READING TIME, 8 MINUTES
Deep within Costa Rica's lush Sarapiquí region is the Selva Verde Lodge and Reserve—a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike. We were just there and in this Selva Verde Lodge and Reserve review, you'll be invited to connect with nature and rejuvenate your spirit.
We just spent three incredible days at the Selva Verde Lodge & Reserve as part of a Road Scholar Photography Trip. Our short stay barely scratched the surface of what this lush area has to offer.
If you’re looking for an affordable retreat in nature where you can experience a tropical rainforest, then Selva Verde is a must-visit.
Birdwatchers will find paradise here, where over 365 species of local and migratory birds have been spotted. At the same time, photographers will enjoy capturing moments with monkeys, mot-mots, toucans, poison dart frogs, tree frogs, and countless insects.
If you're looking for a more leisurely experience, you can relax by the outdoor swimming pool or stroll through the forest to fully immerse yourself in the sounds and scents of this fascinating part of the world.
The Visionary Behind Selva Verde
Selva Verde's story began in 1982 when Giovanna Holbrook, a pioneer in ecotourism, stumbled upon this tract of pristine rainforest.
Faced with the threat of logging and agricultural development, she took a bold step to preserve this natural wonder of untouched rainforest.
Through years of dedication, Giovanna continued turning Selva Verde into a world-renowned eco-lodge that provides sustainable tourism.
Location of Selva Verde Lodge and Reserve
There's no need to travel halfway around the world to find a unique environment to explore. Costa Rica's time zone is just 1-2 hours different from the U.S.'s, so it's the perfect place to have a unique and relaxing experience while escaping jet lag.
The Selva Verde Lodge and Resort is located in Chilamate, near Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí. It's about two hours from the San José airport, and you can rent a car or take various modes of transportation.
What’s in Store for You at Selva Verde Lodge and Reserve
Oh my! There are so many things to do in this 500-acre private rainforest reserve and the surrounding area. I doubt you could do everything in a week.
I think you’ll be impressed with the guides available to help you understand the rainforest. They’re very professional, engaging, and well-educated, and they seem to enjoy bringing their local environment to life for you.
Here are some of the many activities and educational programs you can choose from.
Boat safari
Malcolm and I on our Serapaquí River safari.
You'll definitely want to take advantage of wildlife viewing with a boat safari along the Sarapiquí River.
We saw so many beautiful birds, colorful iguanas, river turtles, howler monkeys, and even an alligator. It was a very relaxing time in a covered boat that kept us out of the direct sun.
Guided nature walk
This is the teeny-tiny poison dart frog.
Join one of the naturalist guides on a leisurely, 2-hour walk through Selva Verde’s private reserve.
A suspension bridge takes you into the old-growth forest, where your guide will identify rainforest plants and animals for you. You'll learn how they live and work together to support the forest and each other.
You’ll see monkeys, birds like mot-mots and toucans, and poison dart frogs (don’t worry, they’re only poison if you eat them.)
Guided night walk
Get ready for an adventure as you explore the rainforest after dark. You'll hear all sorts of unique sounds as your guide points out tree frogs, leaf-mimicking insects, and mammals like kinkajous and bats.
Birdwatching
A gorgeous macaw, just one of the colorful tropical birds in the area.
With over 365 bird species, Selva Verde is a paradise for bird watchers.
From 6-8 each morning, you can join a naturalist guide to explore the birds on the grounds of Selva Verde. Your guide will have a high-powered spotting scope, but you should bring your own scope or field glasses along. We saw a number of birders with their phones hooked up to their scope to capture photos.
Visit La Selva Biological Station
Just a short distance away, the La Selva Research Station offers tours ranging from 3-6 hours. It's known for its vast biodiversity and groundbreaking research, so La Selva is a must-visit for any nature lover. Accessible trails ensure everyone can explore this extraordinary site.
Expand your horizons with other Selva Verde tours
A glimpse into the lush rainforest
From private hikes and horseback riding to zip-lining and cooking classes, Selva Verde offers lots of other activities. Explore a cacao plantation, tour a serpentarium, or venture further afield to the La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano.
We used to own property near Lake Arenal, and I can assure you it’s a lovely area. If you’re there after dark, you can even see red-hot embers about the size of small Volkswagons rolling down the mountain.
Participate in community service around Selva Verde
The Sarapiquí Region is one of the poorest counties in Costa Rica, with much of the available work being labor on local banana or pineapple plantations.
Selva Verde Lodge and Reserve partners with the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center to link visitors with projects where their assistance is needed. Projects range from two to five hours a day. You just need to give the Lodge two weeks' notice so they can match you with a project.
Did you know that Costa Rica has a nearly 96% literacy rate? If you’re interested in education and learning why their literacy rate is so high, you can spend two hours at a local grammar or high school. You’ll get a guided tour, a presentation, and a question-and-answer session. One-third of your fee will go directly to the school.
Relax and Refuel
Costa Rican food is nutritious and at Selva Verde, it’s also delicious. There's a communal dining room with a buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (Sorry…the food was so tasty, I forgot to take photos for you. 😵💫)
Breakfast includes cereals, juices, yogurt, and fresh fruits like papaya, pineapple, and watermelon. Hot foods always on offer were Gallo Pinto (the local tasty version of beans and rice), scrambled eggs, tortillas, waffles, and sausages.
Lunch and dinner feature a salad station, a hot soup, and a different buffet each day with two main dishes, various sides, and a dessert. I promise you won’t go hungry!
There’s also a restaurant open for dinner, with a varied menu that includes wood-fired calzones, flatbread, and pizza. A bar and lounge overlook the Serapiquí River.
If you’re out for the day, you can order a boxed lunch to take with you.
And, there's also a gift shop with snacks and mementos of your time in Costa Rica.
It was great watching the cheeky capuchin monkeys near Selva Verde. Hang onto your hat!
Accommodations to Suit Every Need
Staying at Selva Verde Lodge and Reserve was nothing short of magical! Our beautiful room was a cool and inviting retreat after a day of exploring. And we enjoyed our wander through the gorgeous botanical gardens as we went to and from the dining area and our various activities.
Rooms prices range from $76 to $263 depending on the season, whether you have double or single occupancy, and whether or not you want meals included.
All rooms have air conditioning and ceiling fans, a real blessing in the tropical heat. They also have a private bathroom and a hair dryer.
Pioneer rooms
These affordable standard rooms offer a cozy stay with one double bed. They provide easy access to the reception area in the main lodge but do come with some road noise as they're next to the main road.
Bungalows
Bungalow accommodations have two double beds.
They’re across the road from the reception area, so they're quiet and private. However, they require a 10- to 15-minute walk through the forest to get to the main lodge and restaurant.
This walk includes going up and down a hill and navigating wide stairs. The lodge will drive your luggage to your room for you, but if you think you might have difficulty with the hill or stairs, bungalows won’t be your best choice.
Sarapiquí rooms
The hammock outside our room where I spent a relaxing time with a book.
We stayed in a Sarapiquí room which was spacious and comfortable. In addition to two double beds, they have a day bed, a desk, chair, and desk lamp.
What else you need to know about the rooms
The only problem I could find with Selva Verde wasn’t really a problem for me, but I want to mention it as a warning for some of you.
Unless you want to wash your hair with the multi-purpose soap that is provided at the sink and in the shower, bring your own shampoo and conditioner. Biodegradable would be best to keep in the spirit of sustainability.
Service animals are OK; pets aren’t permitted.
Concerned About the Language?
No worries if you forgot all your high school Spanish! Their staff speaks fluent English, as does the staff at the airport and the major hotels in San Jose.
What to Pack
Clothing
When you think about what to pack for a tropical rainforest experience in Costa Rica, think casual comfort. You want to bring lightweight, breathable fabrics which you can wash out in your room if it gets hot and steamy.
It’s not called a rainforest for nothing, so you’ll want to bring quick-dry clothes, such as thin, natural fabrics like cotton or linen, or athletic clothes that wick moisture and dry quickly.
You'll want to be prepared with a rain jacket, rain pants or quick-dry pants, waterproof shoes, hiking or tennis shoes, and a second pair of shoes or sandals in case your first pair gets drenched.
And be sure to bring a hat to protect you from the sun!
Other things to pack
- An umbrella or hood on your rain jacket
- Camera, lenses (both long and macro), batteries, chargers, storage cards, a waterproof cover, and a tripod.
- A reusable water bottle
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
- A swimsuit and coverup or sarong
- A backpack or day bag
- Headlight or flashlight
- Compression socks for your flight
- Your prescription medications and other medications and supplements
- A first-aid kit
- Toiletries for a warm climate
- Sunglasses
- A watch or phone with an alarm, or an alarm clock
Final Thoughts on Selva Verde Lodge and Reserve
I can't recommend Selva Verde enough for anyone looking to connect with nature while enjoying tasty food and a comfortable room.
A stay there is more than just a vacation—it's an opportunity to experience the beauty and complexity of a tropical rainforest.
I can’t wait to return!
If you'd like to experience it yourself, you can learn more and reserve your room and activities at the Selve Verde Lodge and Resort.
If you'd like to venture farther afield in Costa Rica, Holbrook Travel can make arrangements for you.
And if you're curious about the photo tour we were on, you can learn about that from Road Scholar.
Bon voyage! 🐒
p.s. If you have recommendations for other places to visit in Costa Rica, please drop them in the comments section below. Thanks!
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