Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Costa Rica

First light spills through the canopy as howler monkeys announce the day and the Pacific murmurs below the ridge. 

With just 17 bungalows tucked into primary rainforest on Costa Rica’s wild Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios Ecolodge feels like a tree-house village suspended between jungle and sea. 

Polished wood under bare feet, warm rain on broad leaves, the smell of lime and coffee—this is the soundtrack and scentscape of true tropical immersion.

What Makes It Special

• Boutique scale (17 bungalows) and deeply secluded rainforest perch.
• Guided naturalist experiences—from birding at dawn to night walks alive with bioluminescence and frog chorus.
• Open-air living with ocean-facing decks and indoor-outdoor showers.
• Conservation ethos—a flagship eco-lodge protecting thousands of acres of rainforest.
• Clifftop pool & Pacific views for post-hike lazing.

A Day at Lapa Rios

Morning

Before sunrise, the forest hums awake. You sip Costa Rican coffee on your deck while scarlet macaws arrow across a pink sky. A naturalist leads you into buttressed giants and dangling lianas; leafcutter ants parade like a tiny army at your feet.

Afternoon

Back at the lodge, lunch tastes bright—citrus, cilantro, grilled fish—followed by a dip in the hilltop pool where warm air smells of wet cedar and sea salt. Maybe a waterfall hike, maybe a hammock and a novel as rain patters on the palm-thatched roof.

Evening

Golden hour sets the canopy aglow. Dinner is candlelit and lively—pineapple ceviche, cassava, and chocolate from nearby farms. A night walk reveals shining spider eyes and the soft thrum of tree frogs.

Night

Ceiling fan lazy, waves below, the forest’s lullaby wraps you to sleep.

Insider Tips for Lapa Rios Ecolodge

• Monkeys and macaws right outside your deck.
• Lots of walking and stairs—this is a lodge built into a hillside rainforest.
• Most rooms do NOT have air conditioning, as the lodge is solar-powered.
• Every morning around 6:00 a.m., a coffee and tea basket is quietly placed outside your room
• Daily guided hikes are included—such as the sustainability tour, waterfall hike, or early birdwatching walk.
• Surfing and beach trips at Playa Matapalo can be arranged via the concierge (use the hotel to book boards or lessons).
• Do not attempt to drive yourself; roads are unpaved and rough.

Why We Love It (Curated Highlights)

At Hotelagio we hand-pick only stays that feel truly one-of-a-kind. This property made our list because of these rare details:

• Macaws on your balcony—daily wildlife theater without leaving your room.
• Conservation in action—your stay directly supports rainforest protection and local guides.
• Ridge-to-sea panoramas—jungle soundtrack, Pacific horizon.
• Open-air rituals—rain showers, hand-carved woods, breezes instead of walls.
• Naturalist-led adventures—from primary-forest hikes to tide-pool explorations.

For Whom

Couples: private decks, candlelit dinners, and the world’s best white-noise machine (the rainforest).
Nature lovers & photographers: birds, monkeys, and big skies—golden hour is magic.
Wellness & slow travelers: yoga platforms, hammock time, and digital-detox serenity.

Quick Facts (Luxury Snapshot)

Location: Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica (regional flight to Puerto Jiménez, then overland transfer)
Rooms: 17 open-air bungalows with ocean or canopy views
Rates: From USD 333 (worth it for guided wildlife experiences and true rainforest immersion)
Best for: Couples, eco-adventurers, birders, honeymooners seeking seclusion
Style: Tropical rainforest lodge—timber, thatch, and views to the Pacific