Lapa Rios Ecolodge

The perfect rainforest experience in Osa Peninsula: gorgeous cabins with spectacular ocean views, fine food and wonderful guides

The pioneer ecolodge, and still the shining star of all Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism projects, Lapa Rios is an idyllic retreat from modern life. Poised high on a hillside, each of its 16 cabins looks down over a thickly jungled valley of primary rainforest and the deep blue Pacific beyond. Awake to a chorus of tropical bird calls, and watch monkeys as you lie in the hammock on your secluded balcony.

Lapa Rios is absolutely serious about involving guests in its impressive sustainability programme, yet there’s nothing worthy about the superb food, the gorgeous beaches, or the warm friendliness of its staff. The genius of this place is that everyone who works here shares the owner’s vision: protecting the surrounding pristine nature, and welcoming guests as friends. Experience the full wonder of the rainforest as expert guides take you on marvellous hikes through the hotel’s private reserve. In the early morning light, watching a flock of scarlet macaws alighting on a tree, you'll reflect that this is a truly wondrous place.

Highs

• Unique and privileged location in one of the world’s most precious biospheres: primary forest hosting amazing wildlife and 375 species of birds
• Comfort in the wilderness: great beds, lovely pool, beautiful beaches, excellent organic food, even cocktails! No suffering for your sustainability here
• The staff couldn’t be kinder. Way beyond professional service, they create a very special and welcoming atmosphere
• Impressive sustainability credentials, particularly in social responsibility
• A complete experience of Costa Rica: if you choose just one place to visit in the country, make this it

Lows

• Some cabins are quite a walk from the main building, giving you a bit of a hike for breakfast. Guests with limited mobility can stay in rooms 1 and 2, which are closer
• It might seem pricey, but consider that all your meals, 2 excellent guided walks and the transfer from Puerto Jiménez are all included
• Not for everyone - rooms have fans but no air con or hairdryers, and you might find the odd bug, despite screened windows
• One of the nearby bars sometimes plays loud music
• Lapa Rios is not yet entirely self sufficient for energy, and although pigs generate methane for cooking, there’s a reliance on generators (soon to be replaced by water turbines)