Selva Verde Lodge

Selva Verde Lodge & Reserve is a renowned birding and photography destination located in the heart of Costa Rica’s lowland Caribbean rainforest in Sarapiquí. Spanning more than 500 acres of protected primary and secondary rainforest, this eco-lodge offers exceptional access to one of the country’s richest birding regions. Visitors can expect to encounter a remarkable…

Selva Verde Lodge

What to Expect During Your Stay at the Selva Verde Lodge...

Rooms and Amenities

Riverfront and rainforest-view rooms, plus standalone bungalows, all with private bathrooms, hot water, ceiling fans, and balconies or verandas. The restaurant offers Costa Rican and international dishes, with vegetarian and special diets accommodated on request. Wi-Fi is available in common areas.

Birding on the Property

An extensive network of private trails passes through primary and secondary forest, with hanging bridges for canopy views. Fruit feeders draw tanagers, honeycreepers, and oropendolas, while the river edge is prime for kingfishers and herons. Local guides are available for early-morning birding walks.

Other Activities Available

Night walks, guided riverboat tours, whitewater rafting, and visits to nearby reserves such as La Selva Biological Station and Tirimbina.

Selva Verde Lodge

Travel & Logistics

  1. Conservation Initiatives

    A leader in conservation for decades, Selva Verde protects large tracts of primary forest, restores degraded areas, and supports environmental education programs in local schools.

  2. How to Get There

    Located just outside Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, about 2 hours from San José via paved roads—making it a convenient first or last stop on a Caribbean lowlands itinerary.

  3. Seasonal Notes

    Birding is productive year-round, with excellent opportunities for both resident and migratory species. August–November is slightly drier, offering ideal light for photography.

  4. Best Times to Visit

    Any time of year, with August–November bringing slightly less rain and prime conditions for birding and photography.

A Few More Notes on Selva Verde Lodge

Selva Verde Lodge & Reserve is a renowned birding and photography destination located in the heart of Costa Rica’s lowland Caribbean rainforest in Sarapiquí. Spanning more than 500 acres of protected primary and secondary rainforest, this eco-lodge offers exceptional access to one of the country’s richest birding regions. Visitors can expect to encounter a remarkable diversity of birdlife right on the property, from iconic species like Keel-billed Toucans, Collared Aracaris, and Montezuma Oropendolas to sought-after targets such as Sunbitterns and Tinamous. With excellent bird activity throughout the day, the lodge’s open-air dining area, feeders, and fruiting trees provide ideal opportunities to observe and photograph birds at close range. For those wanting a deeper immersion, guided birding walks along Selva Verde’s extensive trail network and the banks of the Sarapiquí River offer even more chances to spot rare and elusive species.

In addition to its outstanding wildlife offerings, Selva Verde provides a comfortable and eco-conscious stay. Guests enjoy amenities including a swimming pool, a lounge area, free Wi-Fi in common spaces, and a hanging bridge leading into the rainforest. The on-site gift shop features field guides, nature-themed souvenirs, and locally crafted items. Selva Verde is committed to sustainability, with eco-friendly operations that support conservation and community engagement.

Accommodations range from River Lodge Rooms with ceiling fans near the river, to standard Sarapiquí Rooms (some with air conditioning), to Bungalow Rooms across the road that offer a quieter setting and air conditioning. Whether you’re an avid birder, nature photographer, or simply a traveler seeking a peaceful rainforest retreat, Selva Verde Lodge offers the perfect base to explore the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands.

Selva Verde Lodge

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