The Selva Verde Story

In the Costa Rica Rainforest

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Video: In her own words Giovanna Holbrook on Selva Verde's past, present, and future

Selva Verde exists today because of one woman's desire to make a difference.  As a pioneer in the business of ecotourism, Giovanna Holbrook traveled the world creating unique adventures for avid naturalists.  In 1982, Giovanna arranged an ornithological field study in Costa Rica for the National Aviary.  At the last minute, accommodations for the explorers fell through and they found themselves without a place to stay.  Giovanna raced to Costa Rica to rectify the situation.  A full day drive from San Jose, over barely passable dirt roads, found her deep in the canton of Sarapiqui – a place that would forever etch itself upon her heart.  During her stay, Giovanna discovered a large tract of old growth forest was up for sale and was ready to fall to the chainsaw.  Never one to shy from a challenge, Giovanna bought the property on the spot and embarked on an adventure that continues to this day. 

Selva Verde's Founders - Juan and Giovanna Holbrook, c. 1986
Photo Archives: Selva Verde through the years

Selva Verde's early days were full of excitement.  Shortly after purchasing the property, Giovanna discovered squatters staking claim to her land.  She enlisted her good friend Dr. Tom Emmel and with the help of a local conservationist, confronted the squatters.  After some intense and heated negotiations, a deal was struck.  If the squatters agreed to vacate her property, they would be offered jobs once the project was completed.   Over the next several years, Giovanna continued to travel back and forth between the US and Costa Rica as the dream of Selva Verde began to take shape.  Soon the original house was hosting visiting researchers and plans were underway to build additional guest rooms and a dining hall.  A quarter of a century later, Selva Verde is a world renowned eco-lodge committed to advancing the practice of sustainable tourism.

Selva Verde began with one woman's dream of preserving nearly 500 acres of endangered tropical forest and the multitude of species that call it home.  Through her unwavering devotion, Selva Verde is now a premier ecotourism destination, protecting the most accessible rainforest in Costa Rica, and attracting nature enthusiasts from around the globe.