La Selva Biological Station

Country

Costa Rica

Description

La Selva has been a pioneer site in Education, Research, Conservation and Eco-tourism in Cost Rica since 1953 and one of the first private protected areas in the country. La Selva is located in the Caribbean foothills of Costa Rica and comprises 1,614 hectares (3,988 acres) of old growth and disturbed tropical wet forest. Species diversity is spectacular, including more than 1,850 species of plants, 350 species of trees, 448 species of birds, and approximated 500 species of ants. With its laboratories, on-line Geographic Information System (GIS), Meteorological data, Herbarium, Digital Flora Data Base, extensive trails, and large forest reserve bordering the Braulio Carrillo National Park , La Selva is one of the world's most important sites for tropical ecosystem research. Each year, more than 250 scientists from some 25 countries and thousands of international students come to La Selva to study tropical ecology. Major research projects focus on forest dynamics, biodiversity, nutrient cycling, carbon sequestering, and native species reforestation. Research at La Selva has led to the publication of more than 2,655 scientific article, theses, and books. OTS also aims to ensure that natural history visitors have a high-quality experience and learn about La Selva and OTS mission. OTS also works to guarantee that local people benefit from the ecotourism in Costa Rica.

Station Rates (US dollars) Valid from: December 14, 2007 - December 15, 2008 All inclusive cabins Rates per person per night Foreign Costaricans & Residents
Single $88 Double $82 Additional person $60 Children (5-12 years) $34 The rate includes: Lodging, three meals, local taxes, and one guided walk (half day) per stay. Children under 5 years are free of charge when sharing room with parents.

Location

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, Heredia, Costa Rica. Distance from San José: 80km. 1.5hrs. La Selva is at 1.5 hrs drive from San José. Take the Guápiles Highway through Braulio Carrillo National Park. After approximately 35-45 minutes of driving, you will pass over the Río Sucio. Continue for 7 km, turn left following the sign to Puerto Viejo, and continue for approximately 30 km more. The La Selva entrance is 3 km south of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí. For public buses, call Transportes Guapileños ph: (506) 222-0610 Central Street, between 13th & 15Th ave. Buses leave San José to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí approximately every two hours between 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Advice to our visitors

Prescription medicines as needed, good walking shoes, hot weather clothes, insect repellent, umbrella or rain jacket, flashlight, binoculars, sun screen, film and camera extra batteries, plastic bags to keep film/paper dry. Most of these items are also found on our gift shop. Recommendations Our dinning facilities serve meals according to a schedule and to the number of people expected to attend to each service. Please provide us with your arrival time so that we can serve you better. The use of sandals or walking barefooted is not permitted on the trails for safety reasons. Entrance might be prohibited by the administration of the station if this rule is not follow. Manipulating species (flora and fauna) is not allowed in our biological stations for both conservation and safety reasons. Children must come accompanied by a responsible adult that must supervise them at all times. Special Warnings: If you are hypersensitive to insects, bees or wasps, always carry a sting kit with you.

Prices

Till Dec 15, 2008. Additional person. Includes: lodging, 3 meals, one half walk per stay and taxes: U$S 60
Till Dec 15, 08. Double room (p/person). Includes: lodging, 3meals, one half walk per stay and taxes: U$S 82
Till Dec 15, 2008. Single room. Includes: lodging, three meals, one half walk per stay and taxes: U$S 88
Till Dec 15, 2008. Children (5-12 years): U$S 34
Children under 5 years are free of charge when sharing room with parents.: U$S 0

Prices shown are subject to changes. Please consult.

Services