La Selva
ACTIVITIES AT LA SELVA
REGULAR TOURS:
- GUIDED WALKS
Natural history visitors can visit for the day by participating in half-day walks or full day walks. Half-day walks are scheduled for 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily, each walk is approximately 3 1/2 hours, principally on cement or wood trails suitable for people of all ages. Some trails are accessible for the physically challenged. Full day walks are schedule for 8:00am and last until 3:30pm, with a break time for lunch at 12:00m.(Lunch is not included). Excellent bilingual naturalists lead the walks that give a glimpse of leading-edge research conducted at La Selva as well as education and conservation activities carried out by the Organization for Tropical Studies. Visitors should arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Overnight tour is $160.00 per person.
PRIVATE TOURS:
- EARLY BIRDING TOUR:
Furthermore, we offer walks at 5:30am (Early Bird), ideal for birdwatchers. Each walk is approximately 2 hours.
- NIGHT TOUR:
Night walks at 7:00 pm. Each walk is approximately 2 hours.
WORKSHOPS:
- Birdwatching 101:
Introduction to rain forest birds: types (residents, altitudinal and latitudinal migrants), number of species, reproduction, nesting habits, endangered species and why?, habitat (primary and secondary forests, rivers, lakes, open areas).Guided bird walk to begin life list. Participants will learn :how to look for birds, description of places to find birds, how to identify birds, colors, habitat, behavior, mixed bands, solitary birds. Duration: full day.
- Rainforest Photography Workshop
This full-day outing to the world-famous La Selva Biological Station in the Caribbean lowlands offers a superb hands-on introduction for all the family to the field of tropical nature photography.
Adults and older children first receive a 45-minute photography workshop consisting of a slide show and instruction of the basic techniques needed to take landscapes and wildlife images in the rainforest.
Younger children are invited to participate in puzzles, games and identification activities related to the rainforest while accompanying their parents during the workshop and the walk.
The rest of the day is spent strolling through the forest looking for suitable subjects to photograph. There is a break at midday for lunch.
- Be a Scientist for a day
The tropical rain forest can be seen as a great natural laboratory. There are a number of investigators who do their research in it and the knowledge that is drawn from it is enormous. This has permitted its sustainable use, by this we mean that while the quality of life is made better; the available resources are conserved for future generations.
With this activity, the idea is to motivate the participants in order for them to live the experience of relating with the forest with a scientific spirit. This way their visit not only will be profound and enjoyable, but also it will give the bases to commit to the necessities of conservation.
- Objectives:
1. Raise the awareness and comprehension to the participants towards the activities that involve the task of a scientist.
2. Stimulate the spirit of investigation in the participants in order to relate better with the forest and to benefit more from their visit.
Colors, forms and textures of the Forest
Leaves, bark, seeds and fruits of multiple forms, colors and textures are indicators of the incredible biological diversity that characterizes the tropical rain forest. Costa Rica in particular is considered among the 20 countries in the world, the richest in species diversity and among the first in number of species per square kilometer.
With this activity, the idea is to awake the interest in the visitors to discover this treasure and be inspired by distinct elements of the forest and develop a creative way of expression. By this, their visit will be rich and diverse.
FACILITES
- Lodging:
For overnight visits, on a space available basis, lodging is in dormitory-style rooms that contain six beds, each two rooms sharing a hot-water bath.
- Food
Meals are served in the cafeteria at set hours (: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., Lunch: 12:00 m to 1:00 p.m., Dinner: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.). Food is wholesome and traditional Costa Rican with vegetarian offerings available. Box lunches can also be arranged.
Gift Shop :open every day from 7:00am thru 7:00pm.
- THINGS TO TAKE
Prescription medicines as needed, good walking shoes, hot weather clothes, insect repellent, umbrella or rain jacket, flashlight, binoculars, sun screen, film and camera extra batteries, plastic bags to keep film/paper dry.
- Recommendations:
a. Our dinning facilities serve meals according to a schedule and to the number of people expected to attend to each service. Please provide us with your arrival time so that we can serve you better:
b. The use of sandals or walking barefooted is not permitted on the trails for safety reasons. Entrance might be prohibited by the administration of the station if this rule is not follow.
c. Manipulating species (flora and fauna) is not allowed in our biological stations for both conservation and safety reasons.
d. Children must come accompanied by a responsible adult that must supervise them at all times.
- SPECIAL WARNINGS
If you are hypersensitive to insects, bees or wasps, always carry a sting kit with you.
Costa Rica Rural Travel
PO Box 2535-3000 Heredia, Costa Rica
(506) 237-3400 from USA / (506) 262-1891 fax
