How can I describe the lush rainforest in the northern plains of Costa Rica? Think Rain Forest Cafe. Only massive. And real. Costa Rica means “coast of riches” and it’s easy to see why the Spaniards give this flowering jungle such an appropriate name. Our brief journey brought us a rich, memorable and inspiring ecological as well as cultural experience.

Selva Verde Lodge -- A Rainforest Paradise
We spent several days at the Selva Verde Lodge and Rainforest Reserve -- located in the midst of the 500-acre Sarapiqui Rainforest Preservation Area. A haven for nature enthusiasts, bird and wildlife watchers and students, this eco-lodge offered a host of activities as well as gave me new insights into ecological living and my own recycling efforts. From fascinating hikes in the rainforest by knowledgeable guides to plantation tours to standing in awe of an active volcano at Arenal, Selva Verde served as our headquarters for a fun-filled, eco adventure.
The Sarapiqui rainforest provides habitat for over 300 bird species as well as thousands of plants, trees and animals. It’s also home to the Costa Rican Bird Route with Selva Verde as one of the established sites on the route. Committed to conservation, Selva Verde carries and supports the Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program, which ranks tourism businesses on how well they comply with natural, cultural and social resource management.

After crossing the hanging bridge at the lodge, our guide pointed out howler monkeys (I could certainly hear them at night), Keel-billed Toucans, and an unusual green and black spotted frog. When I mentioned to our guide that I thought the frog was too bright for effective camouflage, he told me not to worry...the Green Poison Dart frog was one poisonous amphibian!
Blending in with the environment
The structures of the Selva Verde Lodge are built on elevated platforms. Covered walkways allowed us to stroll through the lodge’s rainforest observing wildlife and butterflies, without getting wet.

Dining at Selva Verde is set in a cafe by the river where we watched the Sarapiqui River meander along. I loved the fresh pineapple and mango served every morning with a delicious buffet at all meals. The informal dining gave me a chance to chat with the young families and it was most gratifying to see them actively participate in the eco-programs.

What I liked about the lodge was its close proximity to the activities. The chocolate, pineapple and coffee plantation tours, wildlife boat ride, kayaking, rafting, horseback riding and zip lining were all 15 - 20 minutes away, even by “Tico” (native Costa Rican) time. Selva Verde can also arrange for excursions to the Braulio Carrillo National Park, Arenal and Poas Volcanoes as well as the Heliconia Island Botanical Gardens.

Whitewater rafting down the Sarapiqui River - Exhilarating!

The rapids were Class III - IV, a little more brutal than my liking. But they offered a good combination of challenging rapids with calmer stretches, so we could sit back and enjoy the magnificent scenery. Wait, was that a snowy egret? Our expert guide ranked the rapids as we approached, so we knew what to expect. And he guided us safely through the rapids without a spill, pointing out a two-toed sloth, tiger heron and iguanas as we passed.

Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center - Connecting tourists to the local community

Andrew Rothman, Director of the SCLC told me Costa Rica was a pioneer in developing the term -- ecotourism. On the grounds of the lodge, the SCLC works with groups of high school and college students as well as families. Programs like cooking classes teach groups how to make guacamole, learn salsa dancing and jewelry making as well as enjoy “hands on” activities with the community. An overnight stay with a local family can also be arranged, providing a first-hand look at traditional life. “Students have a chance to help build a community center or paint a school. They help with re-forestation efforts and get to understand how the people live, an experience that stays with them forever,” Andrew said. “We need to influence the next generation to take action for conservation and ecological efforts. It all starts with programs like these.”

Incorporating the 3 R’s

Yes, it poured, mostly at night. Even if it did rain during the day, it didn’t stop our treks. But listening to the pounding rain at night, along with the sounds of “caw, caw, caw,” I felt like I was a million miles away. I came home loaded down with packs of Costa Rican coffee gifts and more committed than ever to the three R’s -- reduce, reuse and recycle. Now that’s what I call inspiring!

For more information about Selva Verde Lodge, call (800) 451-7111 or visit www.selva verde.com.


SIDEBARS:

Picking the right pineapple

The Corsicana Farm Pineapple Tour is a must-do. I learned that the pineapple was given to kings as a gift of welcome. Better yet, I learned how to pick the best pineapple. Choose one that’s green, with a hard shell and you can hold the top by the stems. If it doesn’t meet these criteria, find another one. Take note: pineapple is ripe the moment it’s picked. So when you bring it home, either enjoy it right away or store in the fridge.