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The sleepy hamlet of San Gerardo de Dota is about three hours south of San José and is famous among the world's birdwatching community, with year-round sightings of the resplendent quetzal.
This is a much quieter alternative to other areas of cloudforest in Costa Rica. It is a very peaceful, fairly isolated place and any visit here should be to focus on the beautiful environment and birdlife — purely enjoying your surroundings in simple but comfortable cloudforest lodges.
Activities
Activities that can be arranged include walking, horse riding and trout-fishing trips, making San Gerardo de Dota a wonderful place to stay for a couple of nights.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to San Gerardo de Dota by contacting one of our Costa Rica specialists
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617-223-4521617-223-4965
- Make an inquiry
Suggested itinerary featuring San Gerardo de Dota
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in San Gerardo de Dota, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near San Gerardo de Dota
- Dominical 23 miles away
- Turrialba 25 miles away
- Manuel Antonio 27 miles away
- San José & Central Valley 32 miles away
- Central Pacific Coast 36 miles away
- Esterillos 49 miles away
- El Silencio Lodge 57 miles away
- San Ramón 58 miles away
- Corcovado & Osa Peninsula 62 miles away
- Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui 64 miles away
- Tortuguero & the Caribbean Coast 71 miles away
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca 72 miles away
- Manzanillo 78 miles away
- Monteverde Cloud Forest 83 miles away
- Northern Pacific Coast 85 miles away
- Arenal Volcano 88 miles away
- Tenorio Volcano 113 miles away
- Caño Negro 115 miles away
- Tamarindo 148 miles away
- Playa Potrero 148 miles away
- Golfo de Papagayo 159 miles away
Photos of San Gerardo de Dota
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![San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica]()
San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica -
![Resplendent quetzal, Costa Rica]()
Resplendent quetzal, Costa Rica -
![Beautiful flora, Costa Rica]()
Beautiful flora, Costa Rica -
![Owl butterfly, Costa Rica]()
Owl butterfly, Costa Rica
Our expert guides to exploring San Gerardo de Dota
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting San Gerardo de Dota, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate San Gerardo de Dota at its best.
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Wildlife vacations in Costa Rica ![Squirrel Monkey, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica]()
Wildlife vacations in Costa Rica
Wildlife vacations in Costa Rica
From birds to basilisks, Costa Rica specialist Holly lets you in on the country’s wildlife highlights. She also explains where exactly to go to increase your chances of observing all Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity.
Read this guide
Accommodation choices for San Gerardo de Dota
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit San Gerardo de Dota. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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![Savegre Hotel, San Gerardo de Dota]()
Savegre Hotel
San Gerardo de Dota -
![Two bedroom bungalow, Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge, San Gerardo de Dota]()
Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge
San Gerardo de Dota
Ideas for experiencing San Gerardo de Dota
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting San Gerardo de Dota, and which use the best local guides.
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Quetzal Walking Tour ![Resplendent quetzal, Costa Rica]()
Quetzal Walking Tour
Quetzal Walking Tour
The famous resplendent quetzal is seen in San Gerardo de Dota year round but April and May are the best months to spot the striking birds.
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