Waterfall Tour - Savegre Moutain Hotel

For guests staying at the Savegre Mountain Hotel, this leisurely 3.5 mile walking tour provides an opportunity to explore the unique cloud forest and the San Gerardo de Dota Waterfall located in Los Quetzales National Park, also known as a birder’s paradise. The trail will lead you to two beautiful waterfalls fed by the Savegre River. Here in this tranquil setting you can rest and relax listening to the rushing water and all the wildlife surrounding you.

The National Park entrance is approximately one-third of a mile from the hotel. Guests can opt for a self-guided tour following a map of the trails provided by the hotel. However, for those who would prefer a professional guide who knows the name of almost every flower, insect, bird, plus other forms of wildlife and where to find them, paying for a guided tour is highly recommended. Your guided tour will begin at the Savegre Mountain Hotel.

You’ll reach the first waterfall in about an hour where you can stop to delight in the sights and sounds of the enchanted rainforest around you. In addition to the number of birds who migrate here from North and South America, you’ll be visiting the year round home where rare endemic species live, such as the Resplendent Quetzal for whom the park is named. You may see a variety of tanagers, trogons, and woodpeckers plus multiple species of buzzing hummingbirds.

Crossing a bridge, you’ll continue on as the trail takes you to the “Cave”, a giant natural rock formation. You’ll likely hear the next thundering waterfall well before you reach it. This cascading jewel plunges 98 feet over moss and fern covered rock. You’ll have plenty of time to admire the view and take photographs if you like.

Cloud forests create a unique habitat for a variety of birds and wildlife that are not found in a typical rain forest, due to the difference in altitude. In the cooler elevation, Cypress and Oak trees thrive here, along with the Aguacatillo tree. A relative of the Avocado, this particular tree offers food and shelter for the elusive Quetzal. The protection of the national park provides an increased chance to see the stunning plumage of this brilliantly colored threatened bird, along with monkeys, sloths, and other intriguing cloud forest inhabitants.

After the second waterfall, you’ll retrace your steps again passing “the Cave” and the first waterfall, as you continue to spot and identify amazing wildlife.

This 3-mile guided Waterfall Hiking Tour, available only to guests of the Savegre Mountain Hotel, is a moderate hike that takes between 3.5 to 4.5 hours and includes a professional nature guide well versed in the flora and fauna of the local area. There is NO TRANSPORTATION provided from other hotels.

Please wear comfortable, enclosed hiking shoes plus bring along insect repellent, drinking water, rain gear, binoculars and a camera.