Lapa Rios
Immerse yourself in the rainforest through guided hikes, wildlife encounters & ocean adventures.
Unforgettable adventures in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. From rainforest hikes filled with wildlife to tranquil mangrove kayaking, every experience connects you to the natural beauty of the Osa Peninsula. Spot scarlet macaws, playful monkeys, sloths or even elusive jungle cats as you explore.
Surf the waves at Playa Matapalo, snorkel vibrant reefs, or marvel at dolphins and breaching whales on a boat tour. Whether seeking thrilling exploration or quiet immersion in nature, our curated experiences promise something unforgettable.
EARLY BIRDS
Meet your naturalist guide and fellow birders on the restaurant deck at 6 a.m. for sunrise views, fresh coffee, a light snack, and a briefing before the excursion.
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RAINFOREST RIDGE HIKE
The experience begins with a short drive, during which your bilingual guide will provide an overview of the activity, trail conditions, and share important safety tips for exploring the rainforest.
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OSA TRAIL
The Osa Trail offers a gentler hike focused on immersing yourself in the beauty of the rainforest, rather than physical exertion.
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MATAPALO TOUR
Explore the wild coastline and lush secondary forests of the area of Matapalo on this scenic two-hour walk. The tour follows a gentle trail through Lapa Rios’ private reserve and visits the nearby beaches of Pan Dulce, Backwash, Matapalo, and Manzanillo—each offering a unique glimpse of the Osa Peninsula’s coastal beauty and abundant wildlife.
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WILD WATERFALLS HIKE
Discover one of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking natural wonders—its waterfalls—on this unforgettable rainforest river hike.
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SUSTAINABILITY TOUR
Witness eco-tourism in action on this guided tour of Lapa Rios. Learn how we reduce our carbon footprint, support local communities, and integrate sustainability into daily operations and guest experiences.
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NIGHT WALK
Experience the rainforest after dark, when a hidden world of wildlife awakens. This guided night walk through the Lapa Rios reserve reveals elusive nocturnal creatures like tree frogs, bats, snakes, insects, possums, and kinkajous in their natural habitat.
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PLANT A TREE
Take part in Lapa Rios’ reforestation efforts during this fun, hands-on activity. Starting at the tree nursery, a naturalist guide explains rainforest regeneration before guests choose a seedling to plant in a growing forest area—a rewarding experience for all ages.
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LOCAL MEDICINE TOUR
Discover the rainforest’s rich edible and medicinal resources, and how Indigenous communities, farmers, and gold miners once relied on these natural gifts for survival and daily life.
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CORCOVADO BY LAND
Experience the remarkable biodiversity of Corcovado National Park on this full-day hike to the La Leona Ranger Station, located on the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula. Often called the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s national parks, Corcovado protects a vast expanse of primary rainforest, home to countless plant, bird, reptile, and animal species across multiple ecosystems and life zones.
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CORCOVADO BY BOAT
Experience the best of Corcovado National Park by land and sea to truly grasp its incredible biodiversity. Its coastal waters are home to four species of sea turtles, humpback whales, dolphins, sharks, and countless tropical fish. Inland, the rainforest shelters thousands of birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects—making Corcovado one of the most species-rich places on Earth.
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SURFING
Learn to surf or sharpen your skills with the Osa’s top locally owned surf school. Includes round-trip transport to the best beach for the day’s conditions, a two-hour lesson (max four guests per instructor), and beginner-friendly soft-top boards.
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STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING
Enjoy a full-body workout while soaking in the Golfo Dulce’s stunning scenery and marine life. Stand-up paddleboarding is quickly becoming one of the Osa Peninsula’s favorite water sports. Learn proper stance and paddling techniques with expert instructors from a top locally owned surf and SUP school.
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WHALE WATCHING
The Osa Peninsula offers the world’s longest humpback whale season. These majestic whales spend up to eight months in the nutrient-rich waters of the Golfo Dulce to breed and raise their young.
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RIO ESQUINAS DOLPHIN TOUR
Rio Esquinas begins in the pristine Piedras Blancas National Park and flows into the Golfo Dulce, one of the world’s rare tropical fjords. The gulf’s waters around the river mouth teem with dolphins, manta rays, flying fish, reptiles, and during the right season, whales.
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PIRO RANCH & NATURE RESERVE
Explore the ranch’s scenic walking trails, ideal for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Take a refreshing dip in the Piro River to cool off amidst the natural beauty. The highlight of your visit is sharing a traditional Costa Rican lunch with Miguel Sanchez and his family. It’s an opportunity to swap stories and gain insights into daily life in rural Costa Rica.
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HORSEBACK RIDING & KAYAKING IN PIRU
Explore Hacienda Rio Oro on horseback, experiencing it like a local, before embarking on a kayaking adventure on the pristine Laguna Pejeperro Lagoon. This vast area comprises secondary forests and countryside.
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WATERFALL RAPPELLING
Elevate your vacation with an adrenaline rush as you venture into Costa Rica’s stunning waterfalls. This thrilling adventure begins with a walk along a rainforest ridge near Remanso Lodge, just moments from Lapa Rios.
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CANOPY ZIPLINE TOUR
Inject exhilaration and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the rainforest as you glide through the treetops on an Osa canopy zipline tour.
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SPORT FISHING
The Golfo Dulce and Costa Rica’s Pacific coastal waters are celebrated for their abundant marine life, boasting impressive big game fish species such as marlin, mahimahi, sailfish, and various types of tuna.
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