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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.
History of Costa Rica
Costa Rica Eco Travel
It is good to know a little bit about its history before your trip to Costa Rica, so here is a brief history of this peaceful country.
Christopher Columbus, on his fourth voyage to the New World, landed at Puerto Limon in 1502. But because the region lacked significant resources, it escaped the ravages of the Conquistadors.
Costa Rica also avoided the semi-feudal system that so many other Central American countries suffered. Few Indians survived and most of the European settlers worked their own land creating a middle class.
In 1821, Costa Rica declared independence from Spain. They joined the Mexican Empire then the Central American Federation before its dissolution in 1838.
The country experienced several periods of internal strife, most notably in 1919 and 1948. But Costa Rica’s history has mostly been peaceful and its politics democratic, unlike many of its neighbors.
Modern Political History of Costa Rica
The Republic of Costa Rica has had democratically elected presidents since 1949 and is one of the oldest democracies in Latin America. The Executive Power is exercised by the President. The constitution prohibits any army and to maintain peace and order the Civil Guard serves as a police force.
In 1983, Costa Rica proclaimed a formal state of neutrality in world affairs. Oscar Arias Sanchez, who was elected Costa Rica’s president in 1986, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his efforts to bring peace to war torn Central America.
Historical Influences of Costa Rica
The population is largely of Spanish descent and there are fewer mestizos here than in other Central American countries. About 60% of the population lives in rural areas, mostly on small farms.
On your trip to Costa Rica, you will see that the predominant influence is European, reflected in everything from language, Spanish, to its churches and architecture. However, the indigenous influence can still be found in everything from the typical Costa Rican meals to its art and pottery.
Drive Time & Distance
Costa Rica Rainforest Destination
Located in central Costa Rica, Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve is the ideal starting point for any number of adventures! The table below shows approximate drive times and distances to popular destinations in Costa Rica.
| Destination | Duration | Distance (Miles) |
| To Arenal | 1:30 hours | 49.09 |
| To Atenas | 3:30 hours | 64 |
| To Bajos del Toro/ Bosque de Paz | 1:00 hour | |
| To Caño Blanco | 2:00 hours | |
| To Caño Negro | 4:00 hours | |
| To Cahuita | 3:30 hours | 104.4 |
| To Cerro de la Muerte | 3:00 hours | |
| To Dominical | 6:00 hours | 149.76 |
| To Guapiles | 40 minutes | 35.42 |
| To Golfito | 7:00 hours | 244.21 |
| To Jaco | 4:00 hours | 111.23 |
| To La Fortuna | 1:30 hours | 46.61 |
| To Liberia | 6:00 hours | 169.02 |
| To Limón | 77.05 | |
| To Manuel Antonio | 6:00 hours | 172.13 |
| To Manzanillo | 2:30 hours | |
| to Monteverde | 5:30 hours | 144.79 |
| To Montezuma | 6:30 hours | 162.19 |
| To Naranjo | 2:00 hours | |
| To Nuevo Arenal | 2:00 hours | |
| To Puerto Viejo | 3:30 hours | |
| To Puntarenas | 4:00 hours | 105.64 |
| To Rincon de la Vieja | 5:30 hours | 259.75 |
| To San José | 2:00 hours | 41.63 |
| To San Ramón | 2:30 hours | |
| To Siquirres | 2:00 hours | |
| To San Vito-Las Cruces | 8:00 hours | 206.3 |
| To Tamarindo Area | 6:30 hours | 208.79 |
| To Turrialba | 2:00 hours |
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Contact Information
If you need to contact us, please, use our e-mail or whatsapp number.
Due to weather conditions our phone lines are not working .
We apologize for this situation . King regards, Gabriel Gonzalez
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Holbrook Family of Services
WORLDWIDE LEADER IN ECO-TRAVEL
Our mission is to facilitate a true connection between our travelers and our destinations. Since 1974, we’ve taken thousands of travelers on expeditions across Latin America, Africa, and destinations beyond. We combine reliable travel support with deep knowledge to create enriching travel experiences that last a lifetime.
About Holbrook Travel
Holbrook Travel has been enriching lives through travel since 1974. The Holbrook story began when founder Giovanna Holbrook led a group of academics and naturalists to the Galápagos Islands. Building on its expertise in natural history, the company continued to provide affordable educational programs for groups and individuals around the world. In 1982, during an ornithological field study in Costa Rica, Giovanna learned of a 500-acre tract of old growth forest that was destined for the chainsaw. She purchased the land and renovated its old house to become the Selva Verde Rainforest Lodge & Reserve. See Our Story.
Spurred by memories of her pioneering voyage to the Galápagos, a lifelong love of travel, and close ties to the local academic community, Giovanna embarked on a mission to design travel programs that were both educational and affordable. Her tireless efforts led to the founding of Holbrook Travel a few years later in 1974. As the company matured throughout the years, it built relationships with a variety of organizations throughout the U.S. and overseas and increased its destinations and program offerings.
Today Holbrook Travel is a leading tour operator founded on the principles of sustainable tourism. This practice guides all of Holbrook’s trips in Latin America, Africa, Asia, the Pacific and beyond. Holbrook offers unique itineraries based on natural history, culture, birding, gardening, photography, culture, and other special interests. Holbrook continues to serve the needs of teachers, students, academic institutions, conservation organizations, and nature lovers. In the words of Andrea Holbrook, president: “Our goal is to continue the great work my mother started.”
Visit Holbrook Travel website
Featured Story 
Migratory 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.
FROM THE BLOG ( VIEW ALL )
Velvet 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 )
Migratory 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.
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OUR STORY
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CONTACT
+1-833-344-5835 USA From US and Canada Guests
+506-4081-0362 From Costa Rica & other countries
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