Selvatura Park: Herpetarium Tour in Monteverde

Nestled in the lush cloud forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica, Selvatura Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians. The Herpetarium Tour, a one-hour guided experience, showcases over 40 species of these captivating creatures, including venomous snakes, colorful frogs, and the enigmatic Jesus Christ Lizard. With a maximum group size of 15, the tour provides an intimate and educational adventure, allowing guests to interact with the exhibits and ask questions. While the tour may not be wheelchair accessible, the knowledgeable guides ensure that all visitors can enjoy the wonders of this hidden gem in the heart of the Costa Rican wilderness.

Good To Know

• The Herpetarium Tour at Selvatura Park in Monteverde, Costa Rica, features over 40 species of reptiles and amphibians in secure glass enclosures.
• The 1-hour guided tour highlights venomous and non-venomous snakes, poisonous frogs, and the iconic Jesus Christ Lizard.
• The tour is family-friendly, with opportunities to engage and ask questions, but is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers and is not wheelchair accessible.
• Visitors can purchase souvenir photos at the end of the tour to commemorate their encounters with the diverse local wildlife.
• The tour is priced at $21.80 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior to the experience.

Overview of the Herpetarium Tour

The Selvatura Park Herpetarium Tour in Monteverde, Costa Rica offers visitors a personal introduction to the region’s diverse reptile and amphibian species.

Rated 3.8 out of 5 based on 8 reviews, the 1-hour guided tour showcases over 40 species of snakes, frogs, turtles, and lizards in secure glass enclosures.

Highlights include venomous and non-venomous snakes, poisonous frogs, and the remarkable Jesus Christ Lizard, also known as the basilisk.

The tour is ideal for families, with opportunities to ask questions about the wildlife and ecology.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and groups are limited to a maximum of 15 travelers per tour.

Location and Accessibility

Located in the Puntarenas province of Costa Rica, Selvatura Park’s Herpetarium is situated in the lush cloud forests of Monteverde.

This unique exhibit offers visitors a chance to explore and learn about an impressive collection of Costa Rican snakes, amphibians, and lizards.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and group sizes are limited to a maximum of 15 travelers per tour.

While the herpetarium provides an up-close look at these fascinating creatures, visitors should be aware that the visibility of the animals can be mixed, according to some reviews.

Tour Highlights and Duration

According to the overview, the Selvatura Park Herpetarium Tour in Monteverde, Costa Rica offers visitors a personal introduction to the country’s diverse reptile and amphibian species.

During the 1-hour guided tour, guests can see more than 40 species of snakes, amphibians, turtles, and lizards displayed in secure glass enclosures. The tour highlights include venomous and non-venomous snakes, poisonous frogs, and the iconic Jesus Christ Lizard, also known as the basilisk.

The tour is ideal for families, with opportunities to ask questions about the local wildlife and ecology.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers per group.

Displayed Species and Enclosures

The Selvatura Park Herpetarium showcases a diverse array of Costa Rican reptiles and amphibians, with more than 40 species displayed in secure glass enclosures.

Visitors can see venomous and non-venomous snakes, poisonous frogs, turtles, lizards, and toads. The exhibit includes notable species like the poison arrow frog, red-eyed tree frog, and the Jesus Christ Lizard, also known as the basilisk.

The animals are housed in a way that allows for clear visibility, enabling guests to observe their unique characteristics and behaviors.

The tour provides an opportunity to learn about the local wildlife and ecology, with the guide on hand to answer any questions visitors may have.

Guided Tour Experience

A guided tour of the Selvatura Park Herpetarium provides visitors with a personal introduction to Costa Rica’s diverse array of snakes, amphibians, and lizards.

The tour lasts approximately one hour and is led by knowledgeable guides who share insights about the more than 40 species displayed in secure glass enclosures.

Guests have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the wildlife and ecology of the region.

The tour is ideal for families, though it’s not wheelchair accessible, and group sizes are limited to a maximum of 15 travelers.

At the end of the experience, souvenir photos are available for purchase.

Inclusions and Meeting Information

The Herpetarium Tour includes local taxes, a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and souvenir photos available for purchase.

Visitors should meet at the Selvatura Adventure Park in Tilarán, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica. The tour ends at the same meeting point.

Admission requires presentation of a voucher upon arrival. Visitors have the option to reserve now and pay later for this experience.

Visitor Experience and Reviews

Admission to the Herpetarium Tour requires visitors to present a valid voucher upon arrival.

The tour features more than 40 species of Costa Rican snakes, amphibians, and lizards, including notable creatures like the poison arrow frog, red-eyed tree frog, and Jesus Christ Lizard.

Visitor reviews of the experience are mixed, with some praising the exhibit quality and knowledgeable guides, while others reported issues with the tour pacing and limited visibility of the animals.

The herpetarium isn’t wheelchair accessible, and each tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers.

Souvenir photos are available for purchase, providing a memento of the up-close encounters with the diverse local wildlife.

Booking Details and Cancellation Policy

The Herpetarium Tour at Selvatura Park is priced from $21.80 per person.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts, and visitors can opt for the "reserve now, pay later" option.

Confirmation is received upon booking, and the tour includes local taxes, a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and souvenir photos available for purchase.

Key booking details:

1. Priced from $21.80 per person
2. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior
3. "Reserve now, pay later" option available
4. Confirmation received at time of booking

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Pictures of the Animals During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can take photos of the animals during the tour. The tour guide will provide guidance and ensure the animals’ wellbeing is not compromised by photography.

Do the Guides Allow Visitors to Handle the Animals?

The guides generally do not allow visitors to handle the animals on the tour. For safety reasons, the animals are kept in secure glass enclosures, and direct contact is not permitted. Visitors can observe the animals closely but may not touch them.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t appear to offer an option to extend the duration beyond the standard 1-hour guided experience. The tour details indicate it has a set length, and reviews don’t mention any opportunities to prolong the visit.

Are There Any Age or Height Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age or height restrictions for the tour. It’s suitable for all ages, though the park advises the tour may not be wheelchair accessible. Visitors must be able to walk the tour route.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Into the Herpetarium?

Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks into the herpetarium. However, they’re advised to avoid consuming anything inside the exhibit areas to prevent disturbing the animals. Eating and drinking are generally permitted in designated visitor zones.

The Sum Up

The Selvatura Park Herpetarium Tour in Monteverde, Costa Rica, offers an engaging and educational experience for visitors to enjoy the diverse world of reptiles and amphibians. With knowledgeable guides, a wide variety of species on display, and a manageable group size, the tour provides an excellent opportunity to learn about and appreciate the unique creatures found in the cloud forests of Costa Rica.