La Selva Biological Station

Estación Biológica La Selva

A renowned tropical research reserve at the meeting of rainforest and lowlands, protecting extraordinary biodiversity. Guided walks reveal frogs, monkeys, peccaries and hundreds of bird species along well-kept trails.

Things to do

• Guided Rainforest Walk — Join a naturalist-led walk along the network of well-kept trails to spot poison dart frogs, sloths and hundreds of resident bird species.
• Cross the Río Puerto Viejo Suspension Bridge — Walk the hanging bridge over the river that connects the station buildings to the main forest trails, a prime spot for early-morning wildlife viewing.
• Dawn Birdwatching — Set out at first light to catch toucans, oropendolas and the great green macaw among the more than 400 recorded bird species.
• Night Walk — Take a guided nocturnal hike to find red-eyed tree frogs, kinkajous, spiders and other creatures active after dark.
• Spot Monkeys and Peccaries — Look for howler, spider and white-faced capuchin monkeys and troops of collared peccaries along the forest edges.
• Visit the Research Station Facilities — Learn about ongoing tropical ecology studies run by the Organization for Tropical Studies at this world-famous field station.
• Arboretum Trail Walk — Stroll the labeled arboretum to see an extraordinary diversity of tropical trees and epiphytes in a compact area.

Food to try

• Gallo pinto — The classic Costa Rican breakfast of rice and black beans, usually served at the station dining hall with eggs and tortillas.
• Casado — A hearty lunch plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad and a choice of meat or fish, the everyday staple meal in the region.
• Café chorreado — Locally grown coffee brewed the traditional way through a cloth filter, perfect for early birding mornings.
• Patacones — Twice-fried green plantain rounds served crispy and salty, a common side or snack.
• Fresh tropical fruit — Enjoy papaya, pineapple and banana grown in the surrounding Sarapiquí lowlands at breakfast and lunch.
• Agua dulce — A warm sweet drink made from tapa dulce (raw cane sugar), a comforting local beverage.

Local customs & good to know

• Book guided walks in advance — Day visitors must be accompanied by a station guide, so reserve tours ahead through the Organization for Tropical Studies.
• Bring rain gear and closed shoes — This is true rainforest, so pack a poncho, quick-dry clothes and sturdy footwear for muddy trails year-round.
• Respect research protocols — Stay on marked trails, keep quiet and do not touch plants or animals, as active scientific studies depend on an undisturbed environment.
• Pura vida spirit — Costa Ricans greet visitors warmly with the phrase 'pura vida,' used as hello, goodbye and an expression of well-being.

Nearby

• Sarapiquí — 4 km
• La Paz Waterfall Gardens (Alajuela) — 29 km
• Braulio Carrillo National Park — 30 km
• Barva Volcano — 34 km