Trek through the mountains and rivers of Rio Nuevo Wildlife Reserve, where you can see sloths, monkeys, and many species of birds. Immerse yourself in Osa’s natural wonders, then cool off in Rio Nuevo!
Tours start and finish in Puerto Jimenez.
Prices are based on a minimum of two people. Contact us to inquire about about available dates, and half-day or night tours.
Rio Nuevo Rainforest Adventure
- 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Intermediate Difficulty
- $120 per person + taxes
What’s Included
- Park entrance fees
- Local naturalist guide
What’s not Included
- Transport to and from Rio Nuevo
- Lunch
- Water
Embark on an unforgettable half-day adventure at Río Nuevo, a hidden gem just 8 km from Puerto Jiménez. This guided tour takes you deep into 55 hectares of pristine riparian rainforest—a serene sanctuary bracketed by the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve and serving as a vital buffer for Corcovado National Park
Departing by 4×4, you’ll traverse rivers, ravines, and gentle mountain paths (difficulty level moderate, suitable for ages 8+) under the care of a certified naturalist guide equipped with binoculars and spotting scopes
Expect to spend 6–7 hours exploring diverse landscapes—from primary canopy to shaded riverbanks—discovering giant emergent trees over 40 m tall and living “fossil” plants. Wildlife sightings can include tapirs, pumas, ocelots, sloths, otters, tayras, monkeys, armadillos, coatis, peccaries—and more than 200 bird species, 20 amphibian species, and 450 diurnal butterflies
Pause mid-tour to cool off in the fresh, inviting waters of Río Nuevo. A chance to bathe in the river’s clear pools—where you can even enjoy a blue-clay spa treatment—adds a rejuvenating twist to your rainforest trek.
The leisurely walking pace, occasional river crossings, and viewing breaks ensure the hike feels immersive rather than strenuous. This experience is educational, family-friendly, and effortlessly paced, perfect for travelers who want nature at their fingertips without roughing it.
Rio Nuevo Hike Itinerary
6:00 AM Meet at the agreed meeting point in Puerto Jimenez
12:00 PM end of tour, Return to Puerto Jimenez
What to bring on your adventure
- 1-2 Liters of water in reusable bottle
- Hiking shoes or close-toed shoes (protected, comfortable, and preferably waterproof).
- Light and quick dry clothes and/or change of clothes
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunblock.
- Bug repellent.
- Waterproof bag.
- Swimsuit and towel
Optional:
- Binoculars.
- Camera.
- Sunglasses.
- Handkerchief.
Discover the Río Nuevo Wildlife Reserve: A Living Laboratory of Biodiversity
Tucked into the verdant hills just 8 km from Puerto Jiménez, the Río Nuevo Wildlife Reserve is a hidden jewel in Costa Rica’s renowned Osa Peninsula. Encompassing over 55 hectares of protected riparian rainforest, Río Nuevo is not only a sanctuary for some of the country’s most fascinating wildlife—it is also a critical buffer zone for the nearby Corcovado National Park, one of the most biologically intense places on Earth.
What makes Río Nuevo truly special is its intimate size paired with staggering biodiversity. Despite its relatively small footprint, the reserve teems with life. Researchers and biologists working in the area have documented a remarkable number of species, including five wild cat species (like the elusive ocelot and puma), two sloth species, four monkey species, and two types of anteaters. You may also encounter Baird’s tapir, armadillos, coatis, deer, peccaries, and the playful Neotropical otter—a sign of a healthy aquatic system.
The air here is alive with birdsong. Over 200 bird species—both resident and migratory—call this reserve home. From bright toucans to raptors gliding overhead, birders and casual observers alike are in for a treat. The forest floor and understory reveal even more treasures: 450 species of diurnal butterflies and 20 amphibian species (frogs and salamanders), all thriving in the lush, humid environment created by the region’s freshwater systems.
The landscape of Río Nuevo is a dynamic mix of primary rainforest, secondary growth, and riparian corridors—each offering a distinct ecosystem with its own residents. Towering emergent trees reach over 40 meters high, while dense riverbanks offer shaded paths for hiking and cooling dips. The Río Nuevo River itself runs through the heart of the reserve, providing clean, refreshing pools for wildlife and visitors alike. Many guests even enjoy a natural blue-clay bath while visiting—just one of the area’s unexpected and rejuvenating surprises.
Managed and protected by the BioSur Foundation, the reserve is also a hub for conservation research and community outreach. Visiting Río Nuevo helps support long-term environmental protection, biodiversity monitoring, and sustainable development in the region. It’s not just a nature walk—it’s participation in a larger effort to preserve one of the last truly wild places in Central America.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a nature photographer, a family looking for an immersive experience, or simply someone in search of tranquility, Río Nuevo offers a chance to step off the beaten path and into a rainforest that is very much alive.