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The Garden

Nestled just steps from our bungalows, the Cahuita Wildlife Lodge’s ethnobotanical garden spans several acres of lush tropical vegetation, where native medicinal plants mingle with exotic species in an ever-changing tapestry of green. Here, every vine, shrub and tree—from Quassia amara and Cat’s Claw to Star Fruit and Aloe vera—holds centuries of folk-medicine secrets, all carefully stewarded by our expert naturalist guides. Each morning, the garden yields fresh herbs, fruits and edible flowers for our farm-to-table breakfasts, so you can truly taste the vibrant flavors of the land as you learn about each plant’s culinary and healing uses.

Highlights of the Ethnobotanical Garden

Enormous diversity: Wander winding trails through towering palms, epiphytic orchids and understorey ferns, with hundreds of species to explore.
Medicinal discovery: Hands-on demos show you how local healers harvest bark, leaves and roots for teas, salves and tonics.
Culinary delights: Snip fresh lemongrass, turmeric and edible flowers each dawn to garnish your breakfast—straight from our garden to your plate.
Guided learning: Our naturalist “bushman” lead you on immersive tours, sharing traditional lore, scientific insights and conservation stories at every turn.

Whether you’re a foodie, a wellness seeker or a budding botanist, this expansive living laboratory invites you to reconnect with the rhythms of the rainforest—and the ancestral wisdom that sustains it.

Check our medicinal plants:

After Dusk: A Nocturnal Journey Through the Garden

Observe and learn

Many of Costa Rica’s most fascinating creatures come to life after the sun sets, making the nighttime one of the best opportunities to observe the country’s elusive wildlife. From tree frogs and owls to snakes, insects, and mammals on the move, the forest transforms into a different world after dark—rich with sounds, movement, and mystery.

Your night tour will be led by a highly skilled and experienced field guide, specially trained in nocturnal ecology and animal behavior. With a sharp eye, a keen ear, and deep knowledge of the environment, your guide will help you spot and identify hidden animals in their natural habitat, making your night walk both educational and unforgettable.

Leaf Frogs

Leaf frogs are small, nocturnal amphibians known for their incredible camouflage. With their green, leaf-like bodies and unique ability to blend into their surroundings, they are often hard to spot in the wild. Found in Central and South America, these frogs are most active at night and are a fascinating example of nature’s ingenuity.

Linated lizard

The Lined Lizard is a striking reptile found in Costa Rica, known for its vibrant, patterned body featuring bold stripes. These active lizards thrive in warm environments, often basking in the sun or darting through vegetation. Their unique appearance and quick movements make them a fascinating species to observe in their natural habitat.

Eyelash Pit Viper

The Eyelash Pit Viper is a venomous snake found in Costa Rica, easily recognized by its distinctive "eyelash"-like scales above its eyes. With its vibrant green or yellowish color, it blends well into the jungle environment. Primarily nocturnal, this snake uses its heat-sensitive pits to hunt small mammals and amphibians, making it a fascinating yet elusive creature to spot in the wild.

Cat eyed snake

The Cat-eyed Snake is a non-venomous species found in Central and South America, named for its unique, cat-like, vertical pupils. Typically nocturnal, it is often seen resting in trees or on the forest floor. With its slender body and a range of colors from brown to green, the Cat-eyed Snake is well adapted to blend into its environment, making it an intriguing sight for wildlife enthusiasts.

Dark whole butterfly

The Dark Wasp Moth, often mistaken for a butterfly, is a striking nocturnal insect found in Costa Rica. Its dark, smoky wings and vibrant orange body make it stand out against the night sky. Though it resembles a moth, its bold, angular wings and flight patterns give it a distinctive butterfly-like appearance, adding to the allure of Costa Rica’s diverse nighttime wildlife.

Glass frogs

Glass frogs are small, translucent amphibians native to Central and South America. Known for their nearly see-through skin, particularly on their undersides, these fascinating frogs reveal their internal organs, giving them a "glass-like" appearance. Found in humid rainforests, they are most active at night, where they cling to leaves near streams, making them a unique and captivating species to observe.

Wildlife for the soul

As evening falls, the forest comes to life, and your expert guide will help you spot and learn about the fascinating animals that inhabit this magical ecosystem. Your guide will lead you on a journey to discover some of the most incredible wildlife, offering tips and assistance to capture the best shots of these creatures in their natural environment. Immerse yourself in the sounds of the forest as you encounter exotic species like snakes, frogs, bats, spiders, and much more! The night tour includes specialized equipment, such as night vision lights, and the guidance of a knowledgeable naturalist.

Eco tours

We are dedicated to preserving the natural environment, wildlife and traditional local culture in activities that nourish the spirit

This project was initiated with the primary goal of conserving the diverse animal species that inhabit Cahuita, while also fostering their reproduction. The park was established in complete harmony with the natural environment and its wildlife. Our mission is to protect and preserve this unique ecosystem.

A portion of the tour’s proceeds is reinvested directly into conservation efforts, helping to safeguard the natural beauty of the region for future generations.

We are passionate about educating our visitors and showcasing the incredible wildlife that calls Cahuita home. Highlights include the vibrant red-eyed tree frogs, glass frogs, gladiator frogs, bullfrogs, and many more. During our night tours, guests can witness birds nestled in the undergrowth, as well as observe nocturnal mammals in their natural habitats.

Join us in experiencing and learning about this captivating ecosystem while supporting its preservation.