La Selva OTS Biological Research Station "Amazing
biodiversity"
Introduction: La Selva OTS holds the best birding
in the Caribbean lowlands and quite possibly the whole of Costa
Rica. A variety of habitats provide a haven to one of the most
diverse ecosystems on the planet. An extensive trail system provides
opportunity to explore the usually inaccessible Caribbean lowland
rainforest where you can search for such bird specialties as Slaty-breasted
Tinamou, Great Potoo, Great Green Macaw and Bare-necked Umbrellabird
are both seasonal, Purple-throated Fruit-Crow, and many others.
Scanning the forest borders from the cafeteria porch might produce
Semiplumbeous Hawk or the angelic Snowy Cotinga. The entrance
road is more open with grassy areas good for Little Tinamou, White-throated
Crake, and the local Pink-billed Seed-Finch. Fruiting trees throughout
La Selva often come alive with colorful flocks of parrots, toucans,
tanagers, honeycreepers, and euphonies. It is not unusual to see
over a 100 species at the station in a single day of birding.
Mammals are also impressive with 3 species of monkey, Agouti,
Coati, and Collared Peccary among others. Green Iguanas and Green
Basilisks are well represented along with Strawberry Poison-Dart
Frogs and a host of butterflies and other insects. The assistance
of knowledgeable guides will ensure that you get the most out
of your visit to this internationally renowned Research Station.
Location: La Selva OTS is located on the Sarapiqui
River in the Caribbean lowlands, sign-posted 5 minutes south of
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. It is approximately 2 hours from either
San Jose via the Braulio Carrillo and Guapiles or from the Int'l
Airport via La Virgen del Socorro.
Accommodations:
La Selva OTS has 10 modest but clean rooms that are dormitory
style with 4 to 6 beds in each room. Two of these have private
bathroom, the other 8 rooms share a total of 4 bathrooms, all
with hot water. They also have 4 cabins located 1 km by trail
from the reception, each with private bathroom and 2 twin beds.
Traditional Costa Rican meals are served in the cafeteria at set
times of 6 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm. Box lunches can be arranged for
those staying in the field and they will also cater to vegetarians
with prior notice. A swinging bridge over the Sarapiqui connects
the rooms and cafeteria area with the laboratories and primary
forest trailheads.
Advantages of staying
at La Selva OTS:
- The best birding in the Caribbean lowlands.
- Proximity to Braulio Carrillo National Park.
- A half-day guided walk is included in stay.
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