ABOUT US
Lapa is the Costa Rican name for the scarlet macaw, a magnificent bird you’ll likely see during your stay. When the founders of Lapa Rios first visited the property, they spotted a number of macaws flying across the jungle in tandem, creating a river of red. Inspired by this beautiful image, they named the lodge Lapa Rios – River of Scarlet Macaws in English.
Here at the lodge, we believe that no matter how you cut it, a rainforest left standing is worth more.
Long before the pillars of sustainable tourism had been established, Lapa Rios was envisioned as a project whose objective it would be to protect its endangered surroundings. Today, the 17-bungalow lodge preserves more than 1,000 acres of primary and secondary rainforest, and assists in the development of the local community. Since its opening in 1993, Lapa Rios has won numerous awards and has been featured in the press worldwide.
In this incredible environment, guests can look forward to once-in-a-lifetime rainforest adventures, wildlife encounters and ocean activities. While some come with a bold spirit for exploring and others in search of nature’s tranquillity, both will find myriad opportunities to connect with this enigmatic ecosystem.
Lapa Rios creates an intimate and authentic experience, at once luxurious, educational and inspiring. Our included interpretive hikes, bird watching walks, sustainability tours and more provide a true window to the beating heart of the wild Osa Peninsula.
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“When the owners developed the lodge (which they call a reserve) in the early 1990s, their goal was to create a context in which visitors could learn about the flora and fauna of the rainforest without having to ‘rough it’, while simultaneously preserving (indeed, stewarding) the natural beauty and contributing to the local community. They succeeded spectacularly.”
– Nathan, Massachusetts
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