Nature Discovery

Selva Verde Lodge, Costa Rica

Natural Wonders Package

Our Natural Wonder packages give you the best of rainforest discovery and thrilling adventure.
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Explore the natural splendors of the Sarapiqui Region, both on the grounds of Selva Verde and in the surrounding area. Join our resident naturalists on guided hikes and discover the flora and fauna of the old growth and secondary forest in our 500 acre reserve, take a boat ride on the Sarapiqui River, and visit the nearby parks, reserves and gardens. Our lodge is a wonderful place for discovering and learning about the abundant wildlife and biodiversity of the lush tropical rainforest.

For more information about Selva Verde nature discovery,take a look at our Wildlife slide show and Birds of Selva Verde.

Selva Verde Activities

Click on any of the activities below to learn more

• » Guided Nature Walk in the Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve

  Guided Nature Walk

  

  Experience first hand the wonder of exploring a tropical rainforest. Enjoy a personalized and leisurely ramble through Selva Verde's 500 acre private reserve with our knowledgeable naturalist guides. Learn more than just the names of rainforest plants and animals - discover their secret lives and fascinating natural histories. Be on the look out for monkeys, mot-mots, toucans, and poison dart frogs, and remember to bring your camera!

  Time: 8:30 AM or 1:30 PM
  Duration: 2 hours
  Cost: Adults $15, Children 6-12 $7.50, under 6 free

• Complimentary Bird Watching Walk

  

  Selva Verde is world renowned for its amazing bird life. Join our naturalist guides for an introduction to the birds of Selva Verde as you explore the grounds of the lodge in search of toucans, honeycreepers, hummingbirds, trogons, and more! Bring your binoculars. Identification guides available upon request.

  Time: 6 AM and 4 PM
  Duration: 1hour
  Cost: Complimentary

• » Sarapiqui River Cruise

  Sarapiqui River Cruise

  

  Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Sarapiqui, observing life in and along the banks of the river. You’ll pass both forested and agricultural lands to observe the activities of the people and animals whose lives are influenced by the flow of the waters. The boat guides are some of the best wildlife spotters on the river, so be sure to bring your binoculars and camera! The boat departs from the lively Puerto Viejo dock.

  Time: 9 AM or 2 PM
  Duration: 2 hours
  Cost: Adults $25, Children 6-12 $12.50, Under 6 free
  Transportation: $20 round trip (1-4 passengers)

• » La Selva Biological Station

  La Selva Biological Station

  

  A haven for tropical researchers for nearly half a century, La Selva Biological Station is a living laboratory. Located adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park, La Selva protects over 3,500 acres of virgin rainforest. Twice daily guided hikes allow access to a portion of the field station trails and offer insight into the history of the Organization of Tropical Studies. Each walk is approximately 3 1/2 hours, principally on cement or wood trails suitable for people of all ages. Some trails are accessible for the physically challenged. Two hour specialized birding tours are also available.

  ½ Day General Public Tours:
  Time: 8 AM or 1:30 PM
  Duration: 3-3 1/2 hours
  Cost: Adults - $30 / Children (5-12) - $22
  Transportation: $30 round trip (1-4 passengers)

  Specialized Birding Tours
  Time: 5:40 AM
  Duration: 2 hours
  Costs: $30 per person
  Transportation: $30 round trip (1-4 passengers)

Day Trip Adventures:

• » Canopy Tour on the Rainforest Aerial Tram

  Rainforest Aerial Tram

  

  Enjoy an exhilarating view of the most biologically diverse layer of the rainforest - the canopy! Home to two-thirds of all rain forest species, the canopy is a seldom explored world of tremendous beauty and extraordinary diversity. Spot tree top wildlife as you glide over this expansive nature preserve in open air gondolas. Located near Braulio Carrillo National Park, the Rainforest Aerial Tram is an extraordinary opportunity to observe the rainforest canopy with a guide. Each gondola seats 6 passengers and a naturalist guide.

  Time: AM departure
  Duration: Half Day (Tram tour is 1 ½ hours long)
  Cost: Adults - $55 / Children - $27.50
  Transportation: $80 round trip (1-4 passengers)

• » Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall

  Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall

  

  Explore Costa Rica's most active volcano - Arenal! Walk through second growth rainforest on lava-encrusted trails and witness the power of an active volcano and views of magnificent Arenal Lake. Complete your day with an adventurous 230 foot hike down to the bottom of la Fortuna waterfall. Enjoy a swim in the refreshing waters at the base of the falls.

  Time: Flexible departure time
  Duration: All day
  Cost: Park Entrance Fees will be paid by guest (est. costs for Arenal $20, for La Fortuna Waterfall ($10)
  Lunch is not included
  Guide: A local bilingual guide may be hired for both Arenal and the Falls for $60/day
  Transportation: $135 roundtrip (1-4 passengers)

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.