La Selva Station is a world-famous center for rainforest research. Here you will hike with biological experts who invite you to explore the natural beauty of a tropical rainforest. You will learn how the various forest ecosystems contribute to the well-being of our planet and why rainforests need our protection.
When you arrive at the Station, you’ll be met by a naturalist guide who will lead you on an educational hike within the 30 miles of available trails. Your guide will be pointing out unique species of flora and fauna and explaining their important role in the circle of life.
Throughout your hike, you’ll discover how the relationship of plants and wildlife working together create healthy habitats. You will also learn what can be done to protect the natural landscape for the survival of future generations of plants, animals, and human life. Frequently seen during this part of the hike are Howler and Capuchin monkeys, plus three-toed sloths. Your guide, who knows their hiding places, will help you find and identify any wildlife visible on the day of your visit.
This site is known to attract birdwatchers from all over the world due to the abundance of birds found here. Keep your eyes open and you may see interesting birds such as the Hoatzin, Pygmy Marmoset, Toucan, and several members of the Heron family, to name just a few.
The paved pathways make for an easy walking experience as you are shown a variety of interesting ecosystems. You might notice that some of the property is populated by giant old-growth trees. The reserve is proud to have over 400 tree species on the property, which make up approximately half of all the tree species found in Costa Rica.
Over 4,000 acres were originally purchased by the Organization for Tropical Studies to become a private protected reserve and the biological research center known as La Selva Biological Station was created. It is now considered one of the best sites in the entire world for tropical rainforest research. Each year approximately 300 scientists and 100 university students are invited to take advantage of the many research opportunities and excellent lab facilities available.
These researchers share their collective findings with the tourists who come to experience an authentic and educational nature hike. There are all day workshops on bird watching, nature photography and specific scientific projects. Because the Sarapiqui River flows through the property, visitors can also explore the reserve on a riverboat expedition.
This hiking tour includes admission plus a bilingual naturalist guide and will take from 3 to 5 hours depending on the size of the group. Transportation is not included. When driving from your hotel to La Selva Biological Station, please remember to give yourself plenty of extra driving time because traffic in San Jose can be very congested.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring along your camera, binoculars, rain jacket, bug repellent, sunscreen and a bottle of drinking water.
This is a great family friendly adventure exploring the inhabitants of the rainforest together while learning positive ways you too can contribute to a healthier planet.