This is a working research station but they welcome visitors. The lodging is reserved only for researchers and is not available to the public. Following the trails can lead to finding many interesting birds and wildlife. With patience on can find 50 species of birds. There are also resident peccaries wandering around. Volunteers lead walks around the grounds. There is a large area for picnics, restrooms, and a gift shop.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Room Tip:This is a research station, not a public hotel.
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The staff here is friendly and if you stay on campus there is a free 8am guided tour that is very good. You can also pay for other guided tours (we did a 5:45 bird tour and the night tour). Our guided tours were fine, but not special. The food is adequate - actually a little better than we expected. The dorms are fan-only conditioned and bunk beds, so bring proper warm weather clothing. We walked the rest of the property and trails and after two days felt like we had seen everything there. Lots of folks stay outside and come in just for the tours.
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Date of stay: March 2023
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We took the guided bird tour at 5:45am. the price is pretty steep at $50 per person for 2 hours. What you see if very hit or miss. For bird photographers, take note that the majority of what you see will be very high up in the canopy. I have an 800mm lens and still didn't have enough reach for some of the birds we saw.
However, we DID see 2 jacamars sitting on power lines and around branches on the main road for an extended period of time with a bug lunch speared on their beaks, which was absolutely amazing! They were very cooperative and we spent a good amount of time photographing them. We also saw a broad billed mot mot and a white collared manakin but didn't have good views. The jacamars were the only great photos I got and for $100 it seemed a little steep but if you are just going for bird watching, you may enjoy yourself more.
If I'm ever in the area, I'd just go back and bird along the main road myself (before reaching the parking lot), since 80% of our walk was along there.
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Date of stay: January 2020
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We enjoyed the guided walk seeing a wide range of birds including toucans and macaws, howler monkeys, bats, wild pigs and numerous insects and fauna all part of the eco system. The guide certainly added to our experience and helped with his telescope to take pictures through his lens. A really good experience
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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Even if you come with your own birding guide, you can't enter the property without hiring one of theirs. Birding is very good. I even saw 2 Great Green Macaws flying by. Go early morning or late afternoon.
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
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We choose the biological station because of the good reviews and it was great! Off the road and an oasis of silence arrives besides the wildlife. Check in efficient and received good information. We drove back to Arriera, the building name of our room about 1 kilometer from reception and dinning hall. Basic room, good beds, spacious bath room, clean and great to be one with nature. No airco but we didn’t miss it. The fan was sufficient. The food is varied, Costarican and value for money for $15 per meal, no alcohol! We had a pleasant 15 min walk through the forest to reach the dining hall. Pitch dark at night so bring a flash light or your phone. The free 3 hour guided tour was excellent and saw lots of wildlife. Keep in mind that you are a guest of a research station with many students coming to visit. Also day visitors are welcome. Very nice experience, nice staff and beautiful location. You can walk for hours if you want. Strongly recommended!
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:If you do not want to walk too far stay near the reception.
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Loved lying in bed listening to the wildlife and the rain outside and awakening to the Howler monkeys in the morning. Screens only on the windows so there is little sound privacy between rooms, but the clientele is very respectful. I missed it when I returned to AC. Wonderful guides and wildlife. Try the boat tour!
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Traveled with friends
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We are birders and have traveled around Costa Rica searching for birds and this was hands down one of the best places we’ve ever been. The food was also my favorite of everywhere we’ve stayed (a different buffet menu every day - veggie friendly). Highlights: 1) birds & wildlife!!! 2) vintage cabins that were comfortable and a throwback to when they were built sometime last century 3) the other people you’ll meet will be mostly researchers and visiting eco-tourists looking for butterflies and birds and caterpillars, etc 4) the really lovely staff and guides 5) the genuine pura vida feel with a sprinkle of science. Coffee free flowing all day from a big canteen while data charts float overhead on screens to keep you up to date on weather, water levels, etc. if you’re a birder/naturalist who isn’t looking for luxury and can make do with simple comforts and a little sweat, you must go. Bring bug spray, a hat with a brim, and the longest lens you can. Expect many monkeys, spectacular birds and butterflies, and a peaceful, easy vibe.
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Date of stay: January 2024
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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Staying at La Selva Biological Station was our first stop in Costa Rica. This was a great place to learn about birds, plants, frogs, and more. The hotel setup was well accommodated for travelers, particularly interested in natural pursuits at all times of day and night. We were guided by Luis Vargas on mutliple4 occasions, and we greatly appreciated his knowledge, friendship, and generosity. 'He went beyond any expectation that I had for a guide and enhanced our trip to La Selva. My wife and I certainly recommend him. We also recommend Octavio Ruiz another excellent guide.
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Date of stay: December 2022
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No where in our travels of Costa Rica did we see more wildlife in a short amount of time then at La Selva Biological Station! They have a team of expert guides and even include a guided-hike with your stay. The staff is incredibly organized so that our entire stay was seamless. We arrived later in the evening and they had an envelope with a map and key waiting for us as well as a hot meal reserved for us. The primary tropical forest here is unmatched in it's beauty and biodiversity. The rooms are simple, but the point is the nature, not a pampered inn.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes! We did not have a rental car. We used a taxi, arranged ahead of time. There are also private transportation companies that will take you there. In addition, there is a bus, with I believe one transfer to get there very inexpensively. If you go without a rental car, I would suggest asking for housing close to the office area. Some of the housing is quite far away from the office/dining room area.
I sent an email when I booked. The person I dealt with was Juan Gomez who was very helpful. I went to organization for Tropical studies website and did the contact us link to email and he answered me back.
I stayed at La Selva a few years ago, and it is just off a main highway. You do not need 4WD to get there. I highly recommend La Selva if you want to truly see the wildlife of Costa Rica. If you want a more upscale, resort-type experience where your primary goal is not the wildlife, you might look to stay elsewhere, such as La Selva Verde.
There are more places to choose from in the Sarapiqui area.
PRICE RANGE
$101 - $123 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of HerediaSarapiqui
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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