A Slice of Heaven at the Cascada Naguala Ecolodge

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“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love”.-  Marcus Aurelius

After my peaceful canoe ride down the Laguna Chocuaco, it was time to leave Rancho Quemado and head to our next adventure in the community of Los Planes. We loaded up our rented SUV and headed northwest towards Drake Bay, the main tourist town in the Osa Peninsula.

The drive was rough and lovely, affording sweeping views of the stunning Drake Bay and the verdant tropical jungle. I was quite thankful we had our heavy duty SUV as there were several river crossings along the way and I cannot imagine how we ever would have made it in a car. Eytan told me that there had been times when he got stuck for hours waiting for the swollen waters to subside enough for him to safely pass and he had even once seen a small bus floating down the river. I definitely didn’t want that to be me!

As we entered the river I held my breath wondering how I’d break the news to my husband that we may have to do this ourselves during our upcoming family trip to Costa Rica in April. Hopefully the roads in northern Costa Rica are a bit better than in the Osa Peninsula.

All the roads in this part of the Osa Peninsula are gravel
A river crossing. Thank goodness we had a large SUV
When it rains hard this river is impassable in a car and cars have been known to float away
The water was pretty deep
There were kids taking a break from the heat and swimming in the river

This afternoon we were headed to a remote, sustainable family-owned ecolodge called Cascada Naguala that is in the middle of the jungle and only accessible via foot across acres of beautiful private land. It had opened up to tourists only a few months ago after a series of tragic losses in the family. The first owner died eight years ago by a fallen tree and his brother took it over only to die in an ATV accident six months ago. Despite the tragedy, his son Eric and lovely wife Francesca reopened the lodge and went into business. We would be their first customers.

We drove about 30 minutes past Drake Bay into the remote region of Los Planes where hardly any tourists ever go. It was isolated, hard to reach yet astonishingly gorgeous. I had found my paradise for the next twenty-four hours and it would be very hard to leave.

The turn off to the Cascada Naguala

You can drive in a little bit of the way and then you have to park the car and walk because the road is too step and muddy
And we are off with our packs for the night
The family owns all this property and it is immense. Despite the signs, tourists sneak in all the time to catch a glimpse of the magnificent waterfalls at the property

After a few harrowing turns, climbing up to the top of the jungle we saw the sign for Cascada Naguala and entered the private drive that would lead us to paradise. We drove down the narrow gravel road until it was too muddy and hilly for us to continue. Alongside the edge of the road, we parked our car, grabbed our backpacks for the night, and set off on foot.

As we walked through the thick jungle, I wondered if we would see any wildlife but all we heard were birds. It was hot, humid and muddy given the recent rains that had poured down on the jungle. Eytan told me how the last time he had been to this lodge, it was pouring rain and thick with mud. I was thankful for the brilliant blue sky and sunshine.

We arrived at Cascada Naguala as promised, roughly thirty minutes later, and I could not believe my eyes. There in the clearing perched high above a roaring waterfall was the lodge and the setting was stunning.

First sight of the property

A closer look at the main lodge

We were greeted with a smile by Eric, dressed in flip-flops and a t-shirt, and his business partner Brian, a Canadian. We were shown around the property and Eric pointed out the new cabins that they were building to host future guests. We also got to check out the brand new yoga platform they constructed directly above one of the property’s waterfalls. The goal is to offer yoga retreats at the lodge and I could hardly think of a more beautiful place to do yoga than here at the Cascada Naguala with the rainforest and waterfalls surrounding you.

View of the brand new yoga platform

The waterfall is literally dropping behind you on the yoga platform

We were shown to our cabins that were right in the thick of the jungle reminding me of my earlier stay in the jungle at the Amazonita Lodge. It was so lush and filled with gorgeous tropical flowers and birds.

The short walk to our cabins

There were flowers everywhere!

And of course lots of bugs

And there it was…my cabin for the night

A closer look

Inside the cabin

View from the balcony looking out

Some of the other cabins. (You can tell where Brian was staying).

Brian met Eric and Francesca through word of mouth when he was traveling to the Osa with his cousin and her Costa Rican husband. A fitness guru, Brian was looking for a place to invest in and start a yoga retreat business. Despite speaking very little Spanish, he and Eric sealed a deal and have been working together ever since. The yoga platform will fit 15 delightful yogis and once the new cabins are complete, they will eventually be able to sleep 21. With such a spectacular setting, I can’t imagine a more perfect place to come, meditate and unwind for a week.

After enjoying a fresh cold drink of mango juice, it was time to experience the waterfall. Directly behind the yoga platform lies the Cascada Naguala and you can hear its roar all the way up above in the open-air lodge.

We followed the short, steep path leading down to the falls in anticipation. I could hardly wait to plunge in and take a refreshing waterfall bath.

It was absolute bliss. Here is a short video of what I saw when I reached the end of the stairs (it looks best if you click on the YouTube icon and watch it in a full screen).

While we bathed in the water, a group of about a dozen monkeys appeared high above us in the canopy of trees and put on a show. They were swinging from tree to tree going wild. I marveled at them in awe thinking what a delightful surprise it was to see them. Meanwhile a pair of scarlet macaws flew overhead and I had to pinch myself. Just another day in paradise!

I pondered on the Costa Rican phrase “pura vida” which roughly translates into pure life. I couldn’t think of a more fitting feeling while I sat here enjoying this wondrous moment in time. (To view full screen, click on YouTube icon. Believe me, it is worth it!).

Little did I know, the real surprise was coming tomorrow.

38 thoughts on “A Slice of Heaven at the Cascada Naguala Ecolodge”

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      It was such a beautiful place that it is hard to do it justice. And it was so reasonable too. I paid $60 a night and it included a delightful home cooked meal and breakfast.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  3. Sas – Cardiff, UK – I'm vegan. I love to travel. I challenge myself to visit at least one new place and try at least one new activity every year. When I'm not writing, I like to ski, rock climb, keep fit and bodyboard.
    Sas on said:

    Wow, this looks like such an amazing place to stay.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      It was really amazing and it was so inexpensive too. I loved it. 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes I loved how colorful the bugs were and these ones didn’t bite!

      Reply ↓
  5. Dianne – Melbourne – Hello! I'm a highly sensitive person who has discovered the joys of iPhone photography and words 🌹
    Di on said:

    Hello Nicole! Another amazing insight into jungle life. It really seems that they are hoping to create a viable tourism culture there now. And yes, a yoga retreat would be ideal. Great post and you’ve got me with ‘tomorrow’….! 🙂🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Di! I can’t think of a more perfect place for yoga. It is also so reasonably priced too. I loved this place. A special memory!

      Reply ↓
  6. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    What a slice of paradise! Live the vision of the monkeys above while you were bathing.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      If only I could have captured it on film Sue! The monkeys were about 30-40 feet up in the trees. It was so awesome.

      Reply ↓
  7. Avery – Discerning the peace, love, & joy of everyday life in a full-time adulting world, one day at a time…with some horses, dogs, and music thrown in. OK, fine, more than some. Most all photos are taken by me! Join me in my AHA moments and what IT is all about.
    Avery on said:

    What a beautiful place to be!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! I loved it there. A very magical place surrounded by nature.

      Reply ↓
  8. Marilyn Albright – Home Based in Sterling, Alaska – Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula has been home for more than 40 years. My husband, David, and I live on 10 acres of forest near the town of Soldotna. We are more or less retired, meaning we are retired from gainful employment but not from life! Our son lives in Australia and our daughter in Colorado. Photography, fiber arts, reading, and hiking/walking are some of my interests, and David shares my love of gardening, camping, cooking, and traveling, plus he is our tech expert.
    Marilyn Albright on said:

    What a wonderful looking place! And I love those tiny bugs dressed in many colors!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I loved this place Marilyn and yes the bugs were quite colorful. I saw lots of colorful bugs and lizards in Costa Rica. Such amazing diversity!

      Reply ↓
  9. lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
    lexklein on said:

    Looks like a heavenly retreat. Those bugs! Do they follow the rule of nature; that is, do those bright colors indicate any kind of poisonous-ness?

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Lexi and honestly I don’t remember what the bugs do! I tried to take careful notes and they did point them out to me. I did see some brilliant blue lizards too that were pretty cool and a blue shrimp in the night (did a night hike in the river….terrifying once they told me to look out for enormous snakes which we didn’t see thank goodness). Hope all is well!

      Reply ↓
      • lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
        lexklein on said:

        Thanks, Nicole! The truck is mostly loaded today and pulls away tomorrow. I’m half excited and half teary!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Where are you moving Lexi? I know you are in DC and sold your house in Chicago.

      • lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
        lexklein on said:

        You must have missed a post or two! (You are forgiven – haha; I know we all have more important things to do! 🙂 ) We are moving to Houston! My husband is already living in the house we bought there and has started work. I have been in charge of both moves (DC-Houston and Chicago-Houston), and it’s been all-consuming (and quite sad). I look forward to returning to normal life sometime soon!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        What?!?! I read every post of yours and I heard you talking about a move but had no idea it was Houston!!! I thought it was just into a house. Wow that is quick! Felt like you just moved to D.C.! Are you excited? I’ve never been there but have been to Texas many times. Wow!!!

      • lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
        lexklein on said:

        That’s why my comments have been spotty or short lately! Almost done, though …

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Good luck with the move Lexi! I can’t wait to hear more about it all.

  10. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    Oh what a beautiful heavenly place. So peaceful. I can understand why you call it a slice of heaven – especially with the monkeys and macaws putting on a show. And the cabins look so cosy. I could really feel your joy in being there.
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      It was so spectacular Alison! I just loved this place. The flowers, the jungle, the air and the waterfalls and animals. I would love to bring my family here some day. It was so inexpensive too. Ahhhh….serenity!

      Reply ↓

  11. Yoga above the waterfalls!!! Nice!! I particularly appreciated the close up photos of the flowers. Beautiful. Looks like a slice of paradise indeed.. worth the trek to get there for sure.
    Peta

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Peta. It was so beautiful.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      “Fascinating pictures of a completely unknown landscape. Thank you for showing it” – Thanks Ernst. I’m glad there is google translate! = Danke Ernst. Ich bin froh, da ist Google Übersetzer!

      Reply ↓

  13. And I thought I had a fantastic time in CR. Before our next visit I may be contacting you for some advice. This looks like the perfect vacation.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes please do LuAnn! Did I tell you we are going as a family at the end of the month? To different places mostly in the north but I can hardly wait!!! I can’t wait to see what the kids think. I’m really excited about it. 🙂

      Reply ↓

      • That is terrific! We are going to do another international trip next year, just haven’t narrowed it down yet.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        How exciting LuAnn! If you do Costa Rica let me know as I could really set you up with some ideas! Guatemala would also be a nice place to include with it too as they are very different but it is also special too. 🙂

      • It is on our list to do once again. Haven’t been to the Osa Peninsula yet.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Wonderful LuAnn!

  14. Pingback: Cascada Naguala’s Hidden Treasure | Thirdeyemom

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