Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Reservations are required for three-hour
guided hikes
(US$32, departing 8:30am and 1pm
daily) with a bilingual naturalist guide. You'll head across the hanging bridge and into
57km of well-developed jungle trails, some of which are wheelchair accessible. Unguided
hiking is forbidden, although you'll be allowed to wander a bit after your guided tour.
Make reservations for the popular guided bird-watching hikes, led at 5:45am and 7pm, de-
pending on demand. Profits from these walks help to fund the research station.
No matter when you visit La Selva, it will probably be raining. Bring rain gear and foot-
wear that's suitable for muddy trails. Insect repellent and a water bottle are also essential.
Getting There & Away
Public buses between Puerto Viejo and Río Frío/Horquetas can drop you off 1km from the
entrance to La Selva. It's about 4km from Puerto Viejo, where you can catch a taxi for
around US$5 to US$7.
Horquetas & Around
South of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, plantations line Hwy 4 and sprawl all the way to the
marshes and mangroves of the Caribbean coast. To the west, the rugged hills of the Cor-
dillera Central mark the northeastern boundary of Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo. Most
travelers on this scenic stretch of highway are either heading to the Caribbean coast or to
the Central Valley. However, some are pulling off the road to visit one of the area's unique
off-the-beaten-track destinations, such as the world-class botanical garden at Heliconia Is-
land or the backyard frog habitats at Frog's Heaven.
About 12 smoothly paved kilometers from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí is the village of
Horquetas, around which you'll find the turnoffs for Frog's Heaven, Heliconia Island and
the other resorts. From Horquetas it's another 15km to Hwy 32, which connects San José
to the Caribbean coast and bisects Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo on the way to San
José.
Sights
Frog's Heaven
GARDENS
(Cielo de Ranas;
8891-8589, 2764-2724;
www.frogsheaven.com
;
8am-8pm)
