Visit La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica

Lowland Tropical Rainforest Research Center Welcomes Ecotourists

May 26, 2009 Bob Bowers

La Selva Biological Station, operated by the Organization for Tropical Studies, hosts scientists from around the world. It also offers ecotourists a remarkable vacation.

La Selva consists of nearly 4,000 acres of tropical rainforest in the eastern foothills of Costa Rica. One of three biological stations in Costa Rica owned and operated by the Organization for Tropical Studies, La Selva offers one of the most diverse range of species found anywhere.

The Organization for Tropical Studies

A non-profit group of more than 60 universities and research centers, the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) is dedicated to tropical natural resource protection, education and research. Hundreds of scientists from more than 20 countries are involved at OTS sites each year, as well as thousands of students.

This emphasis on research and education has been expanded to include activities for school children, birders and other ecotourists, and those offered at La Selva are particularly attractive to visitors.

Costa Rica's La Selva Biological Station

La Selva Biological Station lies at the confluence of the Puerto Viejo and Sarapiqui rivers on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. The reception area includes a dining hall, academic center, lodging, gift shop, library, laundry and an arboretum. Several miles of trails wind through old growth forests and along both rivers. The trails are well-signed and marked, and shelters are found throughout the area.

Overnight visitors to La Selva are provided comfortable accommodations, three meals a day and daily guide service. The English-speaking guides are broadly knowledgable about the flora and fauna, and are expert at spotting and identifying birds, other creatures and plants. Tourists are also allowed to explore the well-marked trails on their own.

Accomodations at La Selva Biological Station

Three types of lodging are provided at La Selva: cabins, family houses and dormitories. The cabins have twin beds, a private bathroom and a balcony. The current rate for cabins is $83 (U.S. dollars) per person for double occupancy, and includes all taxes, three daily meals and a half-day guided walk each day.

The family houses have fully-equipped kitchens, two rooms, a private bath and a terrace. The dormitories have multiple bunk beds and a shared bath.

Wildlife at La Selva Biological Station

An incredible diversity of flora and fauna is found at La Selva. More than 100 species of mammals have been identified, including more than 70 species of bats, and 56 species of snakes are among nearly 90 different reptiles.

La Selva is also a birding paradise, with almost 500 species noted. The Christmas bird count in 2002 alone recorded more than 10,000 birds and 355 species.

Preparing to Visit La Selva

There really isn't a dry season at La Selva (this is the rainforest, after all), and visitors should be prepared for wet weather. More than 150 inches (13 feet) of rain falls in an average year. In addition to rain gear, visitors should bring:

Good walking shoes or boots (sandals are not permitted and snakes are abundant)
Insect repellent
Flashlight
Binoculars
Sunscreen, lip protectant and a hat
Camera
Day pack and waterproof bags

Getting to La Selva Biological Station

Although only 50 miles from San Jose, it takes about 90 minutes to reach La Selva. Public buses depart San Jose (Central Street, between 13th and 15th Avenue) every 2 hours between 6:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. for Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. From Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, you need to take a taxi 2 miles south to La Selva. If you are driving, take the Guapiles Highway from San Jose, through the Braulio Carrillo National Park. Cross the Rio Sucio, and follow the sign left 4 miles to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. From there, continue 2 miles south to the signed entrance.

Costa Rica is a haven for birders, naturalists and other ecotourists. One of the premier protected wildlife areas is La Selva Biological Station, a destination for every nature lover's itinerary.

The copyright of the article Visit La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica in Latin Am/Caribbean Travel is owned by Bob Bowers. Permission to republish Visit La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan, La Selva, Costa Rica	Trail-Side Spider, La Selva, Costa Rica	Bathing Chestnut-sided Warbler, La Selva
Tree Fungus, La Selva, Costa Rica