Selva Bananito Lodge

Some excursions may require pre-registration or incur additional costs. Please contact our trip planners for more details.

Discover nature-focused experiences at Selva Bananito Eco-Lodge in Costa Rica. This remote lodge offers a wide range of small-group adventures of varying lengths and activity levels, emphasizing the diverse natural beauty of the region. Activities range from:

Gyrocopter Flight

Take in panoramic aerial views of Selva Bananito and the surrounding Caribbean region on a gyrocopter flight. Choose from varying flight durations to see rainforest canopies, the Bananito River, nearby beaches, and Cahuita National Park from above.

• 20 minutes: Aerial views of Selva Bananito.       
• 30 minutes: Includes Bananito River and nearby beaches
• 60 minutes: Adds panoramic views of Cahuita National Park

Bird Watching

Join an early morning birdwatching walk to spot some of the 300 species identified on the lodge property. Guided by experienced ornithologists, search for toucans, trogons, kingfishers, orioles, and more across diverse rainforest and pasture habitats. The area sits along a key raptor migration route, offering seasonal sightings of large flocks in flight.

• Duration: Approximately 2 hours.                                                               
• Difficulty: Beginner

Tree Planting

Take part in an active reforestation effort focused on restoring land once cleared for banana plantations in the 1800s. Learn how to properly plant a tropical hardwood seedling that supports habitat restoration and wildlife conservation. The project contributes to Fundación Cuencas de Limón and maintains a strong survival rate for newly planted trees.

Hiking

Explore well-maintained trails through primary rainforest on a guided hike in the Muchilla Mountain region, part of Costa Rica’s ancient Talamanca Range. Walk beneath dense canopy while learning about rainforest ecology, from tropical hardwoods and epiphytes to frogs, ants, and other forest life. Small group sizes ensure a focused, informative experience tailored to your pace and ability.

• Duration: Approximately 3 hours (3 kilometers)                                        
• Difficulty: Beginner                                                                                          
• Physical Requirements: Good physical condition and basic hiking experience recommended

Adventure Horseback Ride

Ride through fields lined with cacao, banana, and coconut trees before entering the primary rainforest on a challenging horse trail to La Cristalina. Navigate steep slopes and narrow paths deep in the jungle, with stops to view a massive hollow cacha tree and the towering roots of a royal mahogany. An optional 130-foot jungle tree climb offers panoramic views of the canopy.

• Duration: 3–4 hours
• Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
• Physical Requirements: Previous horseback riding experience required; weight limits apply
• Optional Add-On: Waterfall rappelling available at an additional cost

Farm Horseback Ride

Ride through scenic farmland surrounding the lodge, passing rows of banana, cacao, and coconut trees. This tour offers a relaxed introduction to the region’s agricultural landscape with open spaces and moderate trails, ideal for riders with some experience.

• Duration: 3–4 hours
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Physical Requirements: Requires no previous horseback riding experience. Maximum rider weight limits apply.
• Optional Add-On: Waterfall rappelling available at an additional cost

Adventure Waterfall Tour with Rappel

Hike 12 kilometers along the Bananito River on a full-day adventure that includes over 60 river crossings, stops at natural swimming pools, and insights into rainforest microclimates. Visit a 600-year-old mahogany tree and learn about the surrounding ecosystem. An optional 80-foot waterfall rappel adds to the challenge before a well-earned lunch in the rainforest.

• Duration: 7–8 hours (12 kilometers)
• Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
• Physical Requirements: Requires very good physical condition and extensive hiking experience. It may not be offered due to high river conditions.
• Additional: Rappel at the waterfalls at an additional cost.

Canopy Platform – Zipline Tour

Hike along the Natural History Trail to reach a 100-foot-high platform in the primary rainforest, then glide through the canopy on a zipline. This tour combines scenic forest views with a fun, beginner-friendly adrenaline rush. An optional vertical rappel descent is available from the platform.

• Duration: 2–3 hours
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Physical Requirements: Requires good physical condition and basic hiking experience.
• Optional Add-On: May be added optionally to your itinerary at an additional cost. Rappel from the canopy observation platform available at an additional cost.

Intro to Tree Climbing

Climb a 30-meter “broccoli” tree using a secure harness and ascender system. This full-body vertical climb offers a controlled ascent and the chance to pause near the canopy for a bird’s-eye view of the lodge and the surrounding view.

• Duration: 1–2 hours
• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
• Physical Requirements: Requires good physical condition, but no previous tree-climbing experience.

Jungle Tree Climbing

Hike into the rainforest to see a naturally hollowed cacha tree and the towering buttresses of a centuries-old royal mahogany. Then climb 130 feet up a jungle tree using a harness and ascender system for a panoramic canopy view.

• Duration: 3–4 hours
• Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
• Physical Requirements: Requires good physical condition, but no previous tree climbing experience.
• Additional: Rappel at the waterfalls at an additional cost.