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.
Birding Activities
SELVA VERDE LODGE, COSTA RICA
Keel-billed Toucans, Great Green Macaws, Wood Thrushes, Grey-necked Wood Rails, Sun bitterns and Violet Crowned Woodnymphs are just a few of the birds that inhabit the Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve. For decades, Selva Verde has been a birding hotspot - captivating beginner and expert alike.
TO RESERVE ACTIVITIES, PLEASE READ BELOW.
Early Morning Bird Walks 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 am
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: Adults $45, Children 6-11 $22.5, under 5 free
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: 9:00 am / 2:00 pm
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: Adults $35, Children 6-11 $17.5, under 5 free
Birding Packages
Selva Verde offers day trips as well as multi night packages featuring Bird Route Sites and Sarapiquí birding Hotspots. Let us take care of the details while you focus on the birds. View birding packages.
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.
Area Attractions
Costa Rica Adventure
Let Selva Verde Lodge be your Sarapiquí area headquarters. We can help you arrange day trips to these nearby Costa Rican riches.
La Selva Biological Station
A living laboratory, adjacent to the Braulio Carrillo National Park, La Selva occupies over 3,500 acres of virgin rainforest. Twice daily guided hikes open the door to a rarely seen ecosystem where 1,000 types of trees, 420 bird species, and two-thirds of the nation's mammals thrive.
Adult Rate: $28.00
Child Rate: $20.00 from 5-12 years
Transportation: $30.00
Arenal Volcano and National Park
The typical cone shaped volcano in Arenal is the centerpiece of the National Park. Explore second growth rainforest on lava-encrusted trails to witness the power of the volcano, the tenacity of nature, and magnificence of Arenal Lake.
Adult & Child Rate: $125.00
Venado Caves
Only the brave at heart dare enter the murky depths of Venado Caverns in an hour and a half long spelunking tour. Once submerged below the ocean's surface, the cave's chambers are made of calcium and lime deposits embedded with ancient marine fossils. During most of the year, a stream of runoff water creates an adventurous and wet trail from beginning to end.
Adult & Child Rate: $15.00
Transportation: $180.00
La Virgen de Socorro
Well off the beaten path, La Virgen de Socorro offers the best to bird and butterfly enthusiasts seeking tropical species of limited distribution. This relaxing hike is an easy way to enjoy the beautiful countryside while spotting riparian and mid-elevation species near Volcan Barva on the western edge of Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Full Day with Private Guide & Transportation: $170.00
1-4 passengers from 6:00am - 5:00pm
(Transfer $70.00 Guide $100.00)
*Please keep in mind that the private birding guide is $100 net for a ½ day or full day
Poás Volcano and National Park
Located a short 40-minute drive north of San Jose, a beautiful cloud forest opens to the scenic lookout over Laguna Botos, the cerulean-colored lake perched in the crater of Poas Volcano. This easily accessible volcano offers safe and close vantages of volcanic activity surrounded by rainforest in various stages of regrowth.
Adult & Child Rate: $7.00
Transportation: $90.00
La Fortuna Waterfall
Hike nearly 230 feet down a steep mountain trail to the bottom of the falls and enjoy a riverside picnic or swim in the refreshing waters at the base of La Fortuna waterfall. For added excitement, enjoy the scenic countryside on horseback to the park entrance.
Adult & Child Rate: $125.00
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Stunning waterfalls connected by well-groomed nature trails are the highlight of these beautiful gardens. Other attractions include a Butterfly Observatory and Hummingbird Gardens where 24 species of these diminutive avifauna can be seen.
Adult Rate: $25.00 (with lunch $37.00)
Child (5-12 yrs) Rate: $ 15.00 (with lunch $21.00)
Transportation: $75.00 round trip
Additional Day Trips
$7.00 per person
Groups of 1 to 15 people pay $100.00, after 15 additional people pay $7.00 per person
Transportation- $ 60.00
No entrance fee
Adult Rate: $15.00
Child Rate: $10.00 CH from 5 to 12 Years
Transportation: $15.00
Duration 2 hours
$15.00 per person
Transportation roundtrip $10.00
$17.00 per person
Transportation: $15.00
Duration 2 hours
Adult Rate: $6.00
Child Rate (from 4-12 years): $4.00
Duration 1 hour
Passport & Visa Information
Costa Rica trip
All international guests
Adults and children need a passport to visit Costa Rica. It is recommended and often required that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your departure date.
For U.S. guests
We recommend the following resources to help you obtain the documents you'll need:
Passport Application: Instructions on how and where to apply or print passport applications.
For other international guests
Contact your government officials for passport information.
Will you need a visa?
Please contact the nearest Costa Rican embassy for details.
Packing Hints
Costa Rica Travel
Here is a list of items that our visitors have found helpful for travelling in Costa Rica.
Remember, experienced travelers pack light and fast drying clothing is highly recommended!
Accessories
Clothing
Health & Safety Information
Costa Rica Rainforest Information
We do no recommend any special precautions for visitors with respect to tropical diseases. Naturally, the rainforest environment requires caution, walking the trails to avoid any dangerous encounters with wildlife. For this reason, we always recommend walking with a naturalist guide.
Mosquito borne illnesses such as malaria have never been an issue for any guest or staff at Selva Verde. Dengue fever is rare and the best prevention is to apply insect repellent and avoid hours of peak mosquito activity. If you have any further questions regarding health or safety information, please do not hesitate to ask your reservations specialist and feel free to review the resources below.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
CDC recommendations for medical preparation and current health alerts.
Learn how to avoid or treat common travel maladies before you go.
US State Dept. Travel Warnings
A current listing of US State Department travel warnings.
Costa Rican International Herpetological Symposium is back in its Fifth edition
After five years of obligatory absence, the Costa Rican International Herpetological Symposium is back in its Fifth edition.
Costa Rica is home to 5% of the planet's biodiversity. Though small in geographic area, Costa Rica has one of the highest densities of herpetofauna in the world with more than 440 species of reptiles and amphibians. The Symposium will feature presentations and workshops about conservation and herpetology by organizations and individuals. Come and learn about new findings and research from all over the Americas and beyond, or see how you can share your own work with conference participants and other interested people.
This is the 5th herpetological symposium at Selva Verde Lodge since they began in 2013. Read more...
Get your Registration Form here...
Regresa el Simposio Internacional de Herpetología de Costa Rica en su Quinta edición...
Obtenga su Formulario de Registro acá...
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 )
Costa Rican International Herpetological Symposium is back in its Fifth edition
After five years of obligatory absence, the Costa Rican International Herpetological Symposium is back in its Fifth edition.
Costa Rica is home to 5% of the planet's biodiversity. Though small in geographic area, Costa Rica has one of the highest densities of herpetofauna in the world with more than 440 species of reptiles and amphibians. The Symposium will feature presentations and workshops about conservation and herpetology by organizations and individuals. Come and learn about new findings and research from all over the Americas and beyond, or see how you can share your own work with conference participants and other interested people.
This is the 5th herpetological symposium at Selva Verde Lodge since they began in 2013. Read more...
Get your Registration Form here...
Regresa el Simposio Internacional de Herpetología de Costa Rica en su Quinta edición...
Obtenga su Formulario de Registro acá...
OUR STORY
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