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. Half-day and full-day guided walks are scheduled daily at 8:00 am and 1:30 pm. Bilingual naturalists lead the walks that give a glimpse of the leading-edge research conducted at La Selva as well as the natural history of the tropical rain forest. The maximum group size is 12 people per guide. Each walk is approximately 3 hours in length, principally on cement or wood trails suitable for people of all ages. Some trails are accessible for the physically challenged.