Lapa Rios Ecolodge located in southern Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula near Corcovado National Park is an ecological hotel and model operation in Ecotourism and Sustainable Development. The lodge has just received the highest possible award for its efforts in sustainability, rainforest conservation and community development. This sets Lapa Rios apart from other hotels and rainforest lodges, ecolodges or beach resorts in Costa Rica and Central America. Only one other small boutique hotel in San Jose (Finca Rosa Blanca) has received this award for its sustainability practices and makes it into the official CST (Certification for Sustainability in Tourism) list that is backed by the ICT, Costa Rica’s tourism ministry.

At the same time, Lapa Rios Eco resort strives to provide its clients with the highest levels of service and comfort possible, given its limitations of being located in one of Costa Rica’s most remote and isolated areas and its commitment to work exclusively with a local workforce. Nevertheless, the jungle lodge has gained many quality awards over the past years that are quite unusual for small boutique or eco resorts located in remote rainforest or beach areas. The Conde Nast Gold List and the Conde Nast Reader’s Choice Awards are just two examples where the Lapa Rios Wilderness Resort was ranked ahead of Luxury Hotels such as Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton.

For many years, Lapa Rios has also gained high recognition in travel guides such as Frommer’s, Fodor and Lonely Planet usually ranking among the editor’s pick for Wilderness Lodges, Rainforest Lodges, Ecolodges and small boutique upscale beach resorts. Lapa Rios has especially become popular with honeymooners that are looking for a unique and authentic experience that involves activities such as rainforest hikes, excursions to the nearby Corcovado National Park, sea kayaking, horseback riding, dolphin & whale watching, bird watching, surfing and other nature based activities.