Lapa Rios Ecolodge Osa Peninsula

This place is so special: I am a traveler who never goes the same place again, but I have been to Lapa Rios three times (so far)! This is a bona fide eco-lodge committed to environmental sustainability and sustaining the local community (take their tour where they will show you about their vision and their efforts!). But the reason it is special is because it is nestled against the primary rainforest, on steep slopes where the canopy is at eye level, and the wildlife literally comes to you, even if you do none of the naturalist tours. However you should do the tours because the guides are fantastic, are experts in local flora and fauna -and you will see so much more with their guidance.

From the moment we were met at the Puerto Jimenez airport by Carmen & Chevo, it was clear our vacation at Lapa Rios would be wonderful. Chevo pointed out many birds and monkeys on our drive to the resort and we were warmly welcomed by Nikole and the team. Our Premier villa was gorgeous and comfortable, and we really could not believe the amount of macaws, monkeys (howler, squirrel, spider, white faced capuchin), golden orb spiders, and other birds we saw everywhere on the property including our deck and front area, and from the elevated walkways and near the pool. Other wildlife spotted included armadillo, coati, anteater, several type of frogs, large basilisk, and more. The food was fantastic, with kind care by servers and kitchen staff to accommodate numerous dietary restrictions. The pool was great and our activities and hikes were really enjoyable and educational. The property is a gem of conservation on the Osa peninsula. Thanks to Lapa Rios staff for a vacation we will never forget!

If you are even vaguely considering booking a stay at Lapa Rios, book it now and never look back! I read the great reviews and saw the beautiful pictures before going, and yet, nothing prepared me for the splendour of Lapa Rios. We’re here now, in July, during the shoulder season, and it is a lush paradise. There is an abundance of wildlife right on the resort that is magnificent. The resort itself has exceeded all of my expectations. We are staying in the large Lapa villa and it is luxurious. The resort is small and feels beyond exclusive. The food is incredible (and they’ve been stellar at accommodating my various dietary restrictions), as is the service. Overall, it is the vacation of a lifetime!

5 glorious nights in this amazing lodge on the osa peninsula Wildlife abounds all around and ALL staff are excellent including the fantastic guides who go above and beyond at all times The lodges superb and what views! Food also very good and presented in wonderful surroundings If in the area dont miss the experience you will not be disappointed

My husband and I visited Lapas Rios Lodge in June for our 25th Wedding Anniversary and it was simply the most amazing place I have ever visited. While it's not an easy resort to get to, it is worth the effort of flying to San Jose and then taking a Cessna to Puerto Jimenez. I was definitely out of my comfort zone! We were greeted by the staff upon exiting the plane and whisked away to their concierge office on site where we were given coconut water fresh from a coconut. After a short break, we hopped in their vehicle and traveled up a gravel road to the resort. The driver was friendly and started to fill us in on all the wonderful things we would see along the way. Upon arrival at the resort, we were greeted again with fresh juice and they shared with us some hikes we could take advantage of that day as we arrived in the late morning. Then they showed us to our room and wow! What a view! We stayed in a bungalow which was more than enough room for us. The view was amazing. We could see the ocean and were deeply embedded in the rainforest while still having more than enough amenities. It was true luxury! Every day we saw spider monkeys, howler monkeys and some days we saw squirrel monkeys. Often right outside our room. They didn't bother us at all. They kept their distance so there was never any concern. We also saw (and heard!) many macaws, toucans, frogs, lizards, iguanas and more. This place was like being in a National Geographic show. The only animal that didn't show up for us was the sloth. But we cannot blame the resort for that. The food and drinks were outstanding and the staff was so incredibly friendly. They took the time to get to know us and shared their favorite activities as well. We also learned about their culture. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the staff. The resort is eco friendly and this was important to us. Every detail was thought of down to the bamboo straws. The hikes that were included were also amazing. We learned so much about the ecosystem there and made some great new friends along the way as well. The resort staff made us feel very special on our last night there as they set up a private dinner just for the two of us away from other guests to celebrate our anniversary. It was a perfect end to a perfect vacation. We will remember this vacation as one of our best vacations (and we love to travel). We hope to return sometime in the near future as we simply didn't get enough.