Need an exotic green vacation? Try the Lapa Rios Rainforest Ecolodge and learn about biodiversity in the rainforest while zip-lining down the beach!


Images: laparios.com

Nestled on 1,000 acres of a private nature reserve in sunny Costa Rica is the world’s first luxury ecolodge.  During the day families can take hikes through the surrounding rainforest or go swimming under a waterfall.  Honeymooners can plant a tree in a rainforest reserve to leave a memory of their marriage, or they can take a horseback ride along the beach. Children can even play soccer with students from the nearby Carbonera School, a local elementary school built by the Lapa Rios Ecolodge. One of the coolest things anyone can do is to go on a Pigs, Twigs and Garbage tour to see how biogas energy is produced by pigs for the lodge.

Yes, this place really does exist. Its name is the Lapa Rios Rainforest Ecolodge, and it was envisioned and built by Minnesota natives Karen and John Lewis in 1990.  The couple, with support from the Nature Conservancy and CEDARENA, built the green resort to provide a place for guests to learn about the biodiversity of the Costa Rican rainforest.  They also wanted to provide a memorable getaway that would educate the public about sustainability, while also giving them eco-friendly activities to enjoy on a daily basis.  After reading about all of the wonderful things this lodge offers, I’d have to say that John and Karen exceeded their expectations!

Here are just a few of the eco-friendly features of Lapa Rios:



Take a 30 mile guided Gulf Eco Tour where you can see dolphins and go snorkeling.







Stay in a beautiful bungalow with a Suiita palm thatch-weaved roof. The rooms include solar heated water showers, bamboo furniture, your own private deck and an awesome view that overlooks the ocean.



For $10 you can plant a tree to help the Lapa Rios reforestation program.



Dine on fine local food at the Brisa Azul Restaurant. The kitchen is staffed by local men who work together to sustain their culture and sense of community in Costa Rica. Over 80% of the waste generated in the kitchen is either composted or sent to a pig farm where pigs eat it, and then release it, for the lodge to use as biogas!





Wake up to the sounds of squirrel monkeys and exotic birds singing outside your bungalow window.



The entire staff at Lapa Rios consists of local workers, so the lodge provides income for over 45 local families.



Adults and children can take a 2 hour surf lesson on the nearby beach.

What I mentioned above are just a few of the green features of Lapa Rios. You can check out the different Tours & Activities and read about its Eco Tourism goals on the website.

So, are you ready to get your Costa Rican groove on at this amazing ecolodge?