Each year, more than 250 scientists from some 25 countries and thousands of international students come to La Selva to study tropical ecology. Showy birds, such as toucans, parrots, trogons, and hummingbirds, and mammals, including monkeys, peccaries, agoutis, and coatis, are seen frequently. 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. For visitors arriving on their own, reservations are not necessary but are advisable, as maximum group size is 12 people per guide. Visitors should arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Some trails are accessible for the physically challenged.
La Selva also offers Birdwatching 101, an introductory course to the diverse avifauna of Costa Rica, at 8 a.m. on Saturdays, to a minimum of 5 people. Rates include lodging, three meals per day, and a half-day guided walk. Food is wholesome and traditional Costa Rican with vegetarian offerings available. Box lunches can also be arranged. There is a self-service laundromat.