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COSTA RICA  RAINFOREST Lapa Rios Activities Site Map

ABOUT LAPA RIOS: (In their own words)

rainforest wilderness adventure in a class by itself...

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, making it the destination that matches every one's idea of paradise.

Lapa Rios was built by John and Karen Lewis as a private nature reserve. A Minnesota couple driven by a vision, John and Karen liquidated all their assets to finance the purchase of a large tract of rainforest and to build the small supporting tourism project. Today a conservation easement elaborated by The Nature Conservancy and Cederena ensure that this rainforest will be preserved into perpetuity. The Lapa Rios reserve is connected through a corridor with Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula.

Lapa Rios is built in harmony with the surrounding forest and beach environment. The main lodge and bungalows line three ridges connected by walking paths and steps. Built over 350 feet above the sea, Lapa Rios catches the cooling tropical breezes. The main lodge, housing the restaurant and bar, soars 50 feet and is built of local, natural materials. Palm thatched roofs meet a three-story hardwood circular stairway. Climb to overlook the forest canopy and breathtaking ocean vistas. Comfortable, locally made bamboo furniture adds to relaxation in this tranquil panorama of nature.

Lapa Rios Ecolodge is more than just a beautiful rainforest hotel or eco resort next to the beach. Lapa Rios is a model Ecotourism project that strives to show that “a forest left standing is worth more than one cut down”. Besides winning awards from Conde Nast Traveler and being featured in many international publications, Lapa Rios is a pioneer in sustainable tourism employing only people from the local community and being committed to environmentally sound practices.

Activities at Lapa Rios are focused around the rainforest and the nearby Ocean.   Rainforest hikes, bird watching, Ocean Kayaking, horseback riding, catch and release sport fishing and surfing are some of the activities offered.   Furthermore, guests can take massages, participate in Yoga classes, relax at the pool with a tropical cocktail or just take a nap in a hammock and maybe observe the birds, monkeys and other animals that come by.   For many guests, the highlight is a tour to Corcovado National Park by plane or a night camping in the jungle.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Lapa Rios has 14 spacious thatched bungalows, all located within the rainforest and with ocean views.

The outdoors seems to surround you as walls are screened window walls, allowing the breezes and sounds to create the atmosphere.

Bungalows have two  queen size beds, a private deck and a garden shower.

There is also an interior tiled bath with solar heated water and two wash basin set in Cristobal wood.

FACILITIES & SERVICES:

Lapa Rios has a swimming pool, restaurant and bar.

The restaurant offers flavorful international cuisine with an emphasis on fish, tropical fruits and vegetables.

The full service bar stocks all your favorite spirits and wines.

ACTIVITIES & TOURS:
Lapa Rios offers a wilderness adventure few ever experience.

Here are miles of private, uncrowded trails in prime rainforest, cool rivers wild with pools and waterfalls and safe, unspoiled, sand beaches. Guests can watch a continuous parade of birds, butterflies and animals including all 4 species of monkeys native to Costa Rica.

All rainforest tours are conducted by trained naturalist guides. Click here for list of tours and activities. Lapa Rios can also arrange kayaking, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, hiking in nearby Corcovado National Forest, mangrove river and tropical garden tours.

BEACH:
While the rainforest and wildlife is the main attraction, there is a lovely beach. In the words of Lapa Rios:

The bungalows are about 300 feet above the ocean and it is about a 7 minute walk to the beach and the ocean. The return walk is uphill and steep and takes about 15 min. The beach is normally deserted and offers good walking and exploring. There are very few shells but it is very scenic and serene. There are no rip tides or undercurrents and it is good for swimming. While swimming at the beach is good and safe the main attraction for most of our guests is the rainforest and the wildlife, not the ocean. It is a "Pacific" beach and not the white sand or crystal clear waters of, for example, Jamaica.

There is shade at the high tide mark but no lawn chairs or umbrellas. You will probably encounter more hermit crabs crawling along the beach sand than you have ever seen in any one place before. There are small and harmless but nevertheless quite numerous. Sometimes there are sand fleas and "no-see-ems" but usually they are no real problem. Mosquitos are rare here both at the main lodge and along the beach.