Overview
An immersive wildlife experience.
Named after the beautiful scarlet macaws found in this area, Lapa Rios is located in the eastern side of the Osa Peninsula, where the 'sweet gulf’ meets the Pacific Ocean.
For the past two decades, the team here have been leading the way when it comes to eco-tourism, creating one of the most sustainable luxury lodges of the world with nature conservation and community development as their raisons d’être.
17 spacious eco-chic bungalows and villas are hidden among the rainforest with views over the canopy to the Golfo Dulce, a sanctuary for whales, dolphins and turtles. Find yourself surrounded by wonderful wildlife, from well over 300 bird species to howler and spider monkeys, jaguars, sloths and much more – this corner of Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse spots on earth.
Facts
At a glance
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11 deluxe bungalows and six premier villas
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Swimming pool
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Yoga area
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Massage hut
Experiences
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![Lapa Rios Costa Rica 3]()
Wildlife spotting
During your stay and adventures in the area surrounding the lodge, there are a range of animals and birds to look out for. Some of those you might get to mark off on your list include macaws, capuchins, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths and jaguars.
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![Lapa Rios Costa Rica 9]()
Hiking
There are a number of hikes on offer to keep you active and allow you to immerse yourself in the beautiful area. Choose from two longer hikes, short self-guided waterfall hikes, night walks, a medicinal walk, turtle trail and bird-watching walks.
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![Coast of Lapa Rios Costa Rica, one of the best travel destinations in Latin America]()
Surfing and SUP lessons
This is a fantastic activity for beginners, head down to the beach where the gentle, rolling waves are ideal for those getting on a board for the first time.
Community & Culture
In the early 1990s, the Lapa Rios team was involved in building the Carbonera School and since then, with the help of guest donations, they have continued to support the school and its students. Some of the lodge’s current staff members were educated at the school themselves.
In 2016 the Lapa Rios Guide School was opened. The aim was to train new guides from the local communities so that not only would they have more guides to employ from nearby, but they would also generally improve the quality of tour offerings in the area.
Conservation
Lapa Rios protects 1,000 acres of Central America’s last remaining tropical lowland forest. The property acts as something of a wildlife corridor and protective barrier for Corcovado National Park. Together with The Nature Conservancy and the Costa Rican land conservation organization Cedarena, Lapa Rios has signed an agreement which prohibits extractive activities, but encourages scientific and educational activities in the reserve.
Lapa Rios also supports various wildcat conservation programmes, donating cameras and video equipment to researchers. They also offer them the use of their property.
Footprint
Lapa Rios trys to carbon emissions as low as possible and minimize operational footprints. Methods used to achieve this include using solar energy generated at the lodge to heat water for guest rooms, a zero plastic policy and a food philosophy revolves around fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, much of which comes from Lapa Rios’ organic gardens, local farmers and fishermen.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
