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Lapa Rios Rainforest Lodge

Our rating

9/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Remote rainforest location
- Complete immersion in nature
- Superb luxury accommodation
- Waterfalls, hiking, surfing, kayaking

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Overview

Lapa Rios is a particularly remote yet luxurious eco-lodge named after the many macaws that inhabit the area. It’s an award-winning property committed to preserving the surrounding 1,000 acres of pristine rainforest. Tucked away in southern Costa Rica near the tip of the Osa Peninsula, one of the world’s most biologically intense locations, this fabulous retreat is found nestled in a private rainforest reserve, a ten-minute walk from some superb beaches. Combining luxury with complete immersion in nature, a stay here will suit travellers who are not squeamish about being up-close to the abundant wildlife. It is quite simply one of the best wildlife lodges in the country, and there are also some renowned surf spots nearby with waves suitable for beginners, intermediates and pros.

The accommodation comprises 17 luxury bungalows constructed from wood and bamboo which are scattered along a ridge, all with superb open ocean views. Although there is no air conditioning, the bungalows are open-air in design and face the sea, so the breeze helps to keep temperatures cool. Each room has a sizeable deck complete with a private outdoor shower, a hammock and loungers, and two indoor showers to choose from - a cool rain shower and a warmer, standard option. Complimentary toiletries, cotton robes, ceiling fans and canopy nets over the beds are common to all rooms, however note that visitors are encouraged to fully appreciate their natural surroundings and thus there are no modern conveniences such as televisions or radios. Wildlife is often spotted from the bungalows or on the lodge’s pathways. It’s a real delight to enjoy the sounds of the surrounding forest, and it’s not uncommon to wake up to the unique rumbling of the resident howler monkeys.

There’s a broad range of activities on offer, many on an inclusive rate, so do bear this benefit in mind when comparing Lapa Rios to more mid-range properties in the area. Waterfall hikes, night-time walks and birdwatching sessions with one of the lodge’s four exceptional guides are a real treat. Away from the property itself, there’s horseback riding, mangrove kayaking, dolphin spotting and trips to the Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica’s largest national park, known for its exceptionally rich biodiversity. Back at base, there’s a lovely pool and restaurant, and dining by waterfalls or picnics in the wild are also on offer, along with cookery demonstrations. There’s also a lovely spa offering reflexology, massages, facials and yoga.

Families are very welcome, though children must be at least 6 years of age to stay. The lodge offers a children’s menu together with a fabulous selection of family-friendly activities which are not only great fun, but also highly educational. Youngsters can learn about reforestation and help plant small trees, they will spot all manner of wildlife from frogs and iguanas to sloths, monkeys and perhaps even dolphins and whales. They can visit a local school and enjoy surfing in the waves, running about on the beaches and swimming in the lodge’s lovely pool. Parents are reminded that due to the remote and rural nature of the property, children must remain under adult supervision at all times.

Suggested Itineraries for Lapa Rios Rainforest Lodge

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 530 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Dear Lisa. On behalf of the three generations of the Rowland family. Thank you, so much, for organising our wonderful holiday to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. The trip of a lifetime. The week mobile camping in the bush, with our guide Nandos and his crew was a fantastic adventure. How they manage to cook such wonderful food on an open fire is amazing. The sites were constantly visited by monkeys and once by elephants. We were even lucky enough to see two packs of wild dogs, once with a kill. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River is a wonderfully tranquil place. Ideal to relax after the adventures of our safari and visiting Victoria Falls. Very many thanks once again

    MissingGodfrey R reviewing Private Mobile Family Safari in Botswana on 25 September 2023

  • We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil

    MissingPhilip R reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach on 01 September 2023

  • It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve

    MissingStephen H reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari on 01 September 2023

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