Lapa Rios Lodge by Boena

Lapa Rios is fantastic. We stayed in the Matapalo suite for four nights in May, took several onsite hikes/tours, went to the beach on our own, and did the Corcovado by land trip for most of a day. Everything was topnotch and the birds and wildlife are incredible. The lodge is on protected land including primary forest and we saw scarlet macaws close up every day, toucans, four species of monkeys, poison dart frogs...and plenty more. The guides were fantastic. The sustainability tour was an unexpected highlight for me, interesting to anyone who wants to know how a place like lapa rios operates. We were in one of the two suites with air conditioning. We didn't use it at night because we wanted to hear the forest, but we cooled the room during the day. There is a good breeze so I don't consider A/C necessary, but it was nice to have. One thing to be aware as noted in some other reviews is that some rooms are quite a few steps down from the main lodge/dining area. If you have mobility issues that's worth taking into account and getting a closer room. The food was excellent, very well prepared, creative. The staff is very friendly and helpful. If you're looking for the best nature experience in Costa Rica I don't think you can do better that Lapa Rios, particularly if you go into Corcovado.

Unbelievably good set of lodges on the Osa Peninsula. Run by the Boena group this is a truly exceptional lodge. The self contained lodges are clean and well maintained with outdoor and indoor showers, balcony and large balcony. The food at the lodge is wonderful and the staff are very friendly and helpful. Our lodge was a bit of a trek from the main building which could be an issue for less able patrons. The hotel pool is good with waiter service and comfortable loungers. The eco credentials of this lodge are second to none and the tours offered as part of the experience are well worth taking. Did not want to leave.

Lapa Rios - A Magical Communion with Nature The Lapa Rios experience starts right at the Puerto Jimenez Airport… we were 2.5 hours ahead of schedule when we landed and we showed up at their small office right by the airport. The staff was very efficient and 20 minutes later our private ride arrived to pick us up. It was a 40-or-so minutes smooth ride in a comfortable 4x4 during which we already saw scarlet macaws, colorful birds of prey and multiple species of singing birds. Arrival with a welcome drink and a smile, and our room was ready ! The room we took overlooked the Golfo Dulce with screened windows on 3 walls: the tropical forest comes alive at dusk and we were right in it throughout our stay, all the way to the howler monkeys at 3:17AM, as well as feeling the humidity. The room we took had electricity but no A/C. That was by design to fully enjoy nature, but if anyone is sensitive to heat and humidity you may want to take an upgrade. We took many included excursions and all the guides were super knowledgeable… one of them a former park ranger at Corcovado National Park who came across part Indiana Jones, part Crocodile Hunter… he was awesome ! All in all, we saw at least 25 different species of birds, amphibians and mammals and it was a truly memorable experience all around. The food menu has 3 different rotations for lunch and diner and we ate alfresco every day, with spider monkeys spying over us but never approaching our tables and that’s the amazing thing… for all those years the animals, while habituated to humans, but don’t approach the tables at anytime. The Lapa Rios experience ends the same way it started: your private 4x4 ride during which we saw more animals and birds, our driver accompanied us to the Sansa Airline desk and confirmed we were all set. We waited at the Lapa Rios office with A/C until our flight departed. This establishment is noted by name in the travel book “A Thousand Places to see before you Die” and the experience was worth every penny. Thank you !!

We spent 3 nights at Lapa Rios Lodge in March. It was one of the best travel experiences we have ever had. Our room had a huge deck with an outdoor shower and fantastic water views and complete privacy. Our guide Frank Chaves was phenomenal. He was knowledgeable, patient, enthusiastic and fun! We went on early morning bird walks, the Osa hike, night walk, and swam in the pool and ocean. We saw all 4 types of monkeys, sloths, armadillo, coatis, enormous iguana, and over 80 species of birds. Some of the best wildlife viewing was from our deck. The food was incredible. Great fish, fruit, desserts, soups, and always many delicious vegetarian options. The service was amazing, especially Vilma who delighted us with her friendly hospitality and her gentle way. Our drivers to and from Puerto Jimenez were very friendly, pointing out sights and telling us stories along the way. The staff all seemed genuinely interested in sharing their Osa Peninsula with us. We would love to return one day.

Lapa Rios is a very special place. Reached after a 40 minute transfer by 4x4 its as part of the rainforest and absolutely amazing. The rooms are beautiful with stunning views and the sounds of the rainforest all around. The stall, all local people, could not be more helpful or friendly. The food absolutely superb. You can take part in the many organised activities or just chill and let nature surround you. We loved it.

This is the most amazing place! I didn't even know you could stay in the rain forrest! I got the matapalo room so I had AC! It was nice when I was hot after hikes or sitting the balcony to be able to go in and cool off for a few minutes before going back out to the rain forrest! The balcany had a nice lounger that I laid on and just listened to all of the sounds around me! I did the morning and evening hikes. I got to see a sloth, all 4 types of monkeys including a baby howler, and lots of spectacular birds! Food was amazing! Every single thing I had was the best think I ever ate! The beach was beautiful! I loved all of the large rocks and the black sand. They even brought my lunch down for me one day! Highly recommend! There is nothing that could have been better!

We stayed at the Lapa Rios in November of 2021. It was our first international trip since Covid began and what a way to kick things off! The Lapa Rios is on the Osa Peninsula and you've got access to the rain forest and the beach in one place. Each of the suites are situated so that you have beautiful views and they all feel very private. The dining and bar areas are lovely and the food is absolutely incredible. I never post food photos on social media, but during the time I was at Lapa Rios, I was sharing a photo from every meal. They were that pretty and that tasty. The staff is wonderful and anxious to make your stay as wonderful as possible. Highly recommend.

Without doubt our best experience in Costa Rica. The hotel and grounds are stunning...a lovely spacious room overlooking the ocean...we watched the sun come up every day!. And once the sun is up all of the locals come to play in front of the balcony...macaws, monkeys, frogs toucans...so amazing. Every day we would walk up a boardwalk to the restaurant in the forest canopy and see so many things...and the mango tree next to the restaurant brought a constant stream of visitors. The staff were the most courteous and helpful I can ever remember...I had to get some printing and scanning done for work...absolutely no problem. The food was delicious...and a nice wine list too. We especially loved all of the in house trips...the night walk...the ridge hike....the rangers were so knowledgeable. We have a treasure trove of memories which will stay with us forever. Thank you to all of the wonderful staff...you are amazing! The only point for you to consider is that if you are unfit or unwilling some of the rooms are a hike to the restaurant on the boardwalk..but when booking just check with the hotel as there were rooms near the top!....But you will miss out on a great part of the experience of seeing more wildlife if you chose to avoid the hike!

I first visited Lapa Rios six years ago and always wanted to return. After two false starts due to the Pandemic I finally made it this year. It was worth the wait! As has been documented many times, this is a very special place. I am a very keen nature lover and the environment here is an absolute treasure trove of birds, animals, reptiles (and insects, a particular passion of mine). The wonderful thing is that so much can be seen around the Lodge grounds, literally outside your room where I would wake up to Spider or Squirrel monkeys feeding in the surrounding tree or parrots eating mangoes from another . There are a number of in house guided tours, through the Rainforest, along the nearby coast and bird watching excursions. This though of course is a luxury hotel with all the amenities and service you would expect from such including a pool and Spa. There is gourmet food on a very varied menu, and special requests are graciously catered for. the staff are all professional, polite,friendly and so obliging, from the pick up at the airport to returning at the end of your stay. My room was airy and very comfortable with a large viewing deck, great views over the surrounding forest and the sea. The wildlife guides are all very knowledgeable and go out of their way to explain the wonders of the local environment. I could name every member of staff, all of whom helped make my stay such a memorable one. However, a particular mention to the guides who provided such a great wildlife watching experience, Edwin, Danilo, Jose, Frank and Jeffrey. Thanks too to Kattia and all her hard working staff.