San Gerardo de Dota is a tiny community in the Talamanca mountains settled in the fresh
mist of a mountain valley surrounded by deep cloud forests and filled with massive tropical trees. The neighborhood is frequently visited by eco-tourists from around the world who come to enjoy the large diversity of plant life, including oak and laurel trees, orchids and bromeliads. San Gerardo is also a paradise for birdwatchers as it has more than 170 bird species, including some of the most rare and endangered bird species. It is a special place for watching the resplendent quetzal bird, one of the most ornate creatures of the wild which belongs to the family of Trogonidae. In the past only royalty were permitted to wear Quetzal feathers which served as a substitute for the gems and diamonds known to European royalty. Mayan kings wore headdresses of dozens of the long feathers with their stunning iridescence.

It is also a great place for freshwater fishers as it encompasses the most pristine rivers and waterfalls. You can enjoy fishing rainbow trout in the crystal waters of the Savegre River.

The lodges of the area offer great hiking tours where you will have the opportunity to walk through kilometers of forest trails and admire lush virgin woods, rare flora and fauna, refreshing rivers and stunning waterfalls. The altitude of the area varies from 2,200 to 3,470 meters (7,220 ft to 11,384 ft) therefore hikers will walk through a diversity of ecosystems, from dwarf forests to cloud forests. Take an assortment of half and full day tours in this natural area.

How to get there:
From San Jose
If you are driving from San Jose take the Panamerican Highway # 2 South. After passing a toll booth and the exit to Tres Rios keep driving up the hill through Ochomogo. Once you descend, stay on the highway, turn right and continue straight ahead. You will find an exit sign on your left to Cartago downtown, (do not take this exit). Instead, keep driving straight following the signs towards San Isidro del General. You will see the sign with the name “S. Isidro Gral”, which is the short term for this city.

Continue driving through this road, passing El Tejar and El Empalme. From el Empalme continue the road to the highest point called “ el Cerro de la Muerte” or “Death Hill”. You will pass “Finca de Quetzales”, which is a great place to see the famous Resplendant Quetzal, the bird of the highland cloud forests. At kilometer # 80 you will find a sign on the right to San Gerardo de Dota.

As you turn right, you will start descending on a twisted gravel road for about 35 minutes until you reach the lodges.

If you are heading towards San Isidro del General just continue driving South on the Panamerican Highway.

* Advice
Due to the high altitude and foggy conditions in this area, we strongly recommend driving this road during the morning hours only.