In 1990 two former peace corps volunteers, John and Karen Lewis, decided to abandon their suburban professional lives in the United States, liquidate all personal assets, and use the proceeds to finance the creation of a reserve with over 1,000 acres of mostly primary rainforest, with enormous biodiversity value, in a remote area of Costa Rica.
To support the maintenance of this private reserve and provide sustainable economic activity to the local community, they went on to build a small upscale wilderness lodging operation called Lapa Rios in 1993 that is today one of the most renowned and successful ecotourism operations in the world. This "story" has had enormous appeal to visitors of Lapa Rios, who realize that "ordinary" people (John was a lawyer and Karen taught music) can make an extraordinary difference in the conservation of wilderness and in the lives of people who live in and around such wilderness.
Activities at Lapa Rios are focused around the rainforest and the nearby Ocean. Rainforest hikes, bird watching, Ocean Kayaking, horseback riding, catch and release sport fishing and surfing are some of the activities offered. Furthermore, guests can take massages, participate in Yoga classes, relax at the pool with a tropical cocktail or just take a nap in a hammock and maybe observe the birds, monkeys and other animals that come by.

All 16 bungalows are private and open to the sea; they are spacious and can sleep up to 4 people in 2 queen size beds. Each has an indoor (solar-heated) shower and a private garden shower, 2 sinks, large closets, and a deck overlooking the rainforest and the ocean. All bungalow access requires stair and path walking. There is 24-hour electricity available for battery

Fresh rain forest breezes race in through awesome screened wall windows, forming flawless paintings of the Pacific Ocean.

If you are in anyway still doubting whether or not Lapa Rios is for you, please read these well written words from the owners:

Lapa Rios is a functioning model of ecotourism and sustainable development. A 1000-acre private reserve close to the Corcovado National Park offers miles of trails and spectacular waterfalls. The project demonstrates that "a forest left standing is more valuable than a forest cut down," serving and teaching a remote community new life-skills and professional opportunities. The private reserve offers excellent viewing of thousands of species of trees, plants, birds (over 320 identified species), insects and mammals in Central America 's largest remaining tropical lowland forest.