Lapa Rios Lodge

815 reviews

#4 of 10 hotels in Cabo Matapalo

Cabo Matapalo Costa Rica

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About

5.0

Excellent

815 reviews

#4 of 10 hotels in Cabo Matapalo

Location

4.9

Cleanliness

4.9

Service

4.9

Value

4.5

Travelers' Choice

GreenLeaders Platinum level

Set in a 1000-acre private nature reserve in Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge overlooks the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean, a destination matching everyone's idea of paradise. Much more than a luxurious eco lodge, Lapa Rios is a model ecotourism project and a sustainable tourism pioneer. Over the years, we have received many awards for social and environmental excellence. Home to a plethora of incredible wildlife, including monkeys, scarlet macaws, pumas, toucans, tree frogs and thousands of other creatures, a trip to Lapa Rios Eco lodges Ecolodges will be the experience of a lifetime. Lapa Rios is one of only 24 National Geographic Unique Eco Lodges of the World

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Property amenities

Free parking

Free internet

Pool

Free breakfast

Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)

Free shuttle or taxi services

Spa

Concierge

Public wifi

Pool / beach towels

Pool with view

Outdoor pool

Bar / lounge

Restaurant

Kids' meals

Airport transportation

Full body massage

Massage

Mosquito net

Non-smoking hotel

Outdoor furniture

Sun terrace

Laundry service

Room features

Private balcony

Safe

Seating area

Clothes rack

Bath / shower

Complimentary toiletries

Room types

Ocean view

Non-smoking rooms

Family rooms

Good to know

HOTEL CLASS

HOTEL STYLE

Luxury

Romantic

Languages Spoken

English, Spanish

Location

Cabo Matapalo Costa Rica

Lapa Rios Lodge

Getting there

Puerto Jimenez Airport

13.1 mi•

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Golfito Airport

18.8 mi•

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Rental Cars

See all Cabo Matapalo rental cars

See all nearby hotels

3 Restaurants

within 5 miles

Buena Esperanza

11 min•$$ - $$$•Costa Rican

Brisa Azul Restaurant

1 min•$$$$•South American

Fusión Food

6 min•Fast Food

See all nearby restaurants

815Reviews22Q+A100Room tips

Reviews

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arkiekat2017 wrote a review Nov 2023

Rogers, Arkansas17 contributions13 helpful votes

Most Amazing Place!

This is the most amazing place! I didn't even know you could stay in the rain forrest! I got the matapalo room so I had AC! It was nice when I was hot after hikes or sitting the balcony to be able to go in and cool off for a few minutes before going back out to the rain forrest! The balcany had a nice lounger that I laid on and just listened to all of the sounds around me! I did the morning and evening hikes. I got to see a sloth, all 4 types of monkeys including a baby howler, and lots of spectacular birds! Food was amazing! Every single thing I had was the best think I ever ate! The beach was beautiful! I loved all of the large rocks and the black sand. They even brought my lunch down for me one day! Highly recommend! There is nothing that could have been better!

Date of stay: October 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Traveled solo

Room Tip: The rainy season is not crowded so I had private hikes with the guide

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Helpful

Response from Andres Madrigal, Guest Services / Front Office at Lapa Rios Lodge

Responded 2 weeks ago

At Lapa Rios Lodge, we are truly delighted to hear your excitement and appreciation for your stay at our lodge! Your Matapalo room allowed you to experience the best of both worlds - the rainforest's enchantment and the comfort of AC. It's wonderful that you could unwind on your balcony, soaking in the natural symphony of the Osa Peninsula. The variety of wildlife and breathtaking birds you encountered on our hikes truly makes the rainforest come alive. We're equally thrilled that you savored every bite of our amazing food. Our nearby beaches and the personalized service we offer are part of what makes us special, and we're so pleased you enjoyed them. Your kind words and recommendation mean the world to us. There's no greater joy for us than knowing you had a perfect experience. We can't wait to welcome you back for more extraordinary moments in the southern Pacific of Costa Rica!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

lashimo wrote a review Sep 2023

Sarasota, FL10 contributions8 helpful votes

The absolute most magical place on earth!

I went into my stay at Lapa Rios with very high expectations after stalking it on Instagram for a number of years. After a week there with my husband and kids (ages 11 and 14), I can attest to it being the absolute greatest place on earth. All of my (admittedly high) expectations were blown out of the water. Even before setting foot on their stunning grounds, the staff made sure our trip was successful and perfect. Customer service prior to arrival ensured we arrived safely and continued to be outstanding in every possible way. We spent a week exploring nature that we would never experience otherwise with kind, knowledgeable souls who loved seeing and learning as much as we did. The amount of passion and insight each staff member had for the flora and fauna of this stunning environment was a delight! Our cabin was perfect and each day we woke to the sound of howler monkeys and birds, fresh coffee and hot chocolate at our door. We wanted to do a lot of the tours and were able to do so. Our kids loved the freedom that the safe resort provided, as well as the pool and unlimited juices! The food was undoubtedly the most delicious food I have ever had - it was fresh and impeccably made with skill and care. I need to give a bonus shout out to staff member Sandra, who went above and beyond to check on our daughter after a jellyfish sting and set up a special poolside dinner for our family on our last night. Her extra kindness did not go unnoticed, and she managed to somehow make the perfect experience even more exceptional.…

Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled with family

Room Tip: We went in June, the start of rainy season and consequently the resort had few other guests. It...

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2 Helpful votes

Helpful

Response from Andres Madrigal, Guest Services / Front Office at Lapa Rios Lodge

Responded Sep 3, 2023

Thank you so much for your absolutely glowing review of Lapa Rios! We're thrilled that we not only met but exceeded your high expectations, making your stay a truly magical experience for you, your husband, and your kids. Our dedicated staff takes great pride in ensuring every aspect of your trip is perfect, from the moment you inquire about your stay to the moment you depart. It's wonderful to hear that their passion for the environment and their knowledge enhanced your nature explorations. The sounds of howler monkeys and birds, along with morning coffee and hot chocolate, create a unique and unforgettable ambiance. We're delighted your children enjoyed the freedom and amenities the resort offers, and that the tours were a hit. We're especially touched by your shout-out to Sandra. Her exceptional care and attention to detail are what make our team stand out. Thank you for choosing Lapa Rios, and we can't wait to welcome you and your family back to the Osa Peninsula to create more extraordinary memories!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Trion wrote a review Aug 2023

Atlanta, Georgia171 contributions66 helpful votes

Wonderful time at Lapa Rios

My wife and two teenage twins stayed at Lapa Rios in early August. We had a wonderful time. Just as the reviews say, the villas were excellent with breathtaking views, great wildlife views and the staff was friendly and excellent. The food was great, and they were very accommodating to our picky eaters. Having easy access to the beach was very nice. Our boys went surfing and we visited the nearby national park. Overall a wonderful trip. I highly recommend this property if you want luxury, beautiful views and nature at its best.

Date of stay: August 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Traveled with family

Room Tip: We had the villa at the end of the property. A good walk but it felt very private. I think we...

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4 Helpful votes

Helpful

Response from Andres Madrigal, Guest Services / Front Office at Lapa Rios Lodge

Responded Aug 18, 2023

Thank you so much for your heartfelt review of your stay at Lapa Rios! We're delighted to hear that your family had a wonderful time and enjoyed every aspect of your experience with us. It's fantastic that the breathtaking views from our villas and the abundant wildlife added to your enjoyment. We're thrilled that our staff's friendliness and excellence made your stay even more memorable. We're glad your boys had a blast surfing, and exploring Corcovado National Park must have been quite an adventure. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're so pleased that we could provide you with a luxurious, nature-filled getaway. We hope to welcome you and your family back to Lapa Rios in the future for more unforgettable experiences in the Osa Peninsula!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

moremanoi wrote a review Aug 2023

Montreal185 contributions100 helpful votes

Treehouses for the young at heart

Staying at Lapa Rios is a slice of heaven. The cabins and villas are perched in the treetops and joined by a secure hanging boardwalk. The ocean views are breathtaking and wildlife is abundant. We stayed in villa 13 with a pool. I watched a troupe of tiny capuchin monkeys swing from the surrounding trees to our rooftop, march across then continue a few feet from the swinging sofa in which I was lazily sipping hit chocolate. Macaws flew overhead and butterflies gathered on the surrounding flowers. No binoculars needed! (Kidding, bring the best you can afford) We loved our huge villa and the refreshing little plunge pool. The bathroom is massive as is the outdoor shower. The only drawback was on our first night we were woken at 4am by a car picking up our neighbours… the service road ends right at villa 13. No other issue, however, and this villa is further from the neighbours than some other premier villas. The food is amazing and we were pleased to meet the chef and learn a little of her career path. For nature lovers, this place is heaven.…

Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled with family

Room Tip: If you want to rent a surf board, go through the concierge. I tried to book direct with the surf...

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Helpful

Response from Andres Madrigal, Guest Services / Front Office at Lapa Rios Lodge

Responded Aug 16, 2023

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible experience at Lapa Rios! Your description truly transports us to the enchanting world of villas surrounded by the rainforest, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking ocean views. It's heartwarming to hear how you enjoyed the natural beauty and close encounters with capuchin monkeys and macaws. While the early morning disturbance was a minor hiccup, we're delighted it didn't overshadow your overall stay. The connection you felt with our chef and the delectable food truly reflect the warm spirit of Lapa Rios. We're thrilled you found your slice of heaven here, and we can't wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable nature-filled retreat! Pura vida!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

samantha s wrote a review Aug 2023

Los Angeles, California1 contribution1 helpful vote

Amazing family getaway for wildlife and nature lovers

Inspired by our budding-wildlife-biologist teenage son, our family just returned from a 5-night stay and are already pining for the rainforest - the sounds, the ubiquitous monkeys and gorgeous birds in the trees all around our lodge, the ocean, the waterfalls, the clean air and breezes, and the incredibly sustainable and eco-minded mentality of the community. I stayed here about 20 years ago and never forgot it - was amazing to go back. The lodge and staff were absolutely wonderful - we took advantage of all there was to offer, doing 2-3 guided hikes a day (shout outs to the wonderful Edwin and Jose!!), a day trip to Corcovado national park (where we saw humpback whales, tapir, anteaters, peccaries, sloth, a boa constrictor, etc.) and splurged on fresh juice, appetizers and dessert with every meal. The food is next level - my husband, son and I are very different eaters and we were all licking our plates - the fish, fruits, cheeses and vegetables are so fresh, and the preparations are clean and absolutely delicious. It was very humid (we're from LA and more acclimated to dry heat) and you will sweat, so take advantage of the same-day laundry service. Also note that you will be woken up at 4:30 a.m. every morning by howler monkeys - you get used to it though and just roll back over and go back to sleep (with a pillow over your head). We were comfortable at night without AC (we were extremely lucky with the weather), but after a morning/afternoon hike we were craving a little AC - a cool shower worked well, though! Note that the waterfall and ridge hikes are definitely moderate to difficult - for anyone who's not comfortable traversing slippery rocks/roots, crossing rivers and a fair amount of uphill, I'd recommend the Osa trail, night hike, beach hike and bird watching (which is mostly done from a car). Jealous of everyone who's trip is still ahead of them!…

Date of stay: July 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Traveled with family

1 Helpful vote

Helpful

Response from Andres Madrigal, Guest Services / Front Office at Lapa Rios Lodge

Responded Aug 5, 2023

Thank you Samantha for your amazing review! We're delighted to hear that your family had a memorable getaway immersed in wildlife and nature. It's heartwarming that your teenage son's passion for wildlife led you to our lodge. The rainforest sounds, abundant monkeys, and stunning birds created a picturesque experience. We're glad you appreciated our sustainable and eco-minded community. Returning after 20 years must have been a special moment, and we're thrilled we could meet your expectations. Our lodge and staff were dedicated to making your stay wonderful, and we're glad you took full advantage of the guided hikes and day trips. A trip to Corcovado National Park is a must! Edwin and Jose will be delighted with your shout-outs. Thank you for mentioning the early morning calls of howler monkeys, a signature experience in our lush surroundings! Your detailed insights about the hikes will surely help future travelers. We hope your memories of the rainforest will keep you inspired until your next visit, hopefully in less than 20 years :)

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Nalini R wrote a review Jun 2023

Redwood City, California4 contributions

Exceeded Expectations

We spent five nights at Lapa Rios - it was fantastic and well-worth the expense: took hikes daily with their naturalists including bird watching, night hikes, jungle hikes, waterfall hikes, and a sustainability tour. Also took an excursion by boat to Corcovado national park where we saw the Tapir. The quality of food and the service at Lapa Rios was outstanding - we are vegetarian and they had a separate plant-based menu. They bent over backwards to provide exceptional service. My kids were not bored - they also have a lovely pool. The screened rooms provide a truly immersive jungle experience - we saw so much wildlife at the reserve. My only caveat is that it is hot and humid - if we were to go again, we would probably get one of the A/C rooms (they only have two). Special kudos to our lovely, kind server Sandra and the wonderful guides Frank, Danilo, and Jeffrey. …

Date of stay: June 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Traveled with family

Helpful

Response from Andres Madrigal, Guest Services / Front Office at Lapa Rios Lodge

Responded Jul 1, 2023

Thank you so much for your wonderful review of Lapa Rios Lodge! We are delighted to hear that your family's experience exceeded your expectations and that you had a fantastic time during your five-night stay with us. Our naturalists take great pride in sharing their knowledge and love for the environment, and we are thrilled that you enjoyed activities such as bird watching, night hikes, jungle hikes, waterfall hikes, and the excursion to Corcovado National Park. Spotting the Tapir must have been an incredible highlight! We understand the importance of catering to dietary preferences and are thrilled to hear that our separate plant-based menu met your needs as vegetarians. We will be sure to pass on your kind words to Sandra, Frank, Danilo, Jeffrey, and the rest of our dedicated staff. We are delighted that your children had a great time as well. We aim to create a memorable experience for all our guests, regardless of age. We appreciate your feedback regarding the hot and humid climate. We understand the importance of comfort, especially in such conditions. Thank you once again for choosing Lapa Rios Lodge and taking the time to share your positive experience. It was a pleasure hosting you and your family, and we hope to welcome you back in the future.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

tatuaje_espinal wrote a review May 2023

New Haven, Connecticut6 contributions1 helpful vote

Beautiful lodge with unsurpassed views, tours are good but no better than other lower-priced lodges

This lodge is gorgeous and the views are unbelievable. It's located on the side of a hill and overlooks the golfo dulce. The cabins are more or less at treetop level so there are birds, monkeys, and other wildlife constantly in view. The food, drinks, and service were all top-notch. My one reservation with this lodge is that the tours are on-par (not worse, but not better) with the rest of Costa Rican lodges and tour groups and didn't offer variation. I'm a solo-traveling wildlife photographer, and Lapa Rios offers group tours or private tours, but while the private tours will give you some extra time to photograph it's not much (and one of the guides was constantly checking his watch trying to hurry things along). This would be fine for an average or lower-priced lodge but for the price of Lapa Rios I hoped for better. I had asked the manager and multiple concierges if I could book a tour and pay by the hour, or if a similar option was available so I wouldn't be rushed and each time I asked they promised to look into it and never replied (I asked the same people multiple times, same deferred answer). I still rate it five stars despite this, because it really was a great experience overall, and as mentioned above - the tours weren't worse than anywhere else, but they weren't better either. …

Date of stay: September 2022

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Traveled solo

1 Helpful vote

Helpful

Response from Andres Madrigal, Guest Services / Front Office at Lapa Rios Lodge

Responded May 24, 2023

Greetings Matthew from all of us in the Osa Peninsula! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience at Lapa Rios: rooms, cuisine, drinks and our service. We also enjoy the amazing photos you have shared, taken during your stay. We appreciate your feedback, as a solo-traveling wildlife photographer, we recognize your desire for ample time to capture the perfect shots without feeling rushed. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the limited extra time provided during the private tours. Rest assured, we will address this issue with our team to ensure that each guest receives the attention and personalized experience they deserve. We are truly grateful for your generous five-star rating despite these concerns. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back in the future, and we assure you that we will strive to surpass your expectations.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kimberly G wrote a review Apr 2023

Lafayette, California144 contributions41 helpful votes

Rainforest and water views! A trek to get there but a little bit of paradise once you arrive

I told my travel agent that I wanted to go somewhere in Costa Rica that was in the rainforest and near the water at the same time. Plus, I wanted as many animals as possible. She said- I know EXACTLY the place and she did!! We went for five nights with our party of three (myself, husband, and just-turned 12-year old). It was the perfect amount of time. We flew into San Jose and spent the night at the Marriott Courtyard by the airport. The next day we headed to the domestic terminal and flew from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez. I was terrified of that teeny plane but it was actually quite an amazing experience in itself! We arrived in Puerto Jimenez and encountered really our only hiccup of this part of our trip. All of the other lodges had someone waiting to whisk them off but nobody was there for us!! A taxi driver helped us out, thankfully, and directed us to a building on the side of the road once we told him Lapa Rios. In that building we found a woman who remarked- oh yes, Grovers, we had you done as flying in today but we didn't know what time! Now that seems weird to me and I'm starting to panic a little that we might not have anywhere to stay. She gave us some coconut water and told us to get comfy and she would send for the car. About a half an hour later (seemed way longer because we couldn't wait to get to the resort) a truck showed up to take us to Lapa Rios. The half an hour drive was fun- bumpy and across a stream at one point- and when we arrived at the resort- our room was actually ready (whew!) We spent most of the five days by the (warm) pool or on our deck or in the restaurant. We were so glad we had brought books, cards, and even a game or two. We did a few of the hikes (the night hike twice!), the Twigs & Pigs, and the waterfall hike (LOVED the waterfall). We had wonderful service although it was always changing- one person would take your order, another bring your drinks, another your food- which was fine but we had our favorites and hoped to see them more consistently! We stayed in Bungalow #11 and had an amazing view of the Golfo and the almond trees that the monkeys, toucans, and macaws seemed to love. I was worried after reading all the reviews about the stairs but it was really no big deal at all. Once, I even ran into a monkey when I was climbing the stairs from the spa!! So cool Our favorite thing to do- besides hiking, eating, drinking, reading... was to have happy hour on our deck at 4:30/5 each evening and just watch the monkeys play. My second favorite thing was to wake up before my family and head out to our deck with my coffee and the birds. I downloaded a cool app on my last day that was basically a Shazam for bird sounds. Wish I had it the whole time!! We wanted to see animals and WOW- did we! We realized on the last day that the front desk has a cool map/scavenger hunt but we had kept our own list and saw at least 30 different cool animals from a Fer-da-Lance to an armadillo. I LOVED the sound of the howler monkeys at night- so eerie! The food was delightful and I was obsessed with anything BANANA. Banana bread, banana ice cream, banana daiquiris- it was SO very delightful. The very last night we were treated to a beautiful candlelit dinner on the pool deck (probably because we spent so much money on cocktails and smoothies over the week!) We were still in the pool with cocktails and smoothies when our shuttle was arriving so our checkout was a little rushed. The whole tip thing was hard for me as one of the employees asked if I planned to give individual tips (they had envelopes). It would've been hard for me to do that as I liked so many different people, so we ended up just leaving a combined tip for everyone. We were about 5/10 minutes into our drive to the airport when they called to say we still had a bill at the pool bar (I had asked before we left) so our driver had to turn around. It's too bad they don't just keep your card on file for those kinds of things. All in all- I would really give it 4.5 stars for the few snafus but we 100% hope to go back someday. It really was paradise. …

Date of stay: April 2023

Value

Location

Service

1 Helpful vote

Helpful

Response from Andres Madrigal, Guest Services / Front Office at Lapa Rios Lodge

Responded Apr 29, 2023

Thank you for sharing your experience at Lapa Rios in the Osa Península of Costa Rica! It sounds like you and your family had a fantastic time at our lodge, your bungalow, our pool, hikes through out private reserve and seeing the exotic fauna that abounds. Overall, it sounds like Lapa Rios provided a little bit of paradise for you and your family! It's great to hear that your travel agent was able to recommend the perfect place for your vacation, and that despite a hiccup with transportation and tipping. This feedback is very welcome since we can only improve! We hope you all have the opportunity to visit again in the future.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Beckybsketi wrote a review Apr 2023

Horndean, United Kingdom110 contributions119 helpful votes

Saved the best to last

Well we absolutely loved our 4 nights here! What a beautiful place to end our time in Costa Rica. Beautiful villa to sit in our pool and watch all the monkeys and wildlife! The food and drink were amazing, the staff were brilliant. The only slight negative for me was the main dining area, so we always managed to get a seat for dinner by the bar which was more to our liking,I did feel these areas were in need of some refurbishment but we still had the best time! We decided to go on the dolphin excursion which was expensive but worth every penny, I have never felt so at one with nature, it was one of the best experiences of my life! Thank you to everyone who made our time here so wonderful.

Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple

Helpful

Response from Andres Madrigal, Guest Services / Front Office at Lapa Rios Lodge

Responded Apr 16, 2023

Hello Becky, from all of us at the Osa Peninsula! We are also very glad that you ended your Costa Rica trip at Lapa Rios Lodge! Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with us: culinary, dolphin tour, our pool surrounded by the lush flora and fauna and last but not least, our amazing staff. We also appreciate your feedback, which has been relayed to management. We hope to have you back in a future trip to Costa Rica at any of our Böëna Wilderness Lodges!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

midwesternadventurer wrote a review Apr 2023

Ellicott City, Maryland23 contributions7 helpful votes

The most magnificent place we've ever visited

This was one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. First, the location is awe inspiring. The lodge is built in the canopy, and animals are everywhere. We would sit on our deck (they brought amazing coffee to our room each morning) and watch the birds, monkeys, coati, and butterflies. The food was phenomenal. The bed was the most comfortable I have ever tried. The tours were extraordinary. But, all of that was surpassed by the staff. They were so incredibly kind, patient, accommodating, and generous. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Date of stay: April 2023

Value

Location

Service

Room Tip: I am terrified of spiders, but I went on the nightwalk. The guide was great about pointing them...

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Helpful

Response from Andres Madrigal, Guest Services / Front Office at Lapa Rios Lodge

Responded Apr 9, 2023

Thank you for your wonderful review of your stay in the Osa Península and Lapa Rios Lodge! Indeed we are a unique location, within our own private reserve, hope to the flora and fauna of the area. As you experienced it, you don't have to walk far from your room to be immersed in the rainforest. And your experience would not be complete with the attention of our amazing staff. Pura vida!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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