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Phone: (506) 2253 8118
Fax: (506) 2280 0820
Email:reservas@selvabananito.com |
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| ACTIVITIES |
Tours and Activities at Selva Bananito Lodge in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica’s Caribbean region Selva Bananito Lodge & Reserve are a destination and an attraction by themselves. We specialize in nature and adventure tourism, while supporting tangible conservation efforts and initiatives.
Even though, Selva Bananito Lodge & Reserve are to be found a bit “off the beaten track from mainstream tourism”, we are quite accessible and in convenient distance to other attractions located on this pristine, biologically diverse, culturally rich and most authentic part of the country. Our leitmotiv: -- pure nature – untamed adventure – conservation with no frontiers -- is truthful to the experience we offer and the kind of vacation you are looking for.
In addition, a substantial part of our income from the activities described below are donated to our nonprofit foundation, Limon Watershed Foundation (Fundación Cuencas de Limón), which has become a regional leader in watershed, rain forest and wildlife conservation. Your choice in travel makes a difference! We invite you to become an integral part of the conservation effort by supporting responsible nature and adventure travel as exemplified by Selva Bananito Lodge & Reserve.
Selva Bananito borders La Amistad Biosphere Reserve an international conservation area shared by Costa Rica and Panama. La Amistad World Heritage Site is one of the three most important natural corridors for bird migration worldwide. You too can witness a spectacular natural show which is beyond description: the raptor migration in the months of March and April, north bound, and south bound, in the months of October through mid November. Together with thousands of migrating raptors and vultures, many lesser species head north for the summer or return south for the winter months. At Selva Bananito Lodge birding or bird watching will be a memorable experience, both, for the seasoned ornithologists, as well as the not so experienced bird watching enthusiasts.
At Selva Bananito Lodge & Reserve you can venture into the jungle exploring a truly natural primary forest, enjoying our guided natural history hike or the more demanding trek to the Morpho waterfalls, located deep in our reserve. Or, if you prefer, you can ascend into the canopy of giant trees. You can explore the different layers of the tropical humid rain forest and enjoy not only, breathtaking views, but also intimate and close encounters with the flora and fauna which exists at 135 feet above the forest floor. You can reach the canopy at different tree climbing sites, or if you prefer you can zip into it during the canopy observation platform tour.
Horseback riding is a must for all guests at Selva Bananito. Even today, horses are a means of transportation in Costa Rica. And what a fun way they are to get around on. We offer several tours to choose from in order to suit all levels of experience. Our horses are tame, sure footed and well behaved.
At Selva Bananito Lodge & Reserve, rappelling is the untamed adventure. We invite you to experience the thrill of descending off the canopy platform using top of the line safety equipment, or if you prefer, rappel down a refreshing waterfall during our waterfall tour. No previous experience is necessary. At Selva Bananito Lodge & Reserve SAFETY is our primary concern during all our adventure activities.
Bellow, you will find a detailed list of all our activities, including their difficulty and their physical requirements. Not listed, but certainly most recommended by every guest we have hosted, is the renowned “hammock tour” on the veranda of your cabana. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the spectacular natural setting. Breathe in unsurpassed tranquility and exhale serenity and restfulness with every breath you take from the comfort of your hammock, while enjoying a truly memorable vacation at Selva Bananito. |
Bird Watching
Come enjoy of the best birdwatching in Costa Rica depart early morning for an unforgettable trip to spot some of the 300 species of birds that have been identified on the Lodge property. Led by our knowledgeable ornithologists, you will scout trees and pastures for toucans, orioles, trogons, kingfishers, and many more. See why some tourists come to Costa Rica just to see the unparalleled diversity of birds! $15 p.p
Intro to Tree Climbing |
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Difficulty :
Duration :
Description : |
Beginner / Intermediate
1 – 2 hours
Learn the ropes of how to climb a 30 meter “broccoli” tree using a secure system of harnesses and ascenders. Climb up like an inch worm in this full-body activity that allows you to get a birds eye view of the Lodge and nearby pastures. Pace yourself during your vertical ascent, then stop and hang out under the treetop for an unparalleled view.
( see list prices below )
- Requires good physical condition, but no previous tree climbing experience. |
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Farm Horseback Ride
Difficulty :
Duration :
Description : |
Beginner / Intermediate
2 – 3 hours
Saddle up for a fantastic introduction to Costa Rican style horseback riding. A memorable ride for those with little or no riding experience, you will see breathtaking vistas, cattle and farmland along the Bananito riverbed, and take a tour of our unique heliconia flower garden. We will help you learn to control one of our tame and well-trained horses to walk, trot, and even gallop over various terrain. Make a stop for a refreshing dip in a natural river swimming hole.
( see list prices below )
- Requires no previous horseback riding experience. Maximum rider weight limits apply. |
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Natural History Rainforest Hike
Difficulty :
Duration :
Description : |
Beginner
3 hours (3 kilometers)
Welcome to the jungle! Explore our well-groomed trails in the primary rainforests of Muchilla Mountain, part of the 30 million year-old Talamanca Range. Learn about tropical hardwoods, poison dart frogs, epiphytes, and leaf-cutter ants to name just a few. Our expert guides will teach you about rainforest ecology while you trek under the shade of the canopy. Open up your senses on this customized tour to the raw beauty of the endangered primordial rainforest.
( see list prices below )
- Requires good physical condition and basic hiking experience.
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Waterfall Tour
Difficulty :
Duration :
Description : |
Intermediate / Advanced
7 – 8 hours (12 kilometers)
Our most physically demanding tour, this all-day hike is an unforgettable journey up the Bananito riverbed and into the surrounding rainforests. While hiking upstream you will make over 60 river crossings, learn about the various micro-climates, and jump in the plentiful river pools. Visit a 600 year-old mahogany tree and learn more about rainforest ecology. After rappelling down our 80-foot waterfall (optional), you will eat a delicious lunch brought by our guides. An adrenaline-packed expedition for the true adventure seekers.
( see list prices below )
- Requires very good physical condition and extensive hiking experience.
- May not be offered due to high river conditions.
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Adventure HorseBack Ride / Jungle Tree Climb
Difficulty :
Duration :
Description : |
Intermediate / Advanced
3 – 4 hours
Get ready for our most thrilling horseback ride to La Cristalina and into the primary rainforest. Gallop through open fields flanked by cocos, bananas, and cacao trees. Push on through challenging hills and steep descents on your way to a specialized horse trail in the lush green rainforest. A rare opportunity to view the jungle on horseback, this tour is as exhilarating as it is challenging. Stop to see a massive cacha tree that has been naturally hallowed out and the immense buttresses of a centuries-old royal mahogany. Optional jungle tree climb includes a 130-foot ascent for another incredible canopy view. ( see list prices below )
- Requires previous horseback riding experience. Maximum rider weight limits apply.
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Canopy observation Platform (Zipline Tour)
Difficulty :
Duration :
Description : |
Beginner
2 – 3 hours
This tour combines a rare opportunity to view the primary rainforest from our 100-foot high platform and the adrenaline rush of zipping out to it. Our cables and equipment exceed the highest safety standards in Costa Rica and are designed to allow guests of all ages enjoy this highly popular activity. Hike half an hour through open fields and into the rainforest on part of our Natural History trail to get to the jumping off point. Then get strapped in, hold on, and enjoy the ride! Experience a true vertical descent with the optional rappel from the platform.
( see list prices below )
- Requires good physical condition and basic hiking experience.
- May be added to your itinerary for additional cost or in exchange for other tour(s).
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Plant a Tree
Become part of our growing reforestation project. We have planted hundreds of tropical hardwoods on the part of our land originally cut down by banana plantations in the 1800s. By creating corridors back into the rainforest we hope to provide more habitat for wildlife. We will show you how to plant your seedling to give it the best chance of survival. With our recorded 91% success rate, your tree will hopefully one day become part of the tropical rainforest, contribute to the conservation of endemic and endangered species, while contribuiting to Fundación Cuencas de Limón. $25 p.p. |
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50 meter jungle Cliff Rappel (Advanced Only!)
For adrenaline seekers only! Start out this activity with a beautiful hike up the Bananito River and deep into our rain forest preserve. Experience the thrill of rappelling down 5 different waterfalls in preparation to meet the biggest challenge you can find at Selva Bananito Preserve: 50 meters (165 feet) of vertical rappel down a jungle cliff. $75.00 p.p. (minimum 2 pax). |
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Tour Packages Offered by Selva Bananito Lodge
You have likely pre-booked one of the packages listed here. If you wish to add activities not listed under your package name, please consult the "Individual Price List" near the end of this page. |
| (3 days / 2 nights) |
| Includes all of the following: |
| -Introductory Tree Climbing |
| -Farm Horseback Tour |
| -Waterfall Tour with rappel |
| (4 days / 3 nights) |
| Includes all of the following: |
| -Introductory Tree Climbing |
| -Farm Horseback Tour |
| -Waterfall Tour with rappel |
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| (4 days / 3 nights) |
| Includes all of the following: |
| - Introductory Tree Climbing |
| - Farm Horseback Tour |
| - Waterfall Tour + Rappel |
| -Adventure Horseback w/ Jungle Tree Climbing |
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| (4 days / 3 nights) |
| Includes two of the following: |
| - Introductory Tree Climbing |
| - Farm Horseback Tour |
| - Rainforest Hike |
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| (2 nights) |
| Includes one of the following: |
| - Introductory Tree Climbing |
| - Farm Horseback Tour |
| - Rainforest Hike |
| (3 nights) |
| Includes two of the following: |
| - Introductory Tree Climbing |
| - Farm Horseback Tour |
| - Rainforest Hike |
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Activities - Individual Price List
Tour |
Cost per person
(1-2 people) |
Cost per person
(3-5 people) |
Cost per person
(6+ people) |
Introductory Tree Climbing |
$30 |
$30 |
$25 |
Farm Horseback Ride |
$30 |
$30 |
$25 |
Natural History Hike |
$30 |
$30 |
$25 |
Waterfall Tour |
$50 |
$45 |
$40 |
Adventure Horseback Ride |
$45 |
$40 |
$35 |
| Jungle tree climbing |
$35 |
$30 |
$30 |
| Canopy Observation Tour |
$30 |
$25 |
$20 |
| Rappel (platform or waterfall) |
$20 |
$20 |
$20 |
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Outside
Magazine (March Edition, 2003) |
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If are visiting us with young children,
please click HERE to find out how to prepare and what to bring.
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