La Selva

La Selva Biological Station is about 3 kms away from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, and 79 kms away from San Jose via Braulio Carrillo Park, at the confluence of two major rivers. It was established by Dr Leslie Holdridge in 1954, when it was just a small farm dedicated to the study of mixed plantations and the improvement of managing natural resources. The Organization of Tropical Studies bought the land in 1968 and it became what it is today, one of the best biological reserves and study centers in the world.

La Selva gives visitors the unique opportunity to experience and learn about a tropical eco-system. It is one of the top two biological research stations in the Neotropics, with over 250 researchers from 26 different countries coming each year to study and make new discoveries. More than 240 studies are conducted in La Selva and published yearly. With an area of 1,600 hectares, it averages about 4 meters of rain annually and the station itself consists of 73% rain forest.

La Selva is rather an extension of Braulio Carrillo. Over 120 species of mammals have been recognized, this includes the howler monkey, the spider monkey and the white-faced monkey, agoutis, jaguars, tapirs, pumas, and at least 60 species of bats! With over 2,000 species of vascular plants, some 400 species of birds and hundreds of different types of butterflies, La Selva truly stands out as being one of the wonders of the world. Some arthropod inventory has already recognized more than 400 different types of ants! This study is know as ALAS, using state-of-the-art software to incorporate the information of all these different species using images and sounds, and this information is then shared throughout the world.

What makes La Selva so unique is its location right there in the primary rain forest. Scientists and researchers are there right where they need to be. The extensive trail system extends to at least 50kms; the entire area itself has actually been topographically surveyed. The laboratories are air-conditioned, and provide the scientists with basic equipment.

Because of its size, complexity, and the fact that it is an infinite source for new scientific information, it is a good idea to explore La Selva with the help of a guide who can explain all this to you. They will spot plants, insects and birds you would otherwise miss and give you their life history. They will help you avoid being stung by the 1-inch long Bala ant and they will spot the hard-to-find birds hiding in the canopy. The trail takes about 3 hours, so snacks and drinks should be packed, as well as rain gear, it goes without saying! In the evenings there are classes and lectures for professionals or interested in learning more.

There is a wheelchair-accessible 3.7 km long trail too, that is paved and well staffed with guides, and there you will reach the arboretum, where more than a thousand trees have been labeled!

If you are staying overnight, the accommodations have six dormitory rooms with bunk beds, which sleep up to six, as well as cabins. There is a communal eating area, with a continual coming and going of hungry people day and night. Before you get a chance to go anywhere, allow yourself to relax on the terrace of the reception; just there, you will see Morpho butterflies, flamboyant red macaws, parakeets, sloths, hummingbirds, and more! Because they have been under protection for so long now, the small mammals of La Selva have lost their fear of human beings, and while it is not possible to touch them and indeed prohibited, they seem relatively calm and relaxed in our presence.

It is easy to get to La Selva from Puerto de Sarapiqui, which is only 3 kms away. If you are coming from San Jose, they are frequent buses available for the 79km journey via Braulio Carrillo.