Culture and Community

Selva Verde Lodge, Costa Rica

Tropical Crops & Culture Package

Immerse yourself in the Tico way of life through our multi-day packages devoted to community service and agro-tourism.
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Selva Verde is located in the heart of Costa Rica's Sarapiqui region, within the small village of Chilamate and close to the town of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. This area of Costa Rica is known for its amazing biodiversity, but it is also home to vibrant communities, banana and pineapple plantations, and the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center. We invite you to explore the communities surrounding Selva Verde through our cultural and agro tourism activities.

Selva Verde Activities

Click on any of the activities below to learn more

Adventures in Agriculture will take you behind the scenes to learn first hand about the cultivation and processing of these important products.

• » Chocolate Tour

  Discover Chocolate!

  

  Discover how cacao seeds are transformed into one the world's favorite foods - chocolate! Visit a historical cacao plantation and learn about the natural and cultural history of cacao plant. Native to Central America, cacao was cultivated by Mayan, Aztec, and other Central American cultures before European explorers introduced it to the rest of the world. Enjoy a taste of organic chocolate made by a local woman's group - the Asociación de Mujeres Amazilia del Caribe.

  Time: AM and PM tours available
  Duration: 3 hours
  Cost: Adults - $20 / Children (5-12) - $13
  Transportation: $15 round trip (1-4 passengers)

• » Pineapple Tour

  Pineapple Plantation Tour

  

  Learn more about this favorite fruit of the tropics! Pineapple is one of Costa Rica's major exports and is an important industry in the Sarapiqui. A visit to Finca Corsicana, a 3,200 acre plantation, will allow you to investigate the difference between organic and traditional cultivation of this important crop. Please note: For a tour of the processing plant please plan on booking your tour M-Th.

  Time: 8 AM or 2 PM
  Duration: 2 ½ hours
  Cost: Adults - $22 / Children - $12
  Transportation: $30 round trip (1-4 passengers)

• » Black Pepper Tour

  Visit a Black Pepper Farm

  

  Ever wondered how black pepper became part of the duo on everyone's table? Learn about this ubiquitous spice while you enjoy a guided tour of a local family run farm. You'll see how a small-scale producer cultivates and processes the black pepper berries of the plant into the dried spice familiar to all. Black pepper is native to India and was introduced to the Sarapiqui region less than half a century ago. Not only will you learn about black pepper, you'll also get a taste of local life and work in the Sarapiqui ….and some fresh pepper!

  Time: 9 AM or 2 PM
  Duration: 1 hour
  Cost: $14 per person
  Transportation: $20 round trip (1-4 passengers)

The Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center offers Selva Verde guests the opportunity to experience life in rural Costa Rica through meaningful service and immersion activities.

• » 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

• » Costa Rican Cooking Classes

  Cooking Class with Local Community Members

  

  This class taught by a local community member, will offer you the opportunity to learn how to make traditional Costa Rican dishes.  You will learn about each fresh ingredient, and everyone participates in the cooking process. The menu choices consist of frescos (fruit juices), empanadas rellenas  (turnovers filled with beans and cheese), tortillas (flat bread), patacones (fried green plantains) or picadillo de chayote (water squash).  Enjoy trying all of your culinary creations at the end of the class!

  Price: $90 groups of 1–5 people, $12 per additional person
  Restrictions: 25 person max
  Recommended time: Afternoons or evenings
  Duration: 1 ½ - 2 hours

How To Plan Your Activities

It is always best to make advance reservations for all of our activities!

Green Season (May 1 - 31st, Aug 1 - Dec 14th)
Most activities may be booked at Selva Verde reception with 24 hours notice.

High Season (Dec 15 - Apr 30, Jun 1 - Jul 31)
Please make advanced reservations during the high season by contacting us before your visit.

Groups
Traveling with 5 or more people? Please make advance reservations by contacting us.

Special Note: Tips & discretionary gratuities for guides are not included in activity costs.
Boxed Lunches: Please make arrangements with reception at least 24 hours in advance.