Getting away from the more popular tourist destinations, San Gerardo de Dota is a birdwatching paradise. Many refer to the area as the Monteverde of twenty years ago. San Gerardo de Dota is located high up in the Talamanca Mountain Range within the San Jose Province. It is a rugged area with basic ecolodges and minimal amenities. Bird watchers will be delighted with the many species that can be easily spotted with a guide. Adventurers will enjoy the rugged and challenging trails. Fisherman will have a shot at catching a rainbow trout in the Savegre River or one of the many ponds.
In Costa Rica there is one bird that stands out from the rest, the Resplendent Quetzal. The vibrant green and red colors are breathtaking and really make this bird unique amongst others. They prefer high altitudes and humid weather, which is why they reside in the cloud forest and making San Gerardo de Dota the perfect location in order to catch a glimpse of this magnificent bird. Quetzals are just one of many birds you will find in this location, as it is home to literally hundreds of species.
Hikers enjoy the peacefulness, pure air and old tree growth, some of which dates back hundreds of years. While in the area a hike to the waterfalls is a must.
San Gerardo de Dota is located in such an area where it is easily combinable with other destinations. Many use it as a layover on the way to the south Pacific coast or Osa Peninsula. Whatever your reason, San Gerardo de Dota offers the true beauty and old world charm of authentic Costa Rica.
Located in the cloud forest, the weather in San Gerardo de Dota is fairly predictable. Expect cool and damp conditions and dress for rain. Daytime temperatures average in the low 70s with night time lows averaging in the upper 50s. The most consistent rain is experienced between the months of May through November with the heaviest rains September through November.
Visitors should pack shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block. It is also advised to bring at least one pair of pants, a long sleeve shirt, and even a sweat shirt or light jacket.
Fun Fact: San Gerardo de Dota is located well above 7,000 feet in altitude.
| San Jose | 88 km |
| Liberia | 286 km |
| La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano | 220 km |
| Monteverde | 223 km |
| Rincon de la Vieja | 303 km |
| Papagayo Gulf | 314 km |
| Flamingo Beach | 352 km |
| Tamarindo | 334 km |
| Samara | 315 km |
| Malpais-Santa Teresa | 362 km |
| Jaco | 175 km |
| Manuel Antonio | 137 km |
| Dominical | 92 km |
| Drake Bay | 245 km |
| Turrialba | 130 km |
| Tortuguero | 192 km |
| Puerto Viejo | 273 km |
| Sarapiqui | 169 km |
| Chirripo National Park | 66 km |
| San Gerardo de Dota Birding | 1 km |
| Tapanti National Park | 90 km |
| Lankaster Botanical Gardens | 72 km |
| Irazu Volcano | 95 km |
Latitude: N 9° 34' 34.1"
Longitude: W 83° 48' 1.08"
In Costa Rica there is one bird that stands out from the rest, the Resplendent Quetzal. The vibrant green and red colors are breathtaking and really make this bird unique amongst others. They prefer high altitudes and humid weather, which is why they reside in the cloud forest and making San Gerardo de Dota the perfect location in order to catch a glimpse of this magnificent bird. Quetzals are just one of many birds you will find in this location, as it is home to literally hundreds of species.
Hikers enjoy the peacefulness, pure air and old tree growth, some of which dates back hundreds of years. While in the area a hike to the waterfalls is a must.
San Gerardo de Dota is located in such an area where it is easily combinable with other destinations. Many use it as a layover on the way to the south Pacific coast or Osa Peninsula. Whatever your reason, San Gerardo de Dota offers the true beauty and old world charm of authentic Costa Rica.
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