About this hotel
General information
Lapa Rios Lodge sits on a ridge above Cabo Matapalo at the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula, where rainforest runs down to the Golfo Dulce and the Pacific. Around it lies a private reserve of more than 1,000 acres of primary and secondary lowland rainforest, and the name means "river of scarlet macaws" – the birds are a common sight over the canopy. The lodge belongs to Böëna, a small collection of wilderness lodges in Costa Rica.
There are just seventeen bungalows, suites and villas, and most of the shared spaces – restaurant, bar, lounges by the pool – are open to the forest. Sloths, toucans, iguanas, poison dart frogs and all four of Costa Rica's monkey species are regularly seen on the grounds, while naturalist guides take small groups along the reserve's trails. Power is fully renewable, single-use plastic has been phased out, and the lodge holds Costa Rica's national CST sustainable-tourism certificate. Guests must be at least six years old.
Location
The lodge stands on Cabo Matapalo near Puerto Jiménez, on the Osa Peninsula beside Corcovado National Park. The quickest route is a domestic flight from San José to the Puerto Jiménez airstrip (about 50 minutes; the local airline's terminal is a short walk from San José International Airport), where lodge staff meet guests for a 45–60-minute four-wheel-drive ride along a dirt road through pasture and forest; this transfer is complimentary both ways. Alternatively, a private air-conditioned car with a bilingual driver runs from San José International Airport in about seven hours at extra cost, or a charter flight can be arranged with Xplore Air.
Spa
There is no spa building as such: massages and body treatments are given in a massage hut in the forest or in the rooms. Yoga classes, tailored to each guest's level, are held to the sounds of the rainforest.
Sports & leisure
Days revolve around the wild. The lodge's own guides lead dawn and dusk birding outings (the peninsula counts more than 320 species), night walks, the Osa Trail through the reserve's most remote forest, a ridge hike with views over the coast, a waterfall trail along the Carbonera River, the Matapalo walk, low-tide starfish walks among the rock pools, turtle-nesting patrols with local biologists in season, photography walks with a naturalist, a behind-the-scenes sustainability tour and tree planting in the reserve. There is also a self-guided trail and guided e-bike rides.
- Corcovado – full-day visits to the national park on foot or by boat
- canopy zip-line on five cables, and rappelling down four to five rainforest waterfalls
- beginner surf lessons and surf guiding on the right-hand point breaks of Pan Dulce, Cabo Matapalo and Pavones
- stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking through the Golfo Dulce mangroves, dolphin and whale watching
- snorkelling off Caño Island, reef-restoration dives, bioluminescence outings at night
- horseback riding and kayaking at Hacienda Río Oro, an artisanal cacao tour, a Puerto Jiménez town walk
Restaurants & bars
Guapira, the open-air restaurant, cooks with organic produce from local growers, pairing traditional Costa Rican dishes with globally inspired fusion; there is a separate plant-based menu, and most dishes can be adapted for diets and allergies. A cellar of wines from around the world backs the kitchen, and there is a bar alongside. Two meal plans are offered: Bed & Breakfast (à la carte breakfast with coffee, tea and soft drinks) and Full Experience – à la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner with non-alcoholic drinks at meals, up to two of the lodge's in-house experiences per night booked and a shared transfer from Puerto Jiménez.
Swimming
The lodge has a pool treated with salt rather than chlorine. Below the ridge, undeveloped beaches run south for almost two kilometres; the two directly in front of the lodge are safe for swimming, and Matapalo Beach holds Blue Flag certification. The nearest, Pan Dulce, is about ten minutes on foot or a short drive, and staff set up a shaded spot there with chairs and daybeds for guests.
Rooms
Seventeen bungalows, suites and villas are spread along the ridge above forest and ocean, from screened open-air bungalows to four stand-alone Lapa Villas with their own plunge pools. A specific unit cannot be guaranteed, though requests are taken into account.
Ceiling fan, minibar, complimentary Costa Rican coffee, high-speed Wi-Fi, laptop-size safe, bathrobes, bath amenities, hairdryer, indoor and outdoor showers, mosquito nets over the bed, rubber boots and walking sticks for the trails, and turndown service.
Brisa Suite
A suite with panoramic views of rainforest and the Pacific, a king bed plus a daybed niche, air conditioning and a plunge pool. A large private deck with a hanging bed, indoor and outdoor showers; up to five guests with extra beds.
Lapa Villa
One of four stand-alone villas perched above the canopy with views over the Golfo Dulce: a wraparound deck, private plunge pool, hanging bed and open-air shower. A king bed under an Evening Breeze cooling canopy and a daybed; up to five guests.
Premier Villa
One of two stand-alone villas with open views of the Golfo Dulce and a wraparound terrace with sun loungers and a hanging bed. A king bed under an Evening Breeze canopy, a daybed and a rain shower on the terrace; up to five guests, with an optional connecting room.
Matapalo Suite
A suite raised above the canopy with 240-degree views of the Osa Peninsula and the Pacific, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. A king bed, air conditioning and a wraparound deck with a hanging daybed; up to four guests.
Deluxe Bungalow
A bungalow on the reserve's ridge with ocean views and sunrises over the Golfo Dulce; screened walls open it to the forest, and it has air conditioning. A terrace with seating and indoor and outdoor showers; up to three guests.
Forest View Bungalow
A screened open-air bungalow set among the rainforest, with a terrace looking into the trees. Indoor and outdoor showers; up to three guests.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.