Know Before You Go

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Lapa Rios like?
Guests often describe Lapa Rios as “magical,” and for good reason. Located at the southern tip of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, our lodge offers breathtaking views of Golfo Dulce’s turquoise waters, surrounded by pristine rainforest teeming with diverse wildlife. Lapa Rios embodies a commitment to conservation and exploration. Inspired by African safari lodges, our experience supports scientific research, community development, and environmental protection. Small-group excursions with expert naturalists provide intimate encounters with the rainforest’s fauna and flora. Accommodations blend luxury with nature, featuring spacious verandas, outdoor showers, hammocks, and energy-efficient amenities.

Premier options include Evening Breeze Canopies and private plunge pools, all set amidst unspoiled landscapes where Scarlet Macaws, sloths, and dolphins thrive. Our lodge integrates seamlessly with nature, offering open-air spaces throughout, including dining areas serving creative, locally sourced cuisine. Sustainability is paramount, with 100% renewable energy use and a decade-long commitment to eliminating single-use plastics. Staffed entirely by Costa Ricans, we support local suppliers and contribute directly to conservation efforts through guest contributions. Our Conservation Fee funds research on big cat populations, waste management projects, and environmental education initiatives in nearby communities.

What Should I Pack?
The following is a list of suggested items to bring on your rainforest adventure. Please keep in mind that domestic flights in Costa Rica limit checked luggage to 1 bag per person, weighing a maximum of 30 lbs. Lightweight, casual clothing appropriate for hiking such as light pants, shorts and shirts. Quick drying, athletic fabrics are recommended. Our dress code at the property is completely informal, so don’t worry about bringing smart clothes for dinner or formal apparel. Bring a couple of extra shirts as hiking in the rainforest can be a sweaty affair. Knee-high sports socks (for comfort should you choose to wear our rubber boots for the rainforest hikes). Should you bring your own boots, we recommend lightweight, comfortable hiking or walking shoes that are waterproof. Sandals or water shoes Bathing suits & Reef Safe sunscreen Ball cap or sun hat Sunglasses Insect repellent Light raincoat when visiting during the rainy season Camera Basic medical kit (aspirin, band-aids, Imodium, antiseptic cream, antihistamine cream, any prescriptions etc.) A headlamp or small flashlight (the lights along our pathways are kept intentionally low so as not to disturb wildlife. Refillable water bottle Binoculars (or you may borrow them from reception)

What Should I Pack?
Here are suggested items for your rainforest adventure. Note that domestic flights in Costa Rica allow 1 checked bag per person, up to 30 lbs. Lightweight, casual clothing for hiking (e.g., light pants, shorts, shirts). Quick-drying, athletic fabrics are ideal. Our property’s dress code is completely informal, so no need for smart or formal attire. Knee-high sports socks (if using our rubber boots for hikes). Bring lightweight, comfortable hiking or waterproof walking shoes if you prefer your own boots. Sandals or water shoes Bathing suits & Reef Safe sunscreen Ball cap or sun hat Sunglasses Insect repellent Light raincoat (during the rainy season) Camera Basic medical kit (e.g., aspirin, band-aids, Imodium, antiseptic cream, antihistamine cream, prescriptions) Headlamp or small flashlight (for low-light pathways) Refillable water bottle Binoculars (available for borrowing from reception)

What Will the Weather Be Like?
We’re located in the tropics and close to the equator with consistently warm temperatures throughout the year. There are two well-defined seasons: Dry Season: December – April Rainy Season: May – November The rain, especially on the Pacific coast & Osa Peninsula, typically occurs during the afternoon or evening and is “warm”. We experience a short mid-year mini Dry Season towards the end of July and beginning of August when rainfall decreases significantly for 3-4 weeks. The rainiest months are September and October, especially in the south Pacific region. Note: The climate in the central highlands is often very different to the coastal regions. A medium-weight fleece jacket is highly recommended for cooler nights in and around the capital or San Jose or in the Cloud Forest.

Will I need a Visa to Enter Costa Rica?
Below are some general visa guidelines, but please check with your airline or travel agent to confirm your legal requirements for entering Costa Rica. All visitors to Costa Rica need a passport valid for at least 6 months at the date of entry. Visa notrequired for nationals of the USA, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay, and the UK and its dependencies for stays of up to 90 days. Visa notrequired for nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Dominica, El Salvador, Estonia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, South Africa, Suriname, Taiwan, Turkey, Vatican City and Venezuela for stays up to 30 days.

Do I Need Any Special Shots or Vaccines?
No immunizations, shots, inoculations or vaccinations beyond standard routine vaccinations are required to enter Costa Rica. However, check with your personal physician for individual recommendations.

How Do I Get to Lapa Rios?
Lapa Rios can be reached either by plane or by car from the capital city, San Jose. You can find more detailed information on travelling to the lodge on our dedicated Getting Here page.

Is Lapa Rios Family Friendly?
Absolutely! Lapa Rios is the family vacation of a lifetime, providing the ideal environment for rainforest immersion, abundant wildlife and wild tropical beaches. The whole family will have a myriad of opportunities to see wildlife up close and personal, learn all about this rich, tropical ecosystem, and experience inspiring nature conservation in action. Both Premier Villas and Lapar Vilas are ideal for family groups, accommodating up to 5 people. Browse Some of our Favorite Family Experiences *Please note: A minimum age of 6 years old is required to stay in Lapa Rios.

Is Lapa Rios Suitable for Honeymoons or Romantic Getaways?
Yes! For couples seeking an unforgettable Costa Rican honeymoon or romantic escape of a lifetime – providing equal parts romantic luxury, exhilarating adventure, natural immersion and rejuvenating seclusion – Lapa Rios has it all. With so much to experience around the lodge, you’ll have no shortage of opportunities to create lifelong memories together at Lapa Rios. For the ultimate luxury in the rainforest, consider our Lapa Villas with King Beds, wrap around canopy-level decks and private plunge pools. Read more about Honeymoons and Romantic Getaways at Lapa Rios.

How early should I book?
Our guests tend to book 2-6 months in advance, sometimes even earlier. As such, we recommend that you enquire about availability as soon as possible if you are interested in staying with us. Guests interested in staying with us over peak holiday dates in December and January should book a year or more in advance.

How Long Should I Stay?
We recommend 4 nights or more – Lapa Rios is an adventure! We’ve found that this is the minimum needed to unhurriedly experience all that this special place offers.

Can I request a specific accommodation?
We offer three room categories at Lapa Rios – Deluxe Bungalows (ideal for couples, two friends or single travelers), Premier Villas (for couples or friends who want greater luxury, space and privacy) and Lapa Villas, the finest rainforest accommodations on the Osa Peninsula. While we can’t guarantee a specific bungalow or villa number based on our small location and flexible arrival and departure dates, we will do our best to accommodate special requests.

What is there to do at Lapa Rios? Will I get bored?
At Lapa Rios there’s enough going on to keep you occupied from sunrise to nightfall if you wish. Early morning birdwatching tours, post-breakfast rainforest hikes, afternoon surfing lessons and night walks will keep you busy. Guests who appreciate less time on-the go can still enjoy wildlife viewing & the spectacular scenery from our pool, balcony lounges and new “private beach club” service on Playa Pan Dulce. For well-earned relaxation, we also offer a selection of in-room Spa & Massage services. Guest researchers and visiting photographers often host informal evening discussions about conservation or documentary film making. Browse our in-house tours.

Is There Air Conditioning in the Rooms?
Our Premier Villas and Lapa Villas have Evening Breeze® canopies above the bed which provide an individually controlled cooling environment for sleep. The Evening Breeze creates a cool, pure climate for you to sleep in, leaving the rest of the room in its natural state. Our two Matapalo Suites are better sheltered from the elements, with eco-efficient AC and floor -to-floor ceiling sliding glass doors and screens . After selecting your desired climate, cool air will gently circulate in your bedroom The architectural design of our ocean-facing bungalows allows for the constant flow of air & ocean breezes through the screen walls, creating a naturally fresh environment. All rooms at Lapa Rios have low consumption/high efficiency ceiling fans .The majority of our guests are comfortable and enjoy their bungalow experience.

Is There Internet Available?
While Lapa Rios offers the perfect opportunity to put away your device and connect more meaningfully with the natural world, we understand that communication is essential, particularly in this era of increasingly remote work possibilities. We currently offer 100 MB of WIFI connectivity in all social areas of the Lodge (lounge areas, bar, restaurant and pool.) and all rooms via fiber optic cable.

Can I Book Tours in Advance?
The eight guided walking tours & experiences included as part of your stay at Lapa Rios are best arranged after you arrive, and you can discuss your interests with our hosts and/or our guides. Some of our tours like the Early Bird Tour and Waterfall Hike are offered every day while others depend on tides, weather and trail conditions. Off-site tours that require arrangements with a trusted & vetted local supplier should be booked in advance. These tours have an additional fee and include surf lessons, kayaking in the mangroves, SUP excursions, ocean fishing, canyoneering and more. Corcovado National Park allows a limited number of visitors to enter each day. Guests interested in the day trip to Corcovado National Park should confirm this at the time of their reservation so that permits can be reserved. I have special dietary requirements. Can you accommodate my needs? Yes. We are committed to making fresh and delicious food for each and every one of our guests and strive to accommodate all food allergies. Our menus feature a number of vegetarian and vegan dishes, and lots of our traditional Costa Rican dishes – being corn rather than wheat based – are naturally gluten free. To discuss specific dietary requirements, please get in touch and ask about accommodating your needs. Exquisite dining is part of the Lapa Rios experience for every guest.

Is the water safe to drink?
Yes. Water throughout Costa Rica is generally safe to drink directly from the tap, and at Lapa Rios our water is sourced from a pristine aquifer in the rainforest. The water tested on a regular basis to ensure its consistent quality and passes through two filtration systems before it reaches the tap. We do not offer bottled water at our properties. Remember to bring your refillable water bottle or purchase one at the hotel to stay hydrated while enjoying the rainforest at Lapa Rios.

What is the bug situation?
We really don’t have a problem with mosquitos or other bugs at Lapa Rios. Our location on a ridge near the ocean ensures a consistent, gentle breeze and our property around the lodge is free of standing water that often attracts mosquitos. The bedrooms in all of our bungalows and villas feature mosquito netting though this is as much for its aesthetic appeal as it is for guest peace of mind. You may encounter some bugs on excursions deep into the rainforest, like the Osa Ridge Walk or day trip into Corcovado National Park. For these excursions we recommend wearing long pants, long sleeve shirts and closed-toed walking shoes.

How Close Will I Be to Wildlife at Lapa Rios?
Nature is everywhere at Lapa Rios. We do everything we can to preserve the natural environment and bring the rainforest and its inhabitants as close to our guests as possible while respecting their safety and nature’s space. We do not use insecticides or herbicides so as not to affect the food chain for all the little critters that attract the progressively larger and larger ones that everyone wants to see. Wildlife is abundant in the common areas and near the bungalows. Sloths, toucans, scarlet macaws, iguanas, poison dart frogs, geckos and all four species of monkey found in Costa Rica are regularly seen on the property. The bungalows themselves are visited by a variety of small insects, lizards and amphibians but nothing large or dangerous. Before going to the main lodge for dinner, we recommend that guests turn off all interior room lights so as to attract as few critters as possible. Remember, we are visitors in their home and tolerance of this ever-present animal population is a necessary compromise in order to fully appreciate the luxury that nature has provided us with.

How Close are the Beaches? Are the safe for swimming?
Lapa Rios is one of the few rainforest lodges on the planet that is also located along a pristine beach with world-class surfing. And when you factor in the abundant rainforest and marine wildlife, there’s simply nowhere else like it. While most travelers first come to Lapa Rios for the rainforest and terrestrial wildlife, the beauty of our coast, easy beach access and warm, turquoise waters featuring dolphins, rays, sea turtles and humpback whales (in season) is often a surprise highlight. We encourage our guests to turn their gaze outward and experience the incredible Golfo Dulce! Many of our guests spend a morning or afternoon exploring the sprawling, undeveloped beaches located just below the lodge, stretching southward almost 2km. The two beaches directly in front of Lapa Rios are safe for swimming.

Pan Dulce Beach is the closest. You can reach it on foot in about 10 minutes or allow us to drive you down, set up lounge chairs, and outfit you with everything needed to enjoy your own private “deserted beach club” where the rainforest meets the ocean. You may encounter a few other human visitors though most likely you will run into monkeys and scarlet macaws. Playa Pan Dulce is also an excellent spot for beginner surf lessons or to paddle a SUP around. Just a few minutes away are two more excellent surf spots for intermediate and advanced surfers and we can arrange private lessons or a surf guide, plus top of the line equipment for a variety of water sports. While not right on our property, a rich & expansive mangrove ecosystem is found a short distance from our lodge and makes a wonderful kayak or SUP excursion for nature enthusiasts.

What will the weather be like?
Located in the tropics near the equator, Lapa Rios enjoys consistently warm temperatures year-round. Our climate features two distinct seasons: Dry Season: December – April Rainy Season: May – November Rain, typically warm, mainly occurs in the afternoons or evenings, especially on the Pacific coast & Osa Peninsula. A brief mid-year Dry Season occurs late July to early August, reducing rainfall significantly for 3-4 weeks. The rainiest months are September and October, particularly in the south Pacific. Note: Central highlands often differ climatically from coastal areas. A medium-weight fleece jacket is recommended for cooler nights in San Jose or the Cloud Forest.

Will I need a visa to enter Costa Rica?
All visitors need a passport valid for 6 months upon entry. Nationals of several countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and EU nations, don’t require visas for stays up to 90 days. Nationals of other countries, including Australia, Mexico, and Russia, can stay visa-free for up to 30 days. For specifics, consult your airline or travel agent.

Do I need any special shots or vaccines?
No special vaccinations are required beyond routine shots for entry to Costa Rica. Consult your physician for personal recommendations.

How do I get to Lapa Rios?
Access Lapa Rios via plane or car from San Jose. Detailed travel information is available on our dedicated Getting Here page.

Is Lapa Rios family friendly?
Yes! Lapa Rios offers a unique family adventure amidst rainforest immersion, abundant wildlife, and tropical beaches. Our Premier and Lapa Villas are perfect for family groups, accommodating up to 5 people. Please note, a minimum age of 6 years is required.

Is Lapa Rios suitable for honeymoons or romantic getaways?
Absolutely! Ideal for couples seeking a romantic Costa Rican escape. Enjoy luxurious Lapa Villas with king beds, canopy-level decks, and private plunge pools. Explore unforgettable honeymoon experiences at Lapa Rios.

How early should I book?
Guests typically book 2-6 months in advance, particularly for peak holiday dates in December and January. Enquire about availability as soon as possible.

How long should I stay?
We recommend a minimum of 4 nights to fully experience Lapa Rios and its adventure-filled offerings.

Can I request a specific accommodation?
While specific bungalows or villas can’t be guaranteed due to flexible arrival dates, we accommodate special requests whenever possible. Choose from Deluxe Bungalows, Premier Villas, or luxurious Lapa Villas.

What is there to do at Lapa Rios?
Lapa Rios offers activities from early morning birdwatching to nighttime walks. Enjoy wildlife viewing from our pool, balcony lounges, or private beach club. Indulge in Spa & Massage services or join evening discussions on conservation.

Is there air conditioning in the rooms?
Premier and Lapa Villas feature Evening Breeze® canopies for personalized cooling during sleep. Ocean-facing bungalows maintain a naturally fresh environment with constant airflow and ceiling fans.

Is there internet available?
Stay connected with 100 MB WIFI throughout our lodge’s social areas and rooms via fiber optic cable. Embrace nature while staying connected when needed.

Can I book tours in advance?
Arrange guided tours on arrival, tailored to your interests. Off-site tours requiring local supplier arrangements should be booked beforehand, including surf lessons, kayaking, and day trips to Corcovado National Park.

Do you accommodate dietary needs?
Yes, we cater to all dietary requirements, offering fresh, delicious meals with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Enjoy exquisite dining as part of your Lapa Rios experience.

Is the water safe to drink?
Our water is sourced from a pristine rainforest aquifer, filtered twice for quality, and consistently tested. We provide refillable water bottles for hydration during rainforest adventures.

What is the bug situation?
Lapa Rios’ elevated location and breeze minimize mosquito presence. Rooms include mosquito netting, primarily for aesthetics. Encounter wildlife on rainforest excursions, and dress appropriately for comfort.

How close will I be to wildlife at Lapa Rios?
Nature thrives at Lapa Rios, offering close encounters with sloths, toucans, and monkeys. Embrace wildlife viewing with respect for their natural habitat during your stay.

How close are the beaches? Are they safe for swimming?
Explore pristine beaches below Lapa Rios, ideal for swimming and surfing. Enjoy turquoise waters with dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales in season. Experience our “private beach club” service on Playa Pan Dulce, minutes away for surf lessons or paddleboarding.

What’s the Cancellation Policy?
Please View Our Terms & Conditions for Current Booking and Cancellation

Terms and conditions
In Lapa Rios we want our guests to have a seamless experience, for this reason we have obtained the Safe Travel Accreditation provided by the Costa Rica Tourist Board. Safe Travel Accreditation assures Lapa Rios is in line with the protocols and guidelines recommended by the World Travel & Tourism Council. During the online reservation process, you will not be charged a deposit, payment information is requested only as a guarantee. Payment is due in full prior to arrival according to Lapa Rios’ cancellation policies. A link for payment will be sent via email by our reservations department and it must be processed within 48 hours. If payment is not processed, your reservation will be cancelled automatically.

Refunds will not be given after payment is received. All rescheduled or postponed reservations with travel dates before December 21st, 2024 will receive a credit in the amount of their payment, valid for use within 365 days of the originally scheduled dates of travel (blackout dates apply).

Credit is non-transferable and cannot be broken down. Modification / Cancellation Notice: Must be received in writing to info@laparios.com

The following charges will apply when cancellation is made after the booking is confirmed by Lapa Rios. Same fee applies to partial cancellation of bookings.

FIT reservations cancellation policy (1 to 3 rooms):
Green Season (May 1st – November 30th, 2024): Cancellations received 14 days or less prior to arrival during Green Season will receive a credit for the entire package rate, valid for use within 1 year.

Blackout dates apply, credit cannot be applied during Easter week, Thanksgiving week, Holiday Season.

High Season (December 1st – 21st, 2024): Cancellations received 29 days or less prior to arrival will receive a credit for the entire package rate, valid for use within 1 year. Blackout dates apply, credit cannot be applied during Easter week, Thanksgiving week, Holiday Season.

During Christmas Season 2024 (December 22nd, 2024 until January 5th, 2025): a 20% non-refundable deposit will be requested to secure Holiday reservations. Cancellations received 89 days or less prior to arrival will be fully penalized. High Season (January 6th – April 30th, 2024/ July 15th– August 15th, 2024/ December 1st – 21st, 2024): Cancellations received 44 days or less prior to arrival will be fully penalized.

Green Season (May 1st – July 14th, 2024/ August 16th – November 30th, 2024): Cancellations received less than 14 days or less prior to arrival during Green Season will be fully penalized. During Christmas Season 2024 (December 22nd, 2024 until January 5th, 2025): a 20% non-refundable deposit will be requested to secure Holiday reservations.

Cancellations received 89 days or less prior to arrival will be fully penalized. This cancellation policy is subject to change. Please consult our policy for bookings of 4+ rooms. Child rate policy: A minimum age of 6 years old is required to stay in Lapa Rios. Children 6 -11 years of age are required to pay the specified Child Rate; children 12 years and older pay the specified rate for Additional Guest.

Travel insurance: Seasoned travelers take the precaution to always subscribe to a comprehensive insurance policy during their trips abroad. We strongly recommend to all our patrons to follow this best-in-class travel practice. In the unlikely event of a cancellation of a booking, travel insurance should cover our cancellation terms. Lapa Rios is in no way responsible for any loss whatsoever.

Please ensure adequate travel insurance is taken out to cover eventualities such as flight delays and cancellations. Insurance should cover participation in adventure activities, injury, property damage or loss. Liability Insurance: Lapa Rios is covered with an insurance policy issued by the National Insurance Institute of Costa Rica (Instituto Nacional de Seguros). Please ensure all party members arrange for a short-term traveler's insurance covering baggage, accident/life and trip cancellation.

Please note that Costa Rica's insurance industry is state-owned, and the insurance that we are permitted to purchase for our trips is limited. If the rare occurrence of an accident should happen, the client will be responsible for paying for medical attention received at the time of service and will need to contact his/her insurance company directly for reimbursement upon return to their home country.

Lapa Rios is not responsible for covering any medical costs not specified in our insurance policy, including transportation to/from medical services, translation or interpretation services or hospital deposits; nor are we liable for a client's inability to make the required payment.

Smoking: In accordance with Costa Rican Law, Lapa Rios is a SMOKE FREE establishment therefore smoking is not allowed in any of our facilities or grounds. The breach of this law will incur a $500 fine.

What Time is Check-In/Check-Out?
Check in is from 2pm. Should you arrive at Lapa Rios earlier, you are welcome to use the pool, visit the beach or enjoy some lunch. Check out is at 11am. While we try to do all possible to accommodate early check-ins and late check-outs, these can only be guaranteed by paying for an additional night.

What Should I Expect on the Day of Arrival?
When you arrive by plane in Puerto Jiménez, our staff will welcome you right on the airstrip and take you to our adjacent office. A cool beverage, refreshing towel and restroom stop will prepare you for the remainder of the journey to Lapa Rios. Upon departing the Lapa Rios office in a new and comfortable 4WD vehicle, you will travel along a dirt road for 45-60 minutes, first passing through cattle pastures before heading deeper into the rainforest and crossing three shallow streams. Our staff will welcome you and depending on your arrival time, either escort you to the restaurant or provide an orientation of the lodge. After you’ve been shown to your room, we’ll give you some time to refresh and relax before one of our hosts contacts you to discuss plans for the following days.

How Do I Pay? Do I Pay in Local Currency?
Guests are asked to prepay their stay, normally via credit card. We send you a credit card authorization form by email to be completed and sent back to us. While staying at Lapa Rios, all your incidental expenses can be charged to your room. When you check out, we accept US Dollars, Costa Rican Colones and all major credit cards.

What’s the Tipping Etiquette?
Tipping is always at the discretion of the guest. As all of our staff contributes to your stay at Lapa Rios, general tips can be left with the front desk and are divided among the whole team with the exception of naturalist guides. Service staff are also excluded from these tips as by law they automatically receive 10% of all food and beverage purchases. If a particular member of our staff provides exceptional service, you may request an envelope from the reception and leave a tip for them individually at check out.

Can I Smoke at Lapa Rios?
Costa Rica has strict laws that forbid smoking in public places. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the Lapa Rios property, including at the beach, pool and along pathways. Thank you for your understanding.

What is the Conservation Fee?
Lapa Rios was conceptualized as a vehicle for a greater goal: conservation of a unique, valuable natural area named by National Geographic as the most biologically intense place on earth. The Osa Peninsula is facing the pressure of population growth, poverty in surrounding communities and lack of environmental education which enables humans to peacefully co-exist within nature in ways that are non-extractive. We believe it is important for our guests to understand how they are helping Nature with their stay. All reservations include a Conservation Fee of $25 per person, per stay to help us take our sustainability efforts even further. Please Click here to learn more about our current efforts and future plans.

What time is check-in/check-out?
Check-in is from 2 PM. Early arrivals can enjoy the pool, beach, or lunch. Check-out is at 11 AM. While we try to accommodate early check-ins and late check-outs, they can only be guaranteed with an additional night’s payment.

What should I expect on the day of arrival?
Upon landing in Puerto Jiménez, our staff will greet you at the airstrip and take you to our nearby office. You’ll receive a cool beverage, refreshing towel, and restroom break. Then, enjoy a 45-60 minute ride in a comfortable 4WD vehicle along a dirt road through pastures and rainforest streams. Depending on your arrival time, we’ll guide you to the restaurant or provide a lodge orientation. After settling into your room, a host will contact you to plan your upcoming days.

How do I pay? Do I pay in local currency?
Guests are requested to prepay their stay via credit card. We’ll send you a credit card authorization form by email. All incidental expenses during your stay can be charged to your room. At check-out, we accept US Dollars, Costa Rican Colones, and major credit cards.

What’s the tipping etiquette?
Tipping is discretionary. General tips can be left at the front desk and are shared among all staff, except naturalist guides and service staff who receive an automatic 10% on food and beverage purchases. For exceptional service, you may request an envelope at reception to leave an individual tip at check-out.

Can I smoke at Lapa Rios?
Smoking is prohibited on the entire Lapa Rios property, including beaches, pool areas, and pathways, in accordance with Costa Rican laws.

What is the conservation fee?
Lapa Rios aims to conserve the biologically intense Osa Peninsula. A $25 per person, per stay Conservation Fee is included in all reservations to support sustainability efforts. Please click here to learn more about our conservation initiatives and future plans.