Does anyone have any information on how to make reservations for a tour at La Selva? We'll be staying at Las Orquideas in February and would like to make a day trip from there on the day after our arrival. Do you think it would be interesting for two high school biology students or one of those places that their mother thinks would be interesting for them? lol

Mary, I think the folks at Orquideas can arrange this for you. Check with Wadi Tours located in the hotel office. I think your boys would certainly enjoy La Selva unless they're at that surly "you made me come down here-I wanted to stay home with my friends" age where all they want to do is be alone with their headphones! If you are lucky enough that they still enjoy spending time with their parents, La Selva would be a great place for your family!

Hi, We visited La Selva in July. Our hotel made a few calls for us and arranged it. It was a little tricky because we only asked about it a day ahead. (We took a night tour.) Anyway, I was curious, so I did a search and this is what you can do:
Go to www.ots.acs.cr
Under "Biological Stations," go to "La Selva".
Choose "Rates for National History Visitors." There was a choice for making tour reservations. Maybe that will work!

Hi Mary,

I'm going to Costa Rica next week and booked a full day trip at La Selva through the website mentioned above. It was really easy. Quick, English response back. We have a car so we didn't need to book a tour to get there. We're doing an all day personal tour which turns out to be 6AM to noon because with of us that was the same as joining a standard tour. My understanding is you can tell them when you want to take the tour if you do that. We're taking two teens with us too but they're into nature so I know they'll like it. The website is very descriptive of what's there.

jeg: Thanks for the tip on the web address. It answered a lot of my questions. Funny how you can google here and google there and still not find what you're looking for without help!!

shillmac: How funny! My teens never go anywhere without the headphones, though they are still alot of fun to travel with!

millie: I'd be interested in your experience at La Selva and hope that you post a trip report when you get back. My kids love wildlife and I thought the research station would give a good jumpstart to our trip. We haven't decided on our transportion around Costa Rica yet, we may try a private driver.

Thanks to all for your help.

If you are staying at the Las Orquideas and want a driver ask for Luis at Wadi tour desk. He is young and one of the nicest people. Your young people would enjoy him. My daughter and I had him for a day to the Orosi Valley as tour guide and driver. Ask before you arrive so you will be sure to get him

I used Luis last year and loved him. He is a lot of fun.

Regarding La Selva. We are members and my father in law was on the board of directors back in the 60's. It is a great research center and a lot of worthwhile research is going on. Many of the paths are cement so the researchers can get around on bicycles. If any of you have the option for lunch I highly recommend you decline.....it is institutional food at its worse LOL. Do be prepared for any type of weather. It is on the Caribbean side and they do get a good amount of rain. They have little tico boots for you that you can use if you need them if the researchers haven't used them all. Generally there are a few pairs left. This is a wonderful rainforest area and you will see lots of things.

Like Suzie2 we also liked our trip with Louis

We will be visiting La Selva for the 4th time in early January. It really is a wonderful place to experience a tropical forest environment. I would think biology students wold enjoy La Selva very much.

For best bird watching, try the area around the main building /restaurant and entrance road early in the morning.

This is a great spot for toucans, parrots, tanagers and a vast array of other birds.

Mammals are also fairly common and we have seen agouti, mexican porcupine, tayra, tamandua, peccaries, sloths and 3 species of monkeys on recent trips.

My favorite part of the experience, however, is the amazing diversity of plants and small creatures that is seen when exploring with the local guides.

Hope you have a great trip.

Jerry