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.
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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)
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
