Rio Nuevo Tent Camp is about a 20 minute ride (tractor ride that is) from the town of Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula. Because of the numerous river crossings, a heavy duty tractor towing a heavy duty, comfortable trailer, shuttles guests to a place sure to amaze you.
Perched on a point overlooking the confluence of two rivers, a sturdy and well designed suspension bridge welcomes guests to the tent camp. Rio Nuevo Tent Camp is everything I love about Costa Rica. Beautiful surroundings, the ever-present sound of flowing water and the genuine comfort of simplicity.
There are 12 large, comfortable, well maintained tents at Rio Nuevo. Many have private bathrooms and showers. Each has a wonderful porch perfect for enjoying morning coffee or the sounds of the evening forest. Tightly woven mesh windows keep the bugs out.
An extensive trail system offers incredible birding and wildlife viewing. My favorite is the Golfo Dulce Trail. It goes along a ridge where you can see the waters of the Golfo Dulce on one side and the forests of Corcovado on the other. I love to watch the activity and scurrying of leaf-cutter ants that seem to be ever-present in the rainforest. The last time I walked The Golfo Dulce Trail I was filming leaf-cutters when I found one actually cutting the leaf. Something I have often looked for but never actually witnessed. I watched in amazement as this ant meticulously cut through the leaf and carefully positioned it so it could be carried back to its nest. Incredible. I've read ants can carry leaves up to 20 times their own weight which makes me ponder...how do they do that?
Rio Nuevo is owned by Walter Aguirre. He is from Costa Rica and has poured his heart and soul into this magical place. He makes it a point to say he will never sell and plans to pass it on to his family. I must say I understand. I have been their four times and look forward to returning.
It's a great place to relax. Numerous hammocks in the ranchero are great for relaxing, reading or napping in. The sounds of the river has a way of lulling away even the heartiest of resisters.
Typical Costa Rican meals are served buffet style and are sure to please. Employees are wonderful and Juan knows some pretty fancy card tricks. Juan also takes care of the horses and is killer night hike guide.
If you're in fairly good physical condition, you can arrange to walk from the tent camp, across the peninsula, where a taxi will pick you up and take you back to Puerto Jimenez. It's an amazing 14 mile walk through secondary and primary rainforest. The trail goes by some of the biggest trees I have ever seen on the Osa and rival anything found in Corcovado National Park. The last time we walked it we saw numerous tapir and jaguar prints. Something our guide saw as a good sign as it showed positive migration towards Piedras Blancas National Park. Something which is necessary to ensure genetically healthy populations. Most people choose this hike on their last day to avoid shuttling back to the tent camp.
Rio Nuevo is a wonderful place and one best enjoyed with no agenda. Enjoy!
Mitch Popa is an independent video producer working on promoting Costa Rica's Ecotourism Industry. Please visit our website at http://www.ecotourismtravelguides.com or contact me personally at redwoodmitch@yahoo.com
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