Lapa Rios Ecolodge Osa Peninsula

It was fabulous. Food excellent, staff really friendly and location amazing. I really liked the tours into the rain forest that were available. All excellent - would like to go back. It was amazing hearing the howler monkeys, and seeing macaws setting off in the mornings.The hotel was at the top of a valley down to the sea overlooking and part of the rainforest

What a place! Set on the Osa Peninsula up high over looking the caribbean. Short flight from San Jose. You'll be picked up in Porta Jimenez. Great service, grwat staff. Lots to do. Hiking, day on the beach, guided tours. Lots of wild life. Very tranquil. We would definitely recommend Lapa Rios to all nature lovers.

I booked direct using their online chat initially. The lady I dealt with (Nicole) at Boena was very helpful,replied quickly and sorted out our arrangements and transfers very efficiently. We stayed in a Matapalo suite which had air conditioning and was a beautifully set up room. The bar, swimming pool and restaurant were excellent. All the staff throughout the resort in all departments were very friendly,helpful and efficient. Obviously a lot of effort went in to keeping the resort up to standard. There was plenty of wildlife and birds around and plenty of forest walks with excellent guides all included. It may be quite expensive but a good example of you get what you pay for.

We spent three nights in November 2025. It rained non-stop during our visit except for about two hours. On the first night we did a night walk with Frank. We did a one hour short version due to the rain. This was per our request. The next morning we did the Wild Waterfalls with Daniel. I didn’t realize we would be crossing the river so many times. It felt like twenty crossings. But we were told it was only twelve. The next morning we did the OSA Trail hike with Edwin. It was raining on all of our hikes. We were in a Premier Villa #15. It has the Evening Breeze canopy above the bed. The meals were all delicious and the staff very nice. I really enjoyed my massage at the Spa.

As soon as you cross the main gate, you will feel like you are stepping into another world. The lushness of the jungle will envelop you, and trust me, you won't want to leave. I know I didn't. The open window concept in the rooms is perfect, the ocean will lull you to sleep and the howler monkeys will be sure to wake you up. The staff will bring you coffee, hot water for tea or hot chocolate between 5-6 a.m., which I highly recommend asking for at least one morning. With cup in hand, you can sit in your private deck and enjoy the sounds of the jungle and reflection of the sun in the horizon as it rises in the Caribbean. There is no AC or TV in the rooms, but you won't really need it, the ocean breeze and the ceiling fan are more than enough. The beds are covered by a beautiful mosquito net, which gives it a very romantic air. The hotel offers several tours that are included in the price of the room. Take advantage of them! We went birdwatching at 5:45 a.m. and saw tons of birds. Jeffrey is super knowledgeable and has a great telescope you can take pictures with. We also wanted to collaborate with the hotel's conservation program, so we took the Plant a Tree Tour. Daniel was our guide and he is an open encyclopedia. He has been working at Lapa Rios for 28 years and knows the area like the palm of his hand. We chose the tree from a nursery and walked into the forest to plant it. The experience is very moving. I highly recommend the experience. The food... OMG, that was an experience on its own. There was nothing I didn't love. Fish tacos with fresh mahi-mahi, lemon risotto with fresh fish, mushroom pasta with free range chicken, I mean all of it was incredible. The cherry on top was the staff. Everyone was amazing, very friendly and always willing to answer your questions, and above all, you can tell they are happy to be working there. You can tell they really enjoy what they do. Although the lodge is not beachfront, you can still enjoy the nearby beach, Playa Pan Dulce. The staff will be happy to drive you there and pick you up when you are ready to go back. You can easily spend 3-4 nights here and NEVER be bored. The only problem is, you will not want to leave. I know I didn't. Tips: bring good hiking shoes, a hat, light hiking clothes including long pants, sunblock and a good book. The hotel has non-chemical insect repellent and it works great! Don't bother hauling binoculars, the hotel will provide a pair.