Zona Protectora La Selva is a protected area located in Costa Rica's Heredia Province, near Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí. This region is characterized by its extensive lowland tropical wet forest ecosystem, situated at the confluence of the Puerto Viejo and Sarapiquí Rivers. It encompasses diverse forest types, including old-growth and new-growth tropical wet forest, making it a significant area for outdoor activities. The landscape provides a setting for several sports like hiking and touring cycling, allowing for exploration of its…
6
Routes
4
(5)
Average rating
30
People visited

5.0
(1)
16
hikers
2.35km
00:38
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
4.13km
01:06
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(2)
5
hikers
12.7km
03:19
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
76.3km
05:17
440m
440m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(1)
1
riders
36.5km
02:30
410m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
1
riders
45.9km
02:38
70m
70m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Zona Protectora La Selva offers opportunities for outdoor activities primarily focused on its rainforest environment. Hiking is a major activity, allowing exploration of the dense tropical wet forest. The region also provides options for touring cycling.
Zona Protectora La Selva, also known as La Selva Biological Station, is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and status as a leading neotropical research center. It features extensive lowland tropical wet forest and is home to thousands of species of plants, mammals, birds, and other wildlife. It is managed by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS).
Yes, Zona Protectora La Selva features an extensive network of trails, totaling approximately 31-38 miles (50-61 km). These trails provide access to diverse habitats within the tropical wet forest. Some trails, like the Sendero Tres Ríos, are wheelchair accessible.
Yes, knowledgeable bilingual naturalists lead daily nature walks, birding tours, and night tours. These guided experiences enhance wildlife sightings and provide educational insights into the rainforest ecosystem. Unguided hiking is generally not permitted for day visitors.
Zona Protectora La Selva is exceptionally biodiverse, with over 125 mammal species, 470 bird species, 48 amphibian species, and 87 reptile species. Visitors might observe monkeys, sloths, agoutis, toucans, and various amphibians and reptiles. It is also home to thousands of insect and arthropod species.
Yes, komoot offers guides to help plan activities in the region. Users can find detailed information in guides such as Hiking in Zona Protectora La Selva and Traffic-free bike rides in Zona Protectora La Selva.
Zona Protectora La Selva has been visited by more than 300 komoot users. The available routes in the region have an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on over 50 ratings. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among visitors.
The official website for Zona Protectora La Selva (La Selva Biological Station) is ots.ac.cr/laselva. This site provides information about the station's research, education, and visitor programs. It is managed by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS).
Zona Protectora La Selva operates as a biological research station. Due to its focus on scientific research and conservation of sensitive ecosystems, pets, including dogs, are generally not permitted on the trails or within the protected area. Visitors should confirm specific policies directly with the station.
The extensive trail network includes some accessible options, such as the Sendero Tres Ríos, which is wheelchair accessible. Guided tours provide an educational experience suitable for families interested in learning about the rainforest and its biodiversity. The focus is on observation and education within a controlled environment.
For inquiries regarding Zona Protectora La Selva, the official phone number is +50625240607. Additional contact information, including email addresses for general inquiries and reservations, can be found on the official website.
Zona Protectora La Selva is characterized by its lowland tropical wet forest ecosystem, including both old-growth and new-growth forest. It is located at the confluence of the Puerto Viejo and Sarapiquí Rivers. The Leslie Holdridge Arboretum, established in 1968, also showcases a wide variety of tree species from the reserve.

