Lapa Rios, a pioneer in eco-lodges since its establishment in 1993, has set the standard for sustainable hotels in Costa Rica. Nestled in the Osa Peninsula, this 17-bungalow retreat preserves over 1,000 acres of primary and secondary rainforest.

Beyond being plastic-free, the resort employs an all-local staff, collaborates with nonprofits to implement solar panels, educational programs, and water pumps in nearby communities, and has a partnership with the Nature Conservancy and Costa Rica’s Center for Environmental Law and Natural Resources Association (CEDARENA) to ensure ongoing conservation efforts.

A stay at Lapa Rios serves as a gateway to exploring Costa Rica’s wildest corners, including the renowned Corcovado National Park, which boasts more than 2.5 percent of the world’s biodiversity. Within the Lapa Rios Reserve, guests have the opportunity to spot rare wildlife such as all of Costa Rica’s monkey species, three-toed sloths, tapirs, silky anteaters, poison dart frogs, and over 300 bird species.

Elevated bungalows and villas provide ideal vantage points for birdwatchers eager to glimpse the scarlet macaws that inspired the resort's name. Guided hikes with naturalists, along with all-inclusive tours, activities, and three delicious daily meals, complete the experience.