Lapa Rios Eco Lodge

PRIVATE ECO LUX RAINFOREST OCEAN VIEW BUNGALOWS:

Fall asleep to the lull of distant waves. Awake to the sunrise and the call of howler monkeys. Step outside your bungalow to find a thermos of fresh roasted Costa Rican coffee waiting for you. As you make your way to the lodge for breakfast, you’re sure to be greeted by wild monkeys, toucans, macaws, sloths and other creatures of the rainforest.

Our 17 luxurious bungalows are nestled along a ridge in our 1000-acre private Rainforest Reserve. The bungalows are open-air with screens that allow you to experience the sounds, sights and smells of the rainforest and the ocean. All bungalows have ceiling fans (no air-conditioning) and offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean or Golfo Dulce from your bed or spacious private decks.

Consider staying a minimum of four to five nights to enjoy all Lapa Rios has to offer as well as to take advantage of the myriad tours and activities available on property and in the magical Osa Peninsula.

We have a small area designated for Internet and Wi-Fi reception near the main lodge.

LAPA RIOS AMENITIES:

With so many adventures offered at Lapa Rios, it may be hard to imagine sitting down to relax during your time here. But aside from nature-filled excursions, we offer plenty of ways to disconnect, decompress, and rejuvinate your body and soul. Below are some of the many options we provide to our guests:

POOL:

Take a refreshing dip in our eco-friendly, salt-based pool (less chlorine) pool where you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Bring along binoculars – the local wildlife love the pool area almost as much as guests do, and you may want to take a closer look at a few creatures who like to dine in the trees near the pool.

CANOPY ROOFTOP:

Spiraling up from the middle of our dining area, a grand wooden staircase leads to the our canopy rooftop, offering sweeping 360 degree views over the rain forest, Pacific Ocean, Gulfo Dulce gulf, and nearby beaches and farms. Climb up to this unique lookout to gaze out over the horizon during sunrise or sunset, spot beautiful wildlife all around you, or simply sit down and take in the incredible views at your leisure.

MASSAGE, YOGA + CHI KUNG:

Enjoy fifty minutes of rainforest bliss surrounded by the sounds of the surrounding jungle and softly breaking waves in our private massage hut. We offer four types of massage as well as two types of spiritual exercises:

Zen Shiatsu: This massage works on clearing the body’s energy lines of blockage, allowing you to reach a state of deep relaxation and self-healing.

Ayurvedic: Based on ancient Indian Yogi wisdom, this massage focuses on relaxing muscles and allowing vital “chi” to renew and repair tired systems.

Core Integration: This massage brings together postural alignment, movement education and awareness while restoring the body to its natural state of balance.

Reiki: Reiki is a soft, non-intrusive healing method that allows you to awaken your healing energies and focus on inner awareness.

Hatha yoga:  This gentle form of yoga focuses on self-knowledge, acceptance and self-empowerment. An incredible opportunity to balance the mind, body and spirit overlooking one of the most breathtaking views on property.

Chi Kung:  An exercise from China focused on cultivating Chi (the vital life force), which energizes the mind, body and spirit, Chi Kung incorporates fluid motions and postures while connecting its practitioners with the earth and its surrounding life forces. 1 hour per session

WILDLIFE, TOURS, BIRDING & RAINFOREST ACTIVITIES IN COSTA RICA:

Costa Rica is known for its pristine natural beauty, wildlife and amazing adventures. Providing direct access to all these wonders and more, Lapa Rios Eco Lodge is situated in a 1000-acre private reserve in the Osa Peninsula—one of the most beautiful and wild parts of this country and home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. Osa is the only place in Costa Rica where you’ll find four species of monkeys—squirrel, spider, white-face capuccin and howler monkey—and Osa is one of Central America’s best locations for birders. Nearby Corcovado National Park is home to many of the country’s endangered animals such as pumas, jaguars, scarlet macaws and the great harpy eagle.

Water lovers will also be taken aback with this part of the world. Our property is home to three beautiful beaches and stunning waterfalls, surf lessons, horse back riding on the beach, and kayaking.

Our on-property tours are included in your stay and you won’t want to miss them. We employ four full-time experienced naturalist guides to make sure you get the most out of your experience. All guided tours in the Lapa Rios Reserve help support the ongoing maintenance and land preservation of the rich Osa Peninsula biodiversity. Hiking and learning about the rainforest interconnectedness with our trained, experienced guides not only offers an authentic local interpretation of the breathtaking natural beauty of our rainforest reserve, but it also means you’re supporting our local community by providing employment.

For on-property tours we provide:

• walking sticks
• stainless steel water bottles
• binoculars
• rubber Wellington-style boots (if you prefer bringing your own, we recommend hiking boots with high top socks)

Please Note: Many guests want to reserve tours before their arrival, but we recommend you arrive first, get a feel for your new environment and then chose your tours. We can arrange for your tours even last minute.

GUIDED TOURS AT THE LAPA RIOS ECO LODGE RESERVE:

EARLY BIRDS TOUR:

Share the cool early morning air with over 319 bird species inhabiting the Osa Peninsula. For keen birders and animal lovers, this guided tour guarantees numerous species of birds, morpho butterflies and other mammals. High quality binoculars are included with tour.

Easy, 2 hours.

WILD WATERFALLS:

Hike through the virgin rainforest to pristine waterfalls and splash back along the Carbonera River. A fun rainforest experience with adventurous hiking and a chance to swim under the waterfall. For hardy hikers looking for a challenge (wet walking and some climbing involved).

Medium to difficult, 3 hours.

LOCAL MEDICINE TOUR:

Follow local guides through the primary rainforest as they explain traditional medicinal uses of plants and seeds. A fascinating tour for all nature lovers interested in indigenous culture and customs of Costa Rica.

Medium hike with hills, 3 hours.

STARFISH WALK:

Learn about the marine biology of the Golfo Dulce, one of only four tropical fjords in the world, as you tour pristine waters and coconut-shaded beaches. An excellent opportunity to see land crabs starfish and sea cucumbers. Tide dependent tour. Don’t forget your sunscreen and a hat.

Easy-medium. 2 hours.

RAINFOREST RIDGE WALK:

Hike down along the cool ridges of Lapa Rios’ most impressive primary and secondary forest as your guide highlights the hidden treasures of the rainforest. An excellent opportunity to see rare and unusual flora and fauna, and a great hike to truly immerse yourself in the wonders of the rainforest.

Medium to difficult. 3-3 ½ hours.

THE OSA TRAIL:

The complete rainforest experience! This tour descends through the reserve’s most remote and pristine forest filled with enormous trees and breathtaking views of the rainforest, The Osa Walk is an unforgettable experience for all hardy hikers.

Medium to difficult, some hills. 3 ½-4 hours.

MATAPALO TOUR:

Hike along nearby beaches and secondary forest as your guide points out some of the most lively and active creatures of the rainforest. A great tour for wildlife lovers who also want to explore nearby beaches.

Easy, 2 hours.

SUNSET BIRDS TOUR:

Walk through an unforgettable sunset as you search for rare and exotic birds. Highly recommended for all wildlife enthusiasts. High quality binoculars available with your tour guide.

Easy, 2 hours.

NIGHT WALK:

Experience the magic of the rainforest at night! Use your flashlight, and the help of a guide, to uncover unusual nocturnal creatures and their habitats. A great opportunity to see frogs, bats, insects, kinkajous and other wonders of this hidden, nocturnal world. Don’t worry: you’ll make it back before dinner!

Medium walk, some hills. 1 ½ to 2 hours.

SELF-GUIDED TRAIL:

Beginning at the main lodge and looping through the primary and secondary forest, this trail features eighteen marked points of interest that correspond with a biologist’s guide book available at the reception. A great way to experience the natural beauty of the Osa Peninsula at your own pace.

Medium. 45 minutes.

PLANT A TREE:

Contribute to the Lapa Rios reforestation program by transplanting a primary rainforest seedling to an area of secondary growth. Participants will learn about their tree, its role in the ecosystem and receive a certificate to commemorate their efforts. Gift certificates can be purchased on behalf of others and the trees can be planted in their honor. Planting usually takes place in the early morning or late afternoons when soil is cool.

Easy. 10-20 minutes.

THE CARBONERA SCHOOL:

Join us for a tour of a local primary school built and sponsored by Lapa Rios Eco lodge. An excellent opportunity to share and learn with the local community. Highly recommended for children.

Easy. 1 hour.

TWIGS, PIGS AND GARBAGE:

INTERPRETING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

This highly recommended tour winds around the lodge premises, giving first-hand witness to our commitment for a greener and more sustainable way of life. From renewable building materials to the biogas produced by our pigs, learn why Lapa Rios is an award-winning sustainable property. Not to be missed, a unique experience highly praised by guests.

Easy. 1.5 hours.

OFF-PROPERTY TOURS:

Local outfitters provide these following tours. Most tours require 24 hours advance notice and charge a cancellation fee, sometimes as much as 100%. The length of time for all tours is approximate. Tour prices are subject to change without notice. Please note that on occasions the guide and services may not be available.

GOLFO DULCE DOLPHIN TOUR

Enjoy snorkeling and exploring the Golfo Dulce and its lush coastline. A great opportunity to see any of the three species of dolphins (common, bottled-nosed or spotted), whales and turtles. Snorkeling equipment included.

SURF LESSON

Guaranteed to stand up! A perfect right point break for beginners, with different sections to match your level of ability and incredible 83-degree water. Whether you are 8 or 80, this is truly a dream wave to learn on. Lycra surfing shirts and professional soft-top boards provided. For more information, please visit them here.

2 hours

SEA AND MANGROVE KAYAK TOUR

Experience an incredible sea kayak mangrove tour in the Golfo Dulce area full of marine life! No experience necessary and lots of fun.

3 hours.

* Tide Dependent

BOTANICAL GARDEN

Visit a private botanical garden started over 25 years ago filled with hundreds of different species of tropical orchids, ornamental plants and trees. Accessible only by taxi and boat ride on the Golfo Dulce.

3 hours

HORSEBACK RIDING AT RANCHO TROPICAL FARM

Gentle horses and a local guide will meet you at Lapa Rios’ green gate to take you to the hills from where you will enjoy gorgeous views of the rainforest and the Golfo Dulce. The tour continues riding through farmlands to finalize on the beach in front of Lapa Rios. This tour gives you the opportunity to interact with local farmers and is highly recommended for horse and nature lovers.

2 hours

WATERFALL RAPPELLING

Enjoy four waterfalls and four hours of adventure in a truly beautiful deep forest setting. Challenge yourself and enjoy an extraordinary day. Rappelling (also known as abseiling or canyoning) takes you into the heart of the jungle through a wild river canyon at El Remanso, a 15-minute ride from Lapa Rios. Most reasonably fit people with a good sense of balance can do this tour. After rappelling the first waterfall, you follow the river to the second, then third waterfall. The best is saved for last as the fourth waterfall is a 70-foot high beauty. Bring your cameras for this one, as the photo opportunities are marvelous. Wear a swimsuit underneath, and bring a hat and sunscreen.

3 – 4 hours

CANOPY ZIP LINE

If you prefer to tour the rainforest at high speed, the thrilling Miramar Canopy is the first zip-line canopy tour on this side of the Peninsula. Five lines stretch between five platforms, winding 600m through primary forest, enjoy the adrenaline. This activity is low-impact, easy to control your velocity and exciting for its participants. It’s located about 30 minutes away from Lapa Rios, on the road back to Puerto Jimenez.

2 – 3 hours

CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK TOUR BY PLANE

World-famous Corcovado National Park is one of the most biologically rich places on earth. It provides an excellent backdrop to see rare and beautiful wildlife. Accompanied by one of our naturalists, this full-day tour includes a charter flight into Sirena Biological Station, lunch, and round-trip Puerto Jiménez transfers. Visitors witness from the air and on the ground one of Costa Rica’s most famous parks. Note: a $100 cancellation fee is levied within 72 hours.

Medium. Full day

CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK TOUR BY LAND

Depart Lapa Rios on a 5:00 am transfer and ride 1 hour along the scenic road to Carate. Walk up to 4 hours out (depending on hikers’ skill) along a natural trail next to the national park’s coastline. Witness one of the area’s largest still-standing tropical lowland forests. Enjoy a healthy picnic and turn around to hike back to Carate and the return transfer.

Very hard. Full day.”

Courtesy of Lapa Rios Eco Lodge in the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica