Hotel in Limón Province, Costa Rica
Namuwoki Lodge
This eco-lodge in Cahuita offers Caribbean-style bungalows surrounded by jungle. The beach is steps away, and the property features a saltwater pool, yoga platform, and organic restaurant. The tranquil setting attracts sloths, howler monkeys, and diverse birdlife.
Namuwoki Lodge is an eco-lodge set within a lush tropical garden on Costa Rica's southern Caribbean coast, in the Playa Chiquita area approximately 6 kilometres south of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in Limón Province. The lodge is often listed under the broader Cahuita/Puerto Viejo corridor, but its precise location is in Playa Chiquita, a quieter village that retains much of the unhurried character that originally drew travellers to the southern Caribbean in the 1990s. The region is one of Costa Rica's most biologically diverse and culturally layered coastal zones, where Afro-Caribbean traditions, indigenous Bribri and Cabécar heritage, and primary rainforest converge in a setting unlike any other part of the country.
The property consists of Caribbean-style wooden bungalows and garden rooms spread across a landscaped garden that transitions into secondary forest at its perimeter. The architecture uses timber construction and open verandas characteristic of the Caribbean coastal vernacular, designed to maximise natural ventilation in the warm and humid climate. The mature tropical garden canopy attracts a resident population of sloths, howler monkeys, toucans, and poison dart frogs visible from hammocks, garden chairs, and the room verandas throughout the day.
A natural saltwater pool — formed from a freshwater spring flowing through coastal rock — is a defining amenity of the property, providing a cooling alternative to the warm Caribbean Sea without chemical treatment. A yoga platform in the gardens operates on a scheduled class basis and for individual practice. The on-site organic restaurant sources herbs and vegetables directly from the lodge's own kitchen garden and neighbouring small farms, serving a menu influenced by Afro-Caribbean and Latin American culinary traditions, with vegetarian and vegan options prominently offered.
The lodge is within easy walking distance of Playa Chiquita's quiet black-sand beach. Cahuita National Park, with its protected coral reef and white-sand palm-shaded beaches, lies approximately 6 km north along the coast and is reachable by bicycle, local bus, or taxi. Snorkelling on the Cahuita reef is among the most visited natural experiences in the Limón Province. Staff maintain practical knowledge of guided tours to Cahuita and Gandoca-Manzanillo national parks, kayaking excursions, chocolate farm visits, and Bribri indigenous territory day trips from the lodge.
Amenities
- saltwater pool
- restaurant
- yoga
- beach access
- gardens
- wildlife
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +506 2755-0187
Location
Cahuita, Limón Province
9.7500, -82.8333 — View on map
Highlights
- Caribbean-style bungalows in Playa Chiquita's tropical gardens, 6 km south of Puerto Viejo on Costa Rica's southern Caribbean coast
- Natural saltwater spring pool and yoga platform surrounded by gardens frequented by sloths, howler monkeys, and poison dart frogs
- On-site organic restaurant serving Afro-Caribbean and Latin American cuisine with produce from the lodge's own garden
- Walking distance to Playa Chiquita's black-sand beach and within easy reach of Cahuita National Park's protected coral reef
Tips
- Rent a bicycle at reception to explore the flat coastal road connecting Playa Chiquita, Puerto Viejo, and Cahuita — the route is scenic and level.
- Visit Cahuita National Park early in the morning when wildlife along the jungle beach trail is most active and before afternoon rain showers arrive.
- Ask about chocolate and cacao farm tours in the area; the Bribri territory inland from Puerto Viejo produces some of Costa Rica's most distinctive heritage cacao.
- The Caribbean rainy season peaks in June–July and November–December; a lightweight rain jacket is practical for afternoon showers on any visit.
- Bring reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreen for snorkelling in Cahuita National Park, where conventional chemical sunscreens are prohibited to protect the coral reef.
FAQ
Is the lodge in Cahuita or Playa Chiquita?
The lodge is in Playa Chiquita, 6 km south of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and approximately 8 km south of Cahuita town. The area is commonly referred to as the Cahuita/Puerto Viejo corridor due to the continuous coastal communities along this stretch.
What is the best way to reach the lodge from San José?
The most common route is the 4-hour drive on the Caribbean Highway (Route 32) to Limón, then south along the coastal road. Direct buses from San José to Puerto Viejo stop near the lodge. Internal flights to the Puerto Limón airstrip reduce travel time but are less frequent.
Is the Caribbean coast safe for swimming near the lodge?
Some beaches in the Puerto Viejo and Playa Chiquita area have rip currents; lodge staff advise on current safe swimming spots and post local beach conditions. Cahuita National Park's Playa Blanca is generally calmer and more consistently suitable for swimming and snorkelling.
What are the arrangements for yoga sessions?
The lodge offers scheduled yoga sessions on the outdoor garden platform, typically in the mornings. Instructor availability and session frequency vary by season; the current schedule is posted at reception on arrival.
Accessibility
The lodge's ground-level bungalows and generally flat garden paths are relatively manageable for guests with moderate mobility limitations. The natural saltwater pool requires steps to enter. Unpaved garden paths present some challenge for wheeled mobility aids; guests with specific accessibility requirements should contact the lodge directly before booking.
When to visit
Costa Rica's Caribbean coast follows a different climate pattern from the Pacific side: the driest months are typically February through April and September through October. October and November can be rainy but the coast remains lush and wildlife is active throughout the year, making any season rewarding for nature-focused stays.