La Selva OTS Biological Research Station “Amazing biodiversity”


Cabinas Iguana section
Scarlet-thighed Dacnis

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.


Dormitory style room
Station cafeteria

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:

  1. The best birding in the Caribbean lowlands.
  2. Proximity to Braulio Carrillo National Park.
  3. A half-day guided walk is included in stay.
Bare-necked Umbrellabird

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