Amidst the rugged hills of Rio Perdido, a hidden gem awaits discovery.
Location
Rio Perdido is one of those rare places that feels both wonderfully remote and refreshingly accessible. Just over an hour from Liberia, in the volcanic highlands of Guanacaste, it sits within a 1,500-acre private reserve where canyon walls, thermal rivers, and tropical forest create a world that feels untouched.
Rooms
You’ll stay in beautifully designed forest bungalows, linked by raised walkways that wind gently through the trees. Each one is a calm, airy space with clean lines, earthy tones, and private terraces overlooking the jungle.
Amenities
At the heart of the lodge is its most magical feature: a naturally heated river that flows right through the property. You can slip in and out of thermal pools along the banks, relax in the spring-fed swimming pool, or unwind in the spa with a view over the canyon. There’s also a lovely open-air restaurant, a yoga deck suspended in the trees, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to fully switch off.
Activities
Guests love the mix of adventure and stillness here. One day might mean ziplining across the gorge or tubing down a river, while the next is all about yoga at sunrise or wandering the nature trails with a guide. The 32 km of trails are ideal for biking and birdwatching too - keep an eye out for monkeys, toucans, and the occasional sloth.
Sustainability
Rio Perdido takes its responsibility to the land seriously. It holds Elite-level certification in Costa Rica’s Sustainable Tourism programme and is officially carbon-neutral under national standards. Also, less than 1% of the 1,500-acre reserve is developed, with buildings carefully positioned to protect canyons and water flow. Reforestation is at the heart of the project. Since acquiring the thermal canyon, Rio Perdido has helped regenerate native dry-forest and “dwarf” forest ecosystems using transplanting techniques and nursery-grown seedlings.
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Amanda
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