San Gerardo de Dota is a unique tourist destination located just 85 kilometers from the city of San José. Considered one of the best places in the world to see birds, especially the famous Quetzal. The Valley also offers spectacular views of the cloud forest, kilometers and kilometers of virgin forest, blue sky and the cold environment, full of tranquility, peace and virgin nature.
If you are looking for relaxation, San Gerardo de Dota is the right place. Its main attraction is the rich diversity of birds that inhabit this cloud forest; here live more than 175 species. Thanks to this diversity, it was the only place in Costa Rica included in the book "50 places to observe birds before dying", a compilation of sites around the world, made by the writer Chris Santella. People of different nationalities, mainly European and American tourists, visit the town with their cameras, binoculars, tripods and long-range lenses, with the desire to capture the plumage, shapes and colors of the birds. Some species that can be observed are: trogons, hummingbirds, goldfinches, among others. Also, San Gerardo de Dota is considered the home of quetzals, birds of outstanding beauty and national symbol of Guatemala. These animals inhabit the area throughout the year because there they find their favorite fruit: the aguacatillo, however, they can be seen more easily during the months of April and May, when is its breeding season. During this time, they go out in search of nests and food for their young, so they have more activity. Of course, quetzals are early risers , son they are easier to observe before dawn when the weather is not very windy. In San Gerardo, the climate is cool (neither very cold nor very hot), however, at night, the temperature can drop to 10 degrees centigrade so even the grass could turn frosty by dawn. Of course, the first rays of the sun and morning coffee are responsible for balancing the body thermostat.
Another of the attractions of the area are the multiple colors that brighten up the landscape. The flowers seem painted with phosphorescent dyes, because their tones are extremely striking. Each plant is accompanied by its fruit and this is one of the juicy pleasures of San Gerardo: apples, plums, peaches, figs, among others, grow among the flora part of some locals plantations. All these flavors are used by some inhabitants who sell jams and have some humble but charming sodas along the road. Last, one of the main highlights of San Gerardo de Dota is of course the amazing Savegre River, which basically starts in the higher part of the valley and crosses the entire valley.
San Gerardo de Dota is a pristine cloudforest valley located in the high mountains of the Cerro de la Muerte Mountain Range. The area is among the best for nature observation, especially birdwatching, but also adventure tours and ecotourism activities such as hiking, birding or cloud forest tours.
One of the newest national parks in Costa Rica that protects the upper Savegre River Valley as well as thousands of acres of tropical cloud forests and paramo.
Inquire more about what you can do in the area, from hard hiking and mountain trekking, to early morning birding tours, cultural activities or guided cloud forest hikes.
Our newly remodeled restaurant, bar and lounge is the perfect setting for you to share your daily adventures, while relaxing in a cozy atmosphere, enjoying great cuisine.
2016 . All Rights Reserved Hotel Suria - San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica . Design by CREN