Share the cool early morning and early evenings with over 335 sighted bird species that frequent the Osa Peninsula. For keen birders and animal lovers, this guided tour guarantees numerous species of birds, morpho butterflies and mammals. Binoculars highly recommended. High quality binoculars available at front desk.

Easy, 2 hours.

Hike through pristine primary rain forest to pristine waterfalls.

Splash back along the Carbonera River.  A fun rain forest experience with adventurous hiking, for hardy hikers looking for a challenge (wet walking and some climbing involved).

Medium to difficult, 3 hours.

Follow local guides through the primary rainforest while they explain traditional medicinal uses of plants, barks and seeds. A unique and fascinating tour for all nature lovers curious about indigenous cultures and customs in tropical Meso-America. Easy to medium hike, with some hills.

3 hours.

Additional Information:

Our guides may show you these plants on the Medicine Walk:

Nicaraho (Rubiaceaenicaraho)

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.

Learn about the marine biology of the Golfo Dulce, one of 4 tropical fjords in the world. Ramble around pristine tide holes and along coconut-shaded beaches. An opportunity to see land crabs, starfish and reef species, sea cucumbers, etc. A tide dependent tour therefore not always available.

Easy, 2 hours.
Tide dependant

Hike down the cool ridges of the Lapa Rios Reserve’s impressive tall primary and re-growth forest while your guide highlights rainforest treasures. Filled with enormous trees and breathtaking views of the rainforest, the Ridge Walk is an unforgettable experience for all hardy hikers.

Medium to difficult. 3-3 ½ hours.

The complete rain forest experience!  This tour descends through the Reserve’s most remote and pristine forest and offers you the best opportunity to see rare and unusual flora and fauna. An excellent opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the wonders of the rainforest.

Medium to difficult, some hills. 3 ½-4 hours.

Hike along nearby beaches and secondary forest while your guide points out lively creatures in the rainforest.  A great tour for wildlife lovers who also want to explore nearby pristine sand beaches and rocky points.

Easy, 2 hours.

Walk through an unforgettable sunset as you search for rare and exotic birds.  Highly recommended for all wildlife enthusiasts.  High quality binoculars available at reception.

Easy, 2 hours.

Experience the magic of the darkened rainforest following the 6PM sunset! With your flashlight and the help of a staff naturalist, uncover the usual but unique nocturnal creatures in their habitat. A great opportunity to locate bats, insects, kinkajous and wonders of this hidden, nocturnal world. You will be back in time for dinner.

Medium walk, some hills. 1 ½ to 2 hours.

Spend the night in the middle of the rainforest! Have an early dinner and hike to a covered platform nestled within the Lapa Rios Reserve. Fall asleep under the equatorial stars to sounds of the surrounding forest and hike back to the ecolodge in time for well-deserved breakfast and shower. A once-in-a-lifetime, unforgetable experience!   

Difficult, not for everyone.
Weather Dependant

The world-famous Corcovado National Park is one of the most biologically rich places on Earth and provides an excellent opportunity to see extremely rare and beautiful wildlife.  Accompanied by one of our guides, this tour includes a charter flight into Sirena Biological Station, lunch and transfers to and from Puerto Jimenez.  This tour truly provides visitors the chance to see the rainforests of Costa Rica in its most pure and pristine state.

4 people max. Cancellation fee within 72 hours (Nov.-April), or within 24 hours (May-Oct.).

Additional Information:

GUIDED TOURS

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

ITINERARY:

6:00 AM Light breakfast at Lapa Rios. 
6:45 AM Leave Lapa Rios by taxi to Puerto Jimenez 
7:15 AM Leave Puerto Jimenez by plane to fly to Sirena Station. 
7:30 AM Arrive Sirena Station. 4 hour walk on circular route returning to Sirena approximately 11:30. 
11:30 AM Relax and have lunch packed and prepared by Lapa Rios. 
1:30 PM 3 hour walk in the forest to Río Claro, optional swimming in Río Claro. Tour continues and returns to Sirena 
Station. 
4:30 PM Return to Puerto Jimenez by plane and return by taxi to Lapa Rios.

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 !

Beginning at the main lodge and looping through the primary and secondary forest, this trail features eighteen marked points of interest that correspond with a biologist's guide book available at the reception.  A great way to experience the natural beauty of the Osa Peninsula at your own pace.

No charge

View Self Guided Trail Map here

In the "Volunteer Rain forest":

Contribute to sustainable development in the Lapa Rios reforestation program by transplanting a primary rain forest seedling to an area of second growth. Participants will learn about “their tree”, its role in the ecosystem and receive a certificate to commemorate their efforts. Gift certificates can be purchased on behalf of others and the trees planted in their honor.

Plan 10-20 minutes, planting is at 7AM or 4:30PM when the soil is cool.

Join us for a tour of a local primary school built and sponsored by Lapa Rios Ecolodge.  An excellent opportunity to share and learn with the local community.  Highly recommended for children.

Depart at 8:15AM.
No charge

The Sustainability Tour:

Led by our sustainability coordinator, this highly recommended tour will take you around the lodges’ premises and allow you to witness first-hand our commitment to a greener and more sustainable way of life.  From biodegradable building materials to the biogas produced by our pigs, this is truly an opportunity you will not want to miss.

Wednesday. Easy, 1-11/2 hrs.

Enjoy fifty minutes of rainforest bliss surrounded by the sounds of the surrounding jungle and softly breaking waves.  Shiatsu, Ayurvedic and Reiki healing available.

Duration: 50 min.

An incredible opportunity to balance the mind, body and spirit overlooking one of the most breathtaking views on property.

1 hour, minimum 2 people.

Enjoy a fun, informative 30+ mile guided tour of one of the world's four “Tropical Fiords". You will cross the Golfo Dulce and experience the lush, rugged Eastern Shore. Planeboard with the dolphins and snorkel the reefs. For more information, please visit them here.

1-4 pax, 5 pax, 6 pax., 7 pax, or more

Guaranteed to stand up!  A perfect right point break for beginners, with different sections to match your level of ability and incredible 83 degree water.  Whether you are 8 or 70, this is truly a dream wave to learn on. 

“Great instructors and so much fun!”.

2 hours

Cultural Tour: Experience an incredible sea kayak mangrove tour in the Golfo Dulce area full of marine life! No experience necessary and lots of fun.

Visit a private botanical garden started over 25 years ago filled with hundreds of different species of tropical orchids, ornamental plants and trees.  Accessible only by taxi and boat ride on the Golfo Dulce.

1-4 pax.

Cross the majestic Golfo Dulce by boat and visit the non-profit Wildlife Caña Blanca Foundation. Learn about the rehabilitation programs and participate with the injured and orphaned animals, most of whom are endangered species that eventually will be released at Piedras Blanca National Park. Price includes $20/person fee to the sanctuary.

Bring swim suit. No children under 6 years of age allowed.

1-4 pax./ 5 pax. / 6 pax/ 7 pax.