Return to Frequently Asked Questions
Return to Frequently Asked Questions
Return to Frequently Asked Questions
Although remote and isolated, the quality, freshness and variety offered at the Lapa Rios will truly surprise you. Meals rotate daily, focusing on fresh fruits, vegetables with local fish, chicken and meat. Lapa Rios can handle almost any dietary preference or restriction. We try to integrate as much organic food into our menu. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
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, one hammock, 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 charging. We will attempt to accommodate specific bungalow requests when possible, but due to the nature of our location we cannot always accommodate such requests. Important: Lapa Rios needs advance notification regarding any inability to walk steps. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
The Lapa Rios property is located 300 feet above the ocean. It is about ten minutes walking distance from most bungalows. The beach is very isolated and tranquil, and offers plenty of opportunity to walk around and explore. Expect to see wildlife such as monkeys, toucans or Scarlet Macaws near the beach. There are no rip tides or undercurrents and swimming is generally safe. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
For your visit to the rainforest, we suggest that you bring the following:
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What is the weather like at Lapa Rios? Lapa Rios Eco-lodge, and the Osa Peninsula in general, is characterized by warm, breezy days, with highs of 82 - 92 degrees, lows 75 - 85. Because of afternoon clouds, August through November are cooler months, with 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. The "green season", usually from May to November, is probably the best time to experience a true rain forest. All outdoor activities are still offered, as the rain is very warm and actually quite pleasant. It generally will rain three to four times per week, usually in the late afternoon and evening. 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 or around the Lapa Rios property, which means that we are fortunate enough to have very few mosquitos. Sometimes near sundown "no-see-ums" will appear near the beach, but in general, their presence is very minimal. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
There is a medical clinic located only 45 minutes from the main lodge. We always have a vehicle on property in case emergency transport is necessary. Additionally, Puerto Jimenez has a 24-hour flight service that transports patients to the nearby hospital in Golfito (an eight minute flight) or to San Jose (a fifty minute flight). In case of an extreme emergency, a helicopter can be ordered from San Jose and land in a nearby field. Medical care in Costa Rica is very high quality and considered to be the best in Central America. San Jose especially has excellent hospitals, medical facilities and doctors that attend almost exclusively to foreign residents and travelers. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
No immunizations, shots, inoculations or vaccinations are required to enter Costa Rica. The only notable disease problem reported in some locations of the country in the last few years is occasional localized dengue fever (spread by mosquitoes in certain urbanized locations with stagnant water and a history of the disease). However, it would be wise to check with your personal physician for individual recommendations. Some physicians prefer for their patients to obtain typhoid immunizations and persons who plan to visit certain coastal areas are advised to take malaria pills. Reported cases of malaria in the Caribbean lowlands and coastal zone have occasionally been noted in recent years, so it would be wise to take preventive measures. Up-to-date recommendations on such preventive measures are issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC office issues health advisories via FAX for travel throughout the world. (Information provided by ICT). Return to Frequently Asked Questions
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 Eco-lodge 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. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
Although Lapa Rios is an ideal location for a family vacation, we discourage you from bringing children less than five years of age along with you. The lodge and rooms are immersed in the rainforest and situated a steep hill. Additionally, we do not have any babysitting services on property. With that being said, however, we do accept children of all ages and have had a number of families on the lodge most often for holidays, school vacations and spring break; please note, however, that it might not be the most relaxing vacation for Mom and Dad! Return to Frequently Asked Questions
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. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
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. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
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. 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. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
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. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
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 eletricity 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. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
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. Lapa Rios is considered by orgnizations like the Rainforest Alliance to be a pioneer and model in ecotourism not only in Costa Rica but worldwide. Goals and Action Return to Frequently Asked Questions
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. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
The Rain Forest Ridge Walk Experience The rain forest ridge walk is one of the tours 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 Return to Frequently Asked Questions
We have no Internet or phone access on the Lapa Rios property. In fact, we don’t even play music at dinner! Instead, we ask that you listen to the sounds of the jungle at night, the crickets, the cicadas and the kinkajous. After your stay at Lapa Rios, you will thank us for not providing internet nor phone service. It’s a feeling we all need to experience more often. Disconnect and decompress!! Return to Frequently Asked Questions
Occasionally seen at Lapa Rios
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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. 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. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we have electricity on property. However, due to our goal of trying to maintain a minimal environmental impact, we have limited capacity 24-hour generator supplying electricity for all of our bungalows. With that in mind, please remember to leave your hair dryers at home. Hair dryers demand huge amounts of electricity and have been known to shut down the electricity for the entire lodge! Electric razors, battery chargers, computers and most other appliances that do not operate on resistive heating, however, do not affect the system and can be used without problems. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
Would You Like to Offset the Emissions Caused by your International Flight to Costa Rica? Carbon offsets are voluntary donations made by individuals, companies, or governments that compensate, or offset, greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, electricity use, and other sources. In an effort to promote sustainable development and tourism, the Costa Rican Ministry of Environmental Affairs has created a program in which tourists can compensate the carbon emissions caused by their international flights by investing in programs that preserve and reforest natural areas within Costa Rica. If you would like to calculate and offset the emissions caused by your flight to Costa Rica, visit here. What is a “Carbon Market”? The carbon market is a growing industry where countries, individuals, or businesses can trade "carbon credits" for mandatory or voluntary purposes. The 1997 Kyoto Protocol imposes caps on greenhouse gas emissions in most developed countries, but allows the countries to meet their commitments through an arrangement known as the CDM (Clean Development Mechanism). Under the CDM, countries can meet commitments through the sponsoring of emission reduction projects in developing countries. These projects generate “carbon credits,” which can then be traded in markets such as the European Climate Exchange. A secondary, "voluntary" market exists where private businesses and individuals can buy and sell carbon credits for non-compliance reasons. Businesses may be interested in carbon markets for corporate sustainability reasons, green marketing initiatives, or as trial runs in anticipation of future emission reduction requirements. Merril Lynch, for example, invested $9m in a deforestation project in Indonesia earlier in 2008. The voluntary market operates through registries like the Chicago Climate Exchange, and non-governmental organizations like Carbonfund, The National Carbon Offset Coalition, and Powertree. Other groups cater to individuals wanting to offset "personal emissions," including TerraPass. Carbon Markets in Costa Rica In Costa Rica, five current projects are generating tradable carbon credits through the Clean Development Mechanism. These include hydro power, wind power, landfill gas, and waste projects. Unfortunately, projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation cannot be used under the CDM, and reforestation/afforestation projects are costly and burdensome for developing countries. There are not any CDM-affiliated afforestation or reforestation projects in Latin America. Costa Rica's forests have, however, created carbon credits in the voluntary markets. In fact, the first forestry offset project recorded on the Chicago Climate Exchange was one involving the reforestation of pasture land in Costa Rica, led by the Precious Woods Group. The CCBA (Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Alliance), a partnership between research institutions, corporations, and environmental groups, has facilitated voluntary projects in Costa Rica, as well as in Brazil, Nicaragua, and Panama. Recently, the CCBA has approved a program that will make approximately 1,935,000 metric tons of carbon emission reductions available for trading, through the avoided deforestation of rainforests in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range in Costa Rica. Costa Rica's future presence in the carbon market will depend on whether the successor to the Kyoto Protocol includes reduced emissions through deforestation projects (also known as REDD projects). These projects, although excluded from the Kyoto Protocol, are becoming increasingly more important: deforestation is responsible for 22% of carbon emissions. Additionally, they may be easier to administer in developing countries than reforestation/afforestation projects.
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LOCATION :( Do not send mail here) 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 : www.laparios.com, info@laparios.com View the World and Costa Rica Map Return to Frequently Asked Questions
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Pura Vida (POO-rah VEE-dah), used by Costa Ricans since 1956, literally translated means “Pure Life.” Contextually, it means “full of life,” “purified life,” “this is living!” “going great” It is used as a greeting, a farewell, and to express satisfaction. The phrase has become widely known in the United States and Europe. Some foreigners view the phrase as an expression of a leisurely lifestyle, of disregard for time and wanton friendliness. However, Costa Ricans use the phrase to express a philosophy of strong community, perseverance, good spirits, enjoying life slowly, celebrating good fortune, whether small or large. Pura Vida also means “I am doing alright”, “I am doing perfect” and “thank you”. Expats who adopt the expression properly get a big smile in return. It is an acknowledgment of the Costa Rican attitude towards life. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
A stay at Lapa Rios Ecolodge in Peninsula de Osa is certainly one of the highlights of a visit to Costa Rica. However, there are many other popular destinations that are worth a visit. Depending on your budget and time available for travel, we recommend you visit some of the country’s active volcanoes (Arenal, Poás, Irazú, Rincón de la Vieja) and the world famous cloud forest reserve at Monteverde. For a more active experience, a trip to Manuel Antonio is recommendable. Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast also offers a great variety of sights from the giant turtle nesting beaches in Tortuguero in the north to the laid-back beach environment further south. Guanacaste has Costa Rica’s best beaches. Please contact Cayuga Travel (www.cayugaonline.com/travel) if you need help with further travel arrangements. We will be happy to help you with the planning of the rest of your trip to Costa Rica and can set up a nice itinerary including different areas of the country. Take a look at www.cayugaonline.com/travel or e-mail us at travel@cayugaonline.com in order to be able to suggest the best option for you. We cannot assist you with the international airfare, but can take care of all the rest of the details such as lodging, transportation, tours, or other. We recommend two beach locations that we consider to make a great match with the Lapa Rios experience. The Harmony Hotel, Guanacaste (www.harmonynosara.com) Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort, Manuel Antonio (www.arenasdelmar.com) Return to Frequently Asked Questions
The CST is a national certification program designed by the Costa Rican Tourist Board (ICT) to classify hotels and resorts in Costa Rica based on their sustainable practices, policies and actions that protect the environment and benefit the local culture, history and local communities. Please visit our Sustainability section to learn more about Sustainable Tourism, our practices and the CST. Lapa Rios has received the highest level of Certification (Five green leaves) for the second time in a row in 2008. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
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FAQS
Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality is a Costa Rica based hospitality management company that develops and manages ecolodges, sustainable resorts and green hotels in Latin American and the Caribbean. All Cayuga properties are certified or in the process of being certified for their sustainable practices, nature conservation and the improvement of the local communities where they are located. To learn more about what we do, why we are unique and how we can help you please 
What our Guests Say |
"Dear visionary founders and gracious staff - This location, the people we have met, the food we have savored and the enjoyment and awe of flora & fauna all embody the expression "pura vida!" A hectic few months for both my husband and me have melted away in this remarkable setting. After 1 week of challenging and fun white water kayaking in the Central Valley, this has been just the respite I needed. Imagine I - the fearful one, spotting fer de lance, an small boa, and last evening a coral snake, all on the path to the dining room! We will return again. |
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| Telephone 011- 506 - 2735-5130
or 011 - 506 - 2735-5281 Fax in Costa Rica 011- 506 - 2735-5179 e-Mail: info@laparios.com USA "Mail Drop" -> Box 025216-SJO 706, Miami, FL 33102-5216 |
| "Communicating with our office via e-mail, phone/fax is difficult. Often hours pass without any phone service to the remote Osa Peninsula. Please have patience and keep trying." |
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Properties Managed By |
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