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+506-4081-0362 Costa Rica & other countries

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 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.  

 

Explore Selva Verde

MORE than a lodge, a center for learning

Selva Verde offers unparalleled opportunities for close encounters with nature, exciting adventure activities, and comfortable rainforest accommodations. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is committed to providing an exciting and enriching experience for every guest. For international studies, meetings, and educational programs, make Selva Verde your center. We invite you to explore Selva Verde!

 

conference room 1 300x200Main Confrerence RoomCONFERENCE CENTER

Just 2 hours from San José, Selva Verde Lodge offers the amenities of an education and conference center in the heart of a rainforest reserve. The lodge offers total occupancy of 120-140 guests dependent on room configuration, and a variety of room types – from climate-controlled rooms to private bungalows, situated on the forest edge or adjacent to the Sarapiquí River. The lodge is equipped with ample conference rooms and Wi-Fi. Selva Verde Lodge, in conjunction with Holbrook Travel, offers full-service event management, hosting up to 200 participants for formal presentations and workshops.

 

 

Learning 300x200Selva Verde is equipped with AV, audio and Wi-Fi.EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Selva Verde’s private reserve is the ideal basecamp for educational field programs in ecology, conservation, community development, and culture. An ideal control site for graduate, undergraduate, or advanced high school studies, the site is equipped with classrooms, dormitory accommodation, Wi-Fi, and a basic wet lab facility, offering an ideal backdrop for annual student studies in a variety of research applications. In conjunction with the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center, an on-site educational non-profit organization, we can help you design a course to meet the academic needs of your group.

 

 

ecology60Selva Verde surroundings are a natural classrom, plus nearby parks and activities support learning. ECOLOGY OF SELVA VERDE

Selva Verde's 500 acre Sarapiquí Rainforest Preservation Area provides habitat for a wide variety of birds, animals, reptiles, insects, and plants. Eco tourism enthusiasts will discover great wildlife viewing and other rainforest adventures, such as white water rafting, canopy zip lining and hiking, in our reserve and in the Sarapiquí region. Costa Rica has protected more than 2.7 million acres of microclimates with 75 national parks and reserves. Many of these parks, gardens, waterfalls, volcanoes, caves, birding and wildlife habitats are located close to Selva Verde's Costa Rica eco lodge.

 

 

 SCLCSCLC headquartersSCLC - SARAPIQUÍ CONSERVATION LEARNING CENTER

The Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) was founded in 1993 by the Holbrook family and Selva Verde Lodge, the SARAPIQUÍ CONSERVATION LEARNING CENTER (SCLC) is today a fully independent US and Costa Rica registered non-profit organization. The SCLC’s mission is to link communities and conservation through education and ecotourism in the Sarapiquí region of Costa Rica’s northern lowlands. The SCLC offers community programs such as English classes, computer literacy, environmental education and after-school activities.

 

About Selva Verde Lodge

A Costa Rica Rainforest Lodge

Eco Tourism Lodge

  • selvaverde images 026We are what we believe.
  • We preserve because we believe in nature.
  • We teach because we believe in sharing.
  • We are sustainable because we believe in the future.
  • This is the reason for Selva Verde.
  • The everlasting green rainforest

 

 The Selva Verde Story:

Selva Verde's story begins with Giovanna Holbrook and her mission to preserve a patch of Costa Rican rainforest. Once on the verge of destruction, Selva Verde protects nearly 500 acres of tropical forest and is home to one of Costa Rica's premier eco-lodges. Read more...

 

Selva Verde's Nature is Legendary:

Howler monkeys, red-eyed tree frogs, mot-mots, and kinkajous are just a few of the creatures that call Selva Verde home! The Selva Verde Nature Reserve is refuge to 300+ species of birds, 120 species of mammals, numerous amphibians and reptiles, and countless invertebrates. Selva Verde has earned its reputation as the most accessible rainforest in Costa Rica. Come and experience our abundant biodiversity!

 

Experience Selva Verde:

Do more! Learn more! Be our guest in this magical world. Explore our rainforest, discover our wildlife, raft on our river, and relax in our hammocks. Selva Verde offers visitors unparalleled opportunities for close encounters with nature, exciting adventure activities, and comfortable rainforest accommodations.

Find out more about Selva Verde's ...

Activities: Explore Selva Verde's wild side

Facilities: Discover our Lodge and Grounds

 

A Sustainable Future for Selva Verde:

Selva Verde – the everlasting green forest. What started out as an effort to protect a patch of rainforest has evolved into a vision for a sustainable future – not only for Selva Verde, but also for the people and wildlife that call it home. As a pioneer in the field of ecotourism, Selva Verde continues that tradition through our sustainability initiatives and partnerships. Find out more...

 

What Do Others Say About Selva Verde? View our Guest Book.

 

Selva Verde Photo Gallery

Costa Rica, Central America

 

Gallery Sections

Lodge | Activities | Accommodations | Wildlife | Insects | Birds | Rainforest | Our Story

 

Lodge

 

 

Activities

Gallery Activities

 

 

 

Accommodations

 

 

Wildlife

 

 

 

Insects

Gallery Insects

 

 

 

Birds

Gallery Birds

 

 

Rainforest

Gallery Rainforest

 

 

Ecology of Selva Verde

COSTA RICA ECO TOURISM HEADQUARTERS


Selva Verde's 500 acre Sarapiquí Rainforest Preservation Area provides habitat for a wide variety of birds, animals, reptiles, insects, and plants. Eco tourism enthusiasts will discover great wildlife viewing and other rainforest adventures, such as white water rafting, canopy zip lining and hiking, in our reserve and in the Sarapiquí region.

 

Selva Verde LodgeElevated wood corridor, Selva Verde LodgeThe Ecology of Costa Rica and the Region

Costa Rica has protected more than 2.7 million acres of microclimates with 75 national parks and reserves. Many of these parks, gardens, waterfalls, volcanoes, caves, birding and wildlife habitats are located close to Selva Verde's Costa Rica eco lodge. 

Day trips to the Braulio Carrillo National Park, the Arenal and Poas Volcanoes, and countless other attractions can be arranged as day trips from the lodge. Selva Verde Lodge's van and driver or another qualified transportation providers make this easy to arrange. Selva Verde is also one of the established sites on the new Costa Rican Bird Route. The route is the first of its kind in Central America and allows birders access to primary rainforest and excellent bird watching programs in the San Juan-La Selva Biological Corridor.

The Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center, funded by community rural tourism activities, offers cultural exchanges with local people through cultural activities home stays, activities, service projects and more.

Explore Our Outdoor Classroom Further:

The Jungles of Selva Verde
The Plants of Selva Verde
Biological Corridors of Selva Verde
Bird Routes of Selva Verde

 

 

Nature Discovery Activities

SELVA VERDE LODGE, COSTA RICA

Explore the natural splendors of the Sarapiquí 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 Sarapiquí 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.


 TO RESERVE ACTIVITIES, PLEASE READ BELOW.

 

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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

 

 

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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

 

 

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View the embedded image gallery online at:
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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: Adults $44 per person, Children 6-11 $25, under 5 free

Transportation: $55 (1-4 passengers)

 

 

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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. Some trails are accessible for the physically challenged.

Short walk Tours:
Time: 8 AM or 1:30 PM
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: Adults - $44/Children (5-11) - $34
Transportation: $55 (1-4 passengers)

Long walk Tours:
Time: 8 AM
Duration: 6 hours
Costs: Adults - $54/Children (5-11) - $39
Transportation: $65 round trip (1-4 passengers)

 

 

Day Trip Adventures:

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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: Since Arenal Volcano is National Park, each person is required to pay the park entrance fee. Also the entrance fee to La Fortuna Waterfall. 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 $170/day
Transportation: $220 (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.


 

 

Wildlife Checklists for Selva Verde

Birdwatching List

Fauna List 

 

  1. Active Adventures
  2. Family Activities
  3. Culture & Community
  4. Selva Verde at Night

News

Featured Story view all

GBD2022-1Migratory 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.

 

READ MORE...

 

 

 

FROM THE BLOG ( VIEW ALL )

SVLvelvetwormVelvet 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 )

GBD2022-1Migratory 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.

 

READ MORE...

 

 

 

   OUR STORY

holbrooks 1982 ourstory idx

The Selva Verde Story

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.

READ MORE ...