Lapa Rios
Rustic-luxe eco-lodge with serious conservation credentials. Think handcrafted local hardwoods, thatched ceilings, ceiling fans, and mosquito-netted beds — not a swim-up bar resort. The social center is the soaring bamboo main pavilion, where guides join guests for lunch and the bar gets lively at 5:30pm.
Coffee or tea is delivered to your room from 5:30am — set it up so you can drink it on the deck during the best wildlife hour
Why It Matters
National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, Michelin Key 2025, Travel + Leisure #1 Hotel in Central America (2019). One of the most recognized eco-lodges on Earth. The 1,000-acre reserve protects Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest and serves as a wildlife corridor to 100,000-acre Corcovado National Park. A conservation easement ensures the land is protected in perpetuity.
Lapa Rios is Costa Rica's benchmark eco-lodge — 17 thatched-roof bungalows and villas strung along a ridge 350 feet above the Pacific, inside a 1,000-acre private rainforest reserve at the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula. Founded in 1993 by former Peace Corps volunteers John and Karen Lewis, it pioneered the idea that luxury and conservation could coexist, and it still makes the case convincingly. No TVs, no phones, no air-con in the base rooms — just open screened walls, ocean breezes, and the howler monkeys announcing sunrise at 5am.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Brisa Suite
Named after two-time Olympian surfer Brisa Hennessy, who is from nearby Cabo Matapalo. The suite blends surf-culture ease with rainforest luxury — there's a generous terrace, private plunge pool, sun loungers, and a hanging outdoor daybed. Air-conditioned and equipped with a minibar, ceiling fan, and both indoor and outdoor showers. Easily the most relaxed, beachy-feeling room at the lodge. Can sleep up to five people.
1 King + 1 twin daybed (option to add queen or 2 extra twin beds) · 170 sqm
Deluxe Bungalow
The original Lapa Rios room — 11 identical open-air bungalows scattered along the reserve's ridge. High pitched palm-thatch ceilings, screened walls on all sides, bamboo slatted blinds for rain and privacy, ceiling fans, and a wrap-around deck with recliners and a hammock. No air conditioning (the ocean breeze and ceiling fans keep things comfortable). Two indoor solar-heated showers plus an outdoor rain shower on the deck. Morning coffee arrives at 5:30am and afternoon cocktails are delivered to your room. Accommodates up to 4 guests.
King or 2 Queens · 85 sqmForest View Bungalow
The entry-level room at Lapa Rios, and still a genuinely special place to sleep. Eighty square meters of open-air bungalow in the heart of the Osa rainforest. Forest-facing rather than ocean-facing, with monkeys and birds passing by the terrace daily. Same open-air screened construction as the Deluxe Bungalows. Perfect for nature-focused travelers who prefer deep jungle immersion over Pacific views.
King or 2 Queens · 80 sqmLapa Villa
The top-tier option at the lodge. Four stand-alone villas perched above the canopy with panoramic Golfo Dulce views. Each has hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling screened walls opening to a wraparound deck, a private plunge pool, and an Evening Breeze® cooling canopy above the king bed. There's also an open-air rain shower, a beverage nook with complimentary gourmet Costa Rican coffee, and space for up to five guests. Monkeys, macaws, and offshore whale sightings are all part of the view.
1 King + 1 twin daybed (option to add 2 extra twin beds) · 200 sqm
Matapalo Suite
Perched above the rainforest with sweeping 240-degree views of the Osa Peninsula and Pacific. The most private and contemporary of the mid-tier rooms — air-conditioned, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a separate bathroom for extra privacy. Closest accommodations to the main lodge, making it ideal for guests with mobility concerns or families who don't want too much stair climbing. Accommodates up to 4 guests.
King or 2 Queens · 125 sqmPremier Villa
Two private villas ideal for couples or friends. Surrounded by lush canopy with uninterrupted Golfo Dulce views. Features an Evening Breeze® cooling canopy above the king bed, indoor rain shower, writing desk, and a seating area that can be separated from the bedroom by a door. A 4x4 vehicle can be requested to get from the main lodge — the road doesn't go all the way to the door but the walk is short. Accommodates up to 4 adults (or 5 with a younger child).
1 King + twin daybed (option to add extra beds) · 170 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Glide through the rainforest canopy above the treetops on a zipline tour in the Osa Peninsula. Additional cost applies.
Explore Hacienda Rio Oro on horseback through secondary forests and countryside, followed by kayaking on the pristine Laguna Pejeperro Lagoon. A full half-day combination.
Rappel down Costa Rican waterfalls near Remanso Lodge, just minutes from Lapa Rios. Guided and outfitted. Additional cost applies.
Combined land and sea exploration of Corcovado. Coastal waters host four sea turtle species, humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays, and sharks. Additional cost applies.
Full-day guided hike to Corcovado's La Leona Ranger Station on the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula. Often described as the most biologically intense place on Earth. Additional cost applies.
Meet your naturalist guide at 6am on the restaurant deck for sunrise views, fresh coffee, and a birding briefing before heading out. The reserve has 319+ bird species including scarlet macaws, toucans, crested and solitary eagles, trogons, and hummingbirds.
Guided walk through the Lapa Rios reserve after dark to find nocturnal wildlife: red-eyed tree frogs, vipers, bats, tarantulas, kinkajous, scorpions, owls, and possums. One of the most memorable activities on offer.
Learn about the rainforest's edible and medicinal plants, and how Indigenous communities, gold miners, and farmers historically relied on them.
Scenic walking trails on a working Costa Rican ranch, birdwatching, a swim in the Piro River, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch with the Sanchez family. A genuine local connection.
A behind-the-scenes tour of the lodge's operations — composting, biogas, solar energy, waste management, and community programs. Unexpectedly fascinating and consistently one of the highest-rated activities among guests.
A scenic two-hour coastal walk through the private reserve visiting the beaches of Pan Dulce, Backwash, Matapalo, and Manzanillo. Each beach is different — Pan Dulce has a left surf break, Backwash has serious wave action (not for swimming).
A gentler 4km hike through the reserve's most remote and pristine primary forest. Best opportunity to spot something rare — all four monkey species, jaguars, ocelots, and more.
Guided hike along the ridge through some of the reserve's most impressive primary forest. Bilingual guide covers flora, fauna, and the immense biodiversity of the ecosystem.
A rainforest river hike to waterfalls, crossing the river multiple times. Challenging but rewarding. Guides lead the way through dense primary forest.
Hands-on participation in Lapa Rios' reforestation program. Start at the tree nursery, learn about rainforest regeneration, and plant a seedling. Great for families.
Boat tour on the Golfo Dulce, one of the world's rare tropical fjords. Dolphins, manta rays, flying fish, and seasonal whales. The river mouth is prime wildlife territory.
The Osa Peninsula claims the world's longest humpback whale season — up to 8 months. The nutrient-rich Golfo Dulce draws whales to breed and raise calves. Best July–November.
The Golfo Dulce and Pacific coast waters are celebrated for big game fishing — marlin, mahimahi, sailfish, and tuna. Trips organized by the lodge.
SUP on the Golfo Dulce with expert instructors from a locally owned school. Includes stance and paddling instruction with stunning marine life views below.
Round-trip transport to the best beach for conditions that day, a two-hour lesson with Osa's top locally owned surf school, max four guests per instructor. Beginner-friendly soft-top boards. Pan Dulce beach has a forgiving left break.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
50+ Mbps WiFi available throughout rooms and social areas. A notable upgrade from the property's early tech-free days.
A dedicated space stocked with books on biodiversity, Costa Rican wildlife field guides, and resident naturalist guides available to answer questions.
Drinks and snacks start at 5:30pm. Tropical cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol is an additional cost not included in the package rate.
Afternoon cocktails delivered to Deluxe Bungalow rooms.
An ocean-view saltwater pool on the main lodge deck. Panoramic Pacific views, with wildlife watching built in. Designed for adults, though children are permitted.
Binoculars available to borrow from reception for birdwatching on the decks and trails.
Provided in all rooms for hiking the muddy rainforest trails.
All water at the lodge is filtered from the lodge's own natural spring and safe to drink from the tap. No single-use plastics on property. Guests encouraged to bring or borrow a reusable bottle.
On-site laundry service available at additional cost.
All rooms receive housekeeping twice per day plus evening turndown service.
Complimentary gourmet Costa Rican coffee or tea delivered to your room beginning at 5:30am — perfectly timed for sunrise wildlife watching from the deck.
The lodge sells local arts and crafts on-site, supporting the surrounding Osa Peninsula community.
On-site parking available for guests arriving by private vehicle (though driving from San José is a 7-hour journey not recommended after dark).
Dedicated yoga platform with ocean views. Complimentary group classes three times per week. Private sessions bookable with 24-hour notice.
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