What Our Guest Say
Guest Testimonial, December 2009

Photos taken at Lapa Rios Ecolodge
View photos taken by David Reed during his stay at Lapa Rios here.

“Sustainable Eco Travel on Fantasy Island”

Apr 4, 2009 (from Trip Advisor)
I can't say enough great things about my trip here and I think the mission of Lapa Rios is absolutely incredible, responsible and should be the model for any lodging regardless of location. I highly recommend the free sustainability tour when arriving so you understand (and are amazed) at how much this place is trying to go off the grid AND maintain the culture and truly support the lives of the local community. The mission is truly to give and not to take and that applies to all ways in which they run their establishment - from employees to environmental impact. When you stay here, not only are you getting a world class vacation, a privilege to be in an untouched area of the world (not many left!) but you are also supporting the mission and if these things are important to you I think it even elevates your experience so much more and if you are not into it, the education you receive there from just being in such a natural setting will profoundly touch you. Remember, it's not cheap here but there is a reason. Cheap places = cheap labor, outsourcing of things (food, materials etc) from places like China. Everything they use there such as plastic biodegradable water bottles they give you when you first check in are, I'm sure expensive, but these bottles actually return to the earth in about a year and a half not hundreds of years. I find this place a true value when you actually put some awareness in how something like this is run and what was so refreshing was that there was no nickel and diming.

Tips:

1. Be in good shape before getting there as the combined heat, humidity and steps to the main lodge are not for the faint of heart. We were in the furthest bungalow and in very good shape but it was tiresome. In the end, we didn't mind.
2. Pack lightly - no need like other reviewers to pack more than 25 lbs. Makes you think about what you REALLY need. I actually enjoyed the challenge. Plus laundry service is available at very reasonable costs (they air dry all laundered items and used biodegradable soaps!)
3. Surprisingly very little mosquitoes - natural repellents work well. Leave the DEET at home. This comes from a person who is a usual mosquito magnet.
4. If you are very freaked out by insects and wildlife this is not the place for you. I can't say that I don't get freaked out by insects either but by the end you know they don't bother you and you get comfortable very quickly. I didn't notice them by the end. But check your shoes before putting your feet in them as I found a nice meaty spider in mine!

Most enjoyable and transformative things:

1. No mind chatter when you go to sleep. No thinking about tomorrow or anything really. Lights out and I fell asleep immediately to gentle sounds of the rainforest and distant crashing waves in the background.
2. Awakening easily and gently from your slumber very early with no grogginess. Howler monkey and birds will let you know when it's time to wake up.
3. Meditation without closing your eyes. Complete contentment looking out on the scenery and listening to sounds of animals, insects and feeling warm breezes, smelling the perfume of the forest. All senses are truly working and you will be surprised at how little you are doing, saying and how little you are actually bored and are truly awake. Magnificent!
   
   

"Dear Juan,
Hello. When Sharon and I stayed at Lapa Rios I said I would send you some copies of water color sketches that I do when I travel. Attached is a pdf with a few of them from Lapa Rios, Manuel Antonio and Quepos. It will give you an idea of how one architect view and remembers the places he visits.

We enjoyed very much our visit with you and the wonderful staff at Lapa Rios, and we hope to return some day. Regards,"
Dewey Thorbeck, Thorbeck Architects, Minneapolis, MN

Click on the Pictures to Enlarge

"Dear John,

We met in Golfito after having crossed on the ferry from Puerto Jimenez and I could hardly contain my enthusiasm after having spent four days at Lapa Rios. What a class act you and your former wife put together! I indicated at the time that I intended to write to you and you handed me your card.

The location for the reserve is wonderful with such diverse flora and fauna. The buildings blend right in with the tropical rain forest and one truly has the feeling of a minimal impact on the environment. I am impressed by the use of local materials in the construction of the buildings where ever possible. The views from the bungalows and the swimming pool are outstanding.

Education was obviously important to you when you envisioned this project. The natives living in the immediate area learn by instruction as well as by example. Tourists are educated by nature walks, by illustrated lectures and by friendly naturalist guides, one of whom usually can be found in the dining area. You have created an area where aspiring naturalists and specialists in sustainable tourism can study. During our stay we met an intern from Germany who was studying sustainable tourism at the reserve as part of her preparation for earning a master's degree in this specialty. I understand that the reserve is also used for biological studies.

The personnel with which we had contact were truly devoted. It seemed that their mission was to take good care of us above all else. A very friendly greeting and a cool drink was waiting for us at Puerto Jimenez and then Wilber drove us ever so carefully over the road to the reserve. Along the way he stopped to point out a black hawk as well as a troop of white faced capuchin monkeys. We had just finished checking in at reception when Nito, a naturalist, took us in hand to show us some Toucans and another species of large bird. The naturalists all exude a passion and excitement for the flora and fauna beyond what I would normally expect.

I was impressed that the employees were able to learn our first names after only one meeting; name tags just weren't necessary. They were very willing to help us with a little Spanish and eager to have us help them with some English. The fact that they are bilingual, or were becoming bilingual, is further evidence of the educational value that Lapa Rios provides. All employees were well groomed and always wore clean uniforms.

The wait staff are trained to serve as well as in any better restaurant in a large city. Meal orders were filled with care although an occasional miscommunication did occur which was quickly resolved. The menu had a large variety, the preparation was excellent and the cook must have had a passion for making the presentation a feast for the eyes.

The trail crew should be complemented for building safe trails under very difficult circumstances. The new parts of the self guided trail must have presented some real challenges.

The bungalow in which we stayed was beautiful with a view down the canyon and the beach in the background. We enjoyed the polished teak floor, the comfortable bed surrounded by the insect nets, the candles, coffee delivered early in the morning, and, of course, the privacy and quiet.

Before I close I must tell you about two other incidents illustrating the caring attitude of the employees. My wife mentioned at reception that just prior to our arriving at Lapa Rios her camera had been stolen. Shortly thereafter Marcia informed us that she and Alberto were going to make us a CD with some Lapa Rios photos to take home. How very thoughtful! The second instance occurred after I had taken a bad fall down the step at reception just prior to a naturalist's presentation before dinner. Following the presentation quite a few guests were dining at the same time when the word came that there was a rare boa at one of the bungalows. Off everyone went, but I couldn't move because of the pain. After most of the guests had returned to their tables, Nito appeared carrying the snake and brought it to my table so that I could handle and observe it. This was a kindness I shall never forget!

I do have one suggestion: Serve ONE complementary Costa Rican or tropical drink from the bar each evening during cocktail hour before dinner. I believe it would generate a great deal of good will and would add to the experience of tasting new flavors. A second drink would be the guest's responsibility.

I enjoyed chatting with you, wish you well and hope that our paths will cross again one day.

Regards,"
Kurt Voester

"Hi Lapa Rios staff,

We can't gush enough about how wonderful our stay with you was.  It was our whole family's favorite place of any we've ever stayed.  You did us a slight disservice, however, your resort will be the standard now by which we judge other places, and I'm not sure many will match it! 

Thank you for preserving and valuing the rain forest, for your education, for including locals.  Again, the food, the accommodations, the service, the atmosphere - everything was over the top.  We hope to visit again soon."
Fred, Belinda, Elizabeth, David, Emily, and Rachael Jorgenson  

"I came for a walk and discovered your magic lodge.  What an amazing view and such a vision.  I will be going back to South Africa soon.  So, when I go walking in the wild and hear the baboons, I will remember Lapa Rios.  Close to my heart, Costa Rica"
Samantha Every, South Africa

"What a treat! Both to be here and to share it with my family.  A wonderful contribution and effort to save a bit of Nature."
Pat Hansen, Kenwood - California

"Of all the beautiful places in the world, LapaRios surely ranks as one of the most spectacular! The cares and concerns of daily life elsewhere fall away very quickly in this magical realm of tranquility, marvelous birds and animals and a friendly, caring staff catering to one's every whine.  We have thoroughly relished our too-brief stay, the therapeutic valve and great memories of which will bring smiles to our faces on many days ahead.  This resort has made up a truly wonderful and extraordinary piece of our first visit ever to Costa Rica."
Michael Frazier Thompson, LA - CA
Mary Helen Thompson - Alabama

"Our second time here has been even better!  You have made a paradise for us to enjoy!  Thank you!"
Dan & Madelyn Ward

"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. 
Warmest regards & muchas gracias!" 
Gwen & Leigh Gassler - NY

"Pura vida!  That phrase came to life here at Lapa Rios.  What a special place!  Our entire experience here could not have been more enjoyable.  I wish what Karen and John have done here could be bottled up and other resorts could learn from.  Not many dreams become such perfect realities!  From the breathtaking views, the comfortable accommodations, the knowledgeable guides, the amazing food and a staff like no other, Lapa Rios will always be remembered as one of our favorite vacations.  And of course the wildlife can't get much better!  Thank you for an unique experience and for the wonderful hospitality.  We can only hope that the new owners will emulate what Karen & John have done the last 13 years!  Feliz Navidad!" 
Heather & Mike Shaffer -  Chicago, IL

"Osa Peninsula, Ridge Walk, Sunrise, 4 species of monkeys, 2 waterfalls, a pair of circling macaws, #14, one very loud thunderclapŠ these are among the many memories we will leave Lapa Rios with.  We thank the staff and hope the grand experiment that is Lapa Rios endures forever." 
Karen & Jeff Vorchheimer, New Jersey

"A low howl - A squawking with flashes of brilliant colors of the rainbow - sweet songs from colorful long-billed toucans - steady sounds of crickets/cicadas - all blending to create a wonderful atmosphere of environmental bliss.  Against a background of wonderful, friendly and dedicated service coupled with innovative and delicious meals makes one feel fortunate to experience Lapa Rios.  A trip to remember! "
Nancy & Alan Milbauer

"Lapa Rios is all that I imagined & more.  The staff & its management are extremely professional & efficient.  The whole experience will be forever etched in my memory.  It's more than I could have ever believed it to be.  As they say, "life is not measured by the numbers of breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away."  Being at Lapa Rios is one of those moments." 
Stephanie Crew Grossman

"Lapa Rios is a wonder.  We cannot wait to tell the world about our spectacular experience.  As part of our honeymoon, this place has already made our trip to Costa Rica worthwhile the scenery is incredible and the only thing that tops the food is the fine, genuine and hard working staff.  We were truly moved by this place -
What can be said about a place that in a matter of days makes me feel like crying about leaving, the food - great, the resort - unbelievable, the staff - the kindest we have experienced to date.  Lapa Rios is a place we will never, ever forget. Thank you!  With warmest wishes"
Scott & Andrea Braun, NY

"You gotta love it when it starts pouring rain on the night walk and it just feels GREAT!  Thanks Lapa Rios for a great stay - surfing was awesomeŠ My kind of easy rolling waves.  Thanks for letting me whower with a golden orbŠ without freaking out.  An evening in the bay with dolphins all around - what a treat.  I will spread the word as everyone should have a few days here." 
Lindsay &  Jack Philbin, Chicago - IL

Memories:

"I loved playing soccer at the school.  The tours were great. We saw a poison dart frog on the wild waterfall tour.  I had a lot of fun here.  I hope to come back soon "
Peter Bermont (child) Santa Barbara, CA

"I really enjoyed my vacation here. I liked the food, especially the fresh fish. I liked the waterfalls. While on the hike we saw a snake and I also saw all types of monkeys. I liked all the hikes, especially the early bird. The nicest birds were the green parrot, toucans, Macaws and more. The rooms were very nice. There were animals all over the hotel."
David Hedaya, 10 years old