# Selva Bananito: a remote rainforest lodge south of Limón

> Selva Bananito is a family-run eco lodge on a private reserve of primary forest in the hills south of Limón, on the edge of La Amistad International Park. It's for travelers who want a genuinely remote rainforest stay on the Caribbean side, with guided nature tours and no crowds.

Source: https://www.travelincostarica.net/selva-bananito-lodge-and-preserve/
Last checked: 2026-10-20
Location: Bananito Norte, Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica
Type: eco lodge, lodge
Official website: https://www.selvabananito.com
Best for: Nature lovers, birders and adventurous couples
Rooms: 11 cabins (7 standard and 4 superior, including honeymoon and Kinkaju rooms)
Setting: Private primary-forest reserve, protected since 1995, in a buffer zone of La Amistad International Park
Certification: CST (Certification for Sustainable Tourism)
Access: About 2.5 hours from San José to Limón, then about 35 minutes inland, with river crossings
Fits a route: 2 to 3 nights on the Caribbean side, before Cahuita or Puerto Viejo

## What it's like

Selva Bananito is an eco lodge set on a private reserve of primary forest in the foothills south of Limón, on the Caribbean slope of the Talamanca mountains. The reserve has been protected since 1995 and lies in a buffer zone of La Amistad International Park. The family that runs it, led by host Jürgen Stein, describes the reserve as key to protecting forest that supplies water to around 100,000 people in the region.

We first wrote about it in 2015, and when we checked in October 2026 its booking system was live and its site was current.

## The cabins

There are 11 cabins: 7 standard and 4 larger superior rooms, including honeymoon and Kinkaju room types. The style is rustic but comfortable, with wide terraces looking into the forest. The lodge displays the CST sustainability seal and a regenerative tourism seal.

## What you do here

This is a place for days outdoors. Selva Bananito offers nature and adventure tours, multi-day and honeymoon packages, and volunteer programs. Ask about guided hikes, birding and river walks when you book. Evenings are quiet, and nights are full of frogs and insects.

## Where it fits in a trip

Most visitors to the Caribbean coast head straight for the beaches at Cahuita and Puerto Viejo. Selva Bananito makes a good contrast: 2 or 3 nights in the forest first, then a few days on the coast at [Cahuita National Park](/cahuita-national-park/) or around Cocles, where guided snorkeling on the reef is the big draw. For diving and snorkeling around the country, [Scuba.cr](https://scuba.cr/) is a good reference. It also pairs with a stay at [Tortuguero](/tortuguero-national-park/) farther north. See our [Caribbean coast guide](/caribbean-coast/) for how to plan this side of the country.

## Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

It suits nature lovers, birders and couples who are happy with a remote, simple setting and early nights. It's not for travelers who want beach time from the door, nightlife or easy road access.

## Getting there

The lodge says it's about 2.5 hours from San José to Limón. From there you head south on the coastal road and turn inland after the Río Vizcaya, then drive about 35 minutes to the lodge. The final road includes river crossings, so a 4x4 is needed. Guests in ordinary cars meet staff at Salón Delia in Bananito Norte and continue with the lodge.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need a 4x4?
For the last stretch, yes. If you're in a regular car, the lodge arranges to meet you at Salón Delia in Bananito Norte.

### How far is it from the beach?
It's inland, in the hills south of Limón, so plan on driving to the Caribbean beaches.

### Is it certified as sustainable?
Yes. The lodge displays the CST sustainability seal.

### How many cabins are there?
Eleven: 7 standard and 4 superior.