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.

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 40 days before arrival. A first night guarantee deposit is required once a reservationis confirmed.Reservation will be cancelled without notification if this pre-payment charge has not been received within 15 days of making reservation.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

GUIDED TOURS

COST: INCLUDES: GUIDE, TAXI & AIRPLANE TRANSFERS, PARK ENTRANCE FEES AND LUNCH, MINIMUM 4 PERSONS.

ITINERARY

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 !

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
info@laparios.com
www.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.