La Selva has been a pioneer site in education, research, conservation and eco-tourism in Costa Rica since 1953 and was one of the first private protected areas in the country. The station is located in the Caribbean foothills of Costa Rica and comprises 1,600 hectares of old and new growth tropical wet forest. Species diversity is spectacular, including more than 2,080 varieties of plants, 420 species of trees, 467 species of birds which represents more than 50% of the species in the country and approximately 700 species of ants. La Selva Research Station is one of the finest places for bird watching in Costa Rica. The excellent trail system and knowledgeable naturalist guides lead birdwatchers through a variety of habitats, from dense primary rain forest to open pasture lands. These 2-hour walks are offered at 5:45 am and must be booked in advance when making reservations or at the front desk before 5:00 pm.