Community and Conservation Programs

Selva Verde Lodge, Costa Rica

Selva Verde is proud to partner with the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) to offer students, educators, and other groups the opportunity to learn about the people and culture in our community.

Founded in the 1990’s by Giovanna Holbrook and Selva Verde Lodge, the SCLC was established to promote conservation education in the communities surrounding Selva Verde. Today the SCLC is a fully independent nonprofit working to achieve a sustainable future for the people and wildlife of the region. Funded in part by its ecotourism activities, the SCLC offers opportunities for cultural exchange between visitors and local people through activities and service projects.

Selva Verde and the SCLC can help you craft a unique service learning program or cultural immersion experience for your students.

For information please contact us

SCLC Activities

Click on any of the activities below to learn more

• » Latin Dance Lessons

  Latin Dance Class

  

  Ever wanted to learn Latin dancing? Then this is the class for you! You will learn 3 styles: Merengue, Salsa, and Cumbia. Local dancers will first demonstrate and then lead the group step by step. You will also practice with a partner and everyone will also take turns dancing in a circle, showing off their new dance moves. This activity is great fun, perfect for group’s kick off or tour ending, but also for families and friends
  
  Time: Evenings
  Duration: 1 hour
  Cost: $13 per person (10 person minimum)

  ©SCLC/deepgreenphotography.com
• » Cooking Class

  Cooking Class

  

  Want to learn how to make a Costa Rican meal? This class will offer you the opportunity to learn how to make traditional Costa Rican dishes. The classes are led by a local community member, and everyone participates in the cooking process. You will learn about the history, botanical names, and cultivation of each fresh ingredient. The menu consists of guacamole (a dip made with avocados), batidos (milkshakes), empanadas (turnovers), tortillas (flat bread), or patacones (fried green plantains). Enjoy trying all of your culinary creations at the end of the class!!

  Time: Afternoons or evenings
  Duration: 2 hours
  Cost: $13 per person
  10 participant minimum.

• » Community Service Projects

  Community Service Projects with the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center

  

  The Sarapiqui Region is one of the poorest counties in Costa Rica. Much of the local work is plantation work, either banana or pineapple. To build stronger communities and support local schools, Selva Verde partners with the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center to link visitors interested in volunteering their time with projects where their assistance is needed. Note: Projects must be arranged and finalized 2 weeks in advance.

  Time: Half day – 2 to 3 hours / Full day – 4 to 5 hours
  Cost: $30 per person for half day / $50 per person for full day (5 person minimum)
  Transportation: not included – cost determined by location of service project

• » Visit a Local School

  Visit a Local School

  

  Visit a local elementary school or high school and compare and contrast the Costa Rica education system with your own. Enjoy a guided tour led by the director, a teacher, and/or students, a presentation and a question/answer session. One third of each participant fee will go directly to the participating school

  Time: Mon – Fri: 9:30-11:30 AM or 2:00-4:00 PM (available mid Feb. through Jun. or Aug. through mid. Dec.)
  Duration: 2 hours
  Cost: $18 per person (5 person minimum)
  Transportation: not included – cost determined by school location

• » Charla - "A Chat" about local life in the Sarapiqui

  "Local Life" - A chat about life in Sarapiquí

  

  During this informative talk given by a local community member, you will learn about life in Sarapiquí. Topics include immigration, domestic life, local artisan work, student experience and much more! A question and answer session concludes the activity, fostering international communication and understanding. Good Costa Rican coffee and fresh baked goods complete the experience

  Recommend time: Flexible
  Duration: 1 hour
  Cost: $20 for 1 – 2 people, $9 per additional person

• » Home Stay with a Local Family

  Home Stay with a Local Family

  

  Ever wondered what it’s like to actually live in another country, as opposed to simply traveling through it? Stay with a local family. Our families offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience firsthand what it is like to live in rural Costa Rica. Share meals, conversation, and leisure time with a local family. This opportunity is sure to provide you with a unique cultural and linguistic experience!

  Cost: $26 per person per night (includes dinner and breakfast)
  Restrictions: Each family has a certain amount of beds available. We need a minimum of 2 weeks notice to accommodate your reservation.

For more details about additional SCLC activities and detailed information on the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center please visit the SCLC Website

Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center is a non-profit conservation education organization in Costa Rica.