Lapa Rios Lodge is the most famous eco lodge in Costa Rica and the honeymoon choice for couples who want deep rainforest, wildlife and a sense of adventure with real comfort. It sits on a ridge inside a 1,000-acre private reserve near Cabo Matapalo, at the edge of the Osa Peninsula, where the forest runs down to the Pacific and the Golfo Dulce. Scarlet macaws, toucans and four kinds of monkey are everyday sights.
The bungalows and villas are open to the forest, with screened walls and decks facing the canopy and the ocean. At night you fall asleep to frogs and insects. At dawn howler monkeys take over. Rooms have ceiling fans. Some have eco-efficient air conditioning or canopy cooling over the bed.
Most couples book the Full Experience Package, which covers meals, up to two guided activities per booked night and shared transfers from Puerto Jiménez. The lodge runs on renewable energy, has worked for years to remove single-use plastics and is staffed by Costa Ricans. It suits couples who would rather spot a sloth than sit by a pool bar and who like knowing their trip supports conservation.
Highlights at a glance
- 1,000-acre private rainforest reserve
- Open-air villas with canopy and ocean views
- Full Experience Package with meals and activities
- Renewable energy and no single-use plastics
- Near Corcovado National Park
Why Couples Love Lapa Rios
The wildlife is extraordinary. The Osa Peninsula is one of the most biologically rich places on earth. Lapa Rios sits in the thick of it. Guests regularly see macaws feeding in almond trees by the lodge, monkeys moving through the canopy, toucans, coatis and sloths. Night walks turn up frogs, snakes and insects you will never forget.
The second draw is the design. The lodge was built to blend into the forest, with thatched roofs, timber and open sides that let the breeze and the sound of the jungle in. The views from the decks stretch over the treetops to the sea.
Couples also like how simple the days are. Guides lead the activities, meals are taken care of and evenings are spent on your deck or at the bar, watching the light disappear over the canopy.
Bungalows and Villas to Book
There are six types of accommodation, all with views into the forest.
- Forest View Bungalows are the entry level, set among the trees.
- Deluxe Bungalows add eco-efficient air conditioning.
- Matapalo Suites also have air conditioning and more space.
- Brisa Suites, Premier Villas and Lapa Villas are the larger, more open options. Premier and Lapa Villas sleep up to five and have Evening Breeze canopies over the bed for individual cooling.
For a honeymoon, a Premier Villa or Lapa Villa gives you the most space and the full open-air jungle experience. Couples who worry about heat should choose a Deluxe Bungalow or Matapalo Suite with air conditioning. Every room has ceiling fans. Bring a headlamp, since paths are dark at night and some rooms are a walk from the main lodge.
Food and Drink
With the Full Experience Package, meals are included from lunch on arrival to breakfast on departure. Each lunch and dinner includes an appetizer, main and dessert. Breakfast covers a fruit plate and a main. Non-alcoholic drinks are included at mealtimes. Alcohol, specialty coffees, sparkling water and drinks outside meals cost extra.
The kitchen leans on local produce and simple Costa Rican flavors, with fresh fish, rice and beans, tropical fruit and vegetables. There is no bottled water. The lodge filters water from a rainforest aquifer twice and tests it regularly, so bring a refillable bottle.
The bar is a relaxed place for a cocktail before dinner, with views toward the ocean. There are few restaurants nearby, so plan on eating at the lodge for your whole stay.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
The Full Experience Package includes up to two activities per booked night from the lodge's in-house program. Popular choices include:
- Guided rainforest hikes on the reserve's trails.
- A night walk for frogs, insects and nocturnal mammals.
- A canopy zipline tour.
- Corcovado National Park by boat, a longer trip at extra cost.
- Waterfall hikes and beach walks.
Private activities and spa treatments cost extra. One of you might want a long hike while the other prefers a massage; ask the lodge to plan both. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and quick-dry clothes. Swim only at beaches the guides recommend, since currents along the Pacific coast can be strong.
Getting There
Fly from San José (SJO) to the Puerto Jiménez airstrip (PJM) in about 50 minutes on a small domestic plane. The lodge's shared transfer then takes around 45 minutes to Lapa Rios. Shared transfers run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., so share your flight details in advance. Private flights can be arranged through Xplore Air Costa Rica.
Domestic flights allow one checked bag of up to 30 pounds per person, so pack light. Driving from San José takes about seven hours. Mosquitoes are present, so pack repellent, light long sleeves and long pants. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices for Costa Rica. Bring binoculars, though the lodge has some to borrow.
Is It Worth It?
For couples who want a rainforest honeymoon with real substance, yes. Lapa Rios is expensive, but the package includes meals, guided activities and transfers from Puerto Jiménez, which makes the cost easier to understand. You are also paying for a lodge that has protected this reserve for decades.
It is not the right choice for couples who want a beach resort, a big pool scene or nightlife. The days start early, the nights are dark and quiet and the heat can be intense. Couples who want calmer water may prefer Playa Cativo Lodge on the Golfo Dulce, reached only by boat. If you want both rainforest and a classic beach, pair a few nights here with a stay in Manuel Antonio or Santa Teresa.
Insider tips
- Book a Premier Villa or Lapa Villa for the full open-air experience.
- Choose an air-conditioned room if heat bothers either of you.
- Pack light to stay within the 30-pound domestic flight limit.
- Use your included activities on a night walk and a dawn bird hike.
