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Birdwatching Tour Private - Full Day - Savegre Moutain Hotel

San Gerardo de Dota

Your experience

Good to Know

Embark on a private, full-day birdwatching expedition from Savegre Mountain Hotel, delving into the lush cloud forest. Led by a resident naturalist guide, this exclusive tour focuses on spotting the elusive Resplendent Quetzal among over 200 tropical bird species. Guests will hike natural trails, observing diverse wildlife and unique plant life, including orchids and epiphytes, in the Talamanca mountain range. This highly-rated experience is exclusively for hotel guests, offering an intimate encounter with Costa Rica's rich biodiversity.


About the tour

Guests of the Savegre Mountain Hotel are invited on a private guided full-day tour within the pristine and wild cloud forest surrounding the hotel to look for the Resplendent Quetzel as well over 200 other birds species living there. The Severge hotel is located on a mountain in the middle of a lush native rainforest and sits on the Severge River.

You’ll meet with the resident naturalist guide who will talk to you about this specific cloud forest environment and what birds you might expect to see. You’ll head out to explore the natural trails through the cloud forest on foot. Your guide will bring along a powerful spotting scope and will be happy to hold your camera up to the scope to take extra close-up shots if you like.

Located in the Talamanca mountain range, just outside of San Jose, this cloud forest habitat reaches elevations of over 10,000 feet. Here you will find the average temperatures range from 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the convergence of the Pacific and Atlantic wind currents, a constant cloud coverage forms blocking the sunshine, and a steady stream of mist is created.

This mist maintains the life of many varieties of air plants, known as epiphytes, that grow abundantly on the giant old growth trees. You’ll see a thick coverage of bromeliads, orchids, mosses, and ferns. There have been over 1,000 orchid species identified in Costa Rica!

This unique habitat supports over 200 species of tropical birds, including the elusive Resplendent Quetzel. The brilliantly colored male Quetzal sports two 3 foot long tail feathers to attract the female. The female does not have the streaming tail feathers but she is quite colorful and beautiful herself.

Birdwatchers gather from all over the world just to witness this rare bird in its natural habitat. Here in the San Gerardo de Dota area and especially around the Savegre Moutain Hotel, there is an abundance of these birds. They are attracted both by the local cloud forest climate as well as the plethora of wild avocados growing on the Lauraceae trees near the hotel.

This tour includes a bilingual naturalist guide and is only available to hotel guests. You’ll hike approximately 3 to 4 hours beginning and ending at the hotel’s reception area.

Please wear enclosed hiking shoes and bring along your raincoat, camera, binoculars or any other spotting gear. You’ll likely meet other birding enthusiasts while staying at the hotel.

No transportation is needed from Savegre Mountain Hotel. Transportation is not included from other area hotels.

What to Bring

Insect repellent, binoculars, camera, sturdy shoes, sun block, and rain gear.

Includes

Guide. No transportation is needed from Savegre Mountain Hotel. Transportation is not included from other area hotels.

Location and Availability

Available in: San Gerardo de Dota

Tour space is generally available when requested more than two days in advance and remains subject to confirmation.

Tour Times

06:00

Tour Type

  • Birding
Explore the location on the map

Location

Latitude: N 9° 33' 3.85" (9.551069)
Longitude: W 83° 48' 25.72" (-83.807144)

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MarySue B.

Melvin is the best. we had a spectacular day. everything was amazing and great.

Before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the private birdwatching tour at Savegre Mountain Hotel entail?

The private full-day birdwatching tour from Savegre Mountain Hotel explores the surrounding cloud forest with a resident naturalist guide, focusing on spotting the Resplendent Quetzal and over 200 other tropical birds. The hike lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, starting and ending at the hotel's reception.


What unique wildlife can be observed on the Savegre birdwatching tour?

Beyond the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, the tour offers opportunities to see over 200 species of tropical birds and other forms of wildlife. The cloud forest also boasts abundant plant species like bromeliads, orchids, mosses, and ferns, with over 1,000 orchid species identified in Costa Rica.


What should I bring for the Savegre Mountain Hotel birdwatching tour?

Guests should wear enclosed hiking shoes and bring a raincoat, camera, binoculars, or any other spotting gear. Insect repellent and sunblock are also recommended for the tour.


Who is eligible to join the private birdwatching tour?

This private birdwatching tour, which includes a bilingual naturalist guide, is exclusively available to guests staying at the Savegre Mountain Hotel.


The people behind your vacation

Personal service from Pacific Trade Winds

Make this tour part of your Costa Rica vacation

Request a vacation package including Birdwatching Tour Private - Full Day - Savegre Moutain Hotel.