We are finalizing our itinerary and have one sticking point. We arrive in San Jose on Saturday night and will stay at the Hampton Inn that night. Sunday morning we will be picked up by a driver and guide. We definitely want to spend some time at Braulio Carrillo Natl Park as well as the La Selva Biological Station. We're staying Sunday and Monday nights at Selva Verde so we need to make our way there by end of day. If possible, we thought to do the Rainforest Aerial Tour and lunch in the middle. Apparently they can do it but I'd like to know 1) whether we'll be shortchanging the Natl Park and Bio Station and 2) whether the Aerial Tram is worth the time and cost (not cheap for 5 of us). I appreciate any feedback! Thank you - Angie

ttt also curious about the aerial tram ride? any opinions?

I should have said Aerial Tram Tour, but can anybody comment?

Went on the Aerial Tram in January. Our guide was a blast. Good thing too, because we waited a long time to get on because of cruise ships. It was okay. Saw lots of trees and plants. But since you are going to La Selva and Selva Verde I wouldn't think you would need to do this, especially if you are on a time schedule.

It is basically the same environment so you will be seeing pretty much the same things at Selva Verde and La Selva just from a lower angle.
If you are a fairly serious birder and want the best, I would recommend you request Joel when you make your arrangements to visit La Selva. Don't know if he is available all the time but he has been there for about 20 yrs and really knows the birds.

La selva and selva verde. How far from Heredia -outside of San jose? hotter there due to location?

La Selva is about 2 hrs from Heredia. As far as the temp...it is warmer than the central valley but I never really felt terribly uncomfortable because most of the time we were in the shade. A couple of times while hiking we were in the sun and it was warmer. It is much more humid.