The Rough Guide to Costa Rica (Travel Guide eBook) by Rough Guides

Author:Rough Guides
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Travel, Costa Rica
Publisher: Apa Publications
Published: 2022-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Tours and activities

Selva Verde’s expanse offers an excellent variety of walks along well-marked trails through primary and secondary forest, riverside, swamps and pastureland. The guided walks (daily 9am & 2pm; 2hr; charge) through the denser section of premontane forest across the Río Sarapiquí are a must – the informative guides are top-notch and can make uncannily authentic bird calls to get the attention of trogons and toucans as well as pointing out poison-dart frogs, primitive ferns and complex lianas. You can take an early-morning (daily 6am; 2hr) or night (daily 7pm; 2hr) version of the guided walk, as well, plus a guided hike on the Almendro Trail to spot green macaws (daily, if there is sufficient demand; 4hr). There is also a self-guided walk in the section of secondary rainforest across the road from the lodge – ask for a map at the reception – which is explored in greater detail on one of the birdwatching tours (ask at the reception for details). Staff at the reserve’s lodge can also organize whitewater rafting, horseriding and boat trips on the Río Sarapiquí (daily 9am & 2pm; 2hr) for guests.

Selva Verde is heavily involved in the local community and is home to the nonprofit Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (http://learningcentercostarica.org), which can arrange visits to local communities and schools (daily, if there is sufficient demand; 2hr), as well as tree-planting activities (daily if there is sufficient demand; 2hr), cooking classes (daily 2pm, if there is sufficient demand; 1hr 30min) and Latin dance classes (daily 7/7.30pm, if there is sufficient demand; 1hr).

Arrival and departure Selva Verde

By bus Buses (hourly; around 20min) running westwards from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí to La Virgen can drop you at the entrance to Selva Verde.

By taxi Taxis are available from Puerto Viejo; the lodge can arrange transport from most parts of Costa Rica.

By car Selva Verde is signed off the road near the village of Chilamate, which is 8km west of Puerto Viejo and 9km east of La Virgen.

Accommodation see map page 205

All accommodation in the reserve is part of the Selva Verde Lodge complex.

Bungalows Selva Verde Lodge; http://selvaverde.com. A scenic 10–15min walk from the reception, these secluded bungalows (sleeping up to four) are the most comfortable accommodation option at the lodge, with a/c, private bathrooms, tea/coffee-making facilities, and screened balconies. The rates here include breakfast; full board options are also possible. $$$$

River Lodge Selva Verde Lodge; http://selvaverde.com. The comfortable a/c en suites at the River Lodge, from which the Sarapiquí’s gentle gurglings can be heard, are connected to each other by a walkway and have dark-wood floorboards contrasting with bright walls. The rates here include breakfast; full board options are also possible. $$$$

Eating see map page 205

La Terrazza Selva Verde Lodge; http://selvaverde.com. The best restaurant in the region, La Terrazza overlooks the Río Sarapiquí, with an Italian-influenced menu that includes home-made pasta, fresh fish and a wide range of pizzas and calzones baked to perfection in the wood-fired oven. Daily 6–10pm. $$

La Virgen and around

Lying on a bend in the Río

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