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Lapa Rios Lodge

Puerto Jiménez • Cabo Matapalo • OVER THE TOP

avg. $806 / night

Includes $42 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

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Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Location

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PB hotel design editorial

At the southern tip of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, where primary rainforest descends toward the Pacific through one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet, a collection of thatched bungalows clings to a steep ridge above Cabo Matapalo with a deliberate lightness that is the whole point. Lapa Rios Lodge was conceived in 1993 by American owners Karen and John Lewis as an early model of what would later be called regenerative tourism — the 1,000-acre private reserve surrounding the sixteen bungalows functioning as the property's primary architecture, with the built structures subordinate to it. Local craftsmen worked with sustainably harvested hardwoods and hand-woven palm thatch to produce buildings that carry the structural logic of vernacular Costa Rican construction rather than an imported tropical aesthetic. The interiors, visible in the images, follow that same hierarchy of material honesty — polished hardwood floors in deep amber tones, exposed timber roof frameworks, macramé pendant lights, and platform beds dressed in white linen with mud-cloth scatter cushions. Sheer white curtains on four-poster frames billow through open-sided pavilions whose walls dissolve toward wrap-around decks framing uninterrupted canopy views to the ocean. The kidney-shaped pool deck, surfaced in ipe hardwood and anchored by a palapa-roofed bar, sits at the ridge's highest cleared point, the jungle pressing in on three sides. Nothing here performs luxury through ornament; the forest does all the work.

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About

Set in a 1000-acre private nature reserve in Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge overlooks the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean, a destination matching everyone's idea of paradise. Much more than a luxurious eco lodge, Lapa Rios is a model ecotourism project and a sustainable tourism pioneer. Over the years, we have received many awards for social and environmental excellence. Home to a plethora of incredible wildlife, including monkeys, scarlet macaws, pumas, toucans, tree frogs and thousands of other creatures, a trip to Lapa Rios Eco lodges Ecolodges will be the experience of a lifetime. Lapa Rios is one of only 24 National Geographic Unique Eco Lodges of the World

Amenities

Pool

Restaurant

Internet

Kids Activities

Free Internet

Free Parking

Bar/Lounge

Spa

Airport transportation

Public Wifi

Lapa Rios Lodge Reviews

865 reviews

"We had a special memorable and wonderful visit not only due to the excellent accommodations ( we were in Matapalo suite 1) ,the very good locally sourced food and the view and wildlife. The most special part was the staff. My wife twisted her knee while climbing into a vehicle. They were able to find a pair of crutches for her to use in a very short time. In addition, they all were so very personable, friendly and helpful. We have traveled a great deal and know that this staff was some of the very best we have ever encountered. Your trip will there will be enjoyable if you like to take walks, see a variety of wildlife, eat outstanding food and enjoy interacting with the staff."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 14, 2026

"Location, atmosphere, service, food, and all of the lodge excursions were extraordinary."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 04, 2026

"Brilliant. Don’t have enough words on how amazing this hotel is. From the first experience at their office the jemeniez with a fresh coconut or options of drinks to the welcome at the hotel with a cooling drink and towels. It is right in the centre of 1000 acres of forest and also overlooking the ocean with access to the beach. We have travelled around Costa Rica from the central valley to Caribbean side and round. This was our 5th stop. It beats all others. You can see so much wildlife right here on the doorstep. From our room, we were lucky to see macaws, eagles, hummingbirds, toucans , coati and Aguti to name a few from fairly close distance. We also saw sloths and anteater. They offer guided trails which are very good. There is also a self guided trail which leads to an amazing waterfall where you can swim. There are no facilities on the beach but if you want to spend time there then they will take you there and back in the car and set up beds and a packed picnic in coolers. It’s amazing. The food is also excellent. They have a plant based menu in addition to normal menu. They are very obliging in trying to accommodate any requests you may have. I like the fact that they listened and were flexible. It makes the stay enjoyable. In spite of having coffee making facilities in the rooms, they will deliver hot coffee and milk to your room at 6am. There is also coffee, cookies, yogurt and granola in reception for early risers at 5.45am. At 3pm, after lunch hours, again there in coffee in the reception which you can help yourself to. The only downside was that our room was nearly at the end and there are 100 steps which take about 10 minutes to walk to the lobby and restaurant. The first 60 steps were a chore due to the hot and humid weather. If you request, they will pick you up from near your room in their 4x4 car. The walk is on a raised platform so it feels you are walking right in the middle of the forest. I could keep on writing about it. Definitely top of my list of hotels I have been to anywhere in the world( and have travelled quite a bit!) Just Go"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 26, 2026

"Stunning lodge in a private reserve on the Osa Pennisula. Each cabin is seclude and private with beautiful views of the ocean and/or forest. The main lodge and pool is beautiful, with abundant wildlife around. The guides are all excellent with a variety of activities. Highly recommend."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 24, 2026

"I’ve been eying this resort for years, and finally got to experience it in all its wonder! From the welcome at the office in town (yummy coconut drink!) to check-in, we’d already fallen in love. The other places we stayed in CR were lovely, but NOW we felt like we were in the rainforest. Like really IN the rainforest! All the staff … the drivers, naturalists, waitrons and bartenders are so friendly and kind and eager to share their obvious love of this area. Our room and its view, took our breath away. Love the outdoor shower. And the walkways that connect everything are magical and where I spotted my first (Spider) monkey. By the end of our stay, I’d seen all four types (my main goal of this trip!) We found the food very good and felt there were plenty of choices (we were there for a week and didn’t get to try everything we wanted to) Taking the safari bus down to the beach became an afternoon habit, followed by a dip in the pool. Taking surfing lessons was a bucket list for my husband. It was hard but fun (I got up!) I could go on and on but will just say, GO! It’s well worth the money and a magical place."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 16, 2026

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Lapa Rios Lodge | Best Design-Driven Stays in Puerto Jiménez