The La Selva Protected Zone is just the place for those that want to see nature and wildlife without roughing it!  This area is the best known and most important research center in Central America.  The U.S. National Academy of Sciences designated this area as 1 of the 4 best sites in the world for research into tropical forest diversity.  Nearly the entire area is taken up with the La Selva Biological Station run by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS). 

The hiking trails are well marked and guides are available to help you explore the 13,800 acre park. There are over 460 varieties of trees alone!  This area is home to 420 bird species, 123 amphibians and reptiles (including the poison dart frog!), 116 mammals, 43 species of fish, and 479 butterflies.  LaSelva Protected Zone consists of tropical wet forest, swamps, secondary regenerating forest, creeks and rivers.

You can have the luxury of staying in dormitory style lodging and a cafeteria is available.  The entrance fee is $20 and includes lunch.  The elevation is only 2000’ and temperatures average about 80 degrees F, so pack light weight clothing.  The annual rainfall is 150”. LaSelva Protected Zone is about 50 miles NE of San Jose, and 3 ½ miles south of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui.

NOTE:  Scientific study possibilities exist for visitors!