Welcome to Selva Verde
A TRULY UNIQUE COSTA RICAN ECO-LODGE
Selva Verde is more than a lodge and more than a rainforest reserve. It is your gateway into a magical world of towering Almendro trees, Mantled Howler Monkeys, and Keel Billed Toucans. Immerse yourself in tropical nature as you hike through deep green forest or reflect quietly in a comfortable hammock. Rekindle your sense of wonder and discover the out-of-the-ordinary. Experience Selva Verde!
Located just 2 hours from San José, Selva Verde provides easy access to the wonders of the rainforest. Since 1986, we have been a haven for nature enthusiasts from around the world. Our abundant biodiversity, comfortable rainforest lodge, and exciting activities are ideal for adventure seekers, bird and wildlife watchers, students, and families. Come explore Selva Verde's 500 acres of vibrant tropical nature in the heart of Costa Rica's Sarapiquí county.
Active Adventures
SELVA VERDE LOGDGE, COSTA RICA
Selva Verde offers exciting adventure activities for the most energetic eco traveler! Experience the wild side of Costa Rica as you raft the Sarapiquí River, ride through the countryside on horseback, and zip line through the rainforest canopy.
TO RESERVE ACTIVITIES, PLEASE READ BELOW.
Selva Verde Activities
Hike the Almendro Trail
Our reserve is home to one of the oldest and largest remaining Almendro Trees in all of Central America. This towering beauty is nearly 600 years old and provides food and shelter to thousands of organisms, including the endangered Great Green Macaw, who favors the fruit of the Almendro. Explore the depths of the Selva Verde Reserve with a naturalist guide to learn about this important tree and other flora and fauna you’ll encounter along the way.
Time: According availability of guide
Duration: 4 hours
Cost: Adults $85, Children 6-11 $43, under 5 free
Guided Nature Walk in the Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve
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: 9:00 AM or 2:00 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: Adults $35, Children 6-11 $17.5, under 5 free
Night Hike at Selva Verde Reserve
Join Selva Verde’s naturalist guides for an exciting exploration of the rainforest at night! Bring your flashlight and search the grounds and surrounding trails for nocturnal wildlife – including tree frogs, leaf mimicking insects, and nocturnal mammals including kinkajous and bats!
Time: 7:00 PM
Duration: 2 hour
Cost: Adults $35, Children 6-11 $17.5, under 5 free
White Water Rafting Adventure
The white water stretches of the Rio Sarapiquí are some of the most beautiful in Costa Rica. Enjoy high adventure and gentle floats as you navigate the river with our professional river guides. A preliminary safety orientation will prepare you for the challenges you'll face on the water. Keep an eye out for the diversity of wildlife seen at the river's edge in between Class I-III rapids. If you are a skilled rafter, we can arrange a more challenging excursion on Class III-IV rapids. Your rafting adventure ends at Selva Verde Lodge.
Time: 9 AM or 2 PM
Duration: 2 ½ hours
Cost: Adult: $70 per person (minimun 2), Children $70
Transportation: Included
Horseback Riding
No experience is necessary for this relaxed ride through the forests and fields surrounding Selva Verde. Spot a variety of wildlife and enjoy the cultural landscape of the Sarapiquí. The ride is accompanied by a bilingual guide.
Time: 9.00 AM, 11.00 AM and 1.00 PM
Duration: 2 ½ hours
Cost: $40 per person
Transportation: included
Canopy Zip Line Tour
Enjoy the thrill of winging your way through the canopy of the rainforest! Our zip line adventure consists of 12 zip lines crisscrossing tropical rainforest, ornamental gardens, and the magnificent Rio Sarapiquí. Throughout your adventure, you will be accompanied by experienced guides, using specialized equipment of the highest quality.
Time: 9 AM or 2 PM
Duration: 2 ½ hours
Cost: Adult: $70 per person (minimun2 ), Children $70
Transportation: Included
Day Trip Adventures:
Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall
Explore Costa Rica's most active volcano - Arenal! Explore 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 riverside snack and a swim in the refreshing waters at the base of the falls.
Time: 8 AM departure
Duration: All day
Cost: Since Arenal Volcano is National Park, each person is required to pay the park entrance fee of $15 per person. Also the entrance fee to La Fortuna Waterfall is $15 per person. Lunch is not included, you will have the opportunity to stop for lunch in one of the restaurants near the volcano.
Guide: A local bilingual guide may be hired for both Arenal and the Falls for $150/day
Transportation: $220 roundtrip (1-4 passengers)
HOW TO PLAN YOUR ACTIVITIES
It is always best to make advance reservations for all of our activities! Most activities may be booked at Selva Verde reception with 24 hours notice. Please make advanced reservations during the high season by CONTACTING US before your visit.
Green Season (May 1 - 31st, Aug 1 - Dec 14th)
High Season (Dec 15 - Apr 30, Jun 1 - Jul 31)
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.
For Boxed Lunches: Please make arrangements with reception at least 24 hours in advance.
Family Activities
SELVA VERDE LODGE, COSTA RICA
Having an adventure is thrilling, but it's even more fun to share your adventure with those you love. Share the awe of exploration and discovery with your family, and cherish the memories you will make forever. Selva Verde offers a range of activities suited for every age and that your whole family will enjoy!
TO RESERVE ACTIVITIES, PLEASE READ BELOW.
Family Fun Package
Our multi-night packages make it easy to give your family the adventure of a lifetime. We picked our favorite family activities and explorations for an engaging blend of nature discovery and active adventure.
Selva Verde Activities
Guided Hiking in the Selva Verde Reserve
Guided Hiking in the Selva Verde Reserve
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: 9.00 AM or 2.00 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: Adults $35, Children 6-11 $17.5, under 5 free
Sarapiquí River Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Sarapiquí, 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. Guide is not included
Time: 9.00 AM or 2.00 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: Adult $44 per person, Children 6-11 $25, under 5 free
Transportation: $55 (1-4 passengers)
Serpentarium
Get to know the fascinating world of reptiles with a visit and guided tour to the Sarapiquí Serpentarium. Enjoy comfortable close-up observation of a wide variety of native and exotic venomous and non-venomous snakes, lizards, and frogs, many of which inhabit the Sarapiquí rainforest.
Time: Daily 8.00 AM-5.00PM
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: Adults: $32+tax / Children (Less 11 Years) $22+tax
Transportation: $40+tax round trip (1-4 passengers)
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.
Time: 8.30 AM, 10.00 AM, 1.30 PM, 3.00 PM
Duration: 2 1/2 hours
Cost: Adults $36, Children $24
Transportation: $45 round trip (1-4 passengers)
White Water Rafting Adventure
The white water stretches of the Rio Sarapiquí are some of the most beautiful in Costa Rica. Enjoy high adventure and gentle floats as you navigate the river with our professional river guides. A preliminary safety orientation will prepare you for the challenges you'll face on the water. Keep an eye out for the diversity of wildlife seen at the river's edge in between Class I-III rapids. If you are a skilled rafter, we can arrange a more challenging excursion on Class III-IV rapids. Your rafting adventure ends at Selva Verde Lodge.
Time: 9.00 AM or 2.00 PM
Duration: 2 ½ hours
Cost: Adult $70 per person (minimun 2) Children $70
Transportation: Included
Horseback Riding
No experience is necessary for this relaxed ride through the forests and fields surrounding Selva Verde. Spot a variety of wildlife and enjoy the cultural landscape of the Sarapiquí. The ride is accompanied by a bilingual guide.
Time: 9.00 AM, 11.00 AM y 1.00 PM
Duration: 2 ½ hours
Cost: $40 per person
Transportation: included
Zip Line Canopy Tour
Enjoy the thrill of winging your way through the canopy of the rainforest! Our zip line adventure consists of 12 zip lines crisscrossing tropical rainforest, ornamental gardens, and the magnificent Rio Sarapiquí. Throughout your adventure, you will be accompanied by experienced guides, using specialized equipment of the highest quality.
Time: 9.00 AM or 2.00 PM
Duration: 2 ½ hours
Cost: Adult: $70 per person. Children: $70
Transportation: Included
Early Morning Bird Walk at Selva Verde
Grab your binoculars and join our naturalist guide for an early morning bird walk on the grounds of Selva Verde. Morning is a very active time for the birds, so you can count on sighting several of the stunning tropical species that inhabit Selva Verde. Every morning is different, but they are all exciting! Your guide has a keen eye and a high-powered scope, so you can get close up views of birds you might not otherwise notice. Binoculars can be rented at reception.
Time: Daily at 6.00 AM
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: Adults $32, Children 6-11 $16, under 5 free
Night Hike at Selva Verde Reserve
Join Selva Verde’s naturalist guides for an exciting exploration of the rainforest at night! Bring your flashlight and search the grounds and surrounding trails for nocturnal wildlife – including tree frogs, leaf mimicking insects, and nocturnal mammals including kinkajous and bats!
Time: 7.00 PM
Duration: 2 hour
Cost: Adults $35, Children 6-11 $17.5, under 5 free
HOW TO PLAN YOUR ACTIVITIES
It is always best to make advance reservations for all of our activities! Most activities may be booked at Selva Verde reception with 24 hours notice. Please make advanced reservations during the high season by CONTACTING US before your visit.
Green Season (May 1 - 31st, Aug 1 - Dec 14th)
High Season (Dec 15 - Apr 30, Jun 1 - Jul 31)
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.
For Boxed Lunches: Please make arrangements with reception at least 24 hours in advance.
Selva Verde at Night
COSTA RICA RAINFOREST LODGE
After darkness falls in the Sarapiquí, a whole new world awakens. If you've still got an itch for adventure after dinner, we've got some options for you. Take a flashlight and explore the nocturnal rainforest, study bats at a science station, or learn some Latin dance steps with local community members!
TO RESERVE ACTIVITIES, PLEASE READ BELOW.
Night Hike With Selva Verde Naturalists
Join Selva Verde’s naturalist guides for an exciting exploration of the rainforest at night! Bring your flashlight and search the grounds and surrounding trails for nocturnal wildlife – including tree frogs, leaf mimicking insects, and nocturnal mammals including kinkajous and bats!
Time: 7:00 PM
Duration: 2 hour
Cost: Adults $35, Children 6-11 $17.5, under 5 free
Bat Tour
Did you know there are 113 species of bats in Costa Rica? Get to know the world of this important and often misunderstood mammal with a lecture on the lives and natural history of bats, followed by safe, close up observation of captured specimens. Learn about research methods while visiting the netting station where you will learn about the capture process. (Bats are captured and held for only two hours, and care is taken for their well being).
Time: 7:30
Duration: 1 ½ hours
Cost: Adult: $35 Children (6-11 Years) $22
Transportation: $60 round trip (1-4 passengers)
Latin Dance Class
Dancing is the soul of Latin America! If you have ever wanted to learn Latin dancing then this is the class for you! Merengue, Salsa, and Cumbia dancing styles are all lead by local dance instructors, step by step. You will practice with a partner and everyone can take turns showing off their new dance moves. This activity is great fun, perfect for families and friends, and for groups to kick off or end a tour.
Time: 7:oo or 7:30 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: Request price and availability at the frontdesk
25 person maximum per class
HOW TO PLAN YOUR ACTIVITIES
It is always best to make advance reservations for all of our activities! Most activities may be booked at Selva Verde reception with 24 hours notice. Please make advanced reservations during the high season by CONTACTING US before your visit.
Green Season (May 1 - 31st, Aug 1 - Dec 14th)
High Season (Dec 15 - Apr 30, Jun 1 - Jul 31)
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.
For Boxed Lunches: Please make arrangements with reception at least 24 hours in advance.
Culture and Community Activities
SELVA VERDE LODGE, COSTA RICA
Selva Verde is located in the heart of Costa Rica's Sarapiquí region, within the small village of Chilamate and close to the town of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí. 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 Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center. We invite you to explore the communities surrounding Selva Verde through our cultural and agro tourism activities.
TO RESERVE ACTIVITIES, PLEASE READ BELOW.
Selva Verde Activities
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.
Time: 8.00 AM, 10.00 AM, 1.30 PM, 3.00 PM
Duration: 2 1/2 hours
Cost: Adults $36, Children $24
Transportation: $45 round trip (1-4 passengers)
Horseback Riding
No experience is necessary for this relaxed ride through the forests and fields surrounding Selva Verde. Spot a variety of wildlife and enjoy the cultural landscape of the Sarapiquí. The ride is accompanied by a bilingual guide.
Time: 9.00 AM, 11.00 AM and 2.00 PM
Duration: 2 ½ hours
Cost: $40 per person
Transportation: included
The Sarapiquí 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
The Sarapiquí 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 Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center to link visitors interested in volunteering their time with projects where their assistance is needed.
Note: Projects must be arranged and scheduled 2 weeks in advance.
Time: Half day - 2 to 3 hours / Full day - 4 to 5 hours
Cost: Request price and availability at the frontdesk
Transportation: not included - cost determined by location of service project
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: Morning and Afternoons
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: Request price and availability at the frontdesk
Transportation: not included - cost determined by school location
Costa Rican Cooking Classes
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: Request price and availability at the frontdesk
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! Most activities may be booked at Selva Verde reception with 24 hours notice. Please make advanced reservations during the high season by CONTACTING US before your visit.
Green Season (May 1 - 31st, Aug 1 - Dec 14th)
High Season (Dec 15 - Apr 30, Jun 1 - Jul 31)
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. For Boxed Lunches: Please make arrangements with reception at least 24 hours in advance.
Environmental Education Programs
SELVA VERDE LODGE, COSTA RICA
Our rainforest reserve and accommodations are the ideal base camp for educational field programs in ecology, conservation, community development, and culture. In partnership with the SARAPIQUÍ CONSERVATION LEARNING CENTER , we can help you design a course to meet the academic needs of your student or teacher group. "El Centro Natural de Selva Verde" is your nature center, classroom, and laboratory!
A Variety of Programs
Choose a fully developed Selva Verde Field Course or create a custom program. Either way, your students will have opportunities to explore, discover, imagine, and wonder. Our field based programs include:
To book your El Centro Natural de Selva Verde Field Course, please CONTACT US for details.
Migratory Season of Birds of Prey: A Privately Guided Sarapiquí Experience
Experience a bird-focused adventure. Join us this migration season to enjoy one of the largest movements of the year, where you can observe birds such as the Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus), Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni), and Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura). This package is designed for you to enjoy both migratory birds as well as the endemic and native species that are abundant in the country. Costa Rica is home to over 900 species, with Sarapiquí hosting approximately 515 of them.
FROM THE BLOG ( VIEW ALL )
Velvet Worm Sighting in Selva Verde Lodge!
The night of September 9, 2022, during a night hike, our guide Randy Alvarado managed to spot in the primary forest of Selva Verde Lodge a species that is exceptionally hard to find in Costa Rica, a velvet worm (Onicóforo in Spanish). This is one of the oldest living beings in evolutionary terms, as it is known they exist since the Cambrian Period, more than 515 million years ago.
NEWS ( View All )
Migratory Season of Birds of Prey: A Privately Guided Sarapiquí Experience
Experience a bird-focused adventure. Join us this migration season to enjoy one of the largest movements of the year, where you can observe birds such as the Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus), Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni), and Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura). This package is designed for you to enjoy both migratory birds as well as the endemic and native species that are abundant in the country. Costa Rica is home to over 900 species, with Sarapiquí hosting approximately 515 of them.
OUR STORY
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