Frequently Asked Qestions (FAQ)
“To
our friends at Lapa Rios… This has been the most wonderful
experience for us. It began the moment we arrived at the lodge,
seeing Annette’s smiling face holding our delicious
drinks. The tours were spectacular; hiking through the rainforest
only heightened our love for this place. The staff is an example
to all of how people should be to one another. Danilo (the
nature guide), you inspired me to continue the conservation
effort. We sincerely appreciated Augusto’s knowledge
and love of the rain forest. Thank you all and we definitely
be saying hello again someday soon. Keep up the good work.”
David & Michelle Carnevale |
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CHECK-IN TIME is : 2:00 PM
CHECK-OUT TIME is: 11:00 AM |
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Our space tends to fill up 2 - 6 months in advance and for some periods even earlier than that. We would recommend that you investigate space availability now and 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 less than 3 nights at Lapa Rios for anyone who is arriving or leaving by plane. It is too short a time for most people given the experience encountered here and the variety of things to do and see.
If the space you want is available we are able to do the reservation but need a fax number for you in order to confirm. E-mail is great for exchanging information and answering questions but we prefer the reliability of the fax machine when dealing with firm reservations, payment deadlines, flight confirmations and generally things which involve financial commitments. The fax confirms that the transmission was received. |
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Lapa Rios does not have air conditioning due to the nature of the minimum impact the eco lodge is committed to demonstrate. Plus, it is not necessary! Mosts guests feel that temperatures in the 80 degree range (25-28C) are comfortable, considering that the breezes from the ocean and the prime rain forest help keep the air moving and fresh. The architectural design permits the constant flow of air through screen walls and creates a sense of living actually within the nature surrounding the lodge. |
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When arriving or leaving Costa Rica we recommend the Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn www.finca-rblanca.co.cr, an intimate small hotel surrounded by coffee farms outside of San Jose but only 20 to 30 minutes from the international airport. Finca Rosa Blanca and Lapa Rios are the only two hotels in Costa Rica that have achieved the highest level of 5 green leaves in Certification of Sustainable Tourism. Also, outside of town, the larger but equally scenic Xandari Plantation is secluded on a coffee plantation. www.xandari.com.
Closest to the Juan Santamaría International airport is the Costa Rican Country Inn “El Rodeo” that has been awarded three leaves for sustainability by the Costa Rican tourism ministry. The hotel has a great Costa Rican steak house and is the perfect place for the first or last night in Costa Rica.
We also recommend the very comfortable and well run Hotel Grano de Oro in San Jose www.granodeoro.com. A bit more centrally located near the two airports and San Jose's Central Park “La Sabana” is the “green” business hotel Parque del Lago www.parquedellago.com that has four green leaves in Certification of Sustainable Tourism.
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Nested into the sleepy coastal town of Nosara, Costa Rica, 40 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.
All 24 accommodations reside on a path that meanders through a tropical garden overflowing with native vegetation. And the ears do not lie, that is the sounds of waves. The path ends nearby at the warm, inviting Pacific Ocean. We offer two room types, Cocos rooms and Bungalows. Both have King sized beds, A/C, ceiling fans, safe deposit boxes, mini bars, coffee makers and private decks. The graceful simplicity of earth tones and crisp whites creates rooms that are rooted in nature and beach life at the Harmony.
At the heart of the Harmony’s tropical garden and hotel is the pool. The water is clear and silky because of a system that gradually converts salt into a natural form of chlorine. The open air restaurant seats 40 guest in a stylish but casual atmosphere. Although the restaurant is mostly vegetarian, it does offer fish and chicken options.
An all new Spa building offers four treatment rooms, a yoga deck for classes and meditation and a breath taking fresh water pond which attracts the areas birds and mammals for a drink.
Nosara offers the perfect blend of a small town and a tourism destination. There are various dining options, night life, tours and activities available. However the uniqueness of a small Guanacaste village is maintained in the Nosara vibe.
As a sustainable hotel, Harmony contributes by hiring all its staff form local community and teaching them the job. Also supports projects with local schools, turtles and monkey rescues centers. We do reforestation programs to keep the spectacular environment of Nosara. Not far away, visitors may experience other Guancaste wonders, such as the spectacular Arribadas turtles in Ostional and various national parks.
For more info you can navigate in their website www.harmonynosara.com
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Driving is not recommended because of the cost, the time, and the roads. The trip is 7 - 10 hours depending on stops and weather and there is very little to do with a car once you are at Lapa Rios. People who have more than 3 weeks in Costa Rica might consider it as the experience is challenging and the scenery is interesting and varied. If you choose to drive, follow these directions, but make sure to check local road conditions before you leave (with your rental car agent). In some cases there might be land slides, broken bridges or other obstacles to overcome. |
Directions
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98% of the people who visit Lapa Rios fly on domestic daily scheduled air. It is relatively inexpensive and the flight is only about 40 to 50 minutes long. The airstrip is in Puerto Jiménez right next to the Lapa Rios office and from there you will travel in our 4X4 Lapa Rios safari truck for 45 minutes to get to the Reserve.
There are two local airlines offering domestic service to Puerto Jimenez from San Jose : Nature Air and Sansa. Sansa flights leave from a terminal next to the international airport and Nature Air flights leave from the other airport closer to San Jose in Pavas. In some cases, it is possible to connect from other destinations like Quepos to Puerto Jimenez, but it is important to check with our |
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Domestic Flights from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez:
If you need domestic flight arrangements, below you'll find the Nature Air and Sansa schedules. Please advise us your choice according with your travel itinerary.
WE CAN ARRANGE IN-COUNTRY FLIGHTS FOR YOU:
We prefer to make your in-country flights arrangements for you. We can guarantee the reservation easier and more securely from here and can access space on the in-country airlines when no one else can do it. Also if we make the reservation we can manage any problems that might occur. |
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We can arrange the round-trip flights leaving San Jose at 6:00 AM, 8:30 AM or 10:45 AM on NATURE AIR from San Jose - Pto Jimenez - San Jose .
The return flight on NATURE AIR departs Puerto Jiménez at 7:00 AM, 9:50 AM or 12:00 AM and arrives in San Jose (Pavas airport) at 8:10 AM, 10:40 AM and 12:50 PM respectively.
The cost for NATURE AIR is $89 one-way per adult or $178 round trip per adult. |
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We can arrange the round-trip flights leaving San Jose at 6:00 AM,8:30 AM, 11:00 AM or 2:30 PM on NATURE AIR from San Jose - Pto Jiménez - San Jose .
The cost for NATURE AIR is $89 one-way or $178 round trip per person.
The return flight on NATURE AIR departs Puerto Jiménez at 7:00 AM, 9:40 AM, 12:15 PM , or 3:30 PM and arrives in San Jose (Pavas airport) at 8:30 AM, 10:40 AM , 1:30 or 4:20 PM respectively . |
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We can arrange round-trip flights leaving at 6:00 AM, 10:15 AM and 13:00 PM on Sansa from San Jose - Puerto Jimenez.
The return flight on Sansa departs Puerto Jiménez at 7:10 AM, 11:30AM and 14:00 PM and arrives in San Jose at the International airport at 8:10 AM, 12:20PM and 14:50 PM .
The cost for Sansa is $75 one-way or $150 round trip per person.
Sansa will need the first and last names of all passengers. Please provide those to us if you would us to arrange the domestic flights for you. |
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Questions
Since Lapa Rios began, honeymoon and anniversary couples attest to their truly tranquil and authentic rainforest holiday at the ecolodge and reserve. While all weeks during the year are a great time to enjoy the Lapa Rios experience, we recommend couples book the months January or February, April to June and then September to November. These months have few school holidays thereby limiting families-with-children traveling to Costa Rica.
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The name is in Spanish since that is the language spoken here.
" Rios" means rivers in Spanish in all translations and is easily recognizable.
" Lapa", on the other hand, is considerably more elusive. In some translations it means a small reef fish and in others it is translated as a "slug". "Lapa", uniquelyin Costa Rican Spanish, however, means the scarlet macaw. Macaws are the largest member of the parrot family and are ever present in abundance in the trees and coastal forests around Lapa Rios.
So whether Lapa Rios technically translates to "Rivers of Reef Fish", "Rivers of Slugs" or "Rivers of the Scarlet Macaw" you will be sure to see these magnificent colorful birds if you come to visit here. And it is one of the last places on earth where you can do so. Help us preserve their habitat!
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Although remote and isolated Lapa Rios serves food and beverages not usually offered in the wilderness. Meals rotate daily, focusing on fresh fruits, vegetables with local fish, chicken and meat. Lapa Rios can handle almost any dietary preference or restriction.
Go to the Culinary Highlights
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Questions
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All 16 bungalows are private and open to the sea; they are spacious and can sleep up to 4 people in 2 queen size beds. Each has an indoor (solar-heated) shower and a private garden shower, 2 sinks, large closets, and a deck overlooking the rainforest and the ocean. All bungalow access requires stair and path walking. There is 24-hour electricity available for battery |
Important : Lapa Rios needs advance notification regarding any inability to walk steps.
We will attempt to accommodate specific bungalow requests when possible, but due to the nature of our location we cannot always accommodate such requests.
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The bungalows are about 300 feet above the ocean and it is about a 7 minute walk to the beach and the ocean. The return walk is uphill and steep and takes about 15 min. The beach is normally deserted and offers good walking and exploring. There are very few shells but it is very scenic and serene. There are no rip tides or undercurrents and it is good for swimming. While swimming at the beach is good and safe the main attraction for most of our guests is the rainforest and the wildlife, not the ocean. It is a "Pacific" beach and not the white sand or crystal clear waters of, for example, Jamaica.
There is shade at the high tide mark but no lawn chairs or umbrellas. You will probably encounter more hermit crabs crawling along the beach sand than you have ever seen in any one place before. There are small and harmless but nevertheless quite numerous. Sometimes there are sand fleas and "no-see-ems" but usually they are no real problem. Mosquitos are rare here both at the main lodge and along the beach.
There is some fairly good snorkeling but it is across the gulf and you would have to go by boat.
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We can arrange for Syracuse Tours, our designated tour guide operator in San Jose , to meet you at the international airport and transfer you to your hotel. He has mini vans and a microbus. The cost is the normal taxi charge of $25 for all of you. You have the
benefit of a completely honest and dependable English speaking person.
Somebody from Syracuse Tours can meet you at the passenger exit gate with a
sign with your name on it. Also they can do transfers or tours to different places in Costa Rica or San Jose . They are also available for Monteverde, Arenal, Turrialba, Quepos, Peninsula de Osa, Tamarindo , Liberia and any other place accessible by car.
Please give us your international flight arrival information so that we can
advise Syracuse when to meet you at the airport. |
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Boots . Knowing what to pack is always a difficult call. You might only need comfortable walking shoes and regular lightweight hiking boots with deep traction. We have rubber boots available for you to wear for some of our trails where you are likely to encounter water and mud (important: bring long sports socks to avoid the rubber boots against your skin). We recommend something like L.L. Bean high "duck boots" with deep traction if possible and durable walking shoes with deep traction. You will likely hike on some trails with boulders and sharp slanted rocks, and through and along rivers. We don't recommend the boots that fit over your shoes because they tend to result in less surefootedness and stability.
What else should you bring? Guests are encouraged to bring only lightweight, casual clothing, sunscreen, insect repellant, a bathing suit, sturdy shoes and/or hiking boots, and a large beam flashlight. Although our guides are well equipped with the most advanced animal observation equipment, if you have binoculars bring them. You will get wet and sweaty at Lapa Rios and former guests have said "I should have brought more T-shirts and shorts".
Dress Code : Completely informal. Our waiters wear shorts, white socks and tennis shoes. You can too, even for dinner. No ties, coats or formal attire is necessary or even desirable. We only require that a shirt be worn in the main lodge and during meal times. We are fortunate to have superb weather, but there is some seasonal variation that might affect your choice of informal clothing (see the Weather section below). Tevas style sandals work well on the waterfall hike and on the beach.
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Weather in Lapa
Rios
At Lapa Rios, and in the Osa Peninsula in general, expect warm, breezy days, with highs of 82 - 92 degrees, lows 75 - 85. Because of afternoon clouds, August through November are cooler months, highs in the 70s. Temperatures during January through April are in the mid-80s.
From the middle of December to the end of April it is rare that it will rain at all. This is the summer season here and excellent sunny weather can be guaranteed. Weather the rest of the year is explained below:
The "green season" is probably the best time to be in Costa Rica for a rain forest adventure. Rain here is not the same as it is in the temperate zones. This season is generally from 15 May to 1 November. Outdoor activities and work do not stop and you don't get cold. The general pattern is for it to rain 3 - 4 times a week, most likely in the afternoon and more likely at night. The days are evenly distributed between partly cloudy or overcast. It can mist or give you 8 inches an hour. If it rains that hard you want to be here. It's incredible.
The 15th of July is the middle of a usually occurring 6 week mini-dry season. It's called canicula in Spanish and though it is not guaranteed to be rain free the possibility of rain during this time is much less than the rest of the green season. Half of June and half of August are usually included in this period.
While May and October tend, over the years, to be the months with the heaviest rain there is no certainty that there will be much rain in either May or October.
Climate is what people expect, weather is what they get.
Weather in Costa
Rica
Costa Rica is a tropical country located between 8 and 11 degrees north of the equator. It has twelve bioclimates, three different rainfall regimes and many microclimates, so researching its climatological conditions can be an almost never-ending task.
Although Costa Rica is considered to have a stable climate, it is important to note that different temperature and weather conditions may be experienced within the same day, or within short distances, due mostly to the rugged terrain of this mountainous country. There are two well defined seasons: the rainy/green season (invierno), and the dry/summer season (verano), with one main difference between them: rainfall averages. Dry season runs from December to April, and the green season from May to November. Rainfall averages for the country may reach the highest point during the months of September and October -- approximately 650 mm per month.
Seasonal changes don't bring significant changes in temperatures, although nights may be cooler in some areas during the rainy season. Mornings will most commonly be sunny all year round. San José is located 1150 meters above sea level, and has a moderate temperature throughout the year. It may go as low as 15º C at nighttime, and up to 26º C during the day, giving rise to the image of San José as a city with an eternal spring climate. The Intermontane Central Valley where San José lies has an average temperature of 20º C, and may actually be considered as dry compared to the humidity of the Caribbean Slope. When it rains, temperatures will drop slightly, mostly because of humidity and winds.
The Caribbean coastline has an average temperature of 21º C at night, and 30º C during the day. The rainy season has a rainfall average of 224 inches (5,600 mm) per year, along the coast, on the eastern face of the mountains and in the Caribbean lowlands. In most of Costa Rica the peak periods of rainfall occur during May to June and September to October, although precipitation remains substantial throughout the period. Though it is considered to be the wettest region of the country, rains usually occur in the late evening and nighttime. Due to humidity and trade winds, temperatures will remain low, and even drop noticeably during rainy nights.
The Pacific coast is warmer than the Atlantic by 3º to 5º C. The northern part of the country is totally dry for six months of the year. Rainfall averages only 59 inches (1,500 mm) a year in the northwest and central part of the country. The South Pacific region, where Lapa Rios is located, is generally wetter than its counterpart to the north. General rainfall will reach up to 197 inches (5,000 mm) a year. High mountainous areas, such as the region surrounding Costa Rica 's highest peak Cerro Chirripo, have cold, windy and cloudy conditions all year round. Chirripo remains below 10º C (50º F) during the day, and may experience temperatures as low as 0º C (32º F) at night. Frost and even snow have been reported (okay, just once in the last century). As a general rule, temperatures decline with elevation at a rate of approximately 3.5 Fahrenheit degrees per thousand feet in Costa Rica (6.5º C per 1000 m). Thus, average December temperatures vary from 79ºF (26ºC) at Orotina on the coast, to 66ºF (19ºC) in San José at 3500 feet (1100 m), to a chilly 43ºF (6ºC) in Villa Mills at 10,000 feet (3050 m).
First-time visitors to Costa Rica often neglect to bring a warm jacket with them after reading about the climates of the coastal regions and the Central Valley . A medium-weight fleece jacket is ideal.
There is no flat land and no standing water in and around Lapa Rios. That
means there are very few mosquitos! Sometimes after an extended rain we
have some and for that reason insect repellant is a good idea. Any good
brand that works where you live will work as well in Costa Rica.
Sometimes near sundown there are some "no-see-ums" but their presence is
very temporary and usually not bothersome. At the beach there may be sand
fleas and "no-see-ums" and protection might be advisable there.
Corcovado Nationl Park with it's huge lagoon is another story and insect
repellant for that tour is advisable. It is also a good idea to use insect
repellant in Puerto Jimenez on your way in and out.
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There is a clinic 12 miles from the hotel in Puerto Jimenez that can handle first aid only that is about 45 minutes by car. There is always a vehicle at the hotel for any such emergencies.
Puerto Jimenez has a 24-hour flight service which attends to emergency medical flights to a hospital in Golfito (8 minute flight ) or to San Jose (50 minute flight ). In case of extreme emergency or disability a helicopter can be ordered from San Jose and land in a nearby field.
San Jose has excellent hospitals, medical facilities and doctors that attend almost exclusively to foreign residents and travelers.
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No immunizations, shots, inoculations or vaccinations are required to enter the country. 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).
The CDC in Atlanta would have you take 5 or 6 shots and probably malaria pills. The amount of precaution taken for your health is a little like deciding how much liability insurance you need. It depends greatly on who you talk to but the ultimate decision is very personal. There is no permanent risk of contracting any tropical disease in Costa Rica . From time to time there are very local outbreaks of various diseases that are quickly brought under control. They affect very few people and are not overly prevalent in tourist areas. No guest of Lapa Rios has ever contracted a tropical disease. We have no malaria here at Lapa Rios or in the vicinity.
There are two other basic approaches to this concern and we pass on the following opinions as guidelines for your decision: As for what we recommend for travelers to Lapa Rios (and the general Corcovado area), please keep in mind that these types of lists change regularly. This type of information is what "travelers clinics" are designed to provide. They should go to a real travelers clinic at least 2 weeks (and preferably one month) prior to travel. Travel clinics tend to recommend that the following vaccines be "up to date" when traveling internationally, especially to tropical areas: Polio, Tetanus, Measles, Malaria (prophylaxis), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
Although the water at Lapa Rios is excellent, this is not true in all parts of Costa Rica . Oral ciprofloxacin may be useful for the treatment of traveler’s diarrhea. Finally, it is important to remember that far more travelers die in car accidents, accidental drowning and other avoidable common causes of trauma than from infectious illnesses. A physician cannot prescribe common sense, but it is an essential element of safe traveling.
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If you choose to drive, let us know ahead of time, and then please call us during the day while you are en route to advise the approximate time of your arrival in Puerto Jimenez. We need to know this in order to advise our personnel at the hotel and provide the transfer in our vehicle to Lapa Rios in the event you do not have a 4-wheel drive vehicle or one with good ground clearance.
Driving from San Jose to Lapa
Rios.
During the Green Season, May to December, 4-wheel-drive is recommended. By road from San José take the Inter-American ( Pan Am ) Highway ( Ruta 2 ) to San Isidro de General ( 2 - 3.5 hrs ) . An interesting rest stop for refreshments is at Ojo de Agua ( Km # 76 , 1 -1.5 hrs ) Continue through Buenos Aires ( 1 - 1.5 Hrs ) to Palmar Norte ( 1 - 1.5 hrs ). Thirty-three 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 where the pavement ends. 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 Lapa Rios from there ( 3/4 - 1 hr ).
An alternative route is to drive from San Isidro to Dominical ( 3/4 - 1 hr. ) and follow the coast road to Palmar Norte. This route is shorter and faster but is not a paved road. Approximate travel time is 7-10 hours depending on stops, sightseeing, weather and road conditions.
Driving from Dominical
During the Green Season, 1 May to 1 December, 4-wheel-drive is recommended.
From Dominical drive South along the coast road (on route 34) until Cortés (1 - 1.5 hrs ). You will turn left before actually getting into the center of town and follow the road to Palmar Norte ( 15 min. ). At Palmar Norte turn right (South) on the Carretera Interamericana. Thirty-three kilometers past Palmar Norte take a right turn at Chacarita. At Chacarita you will see a service station by the name of "Cocovado". The right turn to Puerto Jiménez is directly after the service station. On this paved road you will drive 44 km to Rinc÷n where the pavement ends. 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 Lapa Rios from there ( 3/4 - 1 hr ).
Approximate travel time just from Dominical is 3.75 - 5.5 hours depending on stops, sightseeing, weather and road conditions.
Driving from San Vito. ( 3 -
4 hrs. )
Do not go to Golfito. The ferry to Puerto Jiménez is only for people not cars. Go to Puerto Jiménez and then direct to Lapa Rios. Check in with us at the office before heading out of town for any last minute road information. You should have no trouble reaching the hotel in your own car.
To get to Puerto Jiménez from San Vito follow road to Cuidad ( Villa ) Neily. Then take the Inter-American Highway back towards San Jose past Rio Claro ( approx. 30 km further ) to Chacarita. It may not be on your map as "Chacarita" but at that location there is a gas station called " Corcovado ". Turn left there and take the road to Puerto Jiménez. Feel free to ask anyone in Puerto Jiménez where the office of Lapa Rios is. We are at the airstrip in Puerto Jiménez. From there we can give you the exact directions to the hotel.
Try to arrive in Puerto Jimenez no later than 4:00 PM to avoid darkness in your trip to the hotel. The hotel is 20 km from Puerto Jiménez and the trip takes about 45 minutes.
Please view the MAP
of Costa Rica
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Although Lapa Rios is an ideal location for a family vacation, we don't encourage you to bring children under 5 at Lapa Rios. The reason is that the lodge and rooms are literally on a steep ridge in the rain forest and the jungle and there are hazards such as steep drops along the pathways, poisonous snakes, high cabin decks, a tall 40 foot circular stairway in the main lodge and other hazards to small children. Parents must exercise more care and give more attention to their children here than in a more traditional family resort. The emphasis here is on nature and wilderness and there are no standard forms of entertainment to occupy younger children. We do not have TV, internet or video games or activities designed for children. We have a pool but children must be attended there at all times. We are also not equipped to provide babysitting services.
We accept children of any age and many have come with their families and everyone has enjoyed themselves. It's just a bit more work for Mom and Dad.
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The bungalows are about 300 feet above the ocean and it is about a 7 minute walk to the beach and the ocean. The return walk is uphill and steep and takes about 15 min. The beach is normally deserted and offers good walking and exploring. There are very few shells but it is very scenic and serene. There are no rip tides or undercurrents and it is good for swimming. While swimming at the beach is good and safe the main attraction for most of our guests is the rainforest and the wildlife, not the ocean. It is a "Pacific" beach and not the white sand or crystal clear waters of, for example, Jamaica.
There is shade at the high tide mark but no lawn chairs or umbrellas. You will probably encounter more hermit crabs crawling along the beach sand than you have ever seen in any one place before. There are small and harmless but nevertheless quite numerous. Sometimes there are sand fleas and "no-see-ems" but usually they are no real problem. Mosquitos are rare here both at the main lodge and along the beach.
There is some fairly good snorkeling but it is across the gulf and you would have to go by boat.
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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.
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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.
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This is to advise you of our policy regarding groups. Lapa Rios will not able to accept any large, group or family reservations, (more than 3 bungalows per group ) during our High Season from 1 November to 16 May. Our policy is to accept groups of larger numbers only during our Green Season from 16 May to October 31. During the Green Season we limit the group size to no more than 6 bungalows per group.
The reason for this is because of the large number of group reservation requests in the High Season, particularly during the Holiday Seasons, and our limited space of only 16 bungalows. Since our facilities and services are best suited for the individual nature traveler we have found that we are not able to serve our best and most loyal clientele if we allow our space to be filled far in advance by large groups. Groups larger than 6 bungalows, even during the Green Season, often interfere with the ability of our other guests to enjoy their stay here to the fullest. While this policy may be unfortunate in certain circumstances or in individual cases it will work to give you, our good clients, the greatest access to the limited space of Lapa Rios for the largest number of interested people and guarantee that when they come they will experience a truly quiet, restful and natural experience in the wild.
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The one thing we cannot ever apologize for is nature. We do everything we can to preserve the natural environment and bring the rainforest and its inhabitants as close to our guests as we can get them while respecting their need for safety.
The whole cast of jungle characters is present. We do not use insecticides or herbicides so as not to affect the food chain for all the little critters that attract progressively larger and larger critters that everyone wants to see. The wildlife is abundant in the common areas and near the bungalows. The bungalows themselves are visited by a variety of small insects and creatures but nothing large or dangerous. We recommend that when going to the main lodge for dinner that guests turn off all interior room lights so as to attract a few critters as possible by the time they return.
Tolerance of this ever present animal population is a necessary compromise in order to enjoy it here. Human beings are not in the food chain of the jungle creatures and nothing is looking to bite them. While they will see many new forms of life there is little risk with the ordinary exercise of common sense. We are promoted as "deluxe wilderness adventure." We are not "Manhattan deluxe" or "Paris luxury". We are in the rainforest. Bugs and insects are everywhere. Our bungalows use nursery shade cloth for walls rather than regular screens because mold and fungus will quickly grow on any kind of small gauge screening. It will look bad, obstruct ventilation, obscure the view and eventually smell. This allows for the passage of breezes but also small insects as well. It would be ridiculous to suggest that this jungle ecolodge should enclose its rooms and then have to provide air conditioning. That is also impossible since there is no municipal eltricity source and we must use generators.
There are many different kinds of insects, bugs, beetles, spiders, iguanas, lizards, toads, butterflies, scorpions, snakes, birds, and many large and small mammals. There is something to be seen moving constantly. There is no flat land and no standing water in and around Lapa Rios. That means there are almost no mosquitos - ever ! Sometimes after an extended rain we have some and for that reason insect repellant is a good idea. Any good brand that works where you live will work as well in Costa Rica.
Sometimes near sundown there are some "no-see-ums" but their presence is very temporary and usually not bothersome. At the beach there may be sand fleas and "no-see-ums" and protection might be advisable there. Corcovado Nationl Park with it's huge lagoon is another story and insect repellant for that tour is advisable.
We have a very high client satisfaction index. But Lapa Rios is not for everyone nor can it be made that way.
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Ecotourism: What is it?
Ecotourism is defined as responsible travel to natural places, which conserves the environment and sustains the well being of the local people. Goals
and Action
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Preparing for your tour
All guided tours in the Lapa Rios Reserve help support the ongoing maintenance and land preservation. Choosing to hike and learn with a knowledgeable local guide gives the community continuing economic support and demonstrates that this diverse lowland tropical rain forest left standing is more valuable than one cut down.
Our reception staff and guides are happy to answer questions, make arrangements and help you select appropriate tours. An experienced guide will accompany you on all the tours in the Lapa Rios Reserve. Lapa Rios tries to keep the maximum number of participants to 6-10 people. Because of this limited number we encourage guests to register their names at the front desk for tours. Please accommodate those leaving Lapa Rios before you. The longer tours generally leave after breakfast or lunch; the night walk returns by 8PM for a late dinner. Unless prepaid, the cost of all tours will be charged to your account, payable at checkout.
Non-guided walks are encouraged only on the trail closest to the lodge, or along the beach and main road. There is a self-guided tour pamphlet for the trail near the main lodge. If going into the forest without a guide please advise the staff of your anticipated route and approximate time of return. The forest is dark, as early as 4:30 P.M. on cloudy days! There are NO TRAIL SIGNS within the reserve.
Please note that all forest trails follow mountainous terrain and require a certain amount of exertion. NOT ALL TOURS ARE MEANT FOR EVERYONE. Some are difficult, some easier. Use the walking sticks. Keep your eyes down when walking. When you want to look at something, stop moving! Look before touching. Use footwear with good treads - rubber boots are available; the boots are more comfortable with high top socks. Snacks are provided for longer tours. Long sleeves and long pants are not necessary; shorts and a T-shirt are adequate for all hikes. Insect repellent usually is not necessary, neither are hats nor sunglasses. Always have a big drink of water before leaving on a hike - you will perspire and the extra fluid will help lessen your fatigue. Take a bottle of water when going on ANY tour. We always have it available—just ask at reception.
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GUIDED TOURS
COST: INCLUDES: GUIDE, TAXI & AIRPLANE TRANSFERS, PARK ENTRANCE FEES AND LUNCH, MINIMUM 4 PERSONS.
ITINERARY:
6:00 AM Light breakfast at Lapa Rios.
6:45 AM Leave Lapa Rios by taxi to Puerto Jimenez
7:15 AM Leave Puerto Jimenez by plane to fly to Sirena Station.
7:30 AM Arrive Sirena Station. 4 hour walk on circular route returning to Sirena approximately 11:30.
11:30 AM Relax and have lunch packed and prepared by Lapa Rios.
1:30 PM 3 hour walk in the forest to Río Claro, optional swimming in Río Claro. Tour continues and returns to Sirena
Station.
4:30 PM Return to Puerto Jimenez by plane and return by taxi to Lapa Rios.
Highlights:
Excellent chances of seeing white-lipped peccary, tapir, spider monkeys, white faced cappuchins, squirrel monkeys and howler monkeys. Agoutis, coati-mundi, fresh tracks of jaguars, ocelot, marguay and mountain lion. Toucans, scarlet macaws, great curassow, crested guan, trogons, fierey-billed aracaris, honeycreepers, hummingbirds, herons, egrets, tinamous, parrots, woodpeckers, woodcreepers, antbirds, manakins, tanagers, caciques, euphonias, thrushes, hawks and vultures.
This is the real JUNGLE. 100,000 acres Corcovado National Park has approximately 375 species of birds, 125 mammals, 50 bats, 131 reptiles and amphipians, 850 trees, 1500 plants and ferns, and more than 6000 insects, bugs and creepy crawlers.
What to Bring:
Bicoculars, bird book, hiking boots, camera, hat, insect repellant and a waterproof pouch.
Have a great trip !
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The Rain Forest Ridge Walk Experience
The rain forest ridge walk is one of the tours I offer here at Lapa Rios. The terrain is mountainous with the ridges separated by clear running streams. As you walk along the top of a ridge, you can look directly into the mid-canopy of many trees growing down slope. The path along the ridge and the forest floor are fairly open. Saplings and shade-tolerant shrubs are everywhere, but walking between them is easy. Almost no direct sunlight reaches the forest floor, and the path is littered with decomposing leaves. The ambience is hued in shades of green, gray, and brown. The humidity is high, but the temperature is a pleasant 25 degrees Celsius.
The beginning of the trail passes through some previously cut second growth. Quick- growing sun-loving plant species grow here, like Balsa and Heliconia. Heliconia has large broad leaves and stupendous birds-of-paradise-like flowers. Three species of hummingbirds buzz around fighting for position, all eager to sip the heliconia's rich nectar. A young heliconia is not yet in flower, and is still unfurling its 50 cm. long leaves. The rain forest contains the greatest number of plant and animal species in the world, but almost everything is uncommon. This is because each organism is a specialist. Numerous insects, including rolled-up-leaf beetles and rolled-up-leaf beetle predating spiders, live in the furled heliconia leaves. As I bend the leaf down for all to peer at the insects inside, six disc-winged bats explode out of the funnel. A rare phenomenon, these little bats roost during the day stacked up one on top of another inside the furled leaves. The slightest movement alerts them, as they are subject to predation by omnivorous Squirrel Monkeys. Everyone on the tour, including the guide, is startled and thrilled at what we have experienced.
Further up the trail, a completely camouflaged brown snake slithers across the path and stops alongside. Its head is narrow indicating it is nonvenomous. Its coloration is exactly the same as the dead leaf litter it inhabits. It is one meter long and has an orange underbelly. It hunts for small lizards, frogs, and invertebrates. All of us crowd around as it "freezes". After we have enjoyed this forest denizen, I approach the snake, and it rapidly and stealthily moves out of sight.
Our next stop is a huge 40 m tree with enormous buttress roots. Buttress roots are what support the tree in the thin rain forest soils. This one has 2m. high plank roots holding up the base, like a pedestal with feet. Knowing the tree, I search the fallen leaf litter for some "semillas adorable", or adorable seeds. Within a minute, I have gathered a palm full of tiny scarlet red and black seeds, as rain forest souvenirs for the guests. Everyone, of course, is enchanted. I can only reason that the seeds are colored brilliantly, in order to advertise the toxic compounds contained within. An unpalatable taste will prevent their being masticated by rodent seed predators.
We walk quietly now enjoying the lushness, the immensity, and the tranquility of the forest. A flowering vine here, a large woody liana there, a giant termite nest, and a whistled bird call complete the scene. Suddenly, a movement is detected beside the path. "A snake!" someone shouts. The guests step aside, as I move forward to identify the serpent. A three meter long Boa Constrictor, thicker than your calf, lays coiled inside the buttress roots of a tree. There is an iridescence to its scales that shimmers when a patch of sunlight reaches its huge bulk. It is disturbed by our scrutiny, and moves slowly to a more sheltered location beneath a fallen tree. A nonvenomous predator, the boa is still a formidable foe. It has a large powerful jaw, with which it bites its prey and lifts it off the ground. It then wraps its coils around and continues to constrict, until its victim finally suffocates. It neither preys upon, nor fears humans. It is merely cautious and wary. Two of the tour participants approach with fascination. Two others keep a comfortable distance away. All are duly impressed.
We walk still further. The forest is ominously quiet. Only the sound of our footsteps disturbs the silence. It is late afternoon and the sky is darkening. The cloud cover builds and a light rain begins to fall. Overhead a crashing of branches is heard. Monkeys! We proceed forward looking ever upwards for the source. A moving branch is sighted, and a dark body is seen flying through the air. We search for a window through the vegetation, and spot four Howler Monkeys feeding in the canopy. They are strict herbivores, and we watch as they selectively munch leaves and walk about the branches. At last we are noticed, and a huge din erupts from the dominant male. Hoo - Hoo - Hoo - Hoo - Hoo -Hooah - Hooah - Hooah - HOOOAH !! Like a cross between a howling dog and a roaring lion, the alarm call of a Howler Monkey is a never-to-be-forgotten sound. One of the monkeys creeps to the end of a limb and then leaps to an adjacent tree out of view. Two others clamor up a hanging vine into the very densest portion of the tree top. The male remains in a guarded, but provocative posture inflating his cheek pouches like Louis Armstrong - howling for all he's worth. Within minutes, other unseen members join the chorus.
We continue on, and almost immediately encounter a group of birds. Warning cries are sounded, and several scatter upon our arrival. I quickly assess the remainder of the flock with my binoculars. Two ant-tanagers "chak" from the under story. Three ant-birds are "cheering" above the forest floor. Two wood-creepers hang from the trunk of a large tree. And a chicken-like ant thrush high steps away through the leaf litter. All these birds together can only mean one thing - an army ant swarm!
I scan to locate the swarm. Thousands of ants have just crossed the path and are foraging around a tree fall. The carnivorous ants dislodge all animals in their path, and the birds are quick to take advantage of this plethora of easy prey. We watch as various birds dart in and out amongst the ants capturing insects trying to escape. Together the tour group approaches the scene of carnage. Behind the attacking swarm are columns of ants crossing the path to and fro. Those returning to the nest are carrying the body parts of the insects and soft-bodied invertebrates that they've caught, stung, and dismembered. Those coming from the nest are non-sexual female soldiers arriving to reinforce the advancing swarm. Sub-majors patrol back and forth along the columns to protect the workers, and ensure that the "booty" is not filched by robbers. I warn the guests that these ants are very aggressive and pack a horrific bite. We walk through the swarm hastily, and kick the ants off our boots when we reach the other side. Everyone escapes unscathed. Thank heavens for tall rubber boots!
The drizzle continues, and eventually increases into a steady rain. Binoculars and cameras are stowed away into backpacks, and we walk on. Ponchos are virtually useless, as the humidity that builds up from within is as wet as the rain that falls from above. I proclaim to everyone that no one has ever melted or frozen to death in a tropical rainstorm. Reassured, we resume in silence.
Tromping through the mud, we listen to the pounding of the raindrops on the forest floor. Ahead I discover a rainfall bonus. Preferring wetter conditions, numerous poison-dart frogs now begin to appear along the trail. 5-6 cm. long, these black terrestrial amphibians are streaked with bright lime green. They hop conspicuously about searching for small insects. It is a dangerous method of feeding for a diurnal animal in a forest full of predators. It is thought that poison-dart frogs first evolved skin toxins to make themselves unpalatable, and then bright colors to better educate their enemies. Dangerous only when eaten, I deftly grab one so all can "ooh" and "aah" at this gorgeous forest inhabitance. We finally arrive at the lodge - wet, tired, and full of wonder and enchantment. Just another day in paradise...
Darrel Hutchinson, former guide at Lapa Rios, 1993
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Deep Sea Fishing
The waters off Lapa Rios are famous for bill fish, tuna, dorado, rooster fish and snapper. Off shore or in-shore fishing available. Taxi to Pto. Jiminez for a full day (8 hrs) of excitement. Lunch is provided. If you are planning to come fishing in high season (December through April), we recommend you prebook your fishing trip prior to arrival. Boats often get booked months in advance.
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When discussing a tour with the guides or buying a T-shirt at the reception desk you won't hear a fax tone or a telephone ringing in the background. There's no satellite dish and no cable TV. There is not even any music at dinner. You can hear the sounds of the jungle at night, the crickets, the cicadas, the kinkajous and the restaurant staff may bring something to your table that is not for you to eat - like a poison-dart frog found hopping by the ice machine.
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 min taxi ride to the office.
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- Various mammals:
monkeys: howlers, squirrel, spider, white face monkey, kinkajou (night monkey), coati mundi
3 toed sloth
bats - insect and fruit eating, tent making
- Birds - over 300 species sighted at Lapa Rios:
scarlet macaw
chestnut mandible toucan and aracaris
black-cheeked ant-tanager (only in Osa)
See List of Birds
- Lizards
basilisk (Jesus Christ)
green iguana
anoli
ameba (macroteniid)
garrobo (Ctenosaur)
gecos
skink
- Frogs
poison dart frogs (black with orange and green with black)
tink
tree
nocturnals
smoky frog
- Insects - beetles
wasps and bees
forest cockroaches
butterflies - morphos, heliconias, swallow tails, "owl" butterflies (moths)
grasshoppers
"sundown" cicada
giant walking stick
leaf cutter and army ants
bush katydid
- Spiders, tarantula, amblipigidas
- Marine species - 4 land crab species
blue crayfish - river
star fish
blue fish
barnacles
snail
sea slug
clams
Occasionally seen at Lapa Rios
- Various mammals:
southern 2 toed sloth
cats - puma, jaguarundi, ocelot and margay, jaguar
weasel - tayra and long tailed weasel
armadillo
opossums - 3 types
southern river otter
mice and rats
agouti and paca
skunk
bats - vampire, fishing
collared peccary
squirrel
northern raccoon
collared anteater
- Birds - over 300 species sighted at Lapa Rios
- Crocodiles
- Frogs
boas
coral
vine snake
vipers
- Snakes
boas
coral
vine snake
vipers
- Insects
butterflies and moths, numerous
wasps, bumblebees
rhinoceros beetles
scorpions
- Spiders
- Marine species
green sea turtles, dolphins,
whales - pilot and humpbacks
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We have world class surfing right in front our our property. The area is generally known as "Matapalo" and is composed of 3 point breaks. They are called "Matapalo", "Backwash" and "Pan Dulce". They are all long right waves of varying difficulty, increasing as one gets closer to Cabo (point) Matapalo where the Golfo Dulce meets the Pacific Ocean.
There is a community of about 35 surfers and their families who have bought property in front of these locations and come to visit their land and surf during the year. According to these hardy souls the location is incredible though not large. For this reason it is felt that it needs to be kept a secret for those who own land in front of these precious spots.
Transporting boards can be a problem since the 2 daily scheduled air carriers Nature Air and Sansa and the local bus company will not accept reservations for boards and will accommodate them only when space allows and then, sometimes, only when they feel like taking them. Usually they will carry a short board (up to 8 feet ) without much discussion. The longer the board the more difficult it is to convince them to take it. The surest way for long boards is to send or bring them in a rental car or a chauffeured van. This can be expensive.
We are a luxury rain forest preservation and ecotourism destination and have nothing designed especially with surfers in mind. We have lots of them come and stay with us and they are very welcome and have a wonderful time. The greatest numbers seem to come from July to November. The best surf seems to occur from August to December.
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The bungalows are about 300 feet above the ocean and it is about a 7 minute walk to the beach and the ocean. The return walk is uphill and steep and takes about 15 min. The beach is normally deserted and offers good walking and exploring. There are very few shells but it is very scenic and serene. There are no rip tides or undercurrents and it is good for swimming. While swimming at the beach is good and safe the main attraction for most of our guests is the rainforest and the wildlife, not the ocean. It is a "Pacific" beach and not the white sand or crystal clear waters of, for example, Jamaica.
There is shade at the high tide mark but no lawn chairs or umbrellas. You will probably encounter more hermit crabs crawling along the beach sand than you have ever seen in any one place before. There are small and harmless but nevertheless quite numerous. Sometimes there are sand fleas and "no-see-ems" but usually they are no real problem. Mosquitoes are rare here both at the main lodge and along the beach.
There is some fairly good snorkeling but it is across the gulf and you would have to go by boat.
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Due to our goals of minimal environmental impact we have limited capacity 24-hour generator supplied electricity for all of our bungalows. Our generators cannot handle hair dryers. They demand huge amounts of current that surges when turned on. We ask guests not to bring them or if they do not to use them while at Lapa Rios. They can shut down the electricity for the whole lodge and plunge everyone into the dark in the middle of dinner. Electric razors, battery chargers, computers and most other appliances that do not operate on resistive heating do not affect the system and can be used without problems. Thank you for your understanding.
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LOCATION :( Do not send mail here)
Lapa Rios , Puerto Jimenez, Peninsula de Osa, Costa Rica, Central America (506) 2735-5130 Fax (506) 2735-5179
Dialing Tip : If you are calling from the USA dial 011 first in front of our phone number. Simply dial: 011 (506) 2735-5130
MAILING ADDRESS :
Lapa Rios
P.O. Box 025216 , SJO - 706
Miami , Fl 33102 – 5216
www.laparios.com, info@laparios.com
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Our guides may show you these plants on the Medicine Walk:
Nicaraho (Rubiaceae nicaraho)
Used locally to treat skin cancer. This plant is identified by the "eye-like" membranes on the backside of the leaf, which differentiates it from "imitator" plants that are poisonous. Boil 7 ounces of leaves in one quart of water. Drink one glass of tea per day, apply excess liquid topically to affected areas until symptoms subside.
Monkey Comb Tree (Appeiba tiburbo f. tilialceae)
1. Bark: Used locally as a vaginal suppository to assist in birthing. Smash a small piece of bark and add a small amount of water, apply topically as a "slippery" suppository.
2. Fine roots: Used in combination with the berbena or "scorpion tail" plant (Berbenacaceae Acuminatum) to treat leukemia.
Boil 7 ounces of fine roots of monkey comb tree and berbena in two quarts of water. Drink one glass, 3 times per day until symptoms subside.
Calamine Tree (Calamine anacardiaceae)
Used locally to treat skin rashes caused by contact with poisonous plants or insect bites. There are 4 types of calamine trees at Lapa Rios; all can be used equally. The "sap " of the tree ,when the bark is cut ,is a white liquid that can be applied directly to skin and/or mixed with magnesium first. When the sap dries on the tree it can be collected as dust and mixed with water later.
Jino Cuabe, the "Naked Indian" or "Burnt Gringo" tree(Boursera simaruba)
It's said this tree is being used by native groups in N. Panam½ to purify the blood, specifically in curing "el sida" or AIDS. Augusto heard that the bark is mixed with the flower of the uöa de gato (cat's claw) and then a special "oraci÷n" (blessing) is given to the treatment. "But," Augusto says, "this Indian doesn't share his secrets."
Monkey Ladder (Himenea bauhinea f. pyridium)
Used to treat kidney stones. This is a common modern medical treatment. Piridium, which can be taken naturally from this tree, is synthesized with Cal sulfur and can be taken in the form of pills, capsules, or injections to treat kidney stones.
Olive Tree (Simaruba amara)
Oil is used locally to treat constipation in children. Seeds are fried, then oil is extracted and 2-3 drops can be given to children as a mild treatment for constipation.
Iodine Tree (Vissmia ferruginea)
Used locally to treat sirosis. Boil a 4 -inch square of bark in 1 cup of water. Drink 1 cup of tea 3 times daily Apply ice topically to the liver, using sawdust as an insulator so not to damage the skin.
Jino Cuabe Negro (Boursera simaruba)
Used locally to kill intestinal parasites Boil 4 ounces of bark in one quart of water. Drink one cup daily until symptoms are gone
Gabilana Capitana (Neurolaena lobata)
Bitter quinine, historically used locally to treat malaria. Dry 7 ounces of leaves and put in some type of liquor. Take 3 spoonfuls 3 times daily.
Melastoma (Melastomaceae de clorophilum)
Used to treat gastrointestinal problems for children. Boil two ounces in one cup of water. Give two spoonfuls mixed with Coca-cola!
Dorada Fruit (Virola cokshney)
Contains vitamin K and is used here to treat hemophilia Apply "flesh side" of bark directly to wound to assist in coagulation
Balsam Tree (Appocinaceae)
Extracts from the balsam are used locally in alcohol as a topical treatment for skin rashes, insect bites, colds and headaches.
Bitter Jagua (Asspidosperma megalocarpuns)
Used locally to treat yeast infections Leaves are put in alcohol and mixture is applied topically to affected area
Sorocâ (Momordica charantial)
One type of quinine, used locally to treat high blood pressure. Boil four ounces in two quarts of water, then cool. Drink one cup of "tea" 3 times daily to treat high blood pressure.
Elephant Tree (Bignonealeae toccia)
Used locally to treat elephantitis. Boil 8 to 9 ounces of this root in one gallon of water. Apply topically to affected areas when the tide is at 3/4, as the swelling, like the tide, is affected by the moon. This plant contains strichtnine and is toxic to consume orally. Must be used with extreme precaution.
Cow Tree (Brosimum utily f. moraceae)
Used to treat ulcers. Milk" from the cow tree (sap) contains magnesium and can be taken directly from the tree. 1-2 spoonfuls, three times per day.
Cocolmeca (Diosicoceaceae aff. belizensis)
Used to treat whooping cough and high cholesterol. Mash root yam with honey and alcohol to make a syrup. Take 1 spoonful, 3 times daily.
Compiled by Carolyn Pyles, student intern, University of Minnesota .
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