Lapa Rios

Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge overlooks the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean, a destination matching everyone's idea of paradise.

John and Karen Lewis first envisioned Lapa Rios as private nature reserve. The Minnesota couple was driven by a dream that required liquidating all their assets to finance the purchase of a large tract of rainforest and build a small, supporting ecotourism project. A conservation easement elaborated by The Nature Conservancy and CEDARENA will ensure this primary forest be preserved in perpetuity, the land never to be developed. The 930-acre Lapa Rios Reserve helps buffer the Osa Peninsula’s Corcovado National Park and serves as a wildlife corridor.

Lapa Rios was designed in harmony with the surrounding forest and beach environment. The main lodge and bungalows line three ridges and are connected by walking paths and steps. Built over 350 feet above the sea, Lapa Rios catches the cooling tropical ocean and forest breezes. The main lodge and the Brisa Azul restaurant soar 50 feet above the sea and, like the 16 private bungalows, are built of locally harvested materials and have intricately woven palm thatched roofs. Climb the lodge’s three-story circular stairway to overlook the forest canopy and breathtaking ocean vistas. Comfortable, locally made bamboo furniture and huge private decks aid relaxation amidst pristine nature.

Lapa Rios Ecolodge is more than just a beautiful rainforest hotel or an eco resort near the beach. Lapa Rios is a model ecotourism project, demonstrating that no matter how you cut it a rainforest left standing is worth more. Lapa Rios has won worldwide awards for social and environmental excellence, and is a featured sustainable tourism pioneer in many international publications and research projects. The ecolodge employs only local community members, is committed to environmentally sound practices and has been awarded Costa Rica´s highest sustainable tourism certification (CST).

Rainforest and ocean activities bring together guests and the community. Daily guest experiences include a variety of staff naturalist led rainforest interpretive hikes, birdwatching walks and sustainable/educational local project visits. Ocean-mangrove boating trips, dolphin and whale watching, kayaking and surfing are offered by neighboring guides, as well as massages and yoga classes. Some guests’ highlights include a day hike in Corcovado National Park (via small plane transfer) or a night spent on the overnight platform; others find relaxing at the pool or hammock napping most memorable.

Lapa Rios is an ideal vacation for people who enjoy adventure in nature and want to be a part of conservation and local culture (often called Geotourism). The majority of guests are active couples, honeymooners and families (children over 6 years) looking for a more active and uniquely personal experience. Come be a part of ecotourism at Lapa Rios, become a traveler who participates in real sustainable tourism.