Costa Rica’s pristine Osa Peninsula is blanketed by some of the last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Central America and edged by beaches rich with marine life. At its tip is Lapa Rios, a remarkable lodge surrounded by a 1,000-acre reserve, created to protect the area’s precious biodiversity and to share it in a sustainable way. It would be hard to find a more authentic rainforest experience than this. You awaken to the sounds of the jungle, watch scarlet macaws glide by from your private outdoor shower, and set off into the trees to explore with local guides whose knowledge of the area’s ecosystems runs deep. And yet the experience is relaxing too—there are secluded beaches at the end of many a jungle path, delightful meals served al fresco, and a luxurious bungalow awaiting you at the end of the day.
- Wake up to the call of howler monkeys and drink morning coffee on your private terrace overlooking the ocean.
- Hike through primary and secondary forest with engaging naturalists, and dive deeper into the local ecosystem during a happy hour naturalist presentation.
- Roll up your sleeves and contribute to the lodge’s reforestation program by transplanting a primary rainforest seedling to an area of secondary growth.
- Enjoy activities that are fun for the whole family, from jumping in waterfall pools to watching monkeys and sloths, to swimming in the lodge's salt-based pool.
- Savor delicious meals, fresh tropical juices, and incredible views of the Pacific at the open-air restaurant.
Lapa Rios is the creation of John and Karen Lewis, two former Peace Corps volunteers who in 1990 left their careers in the U.S., liquidated their assets, and set out to establish a private reserve in one of Costa Rica’s most unspoiled wildernesses. Their mantra was that a standing forest is more valuable than one cut down, and they engaged the local community by fostering economic opportunities tied to conservation of the rainforest.
Opened in 1993, Lapa Rios Lodge is now recognized globally as a model of sustainable tourism. A new conservation easement ensures that the property's 1,000 acres, including old-growth primary forest, will be preserved in perpetuity. The Lapa Rios reserve also helps buffer the Osa Peninsula’s Corcovado National Park—home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity—and serves as a wildlife corridor that harbors thousands of trees, plants, birds, insects, and mammals in Central America's largest remaining tropical lowland forest.
- 17 luxurious thatched bungalows with magnificent seaside views
- Open-air restaurant with gourmet cuisine
- On-site guides, biologists, and naturalists
- Evening talks by naturalists and exhibitions by local artisans
- Salt-based pool
- Wellness services, including yoga classes and Ayurvedic massages
National Geographic Exclusive
Each of our lodges has created a special complimentary experience offered exclusively to guests who visit through a National Geographic expedition. At Lapa Rios Lodge, National Geographic guests are treated to a private lunch in the rainforest. Join a guide for the walk into the forest to a series of waterfalls, learning about the flora and fauna you spot along the way. Take a dip in the falls' natural pools, then soak up the jungle ambiance over delectable food and a chilled bottle of wine, served in the treetops by dedicated waitstaff.
- Condé Nast Traveler, Gold List, 2014
- Condé Nast Traveler, Reader’s Choice Awards: Best Hotels in the World, 2014
- Forbes Traveler, Hotels with the Most Beautiful Views, 2010
Photos from Our Lodge and Travelers
