Sarapiqui's Rain Forest Lodge was designed to resemble a 15th century indigenous village, an archeological site, a biodiversity museum and botanical organic vegetable garden. The architecture is inspired by the indigenous pre-Columbian construction techniques of the region, used by natives far more than 1000 years ago. The ecolodge has round palenques (or ranchos) covered with a traditional thatched roof of palm leaves. The circular design symbolizes the circle of life. It is a place to relax, to learn, to be challenged in a tropical setting of majestic rainforest and river, with neotropical birds and botanical gardens. It is a place to see the pre-Columbian history, to experience the mythic rituals of the indigenous people and to enjoy its beauty.

The hotel has several very interesting attractions, including an archeological park that replicates many aspects of pre-Columbian culture and features ceramics and stonework excavated from an ongoing archeological dig at an ancient cemetery beside the Sarapiquí River. It also has a small natural-history museum, and a botanical garden. Just across the river lies the 300-hectare (741-acre) Tirimbina Biological Reserve, with small trails and several impressive suspension bridges over the river.

The Museum
The Museum hosts the exquisite Acevedo-Mills Collection which contains more than 400 unique artifacts of indigenous culture; result of more than 20 years of investigation. Some of the main themes in the museum are: indigenous cultures, Pre-Columbian cultures, conservation, biodiversity and natural history, the endangered rainforest, including the Rainforest Film Theater with a 60 seat capacity and a giant screen where visitors will be able to enjoy documentaries of the natural and cultural history of the Neotropics.

Botanical Garden
The botanical garden tell us about plants of historical or economic value, including medicinal and edible, tropical plants both ornamental and vital to wildlife, natural botanical succession, and reforestation of agricultural land as a transition to the Tirimbina rainforest.

The gardens of Sarapiqui's Rain Forest Lodge; are designed to reflect the richness of the rainforest. Not only beautiful, they are a link between the various aspects of Sarapiqui's Rain Forest Lodge.

Archeological Park "Alma Ata"
The Park "Alma Ata" at the Sarapiqui's Rain Forest Lodge; is the first archaeological park of this kind in Costa Rica. The Park is set in the beautiful orange orchard of Sarapiqui's Rain Forest Lodge; where, in October 1999, a large exquisite Pre-Columbian tomb field of at least 600 years old has been discovered. Four major themes are exhibited in the park: Theme 1: 15th century Costa Rica. Reconstruction of housing, streets and Marketplace of the indigenous village. Theme 2: Pre-Columbian Stone Sculptures. Theme 3: Pre-Columbian Burial Field. Excavation site in process including "casita" of archaeologist with exhibition of tools, materials, etc. Theme 4: Petroglyphs. Reconstruction of a rocky landscape with petroglyphs. Extensive scientific information signage is provided all along the trails in the park.

Tirimbina Biological Reserve
The Tirimbina Biological Reserve is key to the entire concept of the Sarapiqui's Rain Forest Lodge. The 300 hectare Tirimbina Biological Reserve is one of the last remaining stands of mid-elevation, premontane rainforest in northeastern Costa Rica. The reserve is teeming with the diversity of botanical and zoological species characteristic of such ecosystems, and provides an important component of the biological corridors that link habitats for regional wildlife. Tirimbina has been the site of numerous biological research projects.

An island with lush tropical vegetation lies between Sarapiqui's Rain Forest Lodge; and the Reserve in the middle of the great Sarapiquí River. This island offers an easily navigated introduction to tropical forest ecosystems. The river itself is a rich and vital corridor for tropical wildlife. The gallery forest along the riverbank is a striking display of rainforest plant diversity. A 260m long suspension bridge connects the Sarapiqui's Rain Forest Lodge with the Tirimbina Reserve. Six kilometers of trails wind through the Reserve for access by researchers and visitors. These trails are designed to approach areas of high interest for wildlife watching or viewing highlights of rainforest biodiversity. Because it is a conservation area, they are designed and maintained for the least possible negative impact on delicate ecosystems. Tirimbina Reserve is a place for illumination of some of the mysteries of the rainforest and for experiencing the innate response of humans to wildness and natural beauty.

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