Lapa Rios
The pioneer of luxury eco-tourism on the Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios occupies a 1,000-acre private reserve on a ridge above the point where the Golfo Dulce meets the Pacific. Sixteen thatched bungalows, each with an open-air design that invites the jungle inside, step down the hillside connected by elevated walkways. The property's bird list exceeds 370 species.
Days are built around guided hikes, nocturnal wildlife walks, kayaking through mangroves, and visits to indigenous communities. The food is simple but well executed, leaning on local ingredients, and the absence of televisions and air conditioning is the point rather than an oversight.
Rates begin around USD 700 per night per couple, including all meals, guided activities, and transfers from Puerto Jiménez. That is meaningful value given how much is folded in. Come here when wildlife is the whole reason for the trip.
Guest Reviews
What a beautiful property. Literally surrounded by wildlife, it’s an incredible experience. The rooms are beautiful and even though ours did not have AC we still found it very comfortable. The on property nature guides are great, especially Frank who is so knowable, personable and has a connection to the area. Service was great all around. They offer some in house activities but found it hard to remember what and when was available - we wished they had published these on a board or something for folks to see so they can plan their days a little better. The food was just okay. For the location and the range of guests they are accommodating I can understand, but we were often a tiny bit disappointed. The day time food had better choices and wished those options were available in the evening.
This place exceeded all of our expectations with its beautiful location, incredibly rich wildlife, amazing food and wonderful staff. Our family of 7 enjoyed several guided tours of the area from their experienced and engaging guides, with special shout out to Edwin, Danilo and Frank! The wait staff were also friendly and kind and Gabriel, Rolando, Elier and Lilly stood out. We would highly recommend this spot and hope to return ourselves
Beautiful echo lodge located approximately 45 minute drive from Peurto Jimenez. Located up in a rainforest, Lapa Rios Lodge is an oasis within the rainforest with wonderful staff, beautiful grounds and great food. They also offer a few tours on the property, as well as through outside tour groups.
Can I give them 6 stars instead of 5? Not only the obvious in regards to destination, beach, forrest, their guides, the food, the service, the attention to detail, BUT ALSO, their management and problem solving when our flight got delayed. Excellent and effective communication. We are travel agents doing a site inspection and will definitely count on them for our clients. Even their maintenance team (Juan!) climbed a 6 meter tree to get my drone that got stuck while recording for marketing. Special mentions? Their guides (The only two I met but I am sure the others are also great): Danilo and Jeffry, They read the forrest. All the waiters: Eliar and Sandra.. Gabriel... The cooks! So great. Normally you would not see them but I swang by the kitchen to ask them for rice for the drone. Concierge is outstanding: Marcel and Goryina. The views are incredible... DELIGHTED THE FLIGHT GOT CANCELLED TO STAY ONE MORE NIGHT!
We had a gorgeous room overlooking the ocean; however, although we were super careful to not leave any doors or windows open, the beds would be filled with bugs every night. The first night we switched room but then quickly realized that this was a nightly thing. The location is very pretty but absolutely remote. There is nothing around you but the hotel. If you don’t get all inclusive, note that the restaurant menu doesn’t change and is also very expensive. The easy access to the surfing spot was definitely a plus. It would’ve been nice if there was a caffe or a store or something.
More Hotels in Costa Rica
Andaz Papagayo
Hyatt's Andaz brand brings a younger, more design-forward sensibility to Peninsula Papagayo. The property sits lower on the landform than its Four Seasons neighbour, with direct access to Nacascolo beach and a markedly more informal atmosphere. Concrete, wood, and local stone combine in a contemporary tropical aesthetic, and the curated art collection through the public spaces gives it a gallery-like character.
Botanika Osa Peninsula
A newer arrival to the Osa's lodge scene, Botanika brings a contemporary design sensibility to the rainforest-lodge format. Open-plan suites with freestanding bathtubs, rainfall showers, and expansive decks face directly into primary forest, and the infinity pool overlooks the Golfo Dulce.
Four Seasons Papagayo
The Four Seasons commands a dramatic hilltop on the western flank of Peninsula Papagayo, looking down on two beaches, Virador and Blanca, with the Gulf of Papagayo beyond. The architecture is bold: soaring palm-thatched rooflines drawn from traditional rancho structures, with the resort cascading down the hillside toward the water. Rooms and suites are spacious and impeccably finished, many with private plunge pools and uninterrupted ocean views.