Topics on which departing guests have commented

On the overall experience
A hideaway where toucans replace telephones
A sense of magic exists
On the wildlife, tours and exercise
From experienced worldwide travelers
Like a paradise on earth
On service and the staff
Long walks to the bungalows
On preserving the environment
Experience with the shaman

Wow!!! What an incredibly fascinating, exotic and wonderful sanctuary Karen and John have built here. In my wildest imagination had I not experienced Lapa Rios first hand I would still believe that a true earthly Utopia does not exist. NowÉI believe!!!

My wife, her parents and I have all been intrigued by the wildlife, overwhelmed by the beauty of the rainforest and truly amazed at the hospitality and sincere kindness of each and every member of the Lapa Rios staff. The cuisine is innovative, healthy and oooh sooo good!

We've had such an amazingly relaxing and peaceful time here-lost track of time, actually. From the howler monkey wake-up calls, the awe-inspiring views, the refreshing out-door showers, the delicious food, the educational (and aerobic!) hikes through the rain forest, the fishing, the sea kayaking, the horseback riding, the wonderful evening cocktails, the friendly staff-I could go on and on! Every aspect of our trip has been a joy and we'll never forget it. It will be difficult to readjust to our "normal" life in traffic jams and concrete jungles. We might just apply for jobs here!
Miki and Alison, England

We will miss many things here after leaving Lapa Rios: the tranquility of watching butterflies float; the grace of a monkey's swing; the power of the white hawks soar; the fierceness of nature's thunderous rage; the massive toads and the midnight swim and well-choreographed symphony of ribbitÉribbit; the crab and it's quick sideway shuffle; the toucan and macaw with it's rainbow colors; the flight from an advancing wolf spider; the lessons, stories and powers of Augusto and the goose bumps that followed; the glorious and gorgeous moments of first day break; the daily fish sandwiches and most definitely the outdoor naked showers. I could go on and on in regards to the things we'll miss, but believe me when I say-take heed Lapa RiosÉyou have a very special place here and each morning as you awake give thanks that you have another day in such a paradise. Karen, John, Gustavo, and all the Lapa Rios staff-thank you so much. As we leave to go back to San Diego, rest assured you will be in our daily thoughts and nightly dreams.
Bill and Cathy H., Dr. Nancy and Dr. Gerald A., USA

NO! NO!! NO!!! We refuse to leave!! Where else in the world can we find such a refuge of beauty and pristine peace, where telephones are replaced with toucans, videos with vireos, faxes with ficuses and televisions withÉwell, rightfully, totally abandoned. Only at a place like Lapa Rios can the contrived realities of the everyday world be flushed away and Mother Nature can reprogram us with the true realities that only she can offer. John and Karen, your inspiration and vision are simultaneously inspired, insane and indispensable. We have achieved a 200% full body immersion into the wonders of the rain forest. We've found the refuge from the workplace that's so desperately needed. If we have to leave (NO!), we shall return. Thank to so many.
Nancy and Weine, USA

Reluctantly we relinquish our VIP status and return to the real world. Our stay here was filled with adventure and challenge-great and small, anticipated and unanticipated. Thank you for the opportunity to "change the landscape of our lives."
Linda and Browning, USA

Natural beauty is hard to find these days. Buried beneath the termite mounds Of human construction.

But in this place there is the grace of human respect for one-all the small and massive living things, humans as a part of nature. It gives us hope that the true spirit of man can not only appreciate the soul of God expressed through nature, but can, and does, here at Lapa Rios, add to this wonderful compatibility that does exist between nature, God, and man. After all, we are creations of life, all equal, all beautiful, all needing each other to coexist. Thank you for sharing this environment of inspiration and harmony.
Cathryn and Arthur, USA

We had an absolutely wonderful time! Eight days was too short to do everything. The Lapa Rios staff is excellent and the facilities were beautfiul. We saw more wildlife here than anywhere we have been. . . even the little poison dart frogs. Tracking a tapir with Felipe in Corcovado Park, Danilo seeing absolutely everything. What great guides. We'll remember this visit forever.
Andre and Keith, USA

I loved it here! It is definitely warmer than Maine. The highlights of the trip to me were the boa constrictor close to our porch, the HUGE iguana in the pool, the macaws and the toucans, and the "Wild Waterfalls Tour". We got to swim in a natural pool. It was the perfect temperature. I learned a lot of Spanish while I was here, also. I miss my home but I am sad to leave. The people, as well as everything here, are great!
Jessie, age 10, USA

After a day of adjustment to such an unusual environment--oh, what a day!--we have had a wonderful time. Now, we long-time city dwellers are ready to start "Hikers R' Us" back home. We've never gotten so exhausted while "relaxing' on vacation! The region is stunningly beautiful; the birds and monkeys are incredible' the hotel accommodations are so comfortable (luxurious!); but as important as the animals, birds, and flora, the hotel staff are superb: friendly, professional and just really nice people. Additionally, the chef [sic. 7 trained local people] is one of the best. We have had much better food here than we can hope for at home. It's "New York" approved! Thanks for a great honeymoon!
Ann and John, USA

This was our first experience with the rain forest and I must say [that] at first I was frightened at night; but every night the walk was easier. Then, there was the "Bed check" for creepy crawlies!. But, the most beautiful and enjoyable time was spent alone, naked in the waterfall. The Osa Trail, walking with Danilo, was hard work but soooo enjoyable. Great food, excellent staff. The sights and sounds will be forever in our memories.
Lesley and Kevin, USA

Of the wild places I have known in Africa, Asia and America, none surpass this inviolate spot for beauty and serenity. A dream realised has become for us a dream to enjoy and savour.
Dana S. and Sherry K., United Kingdom

Fabulous! I've been to a lot of wildlife lodges, but I've never seen so much from my balcony! I'm sure I'll be back.
Mark, United Kingdom

Michigan's state motto is, "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you." The Osa Peninsula's motto could be, "If you seek proof of God's existence, look about you." Our urban U.S. lives require us to focus, nearly exclusively, on human endeavors and achievement. This in turn makes it nearly impossible to appreciate the everyday natural occurrences in our own backyards. Lapa Rios forces precisely the opposite focus-from the moment we arrived we had no choice but to experience the miracles of nature happening everywhere, and at all times.

We cannot imagine a more wondrous place, a more fitting place, to begin our marriage. Sharing in new discoveries, laughing at our joint and recognizing the unlimited possibilities that life has to offer. Thanks to the owners who created a paradise in paradise.
Brian and Karen B., USA

Amazing, fantanstic, luxury, superb, brilliant!!!! An experience almost beyond compare. Luxury in a jungle plus the finest standard of service we have had in our time in Costa Rica.
Emily and Greg, England

While I was amazed at the beauty of the rain forest and the surrounding environs, I was most impressed with the staff of Lapa Rios. From the time we arrived at the runway in Puerto JimZnez until the time we departed the attention and service from your staff was impeccable-the most professional I have experienced, ever. Having worked for a number of years as a Guest Relations manager at Disney World and Royal Caribbean this is an area of which I am thoroughly familiar. While the beauty of the area is unforgettable it was the staff that made our stay at Lapa Rios special. We had a very different experience at highly advertised American owned "resort" near Arenal Volcano where the staff was much less enthusiastic. Because we had such a wonderful time on this trip I am planning another trip to Costa Rica in December and want to stay a week at Lapa Rios.
Frances K. and her children

We had a marvellous time here at Lapa Rios. Your staff is well trained and very gracious. Everyone does a wonderful job. You have taken a beautiful spot and created a world class destination spot. We look forward to coming back.
Karen, Katherine and Allison T., USA

Lapa Rios exceeded all expectations. I've never enjoyed sweating so much in such beautiful surroundings. The jaunt from bungalow #11 to the main lodge has been good training for skiing. The staff and guides were superb. All in all, a truly remarkable assistance for rain forest [protection].
Ellen, USA

Hills, Hills and more Hills
Macaws, Macaws and more Macaws
Hills, Hills and more Hills
Toucans, Toucans and more Toucans
Hills, Hills and more Hills
Monkeys, Monkeys and more Monkeys
Hills, Hills and more Hills
Sloth, Sloth and more Sloth
Hills, Hills and more Hills
Food, food and more Food
Hills, Hills and more Hills
Laughs, Laughs and more Laughs
Hills, Hills and more Hills
Fun, Fun and more Fun
Hills, Hills and more Hills
Spending Money, Money and more Money
To climb Hills, Hills and more Hills!
A great family vacation-5 sisters and a daughter
Margie, Kitty, Julie, Genie, Ann and Este, USA

Lapa Rios is a pleasure to all the senses and the heart. A special place where people have love for nature, each other, and for protecting and preserving the environment. We'll pass the word. Many thanks for the special care we all received.
Joanna and Dimitri, Greece

We loved our stay at Lapa Rios! What a fabulous job you have done keeping the rain forest alive and accessible to everyone. The staff is so accommodating, we learned so much on the hikes. We'd come back in a minute.
Debbi, Bill and children, USA

To Augusto: How can I ever thank you enough? Your Medicine Walk was so interesting and enjoyable. But more than that, I really appreciate that you came to us when our daughter Chelsea was feeling sick. Your "shaman" approach seemed to work for her. She felt better immediately, and never felt ill again. Your kindness in giving my children the shark and heart which you carved from shell was so thoughtful. You also helped my husband when his ear was bothering him. And at every meal, you greeted us warmly and inquired about our day. You're a treasure!
Jo, USA

Karen told me that my spirit and body would be stronger after a week here. I didn't believe her-but it's true! Thank you especially to Augusto for taking time to visit and talk with me. "Your spirit will live within me long after your body has rotted away." Thank you for these incredible experiences.
MaryLee, USA

Unit 14 was my personal physical challenge every day. How many steps??