Los Sueños Golf Guide: Playing La Iguana Golf Course

Most championship golf courses promise ocean views and tropical surroundings. La Iguana Golf Course at Los Sueños Resort actually delivers, and throws in scarlet macaws flying overhead, howler monkeys crashing through the canopy between groups, and iguanas sunning themselves on cart paths while you’re reading your putt.

This is tropical golf at its finest: a Ted Robinson-designed championship layout winding through primary and secondary rainforest with elevation changes, water hazards on 12 holes, and the surreal experience of playing through a living jungle ecosystem. It’s challenging enough to host serious tournament play (73.4 course rating, slope 145), playable enough for mid-handicappers from appropriate tees, and wild enough that you’ll need to bring extra golf balls: both for the narrow fairways and the occasional iguana who mistakes your Pro V1 for an egg.

If you’re planning a Los Sueños golf trip: whether it’s a buddies’ golf weekend, a couples’ getaway with one partner playing daily, or a family vacation where someone needs their 18-hole fix: here’s everything you actually need to know.

What Sets La Iguana Apart

La Iguana isn’t trying to be Pebble Beach or Augusta. It’s something entirely different: a championship-caliber course carved through Costa Rican rainforest where wildlife encounters happen every hole and the jungle feels like it could reclaim the fairways overnight if maintenance crews took a week off.

The Ted Robinson Design

Ted Robinson routed La Iguana through 1,100 acres of rainforest with a clear brief: make the course challenging without destroying the ecosystem. The result is 6,698 yards that feel longer than the scorecard suggests: elevation changes, narrow fairways bordered by dense jungle, strategic water hazards, and fast, undulating greens that punish three-putts.

The course has been open for over two decades and has welcomed over 300,000 rounds. It plays as a par 72 from five sets of tees, ranging from 4,863 yards (forward tees) to 6,698 yards (championship tees). Course rating tops out at 73.4 with a slope of 145 from the tips: numbers that respect serious golfers while keeping the course accessible for recreational players who choose their tees wisely.

Robinson incorporated the natural topography rather than bulldozing it flat. You’ll play uphill, downhill, sidehill lies, elevated tees over jungle canopy, and approach shots to greens protected by tropical vegetation that’s unforgiving if you miss. Water comes into play on 12 holes: sometimes as babbling streams crossing fairways, other times as strategic ponds guarding greens.

The layout is distinctly three-part: the opening holes wind uphill through dense forest, the middle section (holes 10-14) climbs a different mountainside with more elevation change, and the final four holes wrap around the Marriott Resort property with ocean glimpses and a memorable oceanfront finish at 18.

The Wildlife Factor

Here’s what separates La Iguana from every other resort course you’ve played: the wildlife isn’t decorative. It’s active, loud, and occasionally disruptive.

Scarlet macaws fly overhead in pairs: brilliant red, blue, and yellow blurs that screech across fairways. You’ll hear howler monkeys before you see them, their territorial roars echoing through the canopy sounding like something from Jurassic Park. White-faced capuchin monkeys travel in troops, sometimes crossing cart paths between groups, occasionally raiding open golf bags for snacks.

Three-toed sloths hang motionless in cecropia trees near greens. Iguanas (the course’s namesake) are everywhere, basking on rocks, crossing fairways, and yes, occasionally stealing golf balls. They’re not being malicious; shiny white golf balls apparently look like eggs, triggering a carry-it-to-safety instinct. If your ball disappears near an iguana, that’s probably why.

Over 150 bird species live in the forest surrounding the course. You’ll spot toucans, tanagers, motmots, kingfishers, herons in water hazards, and turkey vultures circling overhead (they’re not judging your swing: they’re riding thermals).

The wildlife activity peaks early morning (before 9am) and late afternoon (after 3pm) when temperatures cool and animals are feeding. Midday rounds are quieter wildlife-wise but hotter temperature-wise: pick your trade-off.

Ocean Views & Jungle Immersion

Unlike coastal courses where every hole has a water view, La Iguana saves its ocean moments strategically. Most of the course winds through dense forest with canopy overhead and vegetation so thick you can’t see adjacent fairways. Then you’ll crest a ridge or reach an elevated tee and suddenly the Pacific Ocean spreads out blue and vast in the distance.

The signature ocean view comes at the 18th hole, an oceanfront par 4 finishing back at the clubhouse with Herradura Bay and the Pacific as your backdrop. It’s a spectacular closing hole and the perfect place for your playing partners to snap a photo.

But the real magic of La Iguana is the jungle immersion. You’re not playing through manicured landscaping that resembles a rainforest. You’re playing through actual rainforest that’s been selectively cleared for fairways and greens while leaving the ecosystem intact. Stand on the tee box, and the jungle towers around you: primary forest canopy 80-100 feet overhead, understory vegetation dense and green, and the sounds of the forest (birds, monkeys, insects) as your soundtrack.

Course Details: Hole-by-Hole Highlights

Walking every golfer through all 18 holes would be tedious, but here are the holes that matter, the ones you’ll remember, the ones that’ll save or wreck your scorecard, and the ones worth playing smart.

Hole 1: “Welcome to the Jungle” (Par 5, 587 yards)

The opening hole announces exactly what kind of round you’re in for: a 587-yard uphill par 5, narrow, jungle-lined, doglegging right, often playing into the prevailing wind. It’s as good an opening hole as many golfers will ever play: challenging enough to demand respect, scenic enough to remind you you’re not at your home course anymore.

The tee shot is the critical play. Favor the left side of the fairway to set up the best angle on the dogleg, but don’t miss left into the jungle: you won’t find your ball. The second shot plays uphill with trees squeezing the landing area. Most players lay up to a comfortable wedge distance rather than trying to force a long approach into an elevated green.

Three takeaways from hole 1: bring extra balls, this course rewards accuracy over distance, and you’re going to love this round.

Hole 4: “El Tucan” (Par 5, 545 yards)

The signature hole at La Iguana, and for good reason. “El Tucan” (The Toucan) is a right-doglegging par 5 where water (a meandering stream) threatens from tee to green. The stream runs down the left side, cuts diagonally across the fairway at the dogleg, and then guards the left side of the green.

The ideal tee shot is a fade that starts left-center and works right, carrying the dogleg and avoiding the water. Aggressive players with length can cut the corner and reach the green in two, but the risk-reward calculation is brutal: miss right into jungle, miss left into water, and even a good drive leaves a demanding long-iron or hybrid approach over water to a narrow green.

Most smart players treat it as a three-shot hole: safe drive right of the water, layup short of the stream crossing, wedge to a green they can hold. Pars here feel like birdies.

Hole 10-14: The Mountain Section

The middle stretch climbs a different part of the hillside with more dramatic elevation change and tighter, more technical holes. Hole 13 is particularly memorable, a downhill par 3 where the tee shot drops 40+ feet from tee to green with jungle framing the target. It’s one of the course’s best photo opportunities and a great chance to stick one close if you club correctly for the elevation.

This section is where the course tests your ball-striking and course management. Narrow landing areas, sloped fairways that kick balls into trouble, and greens that reject anything but precise approaches. It’s also where you’ll see the most monkeys, the dense canopy through this stretch is prime habitat for howler and capuchin troops.

Hole 17: The Signature Approach

Multiple golfers and reviewers identify the 17th as one of La Iguana’s signature holes. It’s the penultimate hole wrapping around the Marriott Resort property with strategic bunkering, water hazards, and a green complex that demands precision. The exact yardage and layout details vary by tee box, but the theme is consistent: this hole will test whatever part of your game needs testing at that exact moment.

Expect to use every club in your bag over the course of 18 holes, and expect the 17th to demand one of your best swings of the day.

Hole 18: The Oceanfront Finish (Par 4)

The closing hole brings you back to the clubhouse with Herradura Bay and the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. It’s a fitting finish to a round that’s been equal parts golf challenge and nature experience, a final chance to enjoy the setting before heading to the 19th hole.

The 18th is a straightforward par 4 by La Iguana standards, but after 17 holes of jungle golf, even “straightforward” requires focus. Find the fairway, hit the green, make your par, and shake hands knowing you’ve played one of Central America’s most unique golf experiences.

Pricing & Booking: What It Actually Costs

La Iguana is a resort course, which means resort pricing. Here’s the breakdown so you can budget accordingly:

Green Fees

Category	Rack Rate (2026)
18 holes	~$180 USD
9 holes	Check with pro shop
Club rental (TaylorMade)	$75 USD
Caddie fee	$30-40 USD + tip
Golf cart	Included with green fee
Total (with rentals + caddie)	~$285-295 + 25% tax/service

With taxes and service charges (25% added to the base rate), a full round with rentals and a caddie runs $355-370 USD. That’s steep compared to U.S. municipal courses, but it’s in line with other resort championship courses in Costa Rica and still cheaper than high-end resort golf in Hawaii or the Caribbean.

Ways to Save

Book afternoon tee times (after 2pm). Many courses offer twilight rates, and while La Iguana’s official website doesn’t prominently advertise them, asking the pro shop about afternoon discounts can sometimes yield $20-40 off rack rates. You’ll also see better wildlife activity as temperatures cool.

Skip the club rental if you can. Traveling with clubs is a hassle, but $75 saved is $75 saved. If you’re playing multiple rounds during your trip, the rental fee adds up quickly. Most airlines allow one free checked golf bag on international flights: verify your carrier’s policy.

Play as a resort guest or property owner. Los Sueños Marriott guests and Los Sueños property owners get priority tee times and sometimes discounted rates. If you’re staying at a Nest Stays property within Los Sueños Resort, ask your concierge about available golf packages or owner rates.

Book multi-round packages. The official La Iguana website mentions golf packages that include deluxe room accommodations, daily breakfast, and one round of golf per day (minimum 2-night stay). The package rate per night often works out cheaper than booking room and golf separately, especially during low season (May-November).

How to Book Tee Times

Directly through the pro shop:

• Phone: +506 2630-9028 (La Iguana Golf Course)
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: golflaiguana.com
• Tee times available: 6:20am - 3:50pm daily

Through Los Sueños Resort concierge if you’re staying at the Marriott or a resort property. They’ll handle the booking and often coordinate transportation from your villa to the clubhouse.

Through Nest Stays concierge if you’re staying at one of our managed properties. We’ll book your tee time, arrange club rentals, line up a caddie, and make sure you’re at the first tee with time to warm up.

Peak season booking (December-April): Tee times fill quickly, especially weekend mornings. Book 3-5 days in advance to secure your preferred time. Resort guests and property owners get priority, but public tee times are available.

Low season booking (May-November): More availability, but afternoon rain showers are common May through November. Morning tee times (before 11am) give you the best chance of finishing your round before tropical downpours roll in.

Can Non-Resort Guests Play?

Yes. La Iguana is a semi-private course; Los Sueños Resort guests and property owners get priority, but public tee times are available and welcomed. You don’t need to be staying at the Marriott to book a round. Staying at a Nest Stays property in nearby Herradura or Jacó? You can absolutely play La Iguana. Just book in advance during peak season.

What to Expect: Your Round at La Iguana

Beyond the scorecard and yardages, here’s what a typical round at La Iguana actually feels like on the ground.

Wildlife on the Course

Expect animal encounters every few holes. Scarlet macaws flying overhead (listen for their loud screeches), howler monkeys roaring from the canopy (especially early morning), capuchin monkeys crossing fairways in troops, iguanas basking on cart paths and rocks, sloths hanging motionless in trees near greens, and a constant soundtrack of tropical birds.

The wildlife is habituated to golfers but not tame. Don’t approach or feed animals. Monkeys in particular can be aggressive if they associate humans with food. Keep your golf bag zipped and snacks secured: capuchins will raid open bags.

If an iguana takes your ball, consider it a lost ball and drop a new one. Chasing iguanas through the jungle to retrieve a Titleist is not a good use of your round.

Caddies: Highly Recommended

La Iguana caddies are professional, knowledgeable, and worth every dollar. They know the greens (which break toward the ocean even when they look flat), they know exactly where errant tee shots land in the jungle (saving you strokes and time searching), and they’ll point out wildlife you’d otherwise miss.

Caddie fee is $30-40 USD plus tip (standard tip is $20-30 USD for good service, more if they save your round). If you normally don’t use a caddie, make an exception here. The local knowledge and green-reading alone will save you multiple strokes.

Caddies also carry an extra club or two (sometimes a wedge or putter) because the elevation changes and humidity can make club selection tricky. Trust their read. They’ve walked these holes hundreds of times.

Pace of Play

La Iguana isn’t a speed-golf track. Expect 4.5 to 5 hours for 18 holes, sometimes longer if groups ahead are slow or wildlife creates backups (yes, monkey crossings can slow play).

The course manages pace reasonably well with tee time spacing, but there’s no course marshal riding around pushing groups. If you’re behind a slow group and the course is empty ahead, you can usually play through, but this is vacation golf in the jungle, not a weekday muni scramble. Embrace the slower pace, enjoy the surroundings, and don’t stress the clock.

Difficulty Level

From the tips (6,698 yards, slope 145), La Iguana will test single-digit handicappers. The combination of narrow fairways, water hazards, elevation changes, and jungle penalties demands accuracy and course management.

From the middle tees (6,100-6,300 yards), the course is playable for 12-18 handicappers who keep the ball in play and avoid big numbers. Bogey golf scores well here: par is a good score at La Iguana regardless of tee box.

From the forward tees (5,200-5,500 yards), higher handicappers and seniors can enjoy the course without the round becoming a lost-ball death march. The shorter distances take some teeth out of the forced carries and dogleg corners.

Play the tees that match your game. This isn’t the course to play ego-tees from the backs. Choose a yardage where you’ll hit driver and mid-iron into par 4s, not driver and hybrid into every green. You’ll score better and enjoy the round more.

What to Bring

• Extra golf balls. Budget 6-8 balls for an average round, more if you’re prone to slicing. The jungle is unforgiving, and searching for balls in tropical undergrowth is futile.
• Bug spray. Mosquitoes and no-see-ums are present, especially early morning and late afternoon. Apply before the round.
• Sunscreen (high SPF). You’re 10 degrees north of the equator. The sun is intense even on overcast days. Reapply at the turn.
• Hat and sunglasses. Essential for tropical golf.
• Rain gear. If playing May-November, pack a lightweight rain jacket. Afternoon showers pop up quickly.
• Hydration. Bring water and sports drinks. It’s hot and humid. The beverage cart makes regular loops, but staying ahead of dehydration is key.
• Cash for tips. Caddie tips are customarily cash. Have small bills ($20s and $10s USD) for tipping your caddie and the bag attendant.

Dress Code

Resort-casual golf attire. Collared shirts (polos), golf shorts or pants, and soft-spike golf shoes or sneakers. No denim, no tank tops, no beachwear. The dress code isn’t stuffy: this is tropical vacation golf, but keep it respectful and appropriate for a resort course.

Cart vs. Walking

Golf carts are included with your green fee and strongly recommended. La Iguana has significant elevation change, and walking 6,700 yards in tropical heat and humidity is physically demanding even for fit golfers. The course is designed for carts with paved cart paths through most of the layout.

If you insist on walking (some purists prefer it), hire a caddie to carry your bag. Walking and carrying your own bag in 85-90°F heat with 80% humidity is a recipe for exhaustion by the turn.

Best Time to Play La Iguana

Costa Rica has two seasons: dry (December-April) and rainy (May-November). Both have trade-offs for golf.

Dry Season (December - April): Peak Golf Conditions

Pros:

• Consistent weather. Sunny mornings, minimal rain, comfortable temperatures (75-85°F).
• Firm, fast conditions. Fairways roll, greens are quicker, and the course plays its designed yardage.
• Best ocean views. Clear skies mean better visibility to the Pacific from elevated holes.
• Peak wildlife activity. Dry season coincides with breeding season for many bird species.

Cons:

• Higher prices. Peak season green fees are at their highest.
• More crowded. Tee times book further in advance. Expect more groups on the course, especially weekends.
• Hotter midday temps. January-March afternoons can hit 90°F+ with intense sun.

Best months: January through March offer the most reliable conditions with minimal rain.

Rainy Season (May - November): Value Golf with Afternoon Showers

Pros:

• Lower rates. Green fees often drop 15-25% during rainy season.
• Fewer crowds. Easier to book tee times, less waiting on the course.
• Lush, green conditions. The course is its most visually dramatic during rainy season: jungle vegetation explodes in shades of green.
• Cooler temperatures. Rainy season brings cloud cover and slightly lower average temps (75-80°F).

Cons:

• Afternoon rain. Expect thunderstorms most afternoons (typically 2-5pm). Morning tee times (before 11am) usually avoid the worst.
• Softer conditions. Fairways don’t roll as much. Greens hold but can be slower.
• Occasional closure for heavy rain. If overnight storms drench the course, it may close for a morning to dry out.

Best months: June, July, and November tend to have less rain than September-October (the wettest months).

Time of Day: Early Morning vs. Afternoon

Early morning tee times (6:30-8:00am):

• Coolest temperatures. You’ll start in the low 70s before the heat builds.
• Peak wildlife activity. Monkeys, birds, and sloths are most active at dawn.
• Best chance to finish before afternoon rain (rainy season).
• Premium tee time slot: book early during peak season.

Mid-morning tee times (8:00-11:00am):

• Good balance of temperature and availability.
• Still finishing before the hottest part of the day.
• Easier to book than early morning slots.

Afternoon tee times (after 2:00pm):

• Discounted rates (sometimes: ask the pro shop).
• Better wildlife viewing as temperatures cool.
• Risk of rain in rainy season (May-November).
• Intense heat during dry season (December-April); less comfortable but doable with hydration.

The sweet spot: 7:30-8:30am tee time during dry season (January-March). You’ll start in comfortable temperatures, see active wildlife, have time to warm up without rushing, and finish by early afternoon with the rest of your day free.

Combining Golf with Other Activities

One of the advantages of playing La Iguana is its location within Los Sueños Resort, a full-service marina and residential community where golf is just one of many high-end activities.

Golf + Fishing: The Ultimate Los Sueños Combo

Los Sueños Marina is the sport fishing capital of Costa Rica. Sailfish and marlin strike rates here are among the highest in the world, with the peak season (December-April) overlapping perfectly with peak golf season.

The classic itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive, settle into your villa, afternoon golf round
• Day 2: Full-day offshore fishing charter (8 hours), dinner at Marina Village
• Day 3: Morning golf round, afternoon at the beach or pool
• Day 4: Half-day inshore fishing (4 hours), afternoon golf round
• Day 5: Leisure day, evening departure

Most fishing charters depart early (6:00-6:30am) and return by mid-afternoon, leaving time for a late-afternoon golf round if you’re ambitious (or insane: fishing is physically exhausting).

Nest Stays can coordinate the entire package: book your villa, reserve tee times, arrange fishing charters with trusted local captains, and schedule private chef service to cook your fresh-caught mahi-mahi for dinner. That’s the level of service that makes Los Sueños vacations feel effortless.

Golf + Surf: Central Pacific Adventure

Jacó and Playa Hermosa (both 10-20 minutes from Los Sueños) offer some of Costa Rica’s most consistent surf. Combining golf at La Iguana with surf sessions makes sense if you’re traveling with a group where some people golf and others surf.

Sample schedule:

• Golfers: Early morning tee time at La Iguana
• Surfers: Dawn patrol at Jacó or Playa Hermosa
• Afternoon: Everyone meets at the villa pool or beach club
• Evening: Dinner together at Marina Village or Jacó restaurant row

The best part? Both activities require early starts, so groups naturally sync up for afternoon relaxation and evening meals.

Golf + Spa + Dining: The Luxury Long Weekend

If golf is your priority but you’re traveling with a non-golfing partner, Los Sueños delivers enough luxury amenities to keep everyone happy:

• Daily golf for the golfer (morning rounds, back by early afternoon)
• Spa treatments at the Marriott resort spa for the non-golfer
• Beach club access with pool, oceanfront lounging, and food service
• Marina Village shopping (boutiques, galleries, surf shops)
• Sunset cocktails and dinner together at marina restaurants

This is the model for couples’ trips where one person needs their golf fix and the other wants vacation luxury without following a golf cart around for five hours.

The 19th Hole: Dining at Los Sueños Marina Village

You’ve finished your round, turned in your scorecard (or conveniently “forgotten” to turn it in), and now it’s time for the most important part of any golf trip: the post-round debrief over cold drinks and good food.

Los Sueños Marina Village sits 5 minutes from the golf clubhouse with a collection of waterfront restaurants overlooking the marina. You’ll watch fishing boats return with their catch, pelicans diving for baitfish, and sunsets that make you forget that double-bogey on 14.

The Hook Up: The Classic 19th Hole

What it is: Family-friendly sports bar and restaurant overlooking the marina. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Why it’s perfect for post-golf: Cold beer, big portions, sports on multiple TVs, and the best burger in the Central Pacific (according to locals and repeat visitors). This is the default 19th hole for most golfers: casual, comfortable, and exactly what you want after a round in the heat.

Order: The Hook Up burger, fish tacos, or the catch-of-the-day plate (whatever came in on the boats that morning). Imperial or Pilsen beer on draft. Keep it simple and satisfying.

Vibe: Flip-flops and golf shirts welcome. Families with kids, fishing crews, golfers, and cruisers mixing at the bar.

Lanterna Italian Steakhouse: When You Want to Celebrate

What it is: Upscale Italian steakhouse with marina views, white tablecloths, and a wine list that takes the menu seriously.

Why it works for golf groups: If someone shot the round of their life (or you’re celebrating a milestone birthday on a golf trip), Lanterna delivers the elevated dining experience worth the splurge. Perfectly grilled steaks, fresh seafood, house-made pasta, and attentive service.

Order: Prime rib, grilled whole snapper, lobster ravioli, or the daily catch prepared Italian-style. Pair with a bottle from their wine cellar.

Vibe: Resort-casual elegant. You don’t need a jacket, but you probably shouldn’t show up in your sweaty golf shirt straight from the course. Shower and change first.

Bambú Sushi: Light, Fresh, and Unexpected

What it is: Sushi bar serving fresh rolls, sashimi, and Japanese-fusion plates with a Costa Rican twist.

Why it’s great after golf: Sometimes you don’t want a heavy burger or steak after a hot round. Bambú offers light, fresh options (spicy tuna rolls, sashimi platters, poke bowls) that feel restorative rather than heavy.

Order: Tuna tataki, spicy salmon rolls, or the mixed sashimi platter if you’re dining as a group. Cold Sapporo or sake.

Vibe: Modern, clean, open-air with marina views. More upscale than The Hook Up but still relaxed.

Dolce Vita: Italian Comfort Food

What it is: Casual Italian spot in the heart of Marina Village serving pizza, pasta, and Italian classics.

Why golfers like it: Wood-fired pizza, cold Italian beer (Peroni, Moretti), and the kind of carb-loaded comfort food that tastes perfect after burning 1,500 calories walking (or riding) 18 holes in tropical heat.

Order: Margherita pizza, carbonara, or the daily pasta special. Split a bottle of house red.

Vibe: Neighborhood Italian spot that happens to be on a yacht marina. Friendly, welcoming, and exactly what you want when you’re too tired to overthink dinner.

Pro Move: Thursday Farmers Market

Every Thursday evening, Marina Village hosts a farmers market with local vendors selling fresh produce, prepared foods, empanadas, artisan breads, and desserts. If you’re staying in a villa with a kitchen and cooking some of your own meals, the Thursday market is the best place to stock up on Costa Rican ingredients at non-resort prices.

After your morning round, swing by the market late afternoon, grab ingredients and prepared foods, and have a villa dinner overlooking your private pool. That’s the Nest Stays guest experience: luxury accommodations with the flexibility to cook when you want to and dine out when you don’t.

Practical Tips: Insider Knowledge

These are the tips that separate first-time La Iguana golfers from people who’ve played the course enough to know what actually matters.

Book Your Caddie in Advance

When you reserve your tee time, request a caddie at the same time, especially during peak season when the best caddies book up. Mention if you have a caddie preference from a previous round. Good caddies are worth their weight in birdies.

Bring a Rangefinder (It’s Allowed)

La Iguana allows rangefinders and GPS devices. The elevation changes make club selection tricky, and having accurate yardages (with slope adjustment) will save you strokes. Trust your rangefinder over your gut: a 150-yard shot that plays 20 feet downhill is a 140-yard shot.

Warm Up Properly

The driving range opens at 7:00am. If you have an early tee time, arrive 45 minutes early to hit balls, roll putts, and loosen up. The first tee at La Iguana is not where you want to discover your swing isn’t working that day.

Club Selection: Take More Club Than You Think

The humidity and elevation changes mess with ball flight. Shots don’t carry as far in humid air, and uphill shots play longer than the yardage. When in doubt, take one more club. It’s easier to choke down on a 7-iron than to flush a career 8-iron and come up short.

Keep Your Playing Partners Honest About Lost Balls

The jungle is thick. If someone’s ball disappears into the trees, invoke the lost-ball rule (5-minute search maximum, then stroke-and-distance penalty). Spending 10 minutes thrashing through tropical undergrowth looking for a golf ball ruins pace of play and increases your odds of encountering a snake or ant nest. Drop a ball, take your penalty, and keep playing.

Hydrate Before You Feel Thirsty

By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already behind on hydration. Drink water or sports drinks every few holes whether you feel like it or not. Dehydration hits fast in tropical heat, and it will wreck your back nine.

Don’t Fight the Course

La Iguana punishes hero shots and rewards smart play. If the safe play is to lay up short of water, lay up. If the smart tee shot is a 3-wood instead of driver, hit 3-wood. Ego-golf leads to big numbers here. Course-management golf leads to pars and birdies.

Take Photos at the Signature Holes

Hole 4 (El Tucan with water framing the hole), Hole 13 (downhill par 3), and Hole 18 (oceanfront finish) are worth documenting. Have your caddie or playing partner snap a photo of your tee shot. You’ll want these for the group chat and Instagram.

Ask About Stay-and-Play Packages

If you’re booking multiple rounds over several days, ask the pro shop or Nest Stays concierge about golf packages. Sometimes a 3-night villa rental + 2 rounds of golf package works out cheaper than booking everything separately.

Respect the Wildlife (and the Course)

Don’t feed animals. Don’t chase iguanas. Repair your ball marks on greens. Replace divots. Rake bunkers. The course maintenance team works hard to keep La Iguana in championship condition despite the jungle constantly trying to reclaim it. Treat the course with respect.

Who Should Play La Iguana

Here’s who should absolutely play La Iguana:

• Golfers visiting Los Sueños who want to experience the resort’s championship course
• Serious golfers looking for a challenging tropical layout that will test their game
• Wildlife enthusiasts who want golf with guaranteed exotic animal encounters
• Groups combining golf and fishing: Los Sueños makes this pairing effortless (see our fishing guide)
• Anyone who wants to play a unique golf experience that doesn’t exist anywhere else

Here’s who might want to skip it:

• Ultra-high handicappers (25+) who lose multiple balls per round at their home course; La Iguana will be expensive and frustrating
• Budget travelers counting every dollar: there are cheaper (though less spectacular) golf options in Costa Rica
• Golfers who hate slow play: this isn’t a 4-hour speed-golf track
• Anyone expecting a perfectly manicured country club: this is jungle golf with all the beautiful chaos that implies

For the right golfer, La Iguana is a bucket-list experience. You’re not just playing a round of golf. You’re playing through a rainforest ecosystem where scarlet macaws fly overhead and monkeys crash through the trees while you’re lining up your putt. The course is challenging enough to be memorable, the setting is spectacular enough to be bucket-list worthy, and the entire Los Sueños experience (marina, dining, fishing, beach club) makes it the foundation of a proper Costa Rica golf trip.

And when you finish your round, walk into The Hook Up, order a cold Imperial, and tell the bartender how the course played that day. That’s the 19th hole experience every golfer deserves.

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Plan Your Los Sueños Golf Trip with Nest Stays

We manage luxury vacation rentals throughout Los Sueños, Herradura, and the Central Pacific: properties where you can wake up, have breakfast on your terrace overlooking the jungle, and be on the first tee at La Iguana 10 minutes later.

Our concierge team books tee times, arranges club rentals, lines up experienced caddies, reserves marina restaurants, and coordinates everything else that makes a golf trip effortless. You focus on your swing. We’ll handle the logistics.

Ready to plan your round? Contact us to start building your Los Sueños golf getaway. Or explore our complete Los Sueños guide and the best time to visit.