Health & Safety Information

Costa Rica Rainforest Information

 

We do no recommend any special precautions for visitors with respect to tropical diseases. Naturally, the rainforest environment requires caution, walking the trails to avoid any dangerous encounters with wildlife. For this reason, we always recommend walking with a naturalist guide.

Mosquito borne illnesses such as malaria have never been an issue for any guest or staff at Selva Verde. Dengue fever is rare and the best prevention is to apply insect repellent and avoid hours of peak mosquito activity. If you have any further questions regarding health or safety information, please do not hesitate to ask your reservations specialist and feel free to review the resources below.

 

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

CDC recommendations for medical preparation and current health alerts.

 

Travel Health Online

Learn how to avoid or treat common travel maladies before you go.

 

US State Dept. Travel Warnings

A current listing of US State Department travel warnings.

 

General Travel Information

Costa Rica Travel

 

Travel Insured

Please visit our partner, Travel Insured, for travel insurance and additional information on coverage and cost of premiums. We encourage our visitors to consider travel insurance for financial coverage in the event of an unforeseen emergency before or during your trip.

 

Currency Converter

See what your money is worth in the country you are headed to.

 

US State Dept. Country Background Notes

Find more general information about Costa Rica.

 

Traveling Safely

Tips from the US State Department to help you plan a safe trip.

 

CNN World Weather

Find out what the weather looks like when you are scheduled to travel.

 

Directions & Maps

Costa Rica Maps

 

Maps of the area

Costa Rica map | Selva Verde Lodge map | San josé to sELVA VERDE MAP

 

 

---

 

Methods of travel and directions

 

Public Transportation from San Jose

Back to San Jose

Passing by the parque Nacional Braulo Carillo:
6:30am, 8:00am, 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:00pm
Trip Duration: 1hr 45mins

 

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí to San Jose

Passing by the Parque National Braulo Carillo
5:30am, 7:00am, 8:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, 5:30pm
Trip Duration: 1hr 45mins

 

Directions to Caribe Bus Terminal in San Jose

From the Hotel Europa in San Jose, Avenue V, 500 meters to the north on the left hand side or 200 meters to the south of the Radisson Hotel.

 

Telephone # of Bus Line:

Transportes Los Guapilenos in San Jose: +506-2221-7990

*Please note that in Costa Rica there are two Puerto Viejos. One is Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in the province of Limon on the Caribbean Coast. The other is Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí (PVS) located in the province of Heredia. The lodge is actually located in Chilamate which is about 5km from PVS. When buying your bus ticket be sure to go to the ticket window for PVS. Once you arrive in PVS you can take another public bus to Chilamate. The local bus terminal is located just across the street from where the San Jose bus unloads passengers. You can check the bus schedule for Chilamate and buy your ticket there. Another option is to take a taxi to Chilamate (ask the driver to take you to Selva Verde), which costs about $5.00. Taxis can be found at the bus stop where you will be dropped off.

 

Shuttle from San Jose

Selva Verde Lodge Shuttle from the Juan Santa Maria International Airport

Arrange for one of our skilled drivers to meet you outside the airport terminal with a Selva Verde Lodge signboard for easy recognition. The trip is a 2 hour ride, our van carries 2-12 passengers and reservations are required. If you have a larger group, buses are available.

After 4pm we suggest that you make reservations for the night in San Jose and transfer to Selva Verde the following morning.

 

Prices, one way in US Dollars:

1-4 passengers	$190.00 tax included per transfer
Additional passengers	$5+tax per person

Shuttle arrangements for 10 passengers or more can be made by special request

To arrange for transportation, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For USA and Canadian guests  +1-833-344-5835 / +1-833-252-9786
For Costa Rica & other countries +506-2761-1800
WhatsApp +506-6025-4478

 

Taxi

1.5 hour ride (credit card or cash only). Make sure you negotiate a price before you depart. Official taxis (red or orange in color) have a yellow triangle with their registration tag number on the door and a photo ID of the driver inside the cab, usually on the sun visor. Avoid piratas (pirates), or unregulated cabs that do not have these markings.

 

Rental Cars

If you crave independence and adventure there are many rental car companies in Costa Rica ready to serve you. Don't expect a bargain - you will find the rates to be comparable or higher to rates found in the U.S. Inspect the car you are assigned carefully before you sign any papers - especially the tires - for any damage that you could be held responsible for. You must have a drivers license, passport and credit card to rent. The deposit is $1,000+ and can be covered by credit card.

 

Driving Directions

Driving Directions from San José

Getting to Selva Verde from San José takes approximately 2 hours. Enjoy great natural beauty along the way.

Take the General Cañas speedway until the Sabana Park, approximately 12 km - 7.5 miles, turn left at the second traffic light (National Bank) drive through San Jose downtown until Melico Salazar Theater, This building is in front of Central Park and diagonal to Metropolitan Cathedral, turn left again, drive 1/2 miles more ( 5 traffic lights ) and turn to your right. You will find the route to Guapiles ( Route 32 ) across Braulio Carrillo National Park, after 56 km - 34 miles until Rancho Roberto`s Restaurant, turn left to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, drive for 32 km - 20 miles, once again here turn to your left and drive 5 km - 3 miles more. We are located on your left.

 

Driving Directions from Arenal

The route from Arenal to Selva Verde takes approximately 2 hours and passes through several quaint villages along the way. Driving east from Arenal, turn left at El Tanque then take the turnoff to Muelle on Route 4. Follow road signs to Aguas Zarcas and turn right at each turn. When you reach Aguas Zarcas, turn left to San Miguel and left again to La Virgen, Chilamate, and Puerto Viejo. You will find Selva Verde Lodge on the right side of the road.

 

Driving Tips

Driving in Costa Rica is an excellent way to see the countryside but can also be a dangerous experience. If you decide not to use the services of a professional driver, consider following these safety tips:

Be aware that Costa Ricans practice aggressive driving habits.

Main roads are reasonably good and connect all major towns.

Smaller roads range from fair to poor condition and may require the use of 4 wheel drive vehicles.

Roads are poorly numbered and marked and it is helpful to know landmarks you should expect to encounter along your route.

Allow extra time in your schedule to account for traffic delays.

Never leave anything in your unattended vehicle.

Don't drive at night when potholes and turn-offs are difficult to see.

If you drive on a beach, stay off the area just above the high tide line and the trees - this is where sea turtles make their nests.

If you see a branch or pile of sticks in the road, slow down! This is the Tico version of a road flare and indicates danger ahead.

Costa Rica strictly enforces its seatbelt laws. Front seat passengers should always wear seatbelts, not only for safety, but also to avoid a ticket.

 

Shuttle to Other Attractions

 

---

 

We can help!

Contact us for information regarding transportation and directions and we will be happy to help you

 

 

Costa Rica Map

selva verde lodge location

 

San José to Selva Verde Map

Costa Rica Map