La Selva Biological Station

The GOOD: The forest is beautiful, we saw lots of insects and birds, a sloth, snakes. Everything related to nature was lovely. Our tour guide was WILSON, he was GREAT, knowledgeable and patient. Kenia on front desk was very nice and helpful. The BAD: beware of accommodations you book. I needed to be close to reception and was offered a house for $304 a NIGHT, which I took thinking I was getting a comfortable accommodations plus board, a splurge required by my heath. Please look at pictures. Lizbeth who booked me via email DID NOT disclose the conditions she was selling to me and there nothing I could do except send pictures to reception(never received response) I paid $1216 for 4 nights! In addition to what you see in pics, beware the mattresses have no protection ie mattress pad, only a sheet on a very hard cheap mattress. There is no toiletries, I was asking for 2 days before they brought 2 samples of shampoo. There is no windows in living room, only mesh on windows, which makes the room unbearably hot and stuffy. There is no safe, but front desk kept my passport/money. My emails to management WERE NOT answered. Once they charge you, your concerns are useless. They make a lot of money of people who come because they love nature. Be prepared to what you'll get.

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!

A great experience. We saw a lot of wildlife, firstly on the guided tour, and later exploring the tracks on our own. There are many kilometres of tracks and very few people, mainly scientists and students, so if you want to get away from annoying crowds this is a good choice. The accommodation and food are basic but perfectly adequate, and the staff are helpful.

We spent three days at the Biological Station and I think our daughter would have been happy to stay there forever. The accommodations are simple but comfortable and located within walking distance of the main area ... . and the walk is beautiful through the forest. Meals are eaten in a common area with other guests, researchers and staff. The meals are likewise simple but good. The staff here is very helpful in getting you settled in. Laundry is done on campus and available for a nominal charge. There is a nature walk every morning at 8 that is fabulous ... the guides are very friendly and helpful and can point out birds, animals and insects that we would have missed. They provide you with a wealth of information. Guides are also available for hire for private walks, including night-time walks. The rest of the time, you are able to enjoy the extensive trails covering the reserve on your own. Other guests are always happy to share what they've seen and where they saw it ... . very collegial atmosphere and a great introduction to what biological research looks like in real life! We strongly recommend a stay here .....we loved it!