Selva Verde is proud to partner with the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) to offer students, educators, and other groups the opportunity to learn about the people and culture in our community. Founded in the 1990s by Giovanna Holbrook and Selva Verde Lodge, the SCLC was established to promote conservation education in the communities surrounding Selva Verde. Today, the SCLC is a fully independent nonprofit working to achieve a sustainable future for the people and wildlife of the region. Funded in part by its ecotourism activities, the SCLC offers opportunities for cultural exchange between visitors and local people through activities and service projects.

Selva Verde and the SCLC can help you craft a unique service learning program or cultural immersion experience for your students. Or, choose from a variety of existing programs. Click on any of the activities below to learn more

Ever wanted to learn Latin dancing? Then this is the class for you! You will learn 3 styles: Merengue, Salsa, and Cumbia. Local dancers will first demonstrate and then lead the group step by step. You will also practice with a partner and everyone will also take turns dancing in a circle, showing off their new dance moves. This activity is great fun, perfect for group’s kick-off or tour ending, but also for families and friends

Time: Evenings, 7:00 or 7:30pm.

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: $130 for groups of 1–10 people, each additional person per person $13. 25 person maximum per class.

Want to learn how to make a Costa Rican meal? This class will offer you the opportunity to learn how to make traditional Costa Rican dishes. The classes are led by a local community member, and everyone participates in the cooking process. You will learn about the history, botanical names, and cultivation of each fresh ingredient. The menu consists of guacamole (a dip made with avocados), batidos (milkshakes), empanadas (turnovers), tortillas (flat bread), or patacones (fried green plantains). Enjoy trying all of your culinary creations at the end of the class!!

Time: Afternoons or evenings

Duration: 2 hours

Cost: $13 per person

10 participant minimum.

The Sarapiquí Region is one of the poorest counties in Costa Rica. Much of the local work is plantation work, either banana or pineapple. To build stronger communities and support local schools, Selva Verde partners with the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center to link visitors interested in volunteering their time with projects where their assistance is needed. Note: Projects must be arranged and finalized 2 weeks in advance.

Time: Half day – 2 to 3 hours / Full day – 4 to 5 hours

Cost: $30 per person for half day / $50 per person for full day (5 person minimum)

Transportation: not included – cost determined by location of service project

Visit a local elementary school or high school and compare and contrast the Costa Rica education system with your own. Enjoy a guided tour led by the director, a teacher, and/or students, a presentation and a question/answer session. One third of each participant fee will go directly to the participating school

Time: Mon – Fri: 9:30-11:30 AM or 2:00-4:00 PM (available mid-Feb. through Jun. or Aug. through mid. Dec.)

Duration: 2 hours

Cost: $18 per person (5 person minimum)

Transportation: not included – cost determined by school location

During this informative talk given by a local community member, you will learn about life in Sarapiquí. Topics include immigration, domestic life, local artisan work, student experience and much more! A question and answer session concludes the activity, fostering international communication and understanding. Good Costa Rican coffee and fresh baked goods complete the experience

Recommend time: Flexible

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: $20 for 1 – 2 people, $9 per additional person

Ever wondered what it’s like to actually live in another country, as opposed to simply traveling through it? Stay with a local family. Our families offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience firsthand what it is like to live in rural Costa Rica. Share meals, conversation, and leisure time with a local family. This opportunity is sure to provide you with a unique cultural and linguistic experience!

Cost: $26 per person per night (includes dinner and breakfast)

Restrictions: Each family has a certain amount of beds available. We need a minimum of 2 weeks notice to accommodate your reservation.

For more details about additional SCLC activities and detailed information on the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center, please visit the SCLC Website. For custom programs, please CONTACT US

Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center is a non-profit conservation education organization in Costa Rica