This private reserve 6,4 km wets of Puerto Viejo protects 192 hectares of lowland rain forest bordering the north-western extent of Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo. Kilometres of trails and boardwalks penetrate the dark forests, where snakes and poisons-arrow frogs abound.

Bird cries explode like gunshots in the murky stillness. Blue-and gold tanagers, jacamars, motmots, parrots, and toucans are numerous and are most easily identified in the company of a trained naturalist guide.

Selva Verde has a butterfly garden within a netted enclosure that visitors can enter to gain a clow0up familiarity with the goings-on of Lepidoptera. Selva Verde also has canoe and horseback trips, plus nice accommodations.