieter corners of the rainforest, you might find tent-making bats—tiny architects that bite along the veins of palm leaves to create little shelters. These small, insect-eating mammals are a vital part of the ecosystem.
Golfo Dulce Anole (Anolis aquaticus)
This semi-aquatic lizard is found only in southern Costa Rica and western Panama. Known as the “scuba-diving lizard,” it can stay underwater for minutes at a time by trapping air in a bubble. Where else can you watch a lizard dive?
Bottlenose and Spinner Dolphins
Just offshore from Nicuesa, pods of dolphins can often be seen playing in the calm waters of the gulf. Marine tours frequently encounter these social creatures, who seem just as curious about humans as we are about them.
Biodiversity in Every Experience
Nicuesa’s sustainability ethos is grounded in coexistence with nature. Here, you won’t just observe biodiversity—you’ll become part of its ongoing protection. Activities at the lodge are designed to connect guests to the environment in low-impact, meaningful ways:
- Guided nature walks offer insight into the complex relationships between species
- Birdwatching tours reveal the daily drama of the forest canopy
- Snorkeling and kayaking excursions introduce you to the underwater world of coral reefs and mangroves
Even the meals at Nicuesa reflect this respect for biodiversity, with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus inspired by Costa Rican traditions and rainforest abundance.
Conservation with a Purpose
Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is proud to be recognized with CST Elite status (Costa Rica’s top sustainability certification). From solar power and water conservation to reforestation efforts and environmental education, every aspect of the lodge is built on protecting the surrounding ecosystem.
Your visit helps support ongoing conservation work and community partnerships aimed at preserving this extraordinary corner of the world—not just for today’s travelers, but for future generations.
Plan Your Biodiversity Adventure
If you’ve ever dreamed of being surrounded by nature’s most spectacular creations, May is the perfect time to visit Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. With lush green landscapes, abundant wildlife activity, and a deeper sense of connection to the earth, your stay becomes more than a vacation—it becomes a celebration of life in all its forms.
Book your stay at Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge and become part of a conservation journey unlike any other. Explore. Connect. Protect.
