Driving from San Jose to Lapa Rios.

From the International Airport head towards San Jose, take the highway and turn right at the road that borders the airport to the south. This road dead ends at a restaurant bar. Turn left and drive that road into Belen where you will get to Panasonic. Turn left at Panasonic andtake the Lindora Highway to the Caldera route. Drive on the Caldera route and exit off towards the beach town of Jacó. Cross the Tarcoles river bridge and continue to Jacó and then down the Pacific coast to Quepos. 

Once in Quepos, turn right again and drive during 40 minutes to get Dominical. While you are driving you will pass by the Savegre River, 10 minutes later the gas station on the right hand side, andfinally you will see the intersection to San Isidro and Dominical, follow the way to Dominical and cross the bridge. From Dominical drive south along the coast road (on route 34) until Cortés. You will turn left before actually getting into the center of town and follow the road to Palmar Norte (aprox. 15 min.). At Palmar Norte turn right (south) on theCarretera Interamericana. 33 kilometers past Palmar Norte take a right turn at Chacarita. At Chacarita you will see a service station by the name of "Corcovado". The right turn to Puerto Jiménez is directly after the service station. On this paved road you will drive 44 km to Rincon. 33 more kms will take you through La Palma and eventually on to Puerto Jiménez (1 - 2 hrs). When in Puerto Jiménez, please check-in at the office. We are at the corner of the landing strip and the cemetery. Feel free to ask anyone in the town where the Lapa Rios office is. We will give you directions to LapaRios from there (3/4 - 1 hr).

An alternative route is to take the Inter-American (Pan Am) Highway (Ruta 2) to San Isidro de General (2 - 3.5 hrs). Continue through Buenos Aires (1 - 1.5 Hrs) to Palmar Norte (1 - 1.5 hrs).

Approximate travel time is 7-10 hours depending on stops, sightseeing, weather and road conditions. 

Hotel Coordinates:
Latitude 8° 25´ North of Equator
Longitude 83° 15´West of Greenwich

Rooms tend to fill up two to six months in advance, sometimes even earlier. We recommend that you investigate space availability now if you think you would like to come and stay with us; make a reservation now to guarantee the dates that you want. We must advise you that we do not recommend that you stay less than four nights if you are leaving or arriving by plane. From our experience, a minimum of four nights is needed to experience all there is to do and see when staying at Lapa Rios Eco-lodge.

At Lapa Rios  you can find a lot of different type of birds, we highly recommend to take the early bird tour where you can find over 319 bird species inhabiting the Osa Peninsula. Check out the bird list here.

The following is a list of suggested items to bring on your holiday. Please bear in mind the luggage restrictions on the domestic flights are 25 pounds per person.

• Lightweight, comfortable hiking or walking shoes (waterproof is preferable).
• Water shoes or sandals.
• Sports socks that go up to your knees (this is to make sure you don’t get a rash when wearing our rubber boots on the rainforest hikes).
• Lightweight, casual clothing appropriate for hiking, such as light pants, shorts and shirts. Our dress code at the property is completely informal, so do not worry about bringing dinner jackets or formal apparel. Bring a couple of extra shirts as you will be sweating a lot on the hikes and don’t forget your bathing suit.
• Sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Flashlight. When possible, please pack only Panasonic batteries, as these are the only brand of batteries that can be recycled in Costa Rica.
• Light raincoat when visiting us during the rainy season.
• Camera equipment and plenty of film /memory cards (batteries and chargers). Also binoculars if you have some.
• Basic medical kit (Aspirin, Plasters, Imodium, Antiseptic Cream, Anti-Histamine Cream, etc.)
• Refillable water bottle (learn more about our campaign Taking Back Our Water)

We ask our guests not to use electric hair dryers as this would be too much of a strain on our biodiesel powered generators. Thanks for your understanding.

Temperature & Rainfall Chart for Península Osa

Check-in time is : 2:00 PM  
Check-out time is: 11:00 AM

There is no flat land and no standing water in or around the Lapa Rios property, which means that we are fortunate enough to have very few mosquitos. Sometimes near sundown "no-see-ums" will appear near the beach, but in general, their presence is very minimal.

No immunizations, shots, inoculations or vaccinations are required to enter Costa Rica. The only notable disease problem reported in some locations of the country in the last few years is occasional localized dengue fever (spread by mosquitoes in certain urbanized locations with stagnant water and a history of the disease). However, it would be wise to check with your personal physician for individual recommendations. Some physicians prefer for their patients to obtain typhoid immunizations and persons who plan to visit certain coastal areas are advised to take malaria pills. Reported cases of malaria in the Caribbean lowlands and coastal zone have occasionally been noted in recent years, so it would be wise to take preventive measures. Up-to-date recommendations on such preventive measures are issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC office issues health advisories via FAX for travel throughout the world. (Information provided by ICT).

We customarily ask our direct bookings to prepay us by Credit Card. We send you a credit card authorization form by e-mail or fax and you send us back the completed form. You may pay for your extra charges at the lodge by credit card as well. We prefer Visa or Mastercard, but also accept all other mayor credit cards such as Amex and Diners.

Prepayment. All reservations must be paid in full 30 days before arrival. Most people use credit cards. A first night guarantee deposit is due immediately your reservation is confirmed.

Cancellations and refunds. We have 2 policies. A tough one we have never needed to use and the policy we actually follow:

1. The written policy is that a cancellation within 45 days forfeits the first night and a cancellation within 30 days forfeits the entire balance due.

2. The policy we actually follow is that a cancellation penalty only applies when we are full and the cancellation comes within 30 days of arrival. If we were not full and not turning down other reservations there is no charge and a full refund is given. In all cases we attempt to make the reservation available to another guest, and if we do a full refund is given in the case of the cancelled reservation.

We only charge for an actual loss when the reservation goes unused.

Lapa Rios does not have air conditioning; we are a low impact ecolodge that works rigorously to reduce our impact on the surrounding environment.

However, while this may come as a shock to some, we have found that the majority of our guests are quite comfortable. The architectural design of Lapa Rios Eco-lodge permits the constant flow of air through screen walls and creates a fresh, breezy environment.

We have no Internet or phone access on the Lapa Rios property. In fact, we don’t even play music at dinner! Instead, we ask that you listen to the sounds of the jungle at night, the crickets, the cicadas and the kinkajous.

All this is very intentional. Lapa Rios is in a wilderness setting 12 miles from the office communication center. We aim to take full advantage of this isolation to concentrate on the peace and wilderness experience that can be appreciated. Communication between the office and the hotel is by marine radio for emergencies. We have several trips daily by car between the two locations to transport faxes or messages. To make a personal telephone call it would be necessary to take a 45 minute taxi ride to the office.

After your stay at Lapa Rios, you will thank us for not providing internet nor phone service.  It’s a feeling we all need to experience more often.  Disconnect and decompress!!

Upon request, we can arrange a mini van or microbus to pick you up from the San Jose international airport and take you to your hotel in San Jose.  We can arrange to pick you up the next morning and take you to the airport to catch your flight to Lapa Rios.  We work with a very reliable company whose drivers are dependable, honest and speak English. This tour company can also transport you to other destinations in Costa Rica, including, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Arenal, Turrialba, Quepos, Peninsula de Osa, Nosara , Liberia and any other place accessible by car.

We recommend that you take a look at our portfolio of tour experiences (link to that page) and have a bit of an idea of what you would like to do at the lodge. However, specific plans on when to go where are best done when you are in Lapa Rios. A lot will depend if you are in the mood for action and activities or just taking it easy and relaxing. Weather and tide conditions also play a role.

Costa Rica has passed very strict non-smoking legislation. It is prohibited to smoke in public places. Please beware that you are not going to be able to smoke on our premises during your stay. Thank you for understanding.

Would You Like to Offset the Emissions Caused by your International Flight to Costa Rica?

Carbon offsets are voluntary donations made by individuals, companies, or governments that compensate, or offset, greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, electricity use, and other sources. In an effort to promote sustainable development and tourism, the Costa Rican Ministry of Environmental Affairs has created a program in which tourists can compensate the carbon emissions caused by their international flights by investing in programs that preserve and reforest natural areas within Costa Rica.

If you would like to calculate and offset the emissions caused by your flight to Costa Rica, visit here.

What is a “Carbon Market”? 

The carbon market is a growing industry where countries, individuals, or businesses can trade "carbon credits" for mandatory or voluntary purposes. 

The 1997 Kyoto Protocol imposes caps on greenhouse gas emissions in most developed countries, but allows the countries to meet their commitments through an arrangement known as the CDM (Clean Development Mechanism).  Under the CDM, countries can meet commitments through the sponsoring of emission reduction projects in developing countries. These projects generate “carbon credits,” which can then be traded in markets such as the European Climate Exchange.

A secondary, "voluntary" market exists where private businesses and individuals can buy and sell carbon credits for non-compliance reasons.  Businesses may be interested in carbon markets for corporate sustainability reasons, green marketing initiatives, or as trial runs in anticipation of future emission reduction requirements. Merril Lynch, for example, invested $9m in a deforestation project in Indonesia earlier in 2008.

The voluntary market operates through registries like the Chicago Climate Exchange, and non-governmental organizations like Carbonfund, The National Carbon Offset Coalition, and Powertree. Other groups cater to individuals wanting to offset "personal emissions," including TerraPass.

Carbon Markets in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, five current projects are generating tradable carbon credits through the Clean Development Mechanism. These include hydro power, wind power, landfill gas, and waste projects.

Unfortunately, projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation cannot be used under the CDM, and reforestation/afforestation projects are costly and burdensome for developing countries. There are not any CDM-affiliated afforestation or reforestation projects in Latin America.

Costa Rica's forests have, however, created carbon credits in the voluntary markets. In fact, the first forestry offset project recorded on the Chicago Climate Exchange was one involving the reforestation of pasture land in Costa Rica, led by the Precious Woods Group.

The CCBA (Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Alliance), a partnership between research institutions, corporations, and environmental groups, has facilitated voluntary projects in Costa Rica, as well as in Brazil, Nicaragua, and Panama. Recently, the CCBA has approved a program that will make approximately 1,935,000 metric tons of carbon emission reductions available for trading, through the avoided deforestation of rainforests in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica's future presence in the carbon market will depend on whether the successor to the Kyoto Protocol includes reduced emissions through deforestation projects (also known as REDD projects). These projects, although excluded from the Kyoto Protocol, are becoming increasingly more important: deforestation is responsible for 22% of carbon emissions. Additionally, they may be easier to administer in developing countries than reforestation/afforestation projects.

The CST is a national certification program designed by the Costa Rican Tourist Board (ICT) to classify hotels and resorts in Costa Rica based on their sustainable practices, policies and actions that protect the environment and benefit the local culture, history and local communities. Please visit our Sustainability section to learn more about Sustainable Tourism, our practices and the CST. Lapa Rios has received the highest level of Certification (Five green leaves) for the second time in a row in 2008.

Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality is a Costa Rica based hospitality management company that develops and manages ecolodges, sustainable resorts and green hotels in Latin American and the Caribbean. All Cayuga properties are certified or in the process of being certified for their sustainable practices, nature conservation and the improvement of the local communities where they are located. To learn more about what we do, why we are unique and how we can help you please click here.

We recommend different beach locations that we consider to make a great match with the Lapa Rios experience.

Kurà Design Villas, Costa Ballena, Uvita de Osa, Costa Rica (www.kuracostarica.com)

Kurà Design Villas is an exclusive boutique hotel on the Southern Coast of Costa Rica where the rain forest covered mountains tumble on to pristine beaches. Built on an impressive mountain ridge, Kurà´s tropical minimalist architecture provides a luxurious jungle experience and breathtaking Pacific ocean views. Featuring 6 luxury villas, an infinity salt water pool, spectacular outdoor poolside lounge and spa area, Kurà is the perfect base for aquatic and nature tours in this tropical paradise. For more information, visit www.kuracostarica.com.

Reservation Inquiry

The Harmony Hotel, Guanacaste (www.harmonynosara.com)

Nested into the sleepy coastal town of Nosara, Costa Rica, 14 miles from the nearest paved road, high standards of sustainable living meet the creature comforts of low key beach life. Inspired by the old school tropical destinations of eras that appreciated low key glamour and total escape, the Harmony is the perfect setting for people to get in tune with their natural rhythm. Just beyond the Harmony’s bananas trees, a cant miss coconut palm marks the arrival at Playa Guiones, one of the best surf spots in Nosara. Here you will find what you are looking for in the perfect atmosphere. Whether it is a relaxation, adventure, nature, good waves or just beautiful beaches, the Harmony Hotel is the right place for your vacation. For more information, visit www.harmonynosara.com.

Reservation Inquiry

Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort, Manuel Antonio (www.arenasdelmar.com)

Arenas del Mar is a beach and nature resort located next to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. "Unique and spectacular beach and nature experiences combined with highest levels of comfort and sustainability in a local Costa Rican setting" define the concept of Arenas del Mar Beach Hotel. This Manuel Antonio resort caters to tourists that are looking for more than just another high end resort experience. Arenas del Mar Hotel offers a luxurious lodging experience in harmony with Costa Rica's nature in a spectacular beach and rainforest setting. Guest rooms, apartments and suites offer spectacular ocean views, upscale dining in two hotel restaurants with a focus on fresh local products and personalized service that exceeds guest expectations. Arenas del Mar is the perfect base to explore the area around Manuel Antonio and Quepos on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Tours and activities offered in the area include whitewater rafting, mangrove kayak and boat tours, guided rainforest hikes, ocean kayaking, catch and release sport fishing, Canopy Tours and horseback riding excursions. For more information, visit www.arenasdelmar.com.

Reservation Inquiry

Latitude 10, Santa Teresa (www.latitude10resort.com)

Latitude 10 Resort was built as a private resort and is now available to the public. As the winner of the 2008 Grand Award in the International Class for second homes, the resort leaves nothing to be desired in luxury and elegance in its natural setting, providing interaction with the jungle and it's beachfront location. Staying at Latitude 10 is like staying with good friends at their luxury beach house. You will experience personalized service and attention to detail in a relaxed, yet classy atmosphere. Breakfast and pre-dinner hors d'oeuvres are included in your rate as well as your private in room mini bar. For more information, visit www.latitude10resort.com.

Reservation Inquiry

If you feel more adventurous and would like to see something else in our neighbor country Nicaragua, you cannot miss Jicaro Island Ecolodge.

Jicaro Island Ecolodge, Granada Isletas, Nicaragua (www.jicarolodge.com)

Developed in harmony with the surrounding nature and local community, Jicaro Island Ecolodge is Nicaragua´s most upscale nature resort located on a private island in Lake Nicaragua. Nine private two story casitas serve as the perfect setting for romantic escapes and wellness retreats on this secluded island getaway. The open kitchen serves Nicaraguan fusion cuisine using local and organic ingredients in an open air setting overlooking Mombacho volcano. Immerse yourself into a magical island experience filled with peace and tranquility and access to a wide variety of activities ranging from hiking or zip lining on volcanoes, bathing in hot springs and exploring the colonial treasures of Nicaragua. A visit to Jicaro Lodge and Nicaragua can be easily combined with a stay in Costa Rica. For more information, visit www.jicarolodge.com.

Reservation Inquiry

Cayuga Travel (www.cayugaonline.com/travel)

We will be happy to help you with the planning of the rest of your trip to Costa Rica and can set up a nice itinerary including different areas of the country.   Take a look at www.cayugaonline.com/travel or e-mail us at travel@cayugaonline.com in order to be able to suggest the best option for you. We cannot assist you with the international airfare, but can take care of all the rest of the details such as lodging, transportation, tours, or other.