Lapa Rios Lodge - Premier Eco-Lodge on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula

About Lapa Rios Lodge

Lapa Rios Lodge is not just a hotel — it's a conservation project you can sleep in. Perched on a ridge where the rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean on Costa Rica's remote Osa Peninsula, this pioneering eco-lodge has been setting the standard for sustainable luxury tourism since 1993. The property encompasses over 400 hectares (1,000 acres) of private rainforest reserve, one of the last remaining stretches of lowland tropical rainforest on Central America's Pacific coast. It's a place where you might spot a scarlet macaw pair from your bungalow's terrace, hear howler monkeys at dawn, and watch a troop of white-faced capuchins raiding the fruit trees by the pool — all before breakfast.

The lodge's founding vision was revolutionary for its time: prove that protecting rainforest could be more profitable than logging it. Founders Karen and John Lewis purchased the land in the early 1990s when it was being rapidly deforested, and built an eco-lodge that would fund conservation while providing employment and opportunity to the local community. Three decades later, the forest has regenerated dramatically, wildlife populations have rebounded, and Lapa Rios has received recognition from National Geographic, Condé Nast Traveler, and the Costa Rican government's highest sustainability certification (5 Leaves). The lodge has since been acquired by the Boena Wilderness Lodges group but continues its conservation mission unabated.

What guests experience is the rare intersection of wilderness and comfort. The 17 private bungalows are open to the sights and sounds of the forest — screened walls let in the breeze and the symphony of insects, frogs, and birds — while providing premium mattresses, elegant tropical décor, and hot outdoor garden showers. The cuisine is exceptional, the naturalist guides are world-class, and the sense of being immersed in one of Earth's most biodiverse ecosystems is utterly transformative. Lapa Rios doesn't offer television, air conditioning, or the distractions of a conventional resort. It offers something far more valuable: an intimate encounter with nature at its most magnificent.

Location

The Osa Peninsula, extending from Costa Rica's southwestern coast into the Pacific, has been called "the most biologically intense place on Earth" by National Geographic. This remote region harbors 2.5% of the world's total biodiversity within just 0.001% of its surface area. The peninsula's crown jewel is Corcovado National Park, one of the most species-rich protected areas on the planet, home to all four Costa Rican monkey species, Baird's tapir, jaguars, pumas, bull sharks, scarlet macaws, and an estimated 375 bird species. Lapa Rios sits on the southern tip of the peninsula, adjacent to this extraordinary park.

Reaching Lapa Rios requires a bit of effort, which is part of what keeps the experience exclusive. The most common route is a short domestic flight from San José (Juan Santamaría International Airport) to Puerto Jiménez airstrip (approximately 1 hour on Sansa or Nature Air), followed by a 30-minute 4x4 vehicle transfer arranged by the lodge. Alternatively, adventurous travelers can drive from San José (approximately 7-8 hours via the Pan-American Highway and the Costanera Sur coastal road) or take a ferry from Golfito. The remoteness is intentional — it filters out casual tourists and ensures that those who make the journey are rewarded with a pristine, uncrowded wilderness experience. Drake Bay, another gateway to Corcovado, is nearby by boat, and the lodge can arrange multi-day excursions combining Lapa Rios with Corcovado treks and Caño Island snorkeling.

Rooms and Accommodations

Rainforest Bungalow

The signature accommodation at Lapa Rios, the Rainforest Bungalows are elevated structures built into the hillside canopy with thatched palm roofs and open-screen walls that dissolve the boundary between indoors and jungle. Each bungalow (approximately 45 square meters) features a king or two queen beds with premium linens, a private deck with lounge chairs and hammock, an open-air garden shower with hot water, ceiling fans, safe, and locally crafted furniture. There are no TVs, phones, or air conditioning — you're cooled by ocean breezes and lulled to sleep by rainforest sounds. The views from each bungalow sweep across the forest canopy to the Pacific horizon.

Premier Bungalow

Four Premier Bungalows offer enhanced features for guests wanting extra luxury. These larger units (approximately 55 square meters) include a plunge pool on the private deck, an expanded bathroom with outdoor soaking tub, an additional daybed on the terrace, premium welcome amenities, and a slightly more elevated position for even more dramatic views. The plunge pool is a decadent touch — imagine floating in cool water while scarlet macaws fly overhead and the Pacific glimmers in the distance.

Honeymoon Bungalow

Designed for romance, the Honeymoon Bungalow is the lodge's most private unit, tucked away at the far end of a canopy trail. It features a king bed with sheer canopy draping, an outdoor bathtub surrounded by tropical plants, a private plunge pool, an oversized deck with dining table for private meals, and special touches like champagne on arrival, fresh tropical flowers, and turndown service with chocolate truffles. The seclusion is total — it feels like having your own private patch of rainforest.

Family Bungalow

Two Family Bungalows offer interconnected rooms (a king room and a twin room sharing a common deck) for families with children. The configuration provides both togetherness and privacy. Children's nature kits — binoculars, field guides, and activity booklets — are provided, and the lodge offers junior naturalist programs designed to engage young explorers with the rainforest.

Things to Do

Guided Rainforest Hikes

Lapa Rios maintains an extensive private trail system through its 400-hectare reserve, and guided hikes with the lodge's expert naturalists are included in the rate. Guides are phenomenal at spotting wildlife that untrained eyes would miss — a sleeping eyelash viper coiled on a branch, a glass frog on the underside of a leaf, a three-toed sloth high in a cecropia tree. Hikes range from gentle 1-hour strolls to challenging 4-hour deep-forest treks. Early morning hikes offer the best wildlife sightings and birdwatching opportunities.

Corcovado National Park Expedition

A day trip to Corcovado National Park is an essential Osa Peninsula experience, and Lapa Rios arranges guided excursions to the park's Sirena Station. The trip typically involves a boat ride along the coast followed by a ranger-guided trek through primary rainforest teeming with wildlife. Sightings might include tapirs, all four monkey species, crocodiles, countless bird species, and if fortune favors, a jaguar track or even the big cat itself. Pack lunch, water, and your sense of wonder.

Birdwatching

With over 375 species recorded on and around the property, Lapa Rios is a birder's paradise. The lodge's signature species is the scarlet macaw (lapa roja in Spanish — the lodge's namesake), and pairs are frequently seen flying over the property in flashes of brilliant red, blue, and yellow. Other highlights include toucans, trogons, antbirds, manakins, tanagers, and with luck, the magnificent king vulture soaring on thermals overhead. Dedicated birdwatching walks depart at dawn when activity peaks.

Snorkeling at Caño Island

Caño Island Biological Reserve, located about 20 kilometers offshore, offers some of Costa Rica's best snorkeling and diving. The crystal-clear waters surrounding this uninhabited island are home to vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, dolphins, and during migration season (August–October, December–April), humpback whales. The lodge arranges full-day boat excursions including snorkeling equipment, guide, and picnic lunch.

Waterfall Rappelling and Canopy Tour

For adrenaline seekers, the lodge offers waterfall rappelling — descending a series of cascading waterfalls using ropes and harnesses while surrounded by pristine forest. A zipline canopy tour lets guests soar through the treetops on cable runs stretching between giant old-growth trees. Both activities provide a thrilling perspective on the rainforest and are led by certified adventure guides.

Community and Cultural Visits

Lapa Rios maintains deep ties with the local community and offers visits to nearby villages where guests can learn about daily life on the Osa Peninsula. Options include visits to a local organic farm, a goldmining village with a fascinating history, and the school built with lodge support. These experiences offer meaningful human connections beyond the wildlife encounters.

Dining

Brisa Azul Restaurant

All meals are included in the nightly rate, and the lodge's open-air restaurant — Brisa Azul — serves three exceptional meals daily. The menu is a creative fusion of Costa Rican traditions and international techniques, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Dinner is a multi-course affair with options like seared tuna with mango salsa, slow-braised pork in coffee-ancho chile sauce, or plantain-crusted sea bass with coconut rice. Breakfast includes tropical fruit platters, gallo pinto, fresh-baked breads, and Costa Rican coffee. The restaurant's open design means you dine with views of the Pacific through the treetops.

Canopy Bar

Elevated among the trees, the Canopy Bar is where guests gather for pre-dinner cocktails and post-hike refreshments. Costa Rican craft beers, tropical cocktails (the passion fruit caipirinha is legendary), premium Costa Rican coffee, and smoothies are all available. The bar's deck is a prime wildlife-watching spot — monkeys frequently pass through the trees overhead, and hummingbirds visit the nearby feeders.

Private Dining Experiences

Romantic dinners can be arranged on your bungalow deck or at a special candlelit setup along the jungle trail. Multi-course meals with wine pairings are customized to your preferences. The lodge also offers a "sunrise breakfast trek" where you hike to a scenic overlook and arrive to find a full gourmet breakfast laid out with a view of the Pacific coast below.

Why Stay at Lapa Rios Lodge

• National Geographic-recognized conservation — your stay directly funds the protection of 400 hectares of critical Osa Peninsula rainforest
• Unparalleled wildlife encounters with scarlet macaws, monkeys, toucans, sloths, and hundreds of bird species visible from your bungalow
• World-class naturalist guides whose passion and expertise transform every hike into an unforgettable learning experience
• All-inclusive luxury with exceptional farm-to-table dining, premium bungalows, and curated excursions included in the rate
• Gateway to Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, with lodge-arranged expeditions

Learn about more incredible stays on Costa Rica's wild coast in our Top 10 Hotels on the Osa Peninsula guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the room rate at Lapa Rios?

Lapa Rios operates on an all-inclusive basis. The nightly rate includes accommodation, three meals daily at Brisa Azul restaurant, non-alcoholic beverages, a guided nature walk on the private reserve trail system, and use of kayaks, boogie boards, and other non-motorized equipment. Alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, off-site excursions (Corcovado, Caño Island), and the canopy/rappelling tour are available at additional cost.

Is Lapa Rios suitable for children?

Yes, the lodge welcomes children of all ages and offers dedicated Family Bungalows. The junior naturalist program engages kids with age-appropriate activities like rainforest scavenger hunts, frog-finding night walks, and learning to identify animal tracks. Children under 6 stay free, and kids 6–12 receive discounted rates. That said, the open-screen bungalow design means insects are part of the experience — families should be comfortable with nature close-up.

How remote is the lodge? Can I leave easily?

Lapa Rios is intentionally remote to preserve the wilderness experience. The nearest town, Puerto Jiménez, is 30 minutes by 4x4, and the lodge arranges all transfers. There are no shops or ATMs on-site. It's recommended to bring any specific medications or personal items you might need. The lodge does have Wi-Fi (moderate speeds) and cell coverage is available in most areas.

When is the best time to visit the Osa Peninsula?

The dry season (December–April) offers sunny days and optimal trail conditions. The green season (May–November) brings afternoon rains but also lush vegetation, fewer visitors, lower rates, and excellent whale-watching (humpback whales August–October). Wildlife is abundant year-round. The lodge operates year-round and adjusts activities based on conditions.

What should I pack for Lapa Rios?

Essential items include lightweight, quick-dry clothing in neutral colors, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, sandals, swimwear, rain jacket, insect repellent, binoculars, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. A headlamp is useful for night walks. The lodge provides rubber boots for muddy trails, towels, and basic toiletries. Leave heavy luggage behind — domestic flights have a 14kg baggage limit.