Tour Descriptions and Prices

All guided tours in the Lapa Rios Reserve help support ongoing maintenance and land acquisition. Choosing to hike and learn with a knowledgeable local guide gives the community continuing economic support and demonstrates that this diverse lowland tropical rain forest is more valuable left standing than one cut down. The tours meet at the front desk and do not require advance notice.

In this 1,000 acre reserve you will see all four species of Costa Rican monkeys: spider, white faced, squirrel and howlers. Other animals include agoutis, coati mundi, and possibly the fresh tracks of a jaguar, ocelot, marguay or mountain lion. You will catch sight of birds such as toucans, macaws, great curassow, crested guan, trogons, aracaris, honey creepers, herons, hummingbirds, tinamous, woodpeckers, wood creepers, ant birds, manikins, tanagers, caciques, euphonias, thrushes, hawks, and parrots. The black-checked ant tanager is unique to this part of the Osa Peninsula!

Early Birds Tour

Share the cool early morning air with some of the over 300 bird species inhabiting the reserve Ride up the mountain to walk down the main road back for breakfast around 7:30. For keen birders and animal lovers, this tour will guarantee numerous species of birds, morpho butterflies, monkeys and other mammals. Easy hike, 1 1/2 hours..... per pers., $20

Wild Waterfalls

Hike up and down through virgin rain forest to pristine waterfalls, and splash back along the Carbonera River. Combination of a rain forest experience with adventurous hiking. Difficult, but rewarding. Perfect for the hardy hikers, 3 hours. per pers., $25

Medicine Walk

This EASY walk follows an old track through primary forest. It's an opportunity to view the cool, primary forest along with fascinating explanations of medicinal uses of barks, leaves, saps. Our shaman-guide will teach you the traditional Indian medicines from the rain forest. Round-trip transport included, 3 hours. per pers., $25

Beach Walk

This EASY walk along the beach in front of Lapa Rios and back through one of the rivers teaches you about the marine biology of the area, 2 hours. per pers., $20

Rain Forest Ridge Walk

Hike down along fairly level mountain ridges through Lapa Rios' most impressive primary forest. Your guide will introduce the flora and fauna, and highlight features of the forest's immense diversity. Med./Difficult, 3 - 3 1/2 hours. per pers., $25

The Osa Trail

The complete rain forest experience! This tour descends through the reserve's most remote and pristine forest. The 4 km. trail features many different types of rain forest vegetation, and offers you the best opportunity to see something rare and exciting. Transportation is provided, 3 1/2 - 4 hours. per pers., $30

Night Walk

Departing from the lodge at 6:00 P.M., experience the sights and sounds of the rain forest after dark. With flashlights and use of "eye shine" the forest's nocturnal creatures come alive in this unforgettable tour, 1 1/2 hours. per person, $20

Corcovado National Park Tour

Led by our guide Felipe, this tour offers excellent opportunities to see big mammals in the nearby national park. At 6:15 am go by taxi to Puerto Jimenez to fly to Sirena Station. At Sirena Station, walk a 4 hour circular route, return to Sirena for lunch. Then a three hour walk in the forest to Rio Claro; optional swimming in the river. Return by 4:30 pm. Take binoculars, hiking boots, camera, hat, insect repellent, bathing suit and a waterproof pouch. The cost includes your guide, taxi and airplane transfers, park entrance fees and lunch. 4 people maximum for one airplane 4 pers, $600.; 3 pers, $575.; 1-2 pers, $550

Plant a Tree 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 20-30 minutes, early morning. per pers., $25

Self-Guided Trail

Beginning at the main lodge and looping through the forest to the lower bungalows, this trail features 18 marked points of interest that correspond with a biologist's guide book available at the reception. Easy way to learn about the forest in a short walk, 1 hr.

Therapeutic Massage

Our U.S. certified massage practitioner offers massage therapy sessions to foster a greater sense of health and relaxation. Meet at the reception and go to the privacy of a forest overlook near the main lodge. $45 for 50 min. or $25 for 25. min.

Horseback Riding

Gentle but responsive horses follow the forest road through prime jungle and finish galloping on the beach. Arrangements must be made by mid afternoon for the following day. A highly recommended tour for horse lovers. 2-3 hours. per horse, $30.

Sea Kayaking

Sea kayak around the Mata Palo point. A guide takes you to the beach for a paddle on the Golfo Dulce and around the point onto the open Pacific. No experience necessary and lots of fun. Take plenty of sunscreen. 3 hours. per pers., $45.

Deep Sea and In Shore Fishing

Waters off Lapa Rios are famous for billfish, tuna and the worlds' largest snappers. To the Puerto Jimenez wharf for a day of excitement. Taxis and lunch included. There is a MAX of 4 people fishing. Full day charge; 1-2 pers.,$410.; or 3-4 pers.,$460.

HALF DAY In-Shore Fishing

Enjoy HALF day fishing with neighbor/boat captain who will take you along the Gulfo Dulce, Cabo Matapalo and the Pacific coast to catch snappers (all world records recorded at the Cape), rooster fish, jack, tuna, etc. 1-3 pers.,$335.; 4th pers, add $25.

Shore Fishing

Our experienced neighbor/fisherman will take you along the rocky points in front of Lapa Rios for snapper, rooster fish, jack, sierra, who knows? Guaranteed fish or you don't go. Bring back dinner! 2-3 hours. per person $35.

Surfing Lessons

Something you've always wanted to learn. From an expert! per person $40.

Rio Esquinas Boat Tour

Taxi and then boat from Puerto Jimenez to see dolphins, flying fish, sea birds and an occasional whale! A spectacular trip, tide dependent, is to go up the Rio Esquinas and explore deep into a tree-covered river alive with shore birds, mangrove swamps and rain forest. Meal included. 5 hours. Min.4 pers at $240 per tour; max. to 6 pers at $320

Botanical Garden

Visit a private botanical garden begun over 20 years ago. Hundreds of different species of tropical ornamentals, orchids, and fruit trees. Accessible only by taxi followed by boat ride on the Golfo Dulce. AM only. Min.,4 pers or $160; 4-6 people, $40 pp

The Carbonera School

On Tuesday or Thursday (barring conflicts) Karen Lewis will be pleased to take guests to our local school for a visit with the children. Any sharing you can contribute - songs, stories, photos, reading - is gladly accepted. Depart at 7:15, return by 8:15.

Other attractions

Augusto Rodriguez, one of the guides, is an Indian shaman who teaches about medicinal plants, ancient spiritualism, respect for humanity and nature and the mysteries of the universe and the rain forest.