Rio Perdido

Rio Perdido means ‘lost river’ in Spanish. On reaching this lodge, it’s easy to see why. The winding river is camouflaged by dense foliage and towering trees in a deep canyon. What makes it even more remarkable are the dozens of geothermal pools heated by nearby Miravalles Volcano.

The lodge does little to detract from all this natural beauty. All 20 high-spec bungalows perch on stilts, all glistening steel and polished teak amid the forest canopy. Each has a terrace and hammock, offering a warm invitation to relax and listen to the sounds of the forest.

There are eco-adventures aplenty. Make like Tarzan on a jungle trek, swinging from zip lines suspended above the gorge. Pull-on hiking boots to reach waterfalls, lookout points and hot springs in Miravalles dry forest, or tackle the bridges and ramps of the mountain biking circuit. Drift down the river in a rubber ring through sections of intense rapids.

After all that adrenaline, the spa beckons. Drawing on the medicinal properties of the local hot springs, treatments include volcanic mud body-painting as well as massages and facials. Greet the sunrise with a yoga session overlooking the canyon.

The majority of the Rio Perdido’s staff are local to the area, including the kitchen team. In the open-air restaurant tuck into Costa Rican fare like fish ceviche, casado and marinated beef loin alongside beans, rice and salad. Private dining is also available on a spectacular floating platform, some 50 metres above the river convergence.