Selva Bananito Lodge is located
at the foot of Cerro Mochila that belongs to the Matama mountain
range, which is part of the Cordillera de Talamanca. Manú,
the farm on which the lodge is built, partly borders La Amistad
National Park. About two thirds (about 2,000 acres) are primary
highland rainforest, protected as a private reserve. One third
of the farm is devoted to low-impact agriculture and cattle
management. The lodge's 7 cabins have been carefully adjusted
to its surrounding landscape and are sitting on a little hill
with a magnificent view of Cerro Mochila on one side and the
Rio Bananito on the other. They have been built on stilts
in traditional Caribbean style; the construction material
was obtained from wood discarded by loggers. The rooms dispose
of solar-heated hot water; gas lamps are provided for reading.
In the bar and restaurant, candles create a quiet and relaxing
atmosphere.
Enjoy with us this little paradise,
which makes you experience adventure and almost untouched
nature with all the luxury of a comfortable lodge!
Day 1
Lunch,
Dinner
Transfer from San José first through Braulio Carillo National
Park, then across huge banana plantations to the Caribbean
coast to the town of Bananito about 12 miles south of Puerto
Limón, from here transfers are provided by the lodge in 4X4
vehicles on an adventurous gravel road for another 10 miles
through pastureland and forest, crossing a river several times.
Upon arrival, the lodge's staff will greet you with a tropical
welcome cocktail.
After lunch explore the farm during a horseback ride and learn
about the region's agriculture.
Upon returning, you have the possibility to learn to use the
absolutely safe tree climbing equipment and venture to the
canopy of a beautiful tropical tree.
Before dinner, there is enough time to become familiar with
the lodge's surroundings.
Day 2
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trained hiker may start on a guided
full day’s excursion following the Rio Bananito upstream
deep into Selva Bananito Preserve. The last part of the hike
ascending the hill is quite strenuous, but then you may enjoy
lunch and fruit juices by the last of a series of charming
waterfalls. Rappelling at the waterfalls is optional.
Many other activities are available (optional): explore the
farm on mountain bike, visit the farm's exotic heliconia garden,
take a swim in the river or just relax in one of the hammocks
on your cabin's terrace with a beautiful view of the surroundings
and excellent bird watching.
Day 3
Breakfast
After breakfast, Transfer with 4x4 vehicles back to Bananito.
From here, continue your journey back to San Jose in a modern
Minivan.
This tour unit is perfect to be combined
with a stay on the Carribean Beach at the Cariblue
hotel south of Puerto Viejo.
