La Selva Biological Station
La Selva Biological Station (Estacion Biologica La Selva) was originally created for scientific purposes in 1954. Since then it has been converted into a leading research center for Costa Rican ecology and has been opened to the public. Providing some of the most immaculate primary tropical rainforest available, the well-kept trail system extends over 31 miles (50 km) and provides visitors the opportunity of exploring La Selva with a knowledgeable guide.
Run by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), multiple universities share these research facilities, having the opportunity to experience first hand the vast contributions the park has made to the scientific and biological community.
There are around 1,000 tree species found throughout the 3,700 acre (1,500 ha) park as well as 420 documented bird species that soar within the station borders. Around half of the mammal species found in Costa Rica and the majority of the butterfly varieties can be observed at La Selva. Watch out for the 55 species of snakes that slither through the premontane rain forest. Together with Braulio Carrillo National Park , this joint effort in conservation provides an educational opportunity to witness Costa Rica's ecology first hand.
La Selva is located just 2 miles (3 km) south of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui . From San José , it can be accessed from the Guapiles Highway (Hwy 32). Head east from the capital, then take the Hwy 4 exit passing north through the town of Las Horquetas until you reach the park entrance on the left hand side. Accommodations are available for over-night lodging. Both early-morning and night walks are offered, allowing visitors the opportunity to observe the day time and nocturnal wildlife environments.
Where to stay in La Selva Biological Station
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every La Selva Biological Station accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Hotel El Bambu
Located at the heart of Puerto Viejo in Sarapiqui, neighbors of the exuberant tropical rain forest, Hotel El Bambu offers comfortable and pleasant accommodations on the North Caribbean Coast. The ideal location of the hotel allows guests to access the Tortuguero National Park and the Sarapiqui River offering a wealth of wildlife and flora, a perfect place for those nature buffs.
La Quinta Country Inn
La Quinta Country Inn is located in the northeastern portion of Cost Rica, in Sarapiqui, just 60 miles from San Jose. Surrounded by tropical rainforest, private reserves and La Selva Biological station, this area caters to eco-tourists, thrill seekers looking to river raft down the Sarapiqui River, or couples seeking a peaceful stay in paradise. These are also prime grounds for birders. The hotel is recognized by the National Accreditation commission for sustainable tourism.
Chilamate Rain Forest Eco Retreat
Chilamate Rainforest Eco Retreat is an environmentally conscious and family run bed and breakfast in Sarapiqui of the Northern Lowlands region. The retreat, embedded in Chilamate rainforest, is committed to conservation and providing comfortable lodging for guests, who can explore the private jungle.
Selva Verde Lodge and Rainforest Reserve
The Selva Verde Lodge is nestled in the lowland tropical rainforest of Costa Rica, in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, along the Sarapiqui River. The lodge is known as being the pioneer of the eco-tourism movement in Costa Rica. This is a magical haven for bird watchers, nature enthusiasts, and hikers desiring to experience the rainforest. Located near the lodge is the town of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, where guests will find a number of services and facilities, including bars and restaurants.
Cuculmeca Tent Camp
Cuculmeca Tent Camp Adventures can be found just 90 minutes north of San Jose, in the Sarapiqui valley. This valley is known throughout Costa Rica for its amazing, rich biodiversity. In the region, you'll find a number of national parks, nature reserves and packs of the endangered Green Macaw.
The Peace Lodge at La Paz Waterfall
The unique and magical Peace lodge is located on the grounds of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Heredia. In possibly one of the finest natural masterpieces, guests can expect to find themselves in a magical world, surrounded by cascading waterfalls and pristine rainforests.
Hotel Suerre & Country Club
The Hotel Suerre & Country Club offers a comprehensive set of well-maintained athletic facilities and a modern hotel. An hours drive from San Jose in Guápiles, this Central Highlands resort sits in the lush tropical plains near the majestic Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Maquenque Lodge & Tree Houses
A new, 150-acre (60-hectare) reserve located just north of Boca Tapada, San Carlos is the site for the Maquenque Lodge. Set within the Northern Lowlands Region of Costa Rica, the lodge is near several national parks, biological stations, and wildlife refuges.
Poas Volcano Lodge
The Poas Volcano Lodge is situated in Costa Rica’s Central Valley outside the capital city of San José. Nestled between the Poás and Barva volcanoes at an elevation of 6,000 ft (1,900 m), this rural area of Costa Rica is stunningly beautiful and still within range of a major population center.
Flora & fauna in La Selva Biological Station
The wildlife and plant life you might encounter in La Selva Biological Station, from iconic species to the rare finds our local insiders know where to look for.
Armadillo
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Baird's Tapir
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Bananaquit
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Blue-jeans Frog
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Boa Constrictor
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Brilliant Forest Frog
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Spectacled Caiman
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Giant Toad or Cane Toad
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Chestnut-headed Oropendola
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Chestnut-mandibled Toucan
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Coati
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Collared Peccary
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Fer-de-Lance
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Fiery-billed Aracari and Collared Aracari
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Fishing Bulldog Bat
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Glass Frog
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Great Green Macaw
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Green Heron
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Ground Anole
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Mantled Howler Monkey
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Jaguar
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Jaguarundi
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Keel-billed Toucan
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Kinkajou
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Long-tailed Hermit
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Margay
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Ocelot
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Olingo
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Agouti
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Three-Toed Sloth
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