La Gamba Tropical Field Station

In 1993, an old farmhouse in La Gamba - on the same property as Esquinas Rainforest Lodge - was purchased by Rainforest of the Austrians as a base for research projects in the Esquinas rainforest undertaken by the University of Vienna. During the following years, it evolved into an internationally acclaimed research station, La Gamba Field Station. Today, the station comprises several buildings, efficient scientific equipment and a botanical garden. After completion of a new dormitory building in 2007, it will offer accomodation to up to 30 persons.

The Field Station is the ideal place for students, scientists and amateur biologists to study a lowland tropical rainforest and deepen their appreciation and understanding of this complex and fascinating ecosystem. The surrounding forest has been the topic of more than 60 bachelor's and master's theses by botanists, zoologists and ecologists from Austria, Germany, the USA, Switzerland and Costa Rica. Numerous books and articles have been published. As an integrative element in the community, the station also is an important address to turn to for the native population. Among other things, it disseminates the idea of the protection of nature in the local community by giving tours and lectures to schoolchildren.

Until the year 2002 the station was owned by Rainforest of the Austrians  and run in conjunction with the University of Vienna. When Rainforest of the Austrians decided to concentrate solely on conservation, the station was donated to the “Association for the Sponsoring of the Field Station La Gamba”, which is financed by grants from the Republic of Austria, the University of Vienna, Rainforest of the Austrians, private sponsors, and membership fees.

La Gamba Field Station is a five-minute walk from Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. It is open to the public from 8.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. A donation of $5.00 is requested. Guided tours can be arranged.

For detailed information, please visit the station's own website at www.lagamba.at