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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 517 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Yes everything went incredibly smoothly , excellent guide and set up u have . I might need a new pair of calves though !!! Thanks for sorting ALL the changes out. Regards Charlie

    Missingcharles b reviewing 6 Day Toubkal Circuit on 03 May 2023

  • Hi Lisa, We had a fabulous time thank you. The accommodation and other ideation were all terrific - that’s so much for your help. The apartment in Cape Town was particularly good - we would never have found that: Boschendal was great as well and game lodge was superb. Thanks again, Alistair

    MissingAlistair A reviewing Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger on 28 April 2023

  • Dear Lisa
    Well, we are back and still buzzing. We have had a marvellous time. The weather helped. We left Manchester in the snow and arrived in Marrakesh at 30 degrees. We were well looked after in the Riad. I'm glad we booked a meal for the first evening - ate it on the roof terrace. We can recommend that. It was delicious. We ate at the Foundouk, as per your recommendation and on the following night we ate at Le Jardin - got lost on the way to it!. We can really recommend Le Jardin.
    The following day we went to Majorelle gardens. Fortunately we had looked it up before we travelled because you have to book in advance online only from Jan 2023. We found our own way to the Medera Ben Yousef and Latifa took us to Bahia Palace - both were stunning.
    The following morning our lovely taxi driver Mohammond collected us to go to the EcoLodge. Yet another Mohammond made us very welcome. Again we ate well! You were right, the pool was freezing, but I can't sit next to water and not get in. Once you're in you forget how cold it is! I wasn't the only person to try the pool.
    Rashid, our guide for our walk collected us. He was brilliant. It was hard work, but worth it. I was determined I would make it. Kevin is fitter than me! The Berber family were lovely. We stopped when we were nearly there to see how rag rugs were made. When we got back Rashid and Mohammond confessed that Mohammond had said to Rashid that he should get us to a road if we got too tired and they would send a taxi (or a mule!) to collect us - or me, but Rashid was sure that I'd be OK. He was right. I think they wondered about these 2 70+ year olds. We can't praise Rashid enough. He had walked over from Imlil in the morning and was going to walk back after he left us.
    Thank you so much for putting our holiday together. We never thought it would be 3 years before we went. We are so glad we persevered. We did wonder what we had let ourselves in for as 2 oldies!
    Fiona and Kevin

    MissingFiona B reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 21 April 2023

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