Selva Verde Lodge & Private Reserve

What Selva Verde Lodge & Private Reserve does

Selva Verde Lodge & Private Reserve operates a single eco-lodge property and 500-acre private rainforest reserve in Chilamate, Sarapiquí county, Costa Rica, approximately two hours from San José. Founded in 1982 when Giovanna Holbrook purchased the land to prevent logging, the lodge began formal operations in 1986 and is owned by the Holbrook family through parent company Holbrook Travel (founded 1974). The physical asset is the protected reserve itself, with infrastructure including a 170-meter bridge to the primary forest, solar-heated water systems, and three accommodation tiers (Sarapiquí Rooms, Bungalows, and Pioneer Rooms) with total guest capacity of 120-140.

The business sells multi-component rainforest experiences rather than discrete products. Revenue streams include nightly lodging at $81-$250 per room depending on tier and season, à la carte nature and adventure activities (birding tours, night hikes, bat tours, river cruises, white-water rafting, zip-lining, horseback riding, chocolate tours) priced $35-$73 per person, multi-day vacation packages such as the 6-day Birding on Your Bubble itinerary at $1,355-$1,940 per person, meal plans, airport shuttle service, conference and event hosting for groups up to 200, and educational field-study programs for academic institutions. The lodge has documented 398-400 bird species, 330 tree species, and 69 mammal species and is ranked the 9th eBird hotspot in Costa Rica.

Distribution operates through direct channels (website reservation form, telephone, email, WhatsApp) and indirect channels, with Holbrook Travel functioning as the primary worldwide tour-operator partner and an active travel-agent commission program supplementing bookings. Customers span nature tourists, dedicated birders, families, adventure seekers, academic institutions conducting field research, and corporate groups hosting retreats. The affiliated Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC), a non-profit founded in 1993, provides community education programs and cultural-exchange experiences that are embedded into the guest offering. The company is privately held, with Andrea Holbrook serving as President, and has received the Costa Rica CST Elite certification (100% score), TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award, and WTTC Safe Travels stamp.

Name

Selva Verde Lodge & Private Reserve

Legal name

Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve

Website

https://selvaverde.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Selva Verde Lodge & Private Reserve is a family-owned Costa Rican eco-lodge operating a 500-acre private rainforest reserve in Sarapiquí since 1986, serving individual nature tourists, birders, academic groups, and corporate events through lodging, guided activities, packages, and educational field programs distributed globally via parent company Holbrook Travel.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Eco-Tourism and Hospitality

NAICS

Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Eco-Lodges (Sustainable/Nature-Based) (THAGAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Rainforest & Jungle Lodges (THAGAIAD), National Park & Conservancy Lodges (THAGAIAI), Wilderness & Backcountry Lodges (Remote/Off-Grid) (THAGAIAB)

Keywords

• Eco-lodge hospitality
• Rainforest reserve tourism
• Birding tours
• Field study programs
• Sustainable tourism

Headquarters

HQ city

Chilamate, Sarapiquí

HQ country

Costa Rica

HQ region

Latin America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Lodging and Accommodations: Room rentals across three accommodation types: Sarapiquí Rooms (standard), Bungalows (premium with A/C), and Pioneer Rooms (budget). Revenue generated through per-night stays with seasonal pricing (low and high seasons).
2. Activity and Tour Bookings: Guided nature walks, birding tours, night hikes, bat tours, Sarapiquí River cruises, serpentarium visits, chocolate tours, white water rafting, horseback riding, zip lining, and cultural activities. Additional transportation fees for off-site activities.
3. Vacation Packages: Pre-designed multi-day packages including the 6-day Birding on Your Bubble package ($1,355-$1,940 per person), Selva Verde & Savegre combinations, and custom group itineraries. Package pricing includes accommodations, meals, activities, and private guide services.
4. Conference and Event Hosting: Meeting rooms and conference facilities for groups up to 200 participants. Full-service event management available in partnership with Holbrook Travel. Conference room accommodates 40 people comfortably.
5. Educational Field Programs: Site-based study abroad programs for graduate, undergraduate, and advanced high school studies. Includes dormitory accommodation, classrooms, Wi-Fi, and wet lab facility. Programs designed in conjunction with Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center.
6. Meal Plans: Optional meal plans including breakfast only or full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Children meal pricing available. Laundry services offered at $3+ tax per pound.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Selva Verde Lodge & Private Reserve operates an eco-lodge and 500-acre private rainforest reserve in Costa Rica's Sarapiquí county, selling accommodation (Sarapiquí Rooms, Bungalows, Pioneer Rooms), guided nature activities, multi-day birding and adventure packages, educational field-study programs, and conference/event hosting for up to 200 participants. The reserve is documented to host nearly 400 bird species, 330 tree species, and 69 mammal species, and the lodge is connected to the reserve by a 170-meter bridge.

Product overview

Selva Verde Lodge & Private Reserve is a single eco-lodge property offering integrated hospitality and nature-based experiences. The core product is accommodation in three room types (Sarapiquí Rooms, Bungalows, and Pioneer Rooms) set within a 500-acre private rainforest reserve. These are complemented by nature activities (guided hikes, birding, river cruises, night tours), educational programs, and cultural experiences. The lodge also hosts a conference center for up to 200 participants and partners with the on-site Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) non-profit for community programs. Vacation packages bundle accommodations with guided activities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sarapiquí Rooms Standard rainforest rooms arranged in blocks of four, accommodating 1-4 people in double-size beds. Features air conditioning, ceiling fans, screened windows, private bathrooms with solar-heated water, and hammocks with wildlife views.
• Bungalows Private premium bungalow accommodations with air conditioning, offering a secluded tropical rainforest setting. Nightly single rate $120-$187, double rate $141-$250 depending on season.
• Pioneer Rooms Economical room option providing comfortable rainforest lodge experience with essential amenities. Nightly single rate $81-$141, double rate $92-$205 depending on season.
• Birding on Your Bubble Package Six-day/five-night privately guided birding adventure in Sarapiquí with expert naturalist guide and private transportation. Includes visits to La Selva Biological Station, Cope's wildlife artist reserve, and cloud forest sites. Pricing: $1,940 per person (2 participants), $1,355-$1,655 per person (3-4 participants).
• Airport Shuttle Service Professional driver shuttle from Juan Santa Maria International Airport, 2-hour ride, van carries 2-12 passengers. 1-4 passengers: $200 one-way (tax included); additional passengers: $9+ tax per person.
• Conference and Event Hosting Meeting rooms and conference facilities in a rainforest setting for groups up to 200 participants. Conference room accommodates 40 people comfortably. Full-service event management available in partnership with Holbrook Travel.
• Educational Field Programs Site-based study abroad and field study programs for graduate, undergraduate, and advanced high school students. Includes dormitory accommodation, classrooms, Wi-Fi, and wet lab facility. Programs in ecology, conservation, community development, and climate change designed in conjunction with the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center.
• Guided Nature Activities and Tours On-site and off-site guided nature activities including guided nature walks, birding tours, night hikes, bat tours, Sarapiquí River cruises, serpentarium visits, chocolate tours, white water rafting, horseback riding, zip line canopy tours, and cultural activities. Examples: Night Hike $35 adults; Bat Tour $35 adults; River Cruise $44 adults; White Water Rafting $73 per person; Zip Line $73 per person; Horseback Riding $40 per person; Chocolate Tour $37 adults.
• Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) Non-profit organization linking communities and conservation through education and ecotourism, offering English classes, computer literacy, environmental education, women's groups, and scholarship funds for high school students. Provides cultural exchange opportunities for Selva Verde guests including cooking classes, school visits, community service projects, and rural tourism activities. Operates a library with over 3,000 books.

Quantifiable outcome

• Top 10 global ranking in October Big Day 2020 with 380 bird species recorded in 24 hours
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1993Founded in the mid-1990s by Giovanna Holbrook and Selva Verde Lodge, SCLC is now an independent US and Costa Rica registered non-profit organization. Its mission is to link communities and conservation through education and eco-tourism. SCLC offers English classes, computer literacy, environmental education, after-school activities, and community outreach programs. The partnership provides cultural exchange opportunities for Selva Verde guests including cooking classes, school visits, community service projects, and rural tourism activities. The center also operates a library with over 3,000 books.
• Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) / La Selva Biological StationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOTS La Selva Biological Station is a world-renowned research facility with nearly 4,000 acres of virgin forest. Selva Verde naturalists conduct annual Christmas Bird Count organized by La Selva. The lodge serves as home base for birding expeditions to La Selva. Over half of Costa Rica's recorded bird species have been spotted at La Selva. Partnership enables exclusive access for guided birding and research activities.
• Panthera OrganizationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCamera trap study conducted by Panthera Organization scientist Marta Venegas of the National University of Costa Rica. Eight camera trap stations placed throughout Selva Verde's primary forest for mammalian diversity research. Captured photographic evidence of puma, ocelot, peccary, and other elusive mammals.
• National Audubon SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsored the Costa Rica 2017 International Birding Conference at Selva Verde. Presented on the International Alliances Program focusing on field programs and community-building initiatives.
• American Birding AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsored the Costa Rica 2017 International Birding Conference. Presented on Youth Birding Initiative and community building programs for birding organizations.
• Swarovski OptikminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsored the Costa Rica 2017 International Birding Conference. Provided birding optics workshop and demonstrations featuring Costa Rican representative Alex Villegas.
• Birdwatcher's DigestminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsored the Costa Rica 2017 International Birding Conference. Presented on facts and trends in the US birding market.
• Aviarios del Caribe Rehabilitation CenterminorOthersListed as a favorite conservation organization on Selva Verde's country information page. Dedicated to rainforest conservation as well as sloth and wildlife rehabilitation in Costa Rica.
• Caribbean Conservation CorporationminorOthersListed as a favorite conservation organization on Selva Verde's country information page. Dedicated to sea turtle conservation, marine and coastal wildlife education with office in Gainesville, FL.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Lapa Rios Lodge: A Costa Rican eco-lodge on the Osa Peninsula operating within a private nature reserve with a similar model of low-impact lodging, naturalist-guided activities, and conservation-focused operations. Both target nature enthusiasts, birders, and adventure travelers with comparable nightly rates and sustainability positioning.
• Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge: Family-owned eco-lodge on the Osa Peninsula situated within a 700-acre private reserve with bungalow accommodations, naturalist guides, and birding/wildlife activities. Highly comparable to Selva Verde in scale, ownership model, target segments, and rainforest-immersive experience.
• Pacuare Lodge: Remote eco-lodge in the Pacuare River rainforest accessible primarily by white-water rafting. Comparable in remote rainforest setting, sustainability positioning, and immersive nature experiences, though it leans more luxury and adventure-focused than birding-focused.
• Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort: Costa Rican sustainable resort combining beach and rainforest experiences with CST certification. Operates as a higher-end eco-resort in Manuel Antonio with similar sustainability credentials and nature-immersive accommodations, though at greater scale and price point than Selva Verde.
• Tirimbina Rainforest Center: Non-profit rainforest reserve and lodge in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica offering educational programs, chocolate tours, and bat experiences. Comparable in Sarapiquí geography, conservation mission, educational programming, and bat/wildlife activities to Selva Verde.
• Rancho Naturalista: Small birding-focused lodge in Costa Rica's Tuis region catering to serious birders and naturalists. Comparable to Selva Verde in its strong birding identity, small capacity, expert guides, and primary customer base of enthusiast wildlife watchers from North America and Europe.
• Mawamba Lodge: Eco-lodge in Tortuguero, Costa Rica offering canal and rainforest experiences with all-inclusive packages. Comparable in Costa Rica eco-tourism positioning, package pricing model, and nature-immersive programming for families and adventure travelers.

Others

• Holbrook Travel: Parent company and primary worldwide eco-tour operator distributing Selva Verde internationally. Functions as both a corporate parent and as a closely-linked peer in eco-tourism distribution, custom itineraries, and natural history travel to Latin America and beyond.

Broad incumbents

• La Selva Biological Station (OTS): World-renowned research facility operated by the Organization for Tropical Studies on nearly 4,000 acres adjacent to Selva Verde. Functions both as a direct peer for research/educational lodging and as a strategic partner through Christmas Bird Count collaboration and birding expedition access.
• Costa Rica Expeditions: Long-established Costa Rican eco-tour operator offering lodges, guided naturalist trips, and customized itineraries. Comparable as a broader eco-tourism operator in the same geography with overlapping naturalist-guide programming and lodging partnerships, though with a larger and more diversified portfolio than Selva Verde.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/selva-verde-lodge-private-reserve

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Selva Verde Lodge & Private Reserve